A Look Back At Ronnie Belliard As A Dodger
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:00 AM PDT
in Dodgers History & Records
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PrintRonnie Belliard decided to retire on Tuesday, finishing up his professional career with the Triple A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Belliard's last major league action came as a Dodger in 2010, but he will forever be remembered in Dodger lore for his contributions down the stretch in 2009.
Belliard was acquired from the Nationals on August 30 for minor league pitchers Luis Garcia and Victor Garate. While it was fun to hope Belliard might replicate some of the magic from another late August pickup from Washington, Marlon Anderson (who hit .375/.431/.813 with seven home runs in 25 games in 2006), it didn't seem likely. However, that's just what Belliard did, hitting .351/.398/.636 with five home runs and 17 RBI in 24 games. He filled in for Casey Blake at third base, and more surprisingly supplanted All-Star and Gold Glove winner Orlando Hudson at second base. Belliard started all eight playoff games at second base that season, one of the more surprising maneuvers in recent Dodgers history.
Here are some fun facts about Belliard's time in Los Angeles:
- Belliard welcomed himself to the club right away, hitting a home run in his first plate appearance with the Dodgers, on August 31, 2009. Belliard is one of four Dodgers to hit a home run in his first plate appearance with the club, joining Garey Ingram (May 19, 1994), Jose Offerman (August 19, 1990), and Dusty Baker (April 9, 1976).
- Among Dodgers with at least 17 RBI in a season, Belliard in 2009 did it in the fourth-fewest plate appearances (83), behind only John Anderson (19 RBI in 67 PA in 1894), Pop Corkhill (19 RBI in 77 PA in 1888), and Jay Gibbons (17 RBI in 80 PA last season)
- With seven doubles and five home runs in 24 games in 2009, Belliard had one of 16 seasons by a Dodger with at least half as many extra-base hits as games played (minimum 20 games). Matt Kemp, with 35 extra-base hits in 69 games this season, is trying for the 17th season
- At .6364 in 2009, Belliard had the sixth-highest single-season slugging percentage in Dodgers history (minimum 80 plate appearances). At the end of this season, Belliard may or may not be sixth, as Kemp is currently right on his heels, with a .6360 slugging percentage this year
- Though it may seem that way, Belliard didn't confine his Dodger accomplishments to just 2009. On April 8 last season, Belliard had a double, a triple, and a home run against the Pirates, one of just nine Los Angeles Dodgers to accomplish the feat.
- When Belliard re-signed with the Dodgers before the 2010 season, the Dodgers put a weight clause in his contract, which became guaranteed only if the infielder weighed in at 209 pounds during spring training. That inspired this post, but unfortunately no new jersey sales:
Farewell, Ronnie. You will be missed.
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Dodgers draft picks signed so far (14)
IF Alex Santana (2nd)
RHP Scott McGough (5th)
IF Scott Woodward (7th)
LHP Rick Anton (8th)
OF Jeff Schaus (16th)
IF Jesus Valdez (17th)
RHP Garrett Bolt (23rd)
RHP Matt Shelton (24th)
OF Joe Winker (28th)
RHP Robert Chamra (34th)
LHP Mike Thomas (35th)
OF Devin Shines (38th)
LHP Greggory Downing (47th)
IF Kevin Thompson (48th)
-Someone in 1993 about to get very upset.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
- pick next year with (hopefully) some money in the owner’s suite (whether that’s a single Frank and a new TV deal or a new rich guy) would be interesting to see them snag a couple players in the top 15 with some upside.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Ahh, Junior.
So it’s not like he’ll be getting dicked if we don’t sign him. I mean, he will in the sense that he’ll go back to school as a senior and lose a lot of leverage and probably never again be drafted this high, but not in the sense that “well, shit, I guess I have to go play Independent ball for a year” dicked.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
he and Andrew Luck can go to class together holding hands and skipping stones
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
oh I’m all about Reed. SI did an article last week on how awesome Luck was for staying in school.
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Down at the Crocodile Rock?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Crocodile Rockin’ is something shocking when your feet just can’t keep still. I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will.
