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Vicente Padilla back for 2010? No thanks.

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I don't know what Vicente Padilla news was more troubling yesterday: that he was accidentally shot yesterday in a hunting accident, or that the Dodgers want him back.  Look, don't get me wrong, Padilla pitched wonderfully for the Dodgers -- well, at least until Game 5 of the NLCS.  Including the playoffs, Padilla pitched much better for the Dodgers than he did at any point with the Rangers:

Padilla's strikeout rate had plummeted the past few years with the Rangers, from 6.7 in 2007 to 5.9, to 4.9.  Then it spiked with the Dodgers to 8.1.  Is the difference between the two leagues really that great?  Bringing Padilla back smacks of Jose Lima all over again.  After 2004, the arbitration rules were different and actually helped prevent Lima's return after his out-of-nowhere performance.  Bringing Lima back wasn't a good idea then -- he wasn't good for four years prior to joining the Dodgers, and his final 36 starts after leaving produced a 7.26 ERA, suggesting his performance in LA was a fluke -- and bringing back Padilla for 2010 isn't a good idea now.

Before we get swayed by 11 games, we should remember that upon his release by Texas, his Ranger teammates openly applauded their general manager for getting rid of Padilla.  They hated him.  Did Padilla's attitude change with his move to the Dodgers?  Sure it did!  He was on his best behavior because he was on a contract drive.  Using the Manny Ramirez Principle, the Dodgers should only bring someone with a checkered past back if his two months with the club produced Hall of Fame-type numbers.  Padilla was good, but he wasn't that good.

As for yesterday's shooting, that really doesn't concern me, at least for now.  Padilla seems to be fine, according to his agent, so there aren't health concerns.  This doesn't appear to be another Plaxico Burress situation, at least on the surface, so there aren't likely to be any legal concerns.

For what it's worth, the 2010 Bill James Handbook projects Padilla in 2010 to have a 4.66 ERA and 4.73 FIP.  We know the Dodgers will likely sign at least one starting pitcher this offseason.  Unless the offer is a one-year contract for a few million bucks, perhaps with some incentives built in, the Dodgers should stay away from the Vicente Padilla sweepstakes.  Otherwise, he is a bad gamble.

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

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Here is a taste of Dodger news and notes from elsewhere around the Internet:

• Kensai over at Memories of Kevin Malone has been providing position-by-position reviews of the 2009 Dodgers.  So far, he has reviewed the catchers, first basemen, and second sackers.
• Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness has also been reviewing the 2009 Dodgers by position -- here is his look at catcher, first base, second base, and third base.  Kudos to the use of 1985 Topps as well!
  
• Joshua Fisher has started a new blog, DodgerDivorce.com
• Bobby Crosby (no, not that one) has an interesting YouTube channel, DodgerFilms, showing the game from the unique perspective of the left field pavilion at Dodger Stadium (thanks to Blue Heaven for the link)
• Can't get enough Dodger prospect news?  Now you can follow a few Dodger minor leaguers on Twitter:  Trayvon Robinson (TRobinsonAFL), Blake Smith (Blake_Smith), or former Dodger prospect Josh Bell (JBellAFL)
• You can follow the Dominican Winter League here.  James McDonald and Blake DeWitt are with Licey, while Jamie Hoffmann is with Escogido (playing with Boom Boom Betemit!)
  
• In other division news, the Giants have re-signed second baseman Freddy Sanchez to a two-year, $12 million deal.  He will earn $6 million in each of the next two seasons.  Sanchez, who hit .293/.323/.416 with a .322 wOBA and 2.1 WAR in 111 games in 2008, is a nice comparable for free agent Orlando Hudson as he will likely enter the market.  If healthy, this is a nice upgrade for the Giants, as their second basemen in 2008 (including Sanchez for ... starts) hit .236/.281/.329 for the worst average, on-base percentage, and OPS in the National League.  The 2010 Bill James Handbook projection for Sanchez is .288/.329/.404.
  

