Are the Dodgers the New Punching Bag of the NL West?
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 8:21 AM PDT
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PrintLuckily for the Padres playoff chances, whenever the postseason candle appears ready to succumb to lack of oxygen the Dodgers show up to blow new life into their flickering postseason flame. The Padres inflicted their sixth straight victory over the Dodgers, and this coming from a team who cannot beat anyone else.
Are the Dodgers the new punching bag of the NL West? It would appear so, even the Diamondbacks were able to deal the Rockies a defeat. Since Sept started the Dodgers are 3 - 11 against the Rockies, Giants and Padres. As Eric noted the other day what is the point in playing your regulars against the postseason competitors if your regulars reek? James Loney, Casey Blake, and Matt Kemp are having horrific Septembers, and when you have possible replacements in Lindsey and Mitchell for the two most egregious hitters (I used hitters loosely), you might as well give them at bats. As Eric also noted, the replacements are not sure things to hit either, but they might not be as sure a thing as to not hit as Loney/Casey are right now.
It has been a wrong kind of blue for the Dodgers this month. Not only do they resemble one of the worst teams to ever play September baseball at the Ravine but the owner is also weakly popping up to the infield. Frank McCourt is having a bad week, his chances of winning his case are falling as fast as James Loney's batting average. His attendance is going down faster then Paris Hilton on whomever she ends up the night with. With an average attendance of 44,320, the Dodgers drew only 33,728 last night. I don't know the exact number of walk ups but I'd wager it was near zero when you take into account the season tickets holders, plus advance game sales that took place this spring in hopes these games would mean something.
So when Frank/Ned are mocked for trying to keep the team competitive in Aug/Sept, just remember that is money coming right out of Frank's pocket when they are unable to attract a crowd smelling a post season future. With a drop of 11,000 in attendance, on the low side they are probably losing half a million dollars per game. Hard for me to imagine that kind of financial loss will not have an effect on the future season. Frank was already frugal with a team who had huge attendance runs in Sept, while playing Oct baseball. Without either, how will this winter play out? Just another huge question mark for this franchise, as if we don't have enough.
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
2. Who will own the team?
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
7. They can't go with Casey Blake again can they?
8. Is Russell Martin's Dodger career over?
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non - injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter? It is one thing to pay the large sums the McCourts have drummed up the prices to when you are going to the NLCS, it is another when you have a Clipper season with the taste of this Sept in your mouth.
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Divorce Update
Some think Joshua said that Frank has been declared sole owner. That is now quite true. Here is his clarification.
The hazard of posting by Blackberry is it’s tough to see necessary edits sometimes. I should be clear, regarding something below: if Judge Gordon throws out the MPA, Jamie absolutely has an ownership interest of sorts in the Dodgers. The question that has largely been resolved is that, as it concerns Major League Baseball’s rules and related documents and concerns, Frank McCourt, through a couple different entities, is the 100% owner of the Dodgers.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Moral to the story, if you’re a lawyer, the judge will expect that you read what you signed.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions
In relation to your comment but not in reply to:
I wonder, if Frank is on all of the MLB documents as the sole owner, wouldn’t that signify the couple’s (Jamie and Frank’s) intent from the beginning? And that if there was any dispute about whether she wanted the homes or the team, it was clear Frank has always been the one to put his name and face on the team?
Outside of his money troubles, I think I’m drinking the Frank McCourt Kool-Aid. I can’t help but feel like Jamie was the one who wanted to money-grub and Frank, while not entirely innocent of any wrongdoing, was just pussywhipped.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
So long as Jamie had knowledge of community property law, she would have known that despite the fact that Frank was the one signing documents, she still had an interest in the team since she was married to him.
True, but they are arguing whether she intended to sign a deal that says their marital assets were “inclusive of the Dodgers” or “Exclusive of the Dodgers”.
It would seem with Frank being the only name on every MLB document that the intent was always for the team to be excluded.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Sometime tomorrow I think Jamie will decide that she is satisfied a classic Dodger deal—some money now, but a lot more deferred until the FOX contract is done.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
All signs seem to point to it, unless G Scott is right that they pull a rabbit out the hat (I said it!) today.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m waiting until they finish with Silverstein today before basing my opinion. Jamie’s lawyer is going to try to prove Frank told him to change the document, so obviously if that happens everything changes again.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
i was talking about this case with some lawyer friends
we all think this is ridiculous; the lawyer Silverstein screwed up big time.
the line of ridiculous in this entire situation
goes back a long way.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
No way Frank admits the document was changed under his orders. But so long as the judge gets a whiff of that idea it doesn’t look good for Frank.
Seems like the Jamie is going to win and both MPAs are going to be thrown out since they documents substantively conflict, no intent can be read into them.
They probably still settle, Frank will try to hold onto the team and pay Jamie out later. If Silverstein is painted to be the fool Frank will sue him for the extra amount he has to pay Jamie out.
Sooo one way or another
We are stuck with this cocksucker as the owner?
Probably, Frank is playing up the “I want my sons to be involved” card, making Jamie out to be the bad mom if Frank has to sell.
Seems like best chance of Frank selling is because Jamie doesn’t want him to have the team, and so she won’t settle for any deal where he ends up with it, and leaves it up to the judge. I doubt Frank would accept any deal in mediation that involves him not keeping the team.
So, will Jamie try to make Frank lose the team? I dunno.
I’d say question number 4 will be solved with relative ease.
Sure seems like the club wants back Lilly and it probably won’t be too dificult to re-sign Padilla considering the amount of time he missed due to injury. That’s 4 of 5 starters. I think they’ll sign another starter (hoping for De La Rosa, would be intrigued by Bonderman) in order to have a full 5 true starting pitchers—- basically not giving the job to Ely/Monk. Even if the club signs guys like Padilla and Bonderman, you have to hope that you can call on a Withrow or Elbert (I know, I know) to fill in for those spots when an injury happens. If they haven’t proven themselves, well that sucks, but that’s what your farm is there for and you have to hope somebody can answer the call.
In the first two months of the season, there are two stretches of about 20 days with zero days off. They’re going to need a 5th starter to start the year, even if it’s an old guy whose arm falls off later in the year.
People don't think it be like this, but it do.
by MartinGreen on Sep 23, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
1. Depends on Frank’s new partners.
2. Frank.
3. Bad season I think.
4. I’ll go out on a big limb and say Kuroda for one more year.
5. He’s a reliever. An increasingly large one. Who was oddly handled.
6. Loney will be Donnie’s opening day first baseman unless Ned can’t get the big bat for LF.
7. Those few of us who opposed the three-year deal certainly hope not, but probably, yes.
8. No, he resigns for less. The injury saved him from better offers elsewhere.
9. No.
10. If this divorce really is settled soon, I’ll say they lose very few.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 9:04 AM PDT reply actions
I thought Tripon and bh said Baldwin was #10.
Do they tend to do this for all the leagues?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
GCL came out today
None of our guys made it.
by Julio Nievas on Sep 23, 2010 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
you are right. I thought the Raptors played in the GCL…
by Julio Nievas on Sep 23, 2010 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
so did I. What are they, Pioneer?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Ogden Utah is very far from the Gulf Coast :-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
by underdog on Sep 23, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
1. Less than $100M
2. Frank McCourt
3. Bad Year
4. Padilla, Lilly, and Ely
5. Needs to stop pitching. Go home and relax. See you in the middle of February
6. Yes, Yes, Yes
7. Yes they can, and yes they will
8. No
9. No
10. They will lose at least 10% of their season ticket holders after the trial/shitty season
Go to Camera 3!