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
He could go back
convert to starter, dominate, and get drafted higher.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
All of those things would have to happen, and only one of them is within his control.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I doubt he would decide to go back
without talking it over with the coach first and getting an assurance he’ll be allowed to start. I think he signs and takes his chances with “only” a mil or so.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I’d rather just sign Reed now and not fall behind missing a year of development.
A bird in the hand over the hope of two in next year’s bush, when the likely move with two first rounders would probably be sign one real first rounder and one safe guy anyway.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
At the same time, it’s not like we’re lacking for starting pitching prospects. As a college junior he’ll be expected to be up in two years, and in two years you’re looking at 1 rotation spot being fought over by Eovaldi, Webster and Lee along with any signings Ned might have, so drafting a high school guy next year would do more for the team in trying to stagger the prospects that come up. We don’t even need all three of those guys to be legit, we just need 1 to be a good #5 starter in two years.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Honest question, was Aaron Miller expected to be up in 2 years?
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2011 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t remember Miller being drafted, so I couldn’t tell you. College guy throwing mid 90’s, I’d like to think so, yeah.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Except he was a two sport guy
He was never completely refined as a pitcher
by Julio Nievas on Jun 15, 2011 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
trade bait
is valuable
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Lots of things happen in two years. If all those pitchers are good enough, it’s a great problem to have.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I full expect something to happen, but with Kershaw, Bills, Lilly and Rubby already pretty set, only one needs to make it and they don’t need to be great, just good enough to stick.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Lilly is signed through 2013. I don’t see that being a problem blocking Chris Reed.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure if I’m confusing myself or the rest of you at this point.
2012: Kershaw, Bills, Lilly, Rubby, Signee
2013: Kershaw, Bills, Rubby, Lilly, Signee/Webster/Eovaldi/Lee
There’s no room for him in the rotation until at least 2014 anyway, and if one of the last three guys makes it, there won’t be room in 2014 or 2015 either. Reed looks like he could be extended as a contingency case or to get him more frequent and extended work, but in a couple years when he’s chilling in AA blocked by the 6 guys ahead of him, we could have taken (here’s where my thinking falls apart) a high school kid who would be in Hi-A and only a year behind.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
There will be room because:
A) Most of those guys will probably fail
B) You need more than five pitchers anyway
C) Worst case scenario we trade him for Miguel Cabrera.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Injuries happen
As we have been seeing..
by Julio Nievas on Jun 15, 2011 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
When you’re looking two years into the future you have to assume the worst. Maybe one of those three guys is useful and if Reed can truly be fast tracked to the majors, fantastic.
If it turns out everyone is good and Reed needs to play, then trade him for Miguel Cabrera.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Do you have the signing bonus amounts?
Just curious…
Glad we got Valdez signed. He could be a sleeper.
"Fast just got Faster"
Though it seems like a PR error, unless they changed his position since draft day
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions
I have only seen $500k for Santana and “about $150k” for McGough, per Tony Jackson and Dylan Hernandez
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Dear Sportiverse
Four men with 30 home runs playing in Dodger Stadium. Though I imagine the air may have been thinner in ’78
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Is CalFed still around?
I seem to remember almost opening an account there once
Do the chair know we gonna look like some punk-ass bitches out there?
God bless you Neil Patrick Harris. You’re my favorite gay child actor who starred in an internet musical
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m surprised he’s only 1/4th of the way to an EGOT. I figured he’d have a Tony by now.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I am also surprised he doesn't have a tony
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
He'll win the grammy for the narration of his life story at some point
so he just needs to play a mentally challenged homosexual to lock up the oscar.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
He didn’t win an Oscar for Starship Troopers?
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2011 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
He at least should have won Best Supporting Actor for Undercover Brother
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
He also won an emmy for his performance AT the tony awards
which I find amusing
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
he lost to
Jon Cryer for playing Alan Harper on Two and a Half Men for episode “Sir Lancelot’s Litterbox” (CBS)
ouch
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
and Jeremy Pivens twice
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
No shame in that at least.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions
having not seen entourage I can't comment
but I’m shocked that as absolutely beloved as his character on himym is, he has never one for it.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Barney is legen… (wait for it)…
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
DARY
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Losing to Jon Crier sucks terribly, but as bad as Entourage has been for like four years, Ari Gold is the only thing that makes the show watchable.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Courtney Cox is still hot
Helen Hunt is most definitely not.