More photos » by Gus Ruelas - AP

Congratulations, Andre, for a great and "clutch" season

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The Dodgers announced yesterday that Andre Ethier won the "2009 MLB Clutch Performer of the Year Award Presented by Pepsi," an honor voted on by fans.  From the Dodger press release:

Ethier led the Majors with six walk-off hits, including a Major League record four walk-off home runs (tied with Jimmie Foxx in 1940 and Roy Sievers in 1957): June 6th against the Phillies in the 12th inning; June 29th against Colorado in the 13th inning; August 6th vs. Atlanta in the 9th; and September 15th against the Pirates in the 13th.  Ethier has a Major League-leading nine walk-off hits since the beginning of the 2008 season, and his six in 2009 are the most in a single-season by any player since at least 1974.

The left-handed slugger collected six multi-home run games on the year, tied for second with Philadelphia ’s Ryan Howard behind Albert Pujols (10) of the Cardinals.  The Arizona State product became just the fourth Dodger in franchise history to amass at least 40 doubles and 30 home runs in the same season, joining Babe Herman (1930), Raul Mondesi (1997) and Eric Karros (1999).  On June 26th against Seattle , Andre drove in a career-high six runs and compiled his first career three-homer game, becoming the ninth Dodger in franchise history to accomplish the feat.

Here is a recap of Ethier's six walk-off hits in 2009:

• May 2:  On Dodger Thoughts night at the ballpark, not only did I get a copy of Jon Weisman's book, but also got treated to a walk-off win.  Tied at one in the 10th inning, the Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out, when Ethier launched a single off the wall to bring home the 2-1 win over the Padres.  This was the ninth straight home win to open the season, a streak that would extend to a record 13 straight before the Manny Ramirez suspension ended the fun four days later.
  Ethier Walk-Off: "Single," one RBI
• June 5:  Down 3-2 to the Phillies, closer Brad Lidge got the first two outs easily, but then ran into some trouble.  He got two strikes on each of Casey Blake and James Loney, but they managed to reach base via hit and walk, respectively.  Russell Martin then grounded to Pedro Feliz, but the third baseman gave the Dodgers new life by booting the ball.  Ethier came up and doubled into the corner, giving the Dodgers a thrilling 4-3 win.
  Ethier Walk-Off:  Double, two RBI.
• June 6:  The very next day, Brad Lidge blew another save, but this time to Rafael Furcal, who hit a game-tying pinch hit home run in the ninth inning.  The game remained tied at two until the 12th inning, when Ethier slammed a two-out rocket to dead center off Chad Durbin for his second straight walk-off.
  Ethier Walk-Off:  Home Run, one RBI.
• June 29:  After a typically solid Randy Wolf start (two runs in six innings), the Dodgers threw a picket fence of relievers at the Rockies.  Seven different relievers each pitched one inning, allowing just three baserunners while striking out 13, to keep the game tied into the bottom of the 13th.  Blake led off the inning with a single, and Ethier ended it with a shot into the all-you-can-eat pavilion in right field, for a 4-2 Dodger victory, one of 14 against the Rockies in 2009.
  Ethier Walk-Off:  Home Run, two RBI.
• August 6:  Down 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers had to face Braves closer Rafael Soriano, who came into the game with a 1.80 ERA, and opposing batters were hitting just .157/.234/.221 against him.  A pair of singles by Juan Pierre and Furcal gave Ethier yet another opportunity to come through.  After taking two balls, Ethier hit a drive to right field that just cleared the wall, sneding Dodger fans into a frenzy yet again. As I wrote in the game recap:  "After Ethier hit the home run, Vin Scully didn't speak for 45 seconds, letting the game speak for itself.  Sometimes, less is more."
  Ethier Walk-Off:  Home Run, three RBI.
• September 15:  Matt Kemp's game-tying RBI single allowed the Dodgers to send the game with the Pirates into extra innings.  After three scoreless innings of extra-inning relief by James McDonald (you know, the guy whose 2.72 ERA and 3.41 FIP as a reliever are woefully underappreciated), Ronald Belisario gave up the go-ahead run in the top of the 13th inning, only his second run given up in 18 appearances since returning from the disabled list.  Never fear, "Endre" is here.  With one out and Furcal on first base, lefty Phil Dumatrait was summoned from the bullpen to face Ethier, who struggled against lefties all season.  However, Ethier at Dodger Stadium was a different story, hitting .305/.376/.610 against southpaws wearing the home whites.  He came through yet again, launching a towering fly ball that reached the seats in right, his fourth walk-off dinger of the season.
  Ethier Walk-Off:  Home Run, two RBI.