Liked the way the camera went to Torre last night when the ESPN crew started talking about his retirement…and switched to Donnie in a flash when the caught Joe yawning and scratching his head.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 9:14 AM PDT reply actions
Lasorda fell asleep in the dugout quite frequently.
by Bob Timmermann on Sep 23, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, but they always showed it with pseudo-amusing commentary. Still do. Joe, they hid.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
1) Honestly nothing would surprise me at this point. You could argue last season they didn’t need a ton of moves to alter a 95-win team, so this offseason might be more like after 2005 or 2006 when the holes were deep and money was spent (wisely, no, but just a thought) and McCourt sailed past his proposed budgets
2) Frank
3) Kemp had a bad year. I think he will improve, but our expectations should be tempered going forward
4) At least one of Lilly and Kuroda, if not both will be back. I wouldn’t be shocked, like Mike, to see Padilla back, especially since he will be cheap.
5) As Torre put it with Broxton last weekend, he has no idea where the ball is going. I’m at some point we will hear of an injury he had this season, but I wonder if it’s simply something mechanical that needs to be fixed. I am sufficiently worried.
6 & 7) Loney and Blake will be back, but I expect them to sign someone like Ty Wigginton, who can fill in at both spots. I think Blake will get more rest in 2011.
8) I think Russell Martin will sign a two-year deal with incentives to return to the Dodgers
9) Furcal and injuries are married, and there will be no divorce.
10) Have to think the season tickets will be down. By how much, who knows? 10-20%?
Only reason I said 20% is because they count those mini plans as season tickets. The people who paid for full season packages have probably paid for them in the past and will continue to pay for them. It’s the families who sprang for the 15 game packages who will probably see it more of an expense when the entertainment value has gone.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Russell is a big question mark for me, as far as whether they’ll sign him. I am clueless at the moment. If there were viable options, no way he comes back. Since I don’t see one, you’re probably right. But I went with my gut and said he’s gone, mainly because he will assume he can get more elsewhere. Delusional.
by KellyStephen on Sep 23, 2010 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions
1. In the $100 million range.
2. Frank, and he will be attempting to add partners during the year but will be unsuccessful because he will still want full control.
3. Kemp will bounce back.
4. Lilly, Kuroda, and a gaggle of (now) minor leaguers swapping back and forth
5. Broxton will be fine. They need to stop using him for >3 out saves.
6. Yes, because they will have to focus money on starting pitching and LF
7. Yes, because they will have to focus money on starting pitching and LF
8. Yes
9. No
10. They’ll drop >10%, and they’ll be sweating things out because folks will wait until the last minute.
I think #10 depends on offseason moves. #9 is why I think they should trade Furcal this offseason, though I can see the value in gambling that he stays healthy and produces long enough to trade away at the deadline next year — I just don’t see his value going up at this point.
Don’t forget (though we’d all like to) the enormous hole in LF and Ethier’s problems against lefties and porous RF defense as questions. Is Ethier really a solo act? He’s probably another trade candidate.
I still think Ethier’s UZR was down because of how many fly balls Hudson got to last year. He’s never been bad in the outfield to the eye and I assume his numbers will bounce back. Of course, that doesn’t excuse the ’can’t hit lefties’ thing.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
His UZR has been terrible in RF for three straight seasons.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Using plus/minus “runs saved” in RF:
2007: +9 (3rd among MLB RF)
2008: -11 (33rd)
2009: -1 (21st; with Hudson at 2B)
2010: -9 (32nd)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
2008: -11 (33rd)
2009: -1 (21st; with Hudson at 2B)
2010: -9 (32nd)
But you have to admit, it’s kind of impressive to be worse than every other starter at your position and one backup. It takes practice to be ranked 33rd at your position.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
fwiw
The 2010 Fan’s Scouting Report has Ethier ranked the 21st best RFer out of the thirty who have played the most games in RF.
But won't they be asking for renewals immediately after the postseason ends?
Question for any season ticket holders in the house: when do the Dodgers normally put a deadline on renewals?
Witty .sig goes here.
It only takes 1 night in paris to get a cheap shot.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I thought Valtrex only came in the form of a pill?
Taylor Morgan: "My abortion was botched!"
Teemu Selanne: "Wow. That sounds awesome."
by DodgerBlueBalls on Sep 23, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
~100M
2. Who will own the team?
Frank
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
A combination of both — unless he dramatically improves his plate discipline, 2009 will be tough to replicate.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
I say we will get outbid on Lilly. Kuroda and Jorge De La Rosa, followed by a question mark at the end.
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
Command.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
They’ll give him a 1/2 season to improve or will cut bait.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
He starts 90 games tops.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Yes, but he will be traded instead of non-tendered.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
Nope.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter? It is one thing to pay the large sums the McCourts have drummed up the prices to when you are going to the NLCS, it is another when you have a Clipper season with the taste of this Sept in your mouth.
There will be a dent.
I’d rather have De La Rosa than Lilly.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Just curious, and not necessarily directed at you only Michael, but would you rather have Kuroda and Lilly or Cliff Lee and a minor leaguer/Minor league signing?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Minor league signings
like the Ortizii?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Ortizii, Jeff Weaver, Eric Milton, Stults, Monk, Ely, pick any number of guys we’ve shuffled through lately. It’d be Cliff Lee + revolving door #5 spot.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
sounds more like
Kershaw, Billz, Lee, revolving door #4 and 5.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah. I wasn’t advocating for either way, was just wondering how that would look. I was treating it as if we had to sign someone like Padilla in both cases, so it’d be Lee, kershaw, Billingsley, Padilla, hot hand.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
i understand
I think signing Lee would leave them with less money to fix the other problems the team has. I’m with Delias man on this one.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Signing a bunch of low cost guys never solved anything though.
Not that this really matters since the Yankees need a pitcher this offseason.
by regfairfield on Sep 23, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Would be nice
if we could somehow copy what the Texas Rangers did with reliever C.J. Wilson and turn one of our bullpen pitchers into a 4.2 WAR starting pitcher. I’m not even asking for 4.2 WAR, I’d take 2.4 :)
Not sure who we could try that with though. Guo would be the best, but he’d likely get injured again and could be our closer next year. Broxton is probably too out of shape, but Torre did stretch him out to 40+ pitches. Troncoso and Belisario? Jansen might not have the pitch repetoire but could be an interesting case. He could probably learn some new pitches.
Desperate times, measures.
Leach?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s a small annelid sometimes used for bloodletting, but that’s not important right now.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
(standing ovation)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
And plaid hats with stickers and flat bills!
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Troncoso would be the most likely
None of those guys have more than 2 pitches.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Right
but what do we have pitching coaches for? and winter leagues? You think someone would take the initiative and try.
They did try after 2008 and he was the long-reliever to start the season. But bullpen issues forced Troncoso into more strict 1 inning outings as he was the setup man for a bit of 2009.
They certainly could have tried it when they sent him down this year (like they did with Leach) but the team still had a need for true bullpen peices. At this point though, he’s clearly been passed by Jansen, Broxton, Kuo and Belisario on the bullpen depth chart of guys coming back next year.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Also
CJ Wilson is a unique case. He was a starter for his whole minor league career and beginning of his pro career. He was put into the bullpen and was in fact their closer for a while out of necessity.
Broxton was a starter in the minors
and I imagine most pitchers drafted out of High School and College are starters. As they progress through the minors they are usually put in the bullpen if they can’t cut it as starters for various reasons. I’m not trying to say any of our relief pitchers are a C.J. Wilson, just wondering if we should try to use this formula to help our starting pitching woes. Couldn’t hurt too much to try.
what about Wade?
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
To a certain extent
getting games started and innings from your starters is more important than how well they actually pitch.
Yes, they are both important
there is value to being an innings eater like Jon Garland. His innings eating is probably what raises him up to a solid league average pitcher.
Livan Hernandez nods
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
I'm not going to pay attention
to any rumors all off-season involving the Dodgers and Cliff Lee. There is no chance it happens. And if it somehow does, then I will be surprised and happy to be proven wrong.