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
Great caption
Let us never forget, that Belliard was the hero against STL, not Loretta. Belliard came to the plate with the Dodgers still trailing and banged out a single. The game was already tied when Loretta came through.
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2011 9:26 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
It all started with the loney single to Holliday's nads
Then I believe a Russell Martin walk. I’m a little fuzzy after that, but it ended with a bang with Loretta. What a game :D
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
Since we always seem to do this by accident
I wanted to try doing it on purpose. Here is a list of fan rules:
- Don’t throw peanuts
- Don’t try to burn the flag on the field
- Don’t destroy Disco
- Don’t wear a full body suit
- Buy food in rounds, so your mate can fill you in on what you missed
- Don’t steal balls from children
Also…
7. Don’t call the person next to you your ‘mate’
by Eric Stephen on Jun 15, 2011 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
this is neat!
- Some of us have mates and they tell us what happened when we go to the loo.
Oh I see, Eric cheated, I thought it would keep the count going in the replies : (
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s weird, you need the pound sign and a numeral, but it doesn’t seem to matter what number you chose
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
4 - In shape women are allowed to wear a full body suit
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
Don’t storm the field and beat the shit out of the eldery first base coach
by Michael White on Jun 15, 2011 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
“When you’re right 52% of the time, you’re wrong 48% of the time” – “Smooth” Jimmy Apollo
One of the great one episode Simpsons characters.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I haven’t seen the lineups, but Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and Paul Janish are all sitting per Dusty Baker.
house money lineup...
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Reds House Money Lineup
Chris Heisey 8
Edgar Renteria 6
Joey Votto 3
Brandon Phillips 4
Scott Rolen 5
Jonny Gomes 7
Fred Lewis 9
Ryan Hanigan 2
Travis Wood 1
Dodgers Lineup
Gordon 6, Carroll 4, Ethier 9, Kemp 8, Uribe 5, Thames 7, Loney 3, Barajas 2, Billingsley 1
Also
love Gordon starting today. Expected a Miles/Carroll game.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
can't sit him when he has been on such a roll!
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I wouldn't mind seeing Loney benched for Miles though
against a lefty. I have no idea how that would work offensively but…
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I don’t hate this lineup. Look at Loney and the catcher spot, sliding back to the caboose
by Josie Becker on Jun 15, 2011 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Barajas isn't THAT bad for a catcher... I think
He shouldn’t be our PH, but well, he isn’t the worst player in the world.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
He does have a .265 on base.
So clearly he’s better than Navarro.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Ellis might SLG .265, but he’ll get on base close to 40%
by silverwidow on Jun 15, 2011 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
33 is kinda close to 40 sure.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 15, 2011 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
he’s 25th in MLB in WAR for catchers with at least 150 at bats.
24th in OPS, just above Yorvit Torrealba and just below John Jaso and Matt Treanor.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
So your saying he is better then James Loney
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
nickname
can we call him the fresh prince of los angeles?
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2011 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Phew. Looks like I’ll be able to still pay my bills.
by silverwidow on Jun 15, 2011 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Uribe bomb today
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
He's pretty much bombed every game
Do the chair know we gonna look like some punk-ass bitches out there?
Uribe is in the begginings of a hot streak
just you wait and see.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Maybe he is just old
But I can’t stand the jazz hands and watching the ball. If the dude was running out of the box last night, he might have had a triple when it was misplayed off the wall. If you start hitting bombs again, you can do the jazz hands…it just makes you look stupid when you do it with warning track power.
KCAL! FTMFW!
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 15, 2011 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey G.?
How’s this for a black cap? Dukes > Topes
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I never saw a Dukes logo before, so that’s kinda cool. I think the 51’s had a black hat that I was looking at as well, but I think I’m just going to stand out and wear Dodger Blue for now.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I own an old red Dukes fitted cap. Pretty cool looking.
by KellyStephen on Jun 15, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
I have an old red Dukes fitted too. My head has grown in the last 15 years though. Too bad for me.