There were six "MLB Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month" awards given out this season, but Ethier did not win any of them.  He was a candidate in June, but lost the fan vote to Tim Lincecum of the Giants.

It was an amazing season for the 27-year old Ethier.  He came to the plate in the ninth inning or later representing either the tying or go-ahead run 42 times this season.  All he did was slam five doubles and four home runs, and hit a whopping .448/.619/1.034 in those situations.  Congratulations, Endre.  This was a well-deserved award.

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

The Bobbleslam was one of many favorite moments this season

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What was your favorite moment this season?  A few that popped to mind for me were:

• Vin Scully throwing out the first pitch at the home opener
• The O-Dog's cycle
• Chad Billingsley shutting down the Giants with 11 strikeouts
• Clayton Kershaw doing the same two days later with 13 strikeouts
• Ramon Troncoso's four-inning save in Colorado
• The Bobbleslam
• Any of Andre Ethier's six walk-offs
• Matt Kemp's over-the-shoulder catch in Milwaukee (after hitting a grand slam the previous half inning)
• Kemp's eighth-inning home run to beat Houston, capping a day when he scored all four Dodger runs
• Hong-Chih Kuo's double intentional walk, followed by blowing away Rick Ankiel
• Seeing the division clincher on True Blue LA night
• Mark Loretta's game-winning single in the NLDS

I'm sure I missed quite a few moments, but feel free to share your favorite 2009 Dodger memories in the comments below.

via evilbeetgossip.film.com

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On December 15, 1968, Dodger general manager Al Campanis traded his son Jim, a catcher, to the Royals.  41 years later, uneasiness at a Dodger family holiday dinner has resurfaced yet again, as the McCourts bitter battle has claimed its first victim.

SI.com is reporting that Dodgers' owner Frank McCourt has fired his estranged wife Jamie as CEO.  From Jon Heyman:

Jamie McCourt was fired within the last two days, according to several sources. But this is not likely to be the last she's heard from, as she has said through lawyers that she intends to stake a claim to the franchise, which may be worth a billion dollars, or more.

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times gives us this news:

Jamie McCourt is believed to be lining up investors for a possible effort to buy out her husband and gain sole control of the team. In addition, she is believed to have started calling prominent baseball figures, with the intention of arranging meetings to discuss the direction of the team.

Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports has received confirmation from Jamie McCourt's attorney, Dennis Wasser, that she has been fired.  Wasser promised litigation by Jamie McCourt, noting "She will address this ... in the courtroom."  That pause is much funnier if read as Triumph The Insult Comic Dog.

This is going to get worse before it gets better.  It's hard to imagine a functional organization with dysfunction at the top.

More photos » by Mark J. Terrill - AP

The next shower for Manny Ramirez will be one of jeers, from Philadelphia fans as he rounds the bases with a home run Wednesday night.

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It's funny to see what little things become big stories in the glaring spotlight of the postseason.  The latest molehill to be made into a mountain is the Manny Ramirez shower incident.  As Jonathan Broxton was pitching in the bottom of the ninth inning last night, Manny was in the clubhouse, taking a shower.  Manny was removed after the top of the ninth in favor of Juan Pierre for defensive purposes.

This is the type of issue tailor made for Bill Plaschke.  Wind him up, and watch the outrage fly from keyboard to screen.  In fact, Plaschke was so excited that his next column was essentially written for him, he couldn't wait, and posted a preview of sorts on The Fabulous Forum tonight:

Jonathan Broxton was sweating. Russell Martin was fearing. Joe Torre was grumbling.  The Dodgers hanging on the dugout rail were clenching. The Dodgers fans watching at home were dying.