For me
This would be the best case scenario
by Julio Nievas on Sep 23, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Me too
That would be a solid 1 – 4. I seriously doubt we have the money to get that done though. Maybe Padilla and then one of Lilly, Kuroda, De La Rosa.
Like Eric said above, I have no idea what the Dodgers are able to spend. Nothing would surprise me at this point.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
My answers
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
$80M-ish.
2. Who will own the team?
Unclear. If it’s still Frank — and I have to believe he will make at least one failed best-effort attempt to placate Jamie — the Dodgers are hosed for a good long time. I don’t see any other banks giving this overleveraged creep more moolah.
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
Since it looks to me like he’s getting worse, I’ll say he’s peaked.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
Binky the Clown?
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
See #3.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
Yes, maybe, and yes, they’re crazy and poor. Is Dougie “Defense” Mientkiewicz available?
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
Ned: Just watch me!
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Magic 8-ball says: Signs point to “yes”
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
No.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter? It is one thing to pay the large sums the McCourts have drummed up the prices to when you are going to the NLCS, it is another when you have a Clipper season with the taste of this Sept in your mouth.
Not to mention the Sideshow Bob clown act the McCourts have put on.
My guess is they lose as much as 20% of their season ticket holder base.
Witty .sig goes here.
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
$80M-ish.
We already have like 87mil committed to next season as it is. Assuming arbitration raises. $80 million is a little bleak.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Does the 87 million include deferred Money
Whether it is 100 million or 87, I am unclear how much of that 87 million is deferred JP and Manny salaries?
by wineracquet on Sep 23, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
since I want more people to see this
from Fanhouse
• Identify the best Dodgers prospect, then expect to hear, “Who?”
Jerry Sands started out in low Single-A this year with only 413 career at-bats, but the 25th-round draftee should now be considered the Dodgers’ best prospect. Scouts say Sands’ mature hitting approach and all-fields power will give him a fighting chance in the major leagues. A corner outfielder who’ll turn 23 next week, Sands may be in Chavez Ravine next summer.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 9:51 AM PDT reply actions
I don't want to be a wet blanket on Sands, especially because I don't really know what I'm talking about
but despite Sands’ great season, I wonder if we need more than 413 professional AB before we declare him the next savior of the Dodger offense.
Last year, there were a whole slew of prospects that excited us, and now there’s an entirely different list of guys taht excited us. There has been a lot of turnover this year. I know there are legitimite reasons to be excited about Sands… but…
…thus ends my spouting off opinions about things I know nothing about.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not expecting anything at this point either
My snark was more directed at the fact that the post said both that he is our best prospect AND that he has just a “fighting chance” in the major leagues. This doesn’t make sense.
No matter how bad your farm system is, there will always be some guys that have a fighting chance as backups, middle relievers, etc. If you are posting that you believe that this guy is the teams BEST prospect, you should believe he has more than a fighting chance.
Is it too early to talk 2011 MLB Draft?
Looks like we’ll end up with a Top 15 pick. Anyone have a wish list?
Matt Barnes (Not that Matt Barnes) looks nice.
Blake Swihart, C: Swihart was easily the most impressive catcher at the event for me. He threw the ball consistently on-line from behind the dish and posted impressive pop times, but the real attraction is at the plate. He showed easy, towering power and showed the ability to use the whole field. This is a kid that makes the game look easy, and is the type of talent that tends to go very high in the draft.
2011 Wish list.
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/06/21/mlb-draft-2011-prospects/
I’d still like to see this team finish on a high note though. Would be nice to relieve some tension with Kemp, Ethier and Loney finishing strong.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Nice
I, too, would draft a position player of need in the first round. But I think Logan would take a pitcher..
by Julio Nievas on Sep 23, 2010 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
who is
Matt Barnes?(not the Laker guy)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
100m-ish
2. Who will own the team?
Frank… Stallone.
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
Both though I am still leaning toward the latter. I think with some corrections he can come back next year. He has too much talent. Maybe he needs a break in his um personal life. (Yeah, I went there.)
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
Command. Possibly tired arm from overuse. He’ll be back next year but will the Dodgers want him back as a closer? Might be doubtful. A lot of fans are anti-broxton for what that’s worth, and have been since before this bad period. I don’t think his confidence is the issue the way some fans think it is. More command issue. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Kuo or Jansen the closers next year.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
Agree with Silverwidow on the 1/2 season more thing. His lack of power would be less an issue if they had a big powerful young 3rd baseman or 2nd baseman but it’s an issue. A platoon would not surprise me earlier than the 1/2 season thing. Not sure Gibbons is uh, the answer though.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
Platoon, the motion picture.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
No, I predict what Eric predicts, he’s back with 2 yr deal loaded with incentives and will get time outs for AJ Ellis or Barajas.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
No, alas. I predict a healthy Furcal to start 2011 and a hot start, followed by 2 stints on the DL and much frustration.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter?
Predict a drop off but not much of one. People yell ‘protest’ but when it comes right down to it they’ll just keep on keepin’ on.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Oops #4
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
They’ll sign Lilly and we’ll hope for more Good Lilly than bad Lilly though we’ll surely get both. Kuroda. I am betting they don’t re sign Padilla, tho maybe he’ll be so cheap they can’t resist. And then a DeLaRosa or Bonderman type. I just know it won’t be James McDonald :-( Not sure who else in the minors will be ready to come up and contribute as a starter next year, more likely 2012 barring surprises.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
This is great
This dovetails nicely with my “blow up the Dodgers” fanpost. This is a prediction thread — what WILL the Dodgers do — that has more bearing on reality than my fanpost (what WOULD you do).
Fuck You Ruiz
I did, too. People had smart things to say in both.
Just saying… it’s fun to imagine you’re the GM and what you’d do to fix the team, but it has no bearing on reality. There is no way Colletti is going to intentionally field a 100-loss team, even though I might (MIGHT — still on the fence) endorse such an idea.
This is the reality thread.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
WHY I WILL RENEW MY SEASON TICKETS
I’ve been as critical as anyone of the product Frank is putting on the field, but I’ll certainly renew my season tickets this winter. There’s no question in my mind.
1. I like watching baseball…
2. …and specifically Major League Baseball.
3. I have a family, and a ballgame is a good, fun way to spend time with them
4. Frustrated though I may be with the club, I can still root for the individuals. I’m frustrated by what Kemp’s slump means for the team, but I root for Kemp to come out of it.
So yeah, I’m in. Now, to be clear, I’m part of a big group, and the down year may reduce the number of people who are interested, and the people who are interested may take fewer games. If that happens, we might not have enough takers to renew.
Fuck You Ruiz
Same here. We are renewing. The a-hah moment was when the 2 biggest buyers of our tickets (we’re a group of about 6) went to a game when we were out of it and had the “best time ever”. I don’t like to think about the bad stuff when I’m out there, but if the offense is as pitiful as it has been in the second half, it will suck a lot of the life out of the experience.
I’m not currently living in LA so I guess it s a moot point, but if I were still there I would wait and see how this off-season went before getting a season or a mini-package.
Not that I expect anything grandiose out of team spending, but I am getting sick of Ned’s moves and the way Frank uses the team as his ATM.
I’m sick of those things, too. But I’d buy season tickets even if the team were the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, whose owners committed actual fraud that baseball had to outlaw. My reasons for buying tickets are entirely divorced (see what I did there?) from the quality of the product on the field.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Newsflash: David Wells doesn't like Torre
Some good barbs here, didn’t know Torre slammed Wells in his book (never read it, never would):
That strikes me as a notch under the Torre column :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Torre writes a book about "The Dodger Years"
yes or no?
yes
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Jamey Carroll won the Roy Campanella Award, BTW, as “the most inspirational Dodger,” an award voted on by teammates and coaches.
and most likely to be paralyzed?