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
steroids!?!
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I think the topes hat is better
not a fan of the dopy looking duke for a hat logo
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Ken Rosenthal has an article up on Matt Kemp, with a slew of quotes, including from Schaefer and Bowa.
But I enjoyed this part about Colletti and Kemp. This seems like it would be a good movie scene:
However, Kemp slowly came around. In August, after one particularly rough game, Colletti said that he received a call from Stewart suggesting that he chat with Kemp. The two met later that day, in a private area of the Dodgers’ clubhouse. The conversation lasted about 45 minutes. It was a man-to-man, open discussion, emotional in a good way, Colletti said.
Kemp acknowledged to Colletti that his play had been disappointing, even to himself. Colletti asked Kemp if he felt like he had been "carrying a lot of people on his back." When Kemp indicated yes, Colletti said, "take me off." The GM asked Kemp for maximum effort, nothing more.
thats awesome
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Colletti said
I need to turn my attention to this fucking DL scam anyways
Do the chair know we gonna look like some punk-ass bitches out there?
by mleadman on Jun 15, 2011 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Unsaid was that Colletti also took Broxton off his back, thus freeing Matt Kemp to leap toward greatness.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 15, 2011 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
He waited until August to have that chat? Sheesh.
by KellyStephen on Jun 15, 2011 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I hope bowa didn't strain anything patting himself on the back
"(The criticism) might have paid off," Bowa says. "Maybe he went home this winter and said, ‘Everyone can’t be wrong about this.’
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I mean, I know it was annoying to hear what Bowa had to say last year, but I don’t think he was necessarily wrong. He was saying that Matt could be a superstar….
KCAL! FTMFW!
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 15, 2011 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Good seeing Phil last night
I wonder if he ever saw Joe Morgan in the press box.
Lots of Newk tributes/birthday wishes on the video screen last night, my favorite was Vin calling Newk “my man”
Phil went down to the Loge but Reserved was a hike, so we weren’t graced. Next time maybe.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I looked for you, Res 9, Row K seats 1 -4 , did not see any good looking white boys so went back upstairs.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 15, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
That’s cause I was sitting somewhere else.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
1 and 2 were an older couple (mid-40s), seat 3 was my buddy I was in seat 4.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Older couple (mid 40s)
Fuck off:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 15, 2011 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
He’s gone crazy in June, Angels can’t keep him down much longer. Also 22 stolen bases. Looks like the complete package along with stellar CF defense. Hell of a late first round pick.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 15, 2011 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I always thought it was cute that he showed up to the mlb network studios on draft day and was the only dude there.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 15, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
4 outfielders have had 110 PA or more
since 1970 at age 19 (per Baseball Reference Age cut-off), can you name them, hint one was in 1970, one was in the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 15, 2011 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m going to try Cesear Cedeno for the 70’s.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 15, 2011 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
What's more impressive?
What Bryce is doing in A-ball or what Trout is doing in AA?
by Julio Nievas on Jun 15, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Harper is still 18 and won't be 19 until October
by Julio Nievas on Jun 15, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Trout is 19 and won’t be 20 until Aug. He was 17 when drafted. They are on the same path.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 15, 2011 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Top 25 Fantasy QBs Since 1995
Per Rotoworld
1. Brett Favre
2. Peyton Manning
3. Daunte Culpepper
4. Tom Brady
5. Drew Brees
6. Steve Young
7. Rich Gannon
8. Aaron Rodgers
9. Donovan McNabb
10. Kurt Warner
11. Michael Vick
12. Steve McNair
13. Tony Romo
14. Philip Rivers
15. John Elway
16. Trent Green
17. Drew Bledsoe
18. Carson Palmer
19. Jeff Garcia
20. Eli Manning
21. Aaron Brooks
22. Ben Roethlisberger
23. Mark Brunell
24. Matt Hasselbeck
25. Scott Mitchell
Man, it sucks that Palmer never amounted to more
He should have been a 30 td guy a year with over 3,500 yards, but after his injury he only had one more some what elite season.
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
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