Manny Ramirez?

He was bathing.

The thing is, this really isn't a big deal.  Manny always does this, so why should he change now?  As Joe Torre told the NY Times:

"He’s a cool customer," Torre said. "But he certainly didn’t have any lack of respect because of that. I think the way it turned out, it probably doesn’t look good. But it’s nothing different than he had done before."

I do have a bit of an old school mind of this.  I have always wondered why starting pitchers, for instance, go take a shower before the game is over, especially when they wait to see if their potential decision is still intact before departing to the clubhouse.  But, I realize this is a common occurrence among many players, and if they don't have a problem with it, why should I, or anyone else?

Back in 2007, in a similar situation with the Red Sox, Manny was flippant while down 3-1 in the league championship series:

"Why should we panic?" he said Wednesday in a rare clubhouse interview. "We've got a great team."

And then, this: "It doesn't happen, so who cares? There's always next year. It's not like it's the end of the world."

The Red Sox came back to win the three remaining games of that 2007 ALCS, and swept through the World Series as well.

Look, it's not news that Manny Ramirez marches to the beat of his own drum.  He is wired differently than most humans, let alone fellow ballplayers.  Whatever he has to do to be normal Manny, I'm all for it.  As Casey Blake told MLB Network:

In the position we're in, you really have to have an 'I don't give a crap attitude.' Our backs are against the wall, and there's no room for that right now.  You just gotta go out and have fun and just play relaxed.  There's no room for being uptight anymore.

The Dodgers need to concentrate on winning one game at a time, and the more they can keep to their regular routine, the less they have to think about being down 3-1 or having to win three straight games.  No pressure, no problem.

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

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The Dodgers are close to announcing a long-term contract extension with general manager Ned Colletti, according to both Ken Gurnick of MLB.com and Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.  Contract details have not yet been revealed.  Colletti's current contract contained a mutual option for 2010.

Owner Frank McCourt released this statement:

“One of our core promises to our fans is championship caliber baseball, year in and year out.  Ned has been instrumental in our going a long way towards fulfilling that promise. I couldn’t be happier for him, both personally and professionally. The stability and continuity that extending his contract provides will further help us achieve the goal of being a consistent winner and I’m thrilled that he will continue to lead our baseball operations into the future.”

The Dodgers are 349-299 (.539) under Colletti, who has been with the club since before the 2006 season.  The Dodgers have reached the playoffs three times in four years, including two straight trips to the NLCS.

“My time here in Los Angeles has been very special to me and I’m honored to be associated with this tremendous franchise,” said Colletti. “I’m very proud of what our baseball operations staff has accomplished over the last four years and I’m grateful for the support of the fans who have truly made me feel at home. I’m hopeful that we can bring them the championship they deserve in the very near future.”

Assistant GM Kim Ng interviewed for the vacant general manager position in San Diego last week.

More photos » by Jae C. Hong - AP

Table for one, please

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I guess that statue of the fans might not get built anytime soon.

Frank and Jamie McCourt, the owner and chief executive officer, respectively, of the Dodgers, have separated, according to multiple sources. The Dodgers released a statement, per the Associated Press, saying, "This is a personal matter and they request that their privacy be respected."

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has more details:

The divorce will not be amicable, one source said.

"They've already 'lawyered' up," the source said. "They're trashing each other terribly. It's going to be World War III

At stake: The future of the Dodgers, a team valued at $722 million by Forbes magazine. Forbes calculates the value of a team based on its current stadium deal without deduction for debt.

If they end up getting divorced, they will most likely have to sell the team.  Let's just hope this divorce/sale goes better for the Dodgers than it did for the Padres, who slashed payroll by over 40% this season in the ugly John & Becky Moores split and subsequent sale of the club.

It's at times like these we need the dulcet tones of one Steve Perry:

Los Angeles Times article

Thanks to Tripon, El Lay Dave, and Bison27 for the news.