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
by mleadman on Sep 23, 2010 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
And yes
My humor has no limits in tastelessness
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
$100,000,000.01. “A payroll of more than 100 million dollars.”
2. Who will own the team?
Frank.
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
Both. He can rebound a bit, but those of us — me included — who looked at his BABIP and said, yeah, it’s really high, but maybe he can maintain that because he’s the Bison… it is very likely that we were fooling ourselves. That means that he is a nice guy to have around, but he is not a special player.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
Nobody good. I predict that the Dodgers’ little money that they have to spend will be spent here, and as a result, it will be “nobody good, but still expensive.” Good news everyone — next year, both the offense AND the pitching can suck.
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
Injury. There is too clear a dividing line between when he was great and when he started to suck.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
Put me down for “they are fucking crazy.” There is no money or will to replace Loney or platoon him. He is simply not on the radar. That could change mid-season, I suppoose, but not during the off-season.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
They can they am and they will. New plan comes in June and he transitions out, but Blake is the opening day 3B.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Agreed that he is here on a 2-year, cheaper deal.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
Will Angelina Jolie approach the Bride and tell her that she finds both of us super-hot and suggest a three-way?
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter?
There will be a drop. Nothing determines attendance like wins.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 10:24 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
Will Angelina Jolie approach the Bride and tell her that she finds both of us super-hot and suggest a three-way?
LOL
by Julio Nievas on Sep 23, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
More importantly
IF Angelina approaches with said request… Does Bride say yes?
Like I said when I first made this comment… I trust Bride to do the right thing.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Posting my predictions just because I'm bored even though you guys already covered it
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
Low $90 millions
2. Who will own the team?
Frank :( :( :( <—- thats me and my two clones
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
I’m going to say down year. He will bounce back, but will never be the perennial superstar we all hoped for unless he somehow develops better discipline. I do think he has at least one Adrian Beltre ’04 season in him.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
Predicting Lilly gets signed to some contract we will all loathe. Probably Padilla, and then maybe one of the many high-upside guys out there.
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
Torre ruined him. Also lack of confidence has led to a decline in command.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
I’m saying 75/25. Likely they are fucking crazy and he will be back much to my chagrin. I wouldn’t be shocked if they did pull some trade with him involved.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
Transitioned to bench/platoon role. Probably will be opening day starter.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Also agree that he is here on cheaper deal. 1 or 2 years.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. He will do 1. Just like Frank the Tank.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter?
There has to be a 10% – 20% decline after this horrible season and so much bad press with ownership.
answers for questions 1-10
The Dodgers will not be contending for a spot in the playoff next season.
Problems with ownership will prohibit the team from doing the things necessary to win.
No more season tickets for me with this owner, now buying my tickets to the few game I will attend via stub hub, fortunately Angel Stadium is only eight miles from my house.
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
Over $100m.
2. Who will own the team?
Frank.
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
I’ll go for down year although September is disturbing because nothing he’s trying seems to work. He’s had some really poor at bats lately, even for him.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
I think Kuroda and Lilly will both be back.
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
Overuse, and he’s a reliever. They seem to fluctuate from year to year, and I see him eventually reclaiming the closer role.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
They have too many other problems but I actually think he could get traded even though his value is low, with a 1B brought in as part of the trade.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
I think they will replace him.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Yes. He will be non-tendered and some other team will outbid the Dodgers for him, hoping for a return to form that will not come.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
No.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter?
A lot.
The Randy Newman Magic 8 Ball Answers the Questions
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
It’s Money that Matters
2. Who will own the team?
Little Criminals
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
Bad News from Home
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
Davy the Fat Boy
Simon Smith…
…and his amazing dancing bear
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
Take Me Back
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
I’m Dead (But I Don’t Know It)
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
You Can Leave Your Hat On
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
Can’t Keep a Good Man Down
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter?
Mama Told Me (Not to Come)
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 11:00 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I have to rec this
Even though I have no idea the titles of more than like 3 Randy Newman songs, this was well done.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
I was really happy with the 8 Ball’s answer to #2.
Indeed, the Dodgers have almost made it to the top.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
You guys need to get the box set GUILTY: 30 YEARS OF RANDY NEWMAN… it is indispensible.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions
OK, I've been listening to Randy Newman all day now.
From my favorite of his songs:
Drinking rye whiskey from a flask in the backseat
Trying to do like the gentiles do
Christ, they wanted to be gentiles too
Who wouldn’t down there, wouldn’t you?
An American Christian, God damn!
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
we love it!
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Hate New York City
It’s cold and it’s damp
and all the people dress like monkeys.
Let’s leave Chicago to the Eskimos.
That town’s a little too rugged for you and me, bad girl.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Look at those mountains
Look at those trees
Look at that bum over there, he’s down on his knees.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
They got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around telling great big lies
Don’t want no short people ’round here!
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
click your heels
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll lock my answers in
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
$115MM
2. Who will own the team?
Frank.
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
He has peaked. He’ll never have the defensive value he did in 2009. I do think he can pick up the pace at the plate. He needs to fix the mechanical issues (which is doable) and his power never left.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
See answer above. Lilly/Padilla/Bonderman
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
I think he’s done. Closers simply burnout and he can’t locate his pitches. It happens.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
Yes. Yes. Not crazy, just overvaluing what Loney brings to the table.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
They will and all the third base depth is gone.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Yes. Non-tender, bridge burnt, signed elsewhere.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
Not at his age.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter?
Enough people will purchase.
This would be a pleasant surprise
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
$115MM
A few milestones today
Bautista hit home run number 50
Pujols hit home run number 40 (and 41)
Ichiro got 200 hits for the 10th straight year
Yay
for all of them.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
In an alternate(less serious) universe.
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011? 64 gazillion uranium rocks
2. Who will own the team? Alyssa Milano who hires SI Swimsuit models to be first and third base coaches that wear nothing but body paint(Dodger Colors of course)
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin? Kemp gets married and becomes the best Center Fielder ever until he leaves middle of the season to pursue a singing career in Germany. Don’t worry though because we already had Carl Crawford in LF and Andrew Jones waiting on the bench.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley? Lily, Kuroda and Ely. What? Not even Alyssa can find good pitching. (Note: Padilla gets a better shot in the offseason and loses a finger(on the pitching hand))
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton? Nothing now! Dodgers bring in Matt Stairs for the 2011 bench and he and Broxton man hug it out and Broxton goes on to 48 saves in 2011 with an ERA of 1.91.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy? Yes, because Alyssa thinks he’s cute. Her admiration turns Loney into MEGALONE the .310/21/116 career year leading the Dodgers to be crushed in the ’11 NLCS by the Reds.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they? Just ask the guy that still has 400 "In Beard We Trust" shirts left to sell. They have to. Perhaps he only sports a "stache" in ’11 and hits 16 HR’s!
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over? It’s been over for 2 years. Ellis becomes the next older version of ’08 Martin and wins Silver Slugger. Barajas loves LA so much he plays for bacon wrapped Dodger Dogs and hits 30 home runs!
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers? Not even in an alternate universe will he be able to play non-injured. Unless we can replace his back with the new Bionic 4900Z Back.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter? It is one thing to pay the large sums the McCourts have drummed up the prices to when you are going to the NLCS, it is another when you have a Clipper season with the taste of this Sept in your mouth. Are you kidding? Sales go up with Alyssa Milano now sitting in the Presidents seat every game and the new First and Third Base coaches trying to keep their body paint from peeling. Go Dodgers!
Alyssa Milano who hires SI Swimsuit models to be first and third base coaches that wear nothing but body paint(Dodger Colors of course)
Now that’s acting in good faith.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
The answer: 98
The questions?
How many runs did the Dodgers score in their first 15 games this season?
How many runs did the Dodgers score in their last 31 games this season?
Blake DeWitt record with the Cubs and Dodgers
Ryan Theriot record with the Dodger and Cubs
Good luck charm?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The Dodgers OBP since the All-Star break is .2997 in 64 games.
They have scored 3.16 runs/game during that stretch. Only the Mariners, at 2.86 runs/game since the break, have been worse.
depressing
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
i did
that was the best
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I only had a chance to read the first one and half of the Albom one.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I read the Joe Morgan locker room piece and laughed hysterically. I plan to catch up later this week.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
the Eckstein one
is hilarious.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers with an OPS higher than .750 since AS Break
Jansen 2.000 (in 2 PA!)
Barajas .903
Gibbons .783
Ellis .780
That’s it.
Ethier is at .750 and Carroll is at .720. Everyone else is .686 (DeWitt!) and below.
Oh, Dodgers, how doth your offense suck? Let me count the ways….
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Has Loney’s quotes from yesterday already been discussed?
Aaron interprets Loney’s quote as an indictment of Torre, which I guess is fair enough…
…but one could also read this as: the worst first baseman in baseball is accusing his teammates of dogging it.
I dunno which is correct.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Interesting
how the blame went to Torre when the worst hitting 1st baseman was saying they don’t play hard enough.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
People want to believe
that coaches have more affect on the players then they really do?
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
really
is anyone one playing well enough on this team that we can’t say “This fucking guy should talk.”
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe the dude is just depressed.
He’s hit poorly and he’s watched his teammates hit poorly. That probably leads to poor morale in which everybody hits still poorer. Maybe Loney was just exrpessing that frustration.
But better to STFU than express that.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
true
it’s not like he called anyone specific out, he just said they didn’t play well enough, or hard enough.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m sure the whole team has pretty low morale right now and they can’t wait for the season to end. Some of that falls on the players, and some has to fall on the coaching. That is really a manager’s job at this level. To keep morale up.
Its Loney apathetically saying they didn’t play hard that bothers me. Our much loved “core” may need an attitude adjustment. Whether they remain as Dodgers or not.
That is a good point. No matter what’s going on in the standings or what kind of performance you’re delivering, you owe it to your teammates, your fans, and yourself to do your best. Actually, that’s the only thing we should expect from anyone in life.
If Loney is implying that the team got down and didn’t do their best…. that is a bad thing.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
which goes back
to why it some see it as an indictment of Torre. As manager, it’s his job to help teams get out of funks like that.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Or maybe the kids
need to get the heads out of their ass.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 23, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Manager
should be tugging hard
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
it's a team effort
it’s a baseball TEAM
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
That's my interpretation, yes.
At a certain point, you’re not a child anymore.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with that
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I do think
what Loney and Torre were saying in a way, they both saw frustration creeping into their play and for some that led to being just so upset, it might affect their effort. Not like they were dogging it, it was more like, damm, why do I keep trying when all ends up the same.
You see with Ethier all the time and now a little with Kemp, Loney doesn’t show that much outwardly. But you add that with some hard bullpen losses, it takes a toll. And really for a group of young players, their experience was such that no matter how they performed, the team won (2006-2009) most of the time, this year, they were not winning and it was a direct reflection of how they played.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 23, 2010 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions
good assessment
it really does seem like even though they are playing poorly(and they are) we still also have no breaks coming out way. Balls hit on the screws seems to be hit right at somebody. Where as the opponents hit one off the end of the bat, which falls where no one can catch it. Things like that. I do believe they all care.
Kemp chucking the bat yesterday was a good indication of that.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Loney would be best served
not to cast too many stones, as he was a major part of a few of the Dodgers boneheaded baserunning blunders.
all the Dodgers
are living in glass houses
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Speaking of Loney
pre-ASB: .309/.361/.443, 25 2B, 6 HR, 63 RBI in 88 games
post-AS: .212/.282/.332, 15 2B, 3 HR, 18 RBI in 63 games
Ouch.
Matt Kemp
Pre-ASB .261/.318/.470
Post-ASB .232/.298/.382
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
That's not a Bison
That is a kitty-cat.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Veal?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s a cut of calf meat, very tender, and usually kept in inhumane conditions, but that’s not important right now.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Humma Kavula
the AJ Ellis of posters today
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
If a team traded for Matt Kemp
would the bloggers be upset because they’d think they were getting Juan Encarnacion?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Kemp is working on his 4th straight sub-.300 OBP month.
.229/.290/.392 since June 1
.239/.297/.399 since the first Cincy series (apr 23 – present)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I just don't get where the complaints about
management having to support him can be justified when he has not played well at all for the vast majority of this season.
by bhsportsguy on Sep 23, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Not support
Simply keeping shit in-house will do.
Is anybody arguing that Kemp hasn’t sucked? Nobody likes it when management acts like 15 year old girls. Why the fuck do they feel the need to entertain the press, or shit on Kemp personally? Nobody shits on Loney in public and his numbers have been worse at a position where defense isn’t a premium.
I don’t understand why Dodger fans would rally to the defense of management when they are out of line and selectively calling out players. They all suck, but I haven’t hear a word about Loney or Theriot from Schaefer or Ned.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Further, if Ned doesn’t like Kemp or he wants him gone, then trade him already and move the fuck on. If they are going to continue to do business with Kemp, they can all act like professionals.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
agreed
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Double agreed.
Yes, he had a bad season. So did other guys, but Bowa didn’t go fifteen-year-old mean girl on them.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Was that too redundant?
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
As usual the whining about the whining of management about Kemp
seems way overblown.
If Ned had publicly berated Garret Anderson a bronx cheer would have been heard and no one would be saying they need to keep that shit in house. I could be wrong on this as only each of you know what you really think about this. Just seems no one likes management taking shots on the players they like but they would have no problem if they took shots on the players they don’t like.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think management should take shots at anyone
That should be kept in-house.
Its like your parents fighting. You don’t want the kids to see/hear and the kids in this case are the fans.
by BFDC on Sep 23, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it's that it's not that they are whining about Kemp
is that we’ve heard them whine about ONLY Kemp. If they were talking about GA, Blake, Loney AND Kemp, there would probably be nothing said.
Either call all of them out publically, or keep it all private.
You can’t just single one guy out on a team like this.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't see how
you could make a logical argument for either side not having seen what may have gone on “in house”. It is hard for me to pass judgment either way. But if I had to lean one way based only on subjective evidence, I’d be on the side of management on this one. I just really don’t think it is a big deal and crying in your soup that others aren’t singled out is a childs game.
so is baseball
Saying things like a guy isn’t playing hard, or doesn’t have his head in the game etc. to the press does absolutely NOTHING to help the team in my own humble opinion. All it creates is a bad atmosphere, and probably leaves the player wondering just what will it be that ultimately gets him traded. One bad at bat, one dropped fly ball, one small argument with another teammate. Putting more and more pressure on someone does not help.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not unbiased when it comes to Matt Kemp
I have a frickin’ jersey investment to protect!
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
This entire topic is played out
And was surprised that it was both brought up again and was done so in a way that intentionally misrepresented our position. Nobody has suggested that Kemp hasn’t sucked. People have argued, several times, that despite Kemp sucking, there is absolutely no benefit (that I can see) from blasting him publicly. If he’s a problem, then keep your mouth shut and trade him and you may retain some of his trade value. If he’s not a problem, then keep your mouth shut and take the good with the bad (whatever that may be.)
As for GA, I doubt people would care if he’s blasted because he’s an insignificant figure who won’t be involved with the Dodgers going forward. Kemp (and Broxton, Furcal, Blake, Ethier) are Dodgers this year and under contract for next year. Publicly airing issues with them possibly devalues your asset in a trade. Comparing GA and Kemp is missing the point not simply because one is a fan favorite, but because real damage can be done by blasting Kemp as opposed to GA.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Kemp vs. GA
If Kemp is blasted, yet remains on the team, you’ve damaged an asset and singled out someone who is both a part of your future and not the only guilty party.
If GA was blasted, it would have shown that they weren’t mindlessly giving at bats to a gritty veteran and that they actually expected some production out of him outside the clubhouse. I would have cheered bashing GA because it would have shown me that he wasn’t getting special treatment for being old.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
without knowing everything
that may or may not have went on “in house” it is hard for me to have a very strong opinion on this. Esp since Kemp went public himself via his agent. And to me it is kindergartner-ish to worry about who flicked bugars on each other first. You both flicked bugars.
What does Kemp have to hit to end up below .300 OBP for the year?
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
0-for-22, or any .300 OBP with an 0-for-22 tacked on (3-for-32, 6-for-42, etc)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
That sounds doable.
Oh Bison.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Kemp is gonna finish with
more walks than last year, more doubles than last year, only slightly fewer home runs than last year….. and 30-ish fewer singles. That’s the difference between this year and last: one single a week.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
one fastball down the middle
he swang through.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Considering that it's all singles
is this all regression to the mean? Is this season just his BABIP coming back to where it should be? Or is there evidence that he can bounce back?
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
22.9% vs 27.8% on strikeouts
and 34/42 vs 19/34 on SBs. Just to add a few more stats. I will let others debate the defensive changes.
Actually, that gives me great hope.
If he had the same K rate, then that would suggest it’s just BABIP and his luck was normalizing.
The increased K rate, however, means that he’s just not putting the ball in play enough. If he can make the adjustment to get the K rate down, then just by putting the ball in play, the singles will take care of themselves… yes? Or is that wishful thinking?
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
not really wishful thinking
I think Kensai said in his Kemp article that his main problem was that he was striking out way too much on pitches he used to hit. (not the down and away slider, because he never hit that.)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I do not think anybody hits sliders low and away. Either you swing and miss or you let it go.
"We were never friends"
yeah
i thought that right after i posted it, haha
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I think for the most part
that is correct. His babip regressed somewhat, not sure what the “true talent” on his babip should be. Maybe the xBabip posse can answer that one. So, if he can cut down on his strikeouts he should be fixed. Of course he had the better part of a season to work on that already. Perhaps he should try some different vision-ware?
I expected some outcry about the punching bag title
but instead everyone has focused on the ten questions. Lots of varied answers, though every one seems to think Frank will be the owner. Mike seems to think Frank will buy his out of this years problems. I daresay if we do somehow get the payroll up to 115 Million we won’t like who they are spending money on.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
no outcry
because it’s true. and very very sad
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
seems like the past few NL west series had Vin saying
the Dodgers are close to losing the season series to the (NL West foe) for the first time since 200(?)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
There’s always Arizona. I expect the Dodgers to be better than them, at least, next season.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Unless I'm forgetting someone
There are only 3 guys worth signing that could take our payroll that high. Lee, Crawford and Werth.
I don’t see us getting any of the three.
we could trade for bad contracts like Aramis
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
There is also the sheer volume of needing to sign 2, maybe 3 pitchers, plus an outfielder.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Costmart
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
There are plenty of guys worth signing
Re-sign LIlly and Padilla. Sign Bonderman.
Upgrade first base (even just add a platoon.) Upgrade third base. Add a platoon for the outfield. As Eric says, after you add all these (welcome) additions up, it’ll appoach $115MM.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
My heart would flutter.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
How much would we be overpaying
and how sad would we be when he reregresses next year?
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
a lot, very
food Ned once shame on Schmidt, fool Ned twice shame on Pierre, foold Ned three times shame on Jones, fool Ned four times shame on Manny II…. but fool Ned five times shame on him.
I don't really think ny of those are analogous to Beltre though
A Jones had a down year after many many years of production and we then gave him a short big contract. Schmidt was coming off a fair number of shoulder injuries. Manny II was still killing it, but old and an injury risk. Pierre… is and has always been Pierre.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
So Ned will find a new way to give a bad contract to somebody.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point. Right, the wind is a mess. The Oregon State bowl game last year was unwatchable since 2 teams who were able to pass the ball all year were forced to completely abandon it.
Still like the idea of going completely neutral and Vegas is the only geographic location where you could do that. But I guess you’d need to build a dome (ain’t happening.)
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Qualcom would qualify I guess, but the Rose Bowl is obviously a home game for USC as Qualcom would be more or less.
I guess it’s not terribly practical to try and find a truly neutral spot, but Vegas is the best one in my mind. Everybody would have to travel.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
The Rose Bowl people don’t like the stadium being used after UCLA’s last home game because they will resod the field and get it looking better in time for New Year’s Day.
On the other hand, the operators of the Rose Bowl like money.
by Bob Timmermann on Sep 23, 2010 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
follow the money
which stadium would sell the most seats, not knowing who was playing in the game in advance?
I doubt that after the first year, any Pac-10 Championship game will draw a big crowd. I don’t even think the first one will. Who is going to travel a long way to go see Oregon play Stanford. People at Stanford don’t go to watch Stanford. And Stanford plays on campus.
by Bob Timmermann on Sep 23, 2010 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Requirements for a Pac-12 championship game
1 – Major market centered within the conference’s geographical footprint
2 – A desirable destination city for fans
3 – Not one of the conference member’s home fields
4 – A decent, nice stadium with modern amenities
The one site that meets all these criteria? Dodger Stadium!
Seriously, give me a good reason why not?
If Phone Co. Park can host one football game a year, so can Dodger Stadium. The novelty of it is probably even a selling point, like those hockey games at Wrigley and Fenway.
Anaheim is better situated for a football game. After all, it is a football stadium anyways.
"We were never friends"
Don't be an ignoramus
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
I don't think you can fit a football field in DS anymore
after McCourt Field Level expansion. Or it would be super, super tight.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I guess that would be a good reason why not
Once again, the lack of NFL football in LA bites us in the ass. The Big 12 has (had?) Arrowhead Stadium, the SEC has the Georgia Dome, and I presume the Big Ten will use Soldier Field in Chicago. An NFL stadium in LA would be a natural fit for a Pac-12 championship game. Oh well.
Impressive Google-fu, by the way.
Vegas
should have built something when money was good a few years ago for multi-purposes. maybe they could have even created a big bowl game there.
"We were never friends"
so is
the Baseball Media i think
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Meanwhile, on Divorce Court
“Jamie would need to sign a bunch of MLB indemnities, what did she say?” Ans: “She said she wasn’t going to sign any (bleeping) MLB forms.”—Molly Knight
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 1:06 PM PDT reply actions
baseball girl
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I assume she’s not planning on attending any owners’ meetings.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
whose answer was that?
by the way?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
The best lawyer in the world
Larry Silverstein
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
i thought so
but thanks for the confirm.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
could someone explain
what MLB indemnities are? please?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
If you are a hustling, gritty gamer
You turn them into double indemnities.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Sep 23, 2010 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Only Billy Wilder could do that.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I threw that one
into your wheelhouse. Thanks for stepping up to the plate.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
1. How much will the payroll budget be in 2011?
$105 million, with roughly 17 million paid to Manny and Andruw Jones. In reality, the payroll will be around $90 million for players actually on the team.
2. Who will own the team?
Frank and Jamie McCourt. The case isn’t getting settled and the loser will appeal to somebody. This isn’t ending.
3. Did Matt Kemp simply have a bad year or did he already peak ala Russell Martin?
Both. Both Matt Kemp and Russell Martin may rebound, but Dodger Stadium has turned back into the pitching haven it has been for most of its history and I figure both will have to leave it in order to ‘regain’ their hitting potential.
4. Who the hell is going to start games after Kershaw / Billingsley?
Eric Stults.
5. What the hell is wrong with Jonathan Broxton?
I have no idea. Better question is why he’s still pitching? Just shut him down, and let him rest.
6. Will they try again with Loney? If so will they try again with the solo act? If so are they fucking crazy?
With the glut of 1B on the market, the Dodgers can try to trade Loney and sign a FA. Derrick Lee or Adam LaRoche aren’t great options, but they’re probably better than Loney and will cost similarly. The big thing is that Adrian Gonzales and Albert Pujols will be FAs after 2011, which is who we really should go for.
7. They can’t go with Casey Blake again can they?
Who else? The Dodgers traded at least 4 in house replacements in order to acquire Casey Blake (Carlos Santana), or in other trades. (Andy LaRoche, Josh Bell, Blake DeWitt). Pedro Baez is horrible, and Russ Mitchell also bats right handed. The Dodgers intentionally put themselves in this mess. They have to live with it.
8. Is Russell Martin’s Dodger career over?
Probably. Doesn’t sound he’s willing to stay at $5 million with the Dodgers. God speed to him.
9. Will Rafy Furcal ever play a full non – injured season during a year he is under contract to the Dodgers?
Yes. He’ll get 600 PAs and get his optioned guaranteed and then suffer an injury.
10. How many season ticket holders will refuse to ante up this winter? It is one thing to pay the large sums the McCourts have drummed up the prices to when you are going to the NLCS, it is another when you have a Clipper season with the taste of this Sept in your mouth.
Is there a reason to get season tickets if they’re so cheap on stubhub?
Though I know BA isn't highly thought of
is Ethier the only one on the team who may finish the year with around the same BA as last year?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 1:40 PM PDT reply actions
I don’t even know if he subscribes to Baseball America.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually
Ethier will probably finish around 50% Pecota card, I give some credence to the idea that his thumb never healed properly.
If I were him, and I wanted to get more money in my FA year, I would have a lefty throw batting practice all winter to him.
Divorce - "The mystery of the six documents"
I heard the best theory so far. Frank, Jamie and his lawyer were all in on having the six different documents so, when or if the time came, they could pick which one best suited their financial situation at the time (if the Dodgers fianancials went downhill and Frank had to declair bankruptcy, they could choose the document that protected all of the homes since they would be separate). But, none of the three ever thought that six years later there would be a divorce.
I believe this was all planned and thought out ahead of time by the three of them to protect them in as many different situations that they could think of. They just didn’t think ahead about her driver.
That’s a lot of conspiracy theory to chew on, but this…
But, none of the three ever thought that six years later there would be a divorce.
… I think that’s absolutely correct. I think that explains certain aspects to Silverstein’s behavior, like the fact that no outside counsel reviewed the documents. Why would they need to? The point of the document was to protect some of their shared assets (the homes) if other investments (the Dodgers) went South.
Then Frank realized that he MIGHT be able to use that against Jamie when they decided to divorce, and here we are. That’s why I think the post-nup won’t stand up — it was never written with the intention that it would stand up in divorce court.
Fuck You Ruiz
by Humma Kavula on Sep 23, 2010 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
no one ever thinks there'll be a divorce
but money and fame gets to people, and some can’t help themselves.
Steve Lyons speculates on the 2011 Dodgers
Hiroki Kuroda had his best year. He is the highest paid Dodger at 13M. He won 10 games.
Chad Billingsley took big steps in the right direction. But only to be the pitcher he was in the first half of the ‘08 season. Who shows up in ’11?
Now that Manny and Belliard are gone…. will Padilla want to re-sign in LA? I doubt it.
Ted Lilly got off to a 5-0 start with the Dodgers and hasn’t won since. He’s a 4th or 5th starter but will want #2 or #3 money this off season. Don’t over pay for a finesse guy that can’t over power anybody.
There is no 5th starter. John Ely, Carlos Monasterios, Scott Elbert? None of those guys pitched with any degree of consistency—-even for a #5. Please, no more Russ Ortiz’s.
I was unaware of the Latin triangle of Manny, Lil’ Manny, and Padilla. Not to mention Furcal I guess.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Really?
Not that I went much this year but last year they were always in Manny’s corner.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Padilla’s locker isn’t in that corner. That’s what I was getting at. Although he is across the way.
The Manny-Belliard-Furcal trio is well documented.
I haven’t seen Padilla as chummy with that group, at least not to the level of the other 3.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Aside from that
Padilla will re-sign with LA if they pay him, not because his buddies are on the team.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Hard to argue with any of the points you show above.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
My point is that as an employee of the Dodgers, this shit should get him fired. Especially if he’s working for the team in an official capacity. (Which he is.)
You’re right, maybe I’m reading into it. When you read the whole article, it seems he’s taking little shots at the players that just add up. Which would be fine if he didn’t work for the team, but well, he does. And I’m not sure the Dodgers would want to employ a man who actually posted this publicly.
Making a buffoon of himself on national tv didn't get him fired
why should I hope this will?
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Not the one that mattered
:(
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
His job is to comment on the Dodgers. That’s what he did.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not so sure about that one
Isn’t this his job?
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
One
I don’t think there is anything really wrong with what he said.
Two, if I wrote that, no one would think it would be all that inaccurate.
Three, I really don’t understand why people who actually work for the team cannot be critical of the players in the press.
Amazing, another column another day posters spent good air
defending Kemp against management. Juan Encarnacion is having a good chuckle somewhere.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
There are really only a few comments about it.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Your horse is so high, I hope you do not hurt yourself when it is time to get off it.
"We were never friends"
by delias man on Sep 23, 2010 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I use a soapbox
and I guess maybe I’m just tired of people scapegoating management for his performance this year. More then likely I’m tired of guys I’ve touted as sucking. I never was a big Loney fan when he came up, and then he shocked me with what he did in 2006 and so I thought maybe I was wrong. I was always a huge Kemp/Martin fan and to see them regress to Pierre/Jason Philips levels makes me want to puke. I already fell off my soapbox, the bruises were painful.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Speaking for myself, I am not scapegoating management at all. I have said 2 things:
1) Kemp sucked this year. Kemp sucks because his mechanics have gone to shit and he can’t punish fastballs in the zone.
2) Management blasting Kemp publicly was stupid.
by Michael White on Sep 23, 2010 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions
And I agreed with that. Heck there have been more comments about the comments, than comments about Kemp. But I’m with Phil in that it has been painful watching these guys of late.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we’re all in that boat
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
The RMS Titanic, but you do have to admire the craftsmanship on the deck chairs
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Great band tonight!
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh yeah. In fact I get to go on the field for the first time, at least pregame. It should be rather awesome.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
You guys have got a pretty good home schedule this year. Fans should get some entertaining games.
I put a little money on AU today.
I hope we both win, then.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
gentleman(and ladies)
it’s been an honor playing with you
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I don’t read it as scapegoating management.
More like a backlash of management that considers itself one of the best in baseball, and when their shit didn’t work this year, they tried to pin it on one player. No, the coaching staff didn’t trade for players that didn’t matter, or is the main reason why the entire team took a slump for stretches at time.
But if your main beef with a player is that he doesn’t cover 2nd base on stolen base attempts, and you bench him for that reason and you claim you have a problem with players not giving it their all, while allow other players to not hustle. There is a problem that needs addressing.
It's clear
Phil and I have different points of view on this than most of you, should probably move on since we go around all this time. (At least I should move on)
For a guy who management didn't like
he somehow played an awful lot. I’ve seen no evidence that they tried to pin this season on one player. Having a bench coach say Kemp is a “mystery” is a long jump to blaming the season on him. Ned made his comments in April so that is also a huge jump to blaming the season on him. And Larry Bowa is Larry Bowa who had problems with players as great as Scott Rolen.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Sep 23, 2010 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
On top of this
none of us know what went on or was said “in house”. It is easy to come up with scenarios where Kemp should be “blasted” as some call it to the media and easy to come up with scenarios where management looks like nincompoops.
Matt Kemp was also the only player on the team to be given a reason (albeit unofficially from ‘sources’) for being not in the starting lineup not from given a ‘breather’, or something to that affect.
And Schaefer is the one who saw there was a problem with Kemp’s fielding to the point where he felt he had to address it, despite it not being at best a minor problem in the grand scheme of things.
As for Larry Bowa, you didn’t see him attacking Manny, or Loney, or Blake for not hitting. He went after Kemp because he wanted to. Maybe he was the lone dog in all of this, but that doesn’t explain why Dave Stewart specifically went after Bowa and Schaefer.
I’ll note, that I really don’t know what happens to Kemp. If he gets traded, I hope its for the value he is, and not in a salary dump. I hope the coaching staff changes if only because at times change is needed and this is a good time as any to make it with a new manager. I hope that Larry Bowa leaves the team because its unlikely the team needs an attack dog like Bowa for a while. If you do need one, you can go hire Jeff Kent as the 3rd base coach.
Mark Sweeney
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Vlad Shpunt. It all went bad after that story aired.
"There’s no reason I can give you that makes sense. A lot of what I do is a feel thing."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Sep 23, 2010 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I like that you seen to be emotionally involved in some of the players instead of a salary/woba/war robot of a GM wannabe fan.
"We were never friends"
I've always stated I care more about the players then the team.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
As an example
if the players I like have a good year, that would make me just as happy as winning a championship. The joy to me in winning a championship is for the players, I couldn’t care less for myself. I didn’t win anything, they did. It is what made 81 so special, that the group finally got the ring before they broke them up.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
1981 was the same way for me
Similarly, if the Angels had gone to the World Series in 1982 or 1986, it would not had mattered if they won the Series, I would have been happy for that group.
In a way the 2010 Miami Heat feel like the 2004 Lakers (albeit the Heat is probably better) because that Laker team with Malone and Payton was only here to do one thing and it wasn’t much fun to watch the whole thing implode.
if only Encarnacion could read the comments.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't something horrible happen to him
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Whoa whoa whoa lets not be cruel here.
Encarnacion was at least successful when he tried to steal bases.
by regfairfield on Sep 23, 2010 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah, as much as I love Grady he’s got the injury thing.
by regfairfield on Sep 23, 2010 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
A better question
Would Kemp play better knowing compulsory military service was on the line?
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Assuming he doesn’t have to go to the military, hell yeah. He was just as good as Kemp in 2009, got better this year, and has one less year of service time.
by regfairfield on Sep 23, 2010 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope. Too much of his upside is dependent on him being a +20 fielder which you can’t count on on a year to year basis.
by regfairfield on Sep 23, 2010 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
3 from Keith Law chat today
Cliff B. (Chicago, IL) For the next 4 years, who performs the best out of Jon Lester, Clayton Kershaw, David Price or Brett Anderson?
Klaw
(1:40 PM)
Tough call. I’d probably take Price, with the understanding that he’s going to be facing the toughest competition.
MRA (Pasadena, California) To the extent you are still a baseball “fan” what would you like to come out of the Dodgers Divorce?
Klaw
(1:55 PM)
New ownership. It’s a flagship franchise for MLB and deserves stable ownership willing to run an appropriate baseball ops budget.
AA (Atown)
True or False: If Mattingly was just a regular ex player he would have been canned as a hitting catch midway through the year.Instead he has been promoted. As an LA fan, I’m scared…
Klaw
(2:04 PM)More true than false, I’m afraid.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Realistically with Mattingly
he simply didn’t get to be the scapegoat.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Eddie Murray was a pretty famous ex-player and it didn’t keep him from getting fired. What kept Mattingly from getting fired was most likely Torre’s contract clause about Mattingly.
by Bob Timmermann on Sep 23, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Angels have been hitting fine for years
minus power, and most of that has to do with the players that actually make it to the big leagues outside of Kotchman and McPherson really. Plus, Scoiscia doesn’t need a scapegoat since they have made the playoffs almost every year.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
I inspected the html
and your comment has no reference to the blockquote tag. How very odd.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
I'm trying not to be a hater
I figured there where enough of them around to do it for me.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Aw…c’mon…this wasn’t hating…this was dogpiling!
by KellyStephen on Sep 23, 2010 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Bloody hell
anyone else having a bugger of a time staying logged in? It’s like the site is a really old bouncer whose memory is fading
I thought that was on my side
I’ve been setting my browsers at work to clear all of my internet history and cache to clear(no not because of that).
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
well they did a bit of a redesign they did, new tweety buttons and all, probably just a few bugs, nasty things those bugs
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Wouldn't exactly call that a redesign deary
not quite ambitious enough
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Oy!
Well a tweak then, and sometimes tweaking can cause havoc too
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions
i'd say more often than not
tweaking causes havoc.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
nearly ruined the Bluth marriage it did, and can severely affect ones ability to breast fead
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers lineup
Furcal SS
Theriot 2B
Ethier RF
Gibbons LF
Kemp CF
Loney 1B
Blake 3B
Barajas C
Kuroda P
Blimey
since we’re playing for incentives at this moment, should all starters who have fulfilled theres take a seat in a hot spring, and shouldn’t a bunch of scrappy youngsters with Sesame Street band-aids take their place. Does our manager have his head up his arse?
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Padres are in first place by 1/2 a game.
Gonna piss off the Giants, Braves and Rockies if you play the babes.
don’t we hate all them anyway? :)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I could see a case made for Hu getting some time
he could be useful to them still, or in trade. Or not. But still I think this.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I'd like to see Lindsey get another start
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
exacatelly
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions
and what they won’t trade with us anymore? They’ll buy up McCourt’s land around DS?
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
we should make sure every team won’t trade with us.
Fuck Larry Bowa in 1980
by NotJoeTorre on Sep 23, 2010 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you have never been to a 66ers game
This is a pretty nice review of the stadium and experience of a game in San Berdoo, by StadiumJourney.com.
The stadium is sick to play on. The mound, if I remember correctly, was a bit tall and the park played bigger than friggin Petco.
Course, I was playing on it in college, not A ball.
Highlight of the stadium, you ask? Bruce Chen’s retired jersey.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Chin-Feng Chen you mean, right? He’s the one who is retired there.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
haha right. I got my Chen’s mixed up.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
Wouldn’t it be great if it was both, though? :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
i want to say Griffey’s is retired there too, but I’m probably wrong again.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
He is, along with Rich Dauer (and Jackie Robinson)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 23, 2010 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m so mooving to San Berdoo and Annie Savoying that place up
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I like the show
Breaking Bad, if that’s what you mean
by Josie Becker on Sep 23, 2010 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Suck it Pandouche
Pablo Sandoval to the bench for this weekend’s series against Colorado. Uribe to 3B, Renteria to start at SS. Ouch.
I think that's what Bochy said about him
didn’t take his off-season work seriously enough. him and Lincecum
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Ouchtown, population YOU BRO
12. Chicago White Sox (80-72; Previous: 11) – In spite of purest intentions, Manny turns out to be Juan Pierre(notes), without the power or arm.
"Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you."
wow
the burn to end all burns
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Sep 23, 2010 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions
LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINK
LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINK LINK LINK LINK LINK LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINK.
Have you ever tried just turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
Game Preview is up
Take your shots there!
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/9/23/1707029/dodgers-try-to-avoid-padres-sweep-again
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
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