text:
Looking ahead to 2009…
Thanks to everyone for the kind words on the last thread. Yes, I read through almost the entire thread (can't say I read every single word), but I'd be happy to serve as the tour guide for ITD posters. We'll figure out a date early in '09 and have everyone out to the stadium.
I'm curious to see what everyone would do if they were the GM of the team. Now is a great time to put your thoughts down for everyone to see so you can go back at the end of the year and see how it would have turned out. Of course, try to be realistic. We aren't going to acquire Peavy for Kenley Jansen, so if you're proposing a trade, think about the other team's needs, the financial implications, etc. This is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, in my opinion. I hope I won't get cited for tampering and don't worry, Kenley, you're not on the trading block (as far as I know). I just picked a name from our minor league system.
Anyway, I heard a quote last week that I think was really relevant to our team's finish.
"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."
That certainly holds true for the '08 Dodgers and in most walks of life. Let's hope that experience proves valuable in '09.
485 Comments
Josh- thank you for the new thread. It's good to hear from you again. You really read through our craziness, that's awesome. With the season over we start to ponder the off season business transactions. We are all ready for what 2009 has to bring 🙂
A tour would be wonderful. We are such a family over here that it would be good to have a family reunion of sorts!! Thanks for being so cool and nice to us. We all appreciate it.
Dodgereric as GM!!!!
"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."
We are so proud of our team, especially for the 'young' guys for holding their own in the playoffs. None of them have made it to the playoffs, let alone the NLCS. At the WIN event in August, Matt Kemp said that his goal is to play in the playoffs. Russell said that he wants to get farther in the playoffs than the first round. They both got more than they could have wished for. We didn't make the WS, but the experience they've gained is extremely valuable. Number 2 in the NL this year, Next Year, NL Champs!! With our talent..the sky is the limit!
I love this team so much 🙂
Thanks Josh, a tour would be awesome!
i woul dre-sign manny to a four year deal..trade both jone and pierre for prospects..trade mcdonald, de jesus and elbiert for peavy, resign furcal to an incentive based contract..give casey a 2yrs deal if not go look for a third basement..or a 2nd basement and move dewitt to third…
peavy, billz, kuroda, kershaw and penny..not bad
Josh – Thanks for all you do!! And, yes, a tour would be awesome.
A lot of great stuff on the previous threads calendar boys and girls. Catch up at lunch time 🙂
If I'm GM….
No Penny. Resign Furcal & Manny (People won't pay to see this team otherwise so you have to do it). Torre likes DeWitt at 3B, so look for a 2B. Are DY or Abreu options at 2B or not? If not, look outside the organization. Is Schmidt the 5th starter? Is Elbert ready to start again? I have Bills, Kuroda, Kershaw, MacDonald, so either one of the above to start or a FA or trade. And from now on, I will thoroughly research the health of any player I want to bring in so I don't throw millions at overweight or damaged goods.
Thanks for a great season of posts, Josh. And the tour would be amazing if you can make that happen. Now, if I'm GM, I have a 5 step plan…
1)Resign Furcal and Casey Blake. Everyone else either retires or plays elsewhere–including Manny. Unless he wants to settle for 2 years at $25 million per.
2)Get an ace – Peavy or C.C., even if it means big bucks.
3)Put Macdonald into the rotation right out of spring.
4)Sign/trade mid-level players to round out the roster. No one gets more than 2 year contracts as Colletti has been doing. I don't want another Jason Schmidt situation on our hands.
5)Pray to the baseball Gods.
Hi Nelly,
What's the current calendar status? I'm Jan. 😉
In all reality, our last strand only went 42 more posts than our previous record. We didn't blow it out of the water, so to speak.
I guess we always have something to strive for 🙂
GO Dodgers!!!
I have no interest in being GM. Just keep my Russell, Matty, Loney, Blake, Andre, Billz, Borx, Wade, Kersh.
Basically, anyone 26 years old and younger. haha. Keep my boys around as the young core!!
Amy – you'd be the Logan's Run of GMs. Anyone over 30 and they're history.
(you're so young you may have to look-up Logan's Run on the web to see what I'm talking about.)
BTW, glad you're back amongst the living and feeling fine.
JOSH – Thanks for taking time and reading our blogs. I know that there are soooo many. Thanks for listening to us regarding the Tour. I am looking forward to the tour.
Hello all ITD…I've been out sick and away from the computer…YUP AMY the flu is going around and it just got me good. My immune system was down right after the Dodgers lost….I am a little better now. I have a lot of catching up in my ITD reading, which I will do at lunch time (in about 15 minutes). EVERYONE HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.
OH yeah about me being Manager for a day…yup not going to work. I would probably do worst to the team than help. I'm so clueless when it comes to that, but if I do get an idea or something pops to my head I will voice my opinion. Yeah and for sure if PIERRE and JONES do not want to be part of this organization then TRADE THEM.
So good to see another thread from you!! I miss going to the stadium! A tour with the ITD group would be great! I've taken 3 already but I'd love to take one with the group! I'll post later so that I can play GM!
Greetings ITD!
I am in N.H. this week working here. Weather is nice and crispy here. The leaves still have their beautiful fall colors. High 50, low 30 but for Wednesday the weather is predicting rain/snow hight 42, low 24. I have not read every post from the prior thread but I'll try to cach up later.
Trade Toby Hall, Mark Hendrickson, Wilson Betemit, Danys Baez, and Lance Carter for Navarro, Aybar, Jackson. LOL. Move Martin back to 3b. Sign Manny and CC. Done.
I would like to sign Manny. I also, like Amy, would keep ALL of the youngsters………Andre, Matt, James, Russell. I'd get rid of Pierre, Jones, Penny and Schmidt. (I think Jeff, Nomar and Derrick will be gone, either to retirement or free agency) Therefore, I'd look for a pitcher. Juan wants to be traded so, just do it!
Good Afternoon ITD writers and readers!!!
Scott – jhall is the brains behind the calendar idea, so you will have to check in with him on what months are taken 🙂
I like many of the ideas if you were GM. I will have to think about that one when I have time to contemplate more. However, I am just happy being team mom. Let Dodgereric be the GM, or any other of our brilliant ITDers with their wonderful ideas.
I forgot about Maddux. I'd offer him the job as my pitching coach because of his knowledge. He would do wonders for our young pitching staff.
To "If I Were King of the Forest"
by Yip Harburg.
If I were GM of the Dodgers,
not owner, not manager, not coach.
My regal robes of the office, would be blue, not orange, not black.
I'd command each person, be it coach or player.
With a woof and a woof and a royal growl – woof.
As I'd click my heel, all the writers would kneel.
And the broadcasters bow and the scribes kowtow.
And the critics would not condemn – If I – If I – were GM!
Each player would show respect to me
The fans genuflect to me.
Though my tongue would lash, I would show compash
For every underling!
If I – If I – were GM!
Just GM!
Monarch of all I survey — Mo–na-a-a–a-arch Of all I survey!
Dnelly: If you were GM, you wouldn't be afraid of getting rid of non-performing veterans?
dodgereric: Not nobody, not no how.
jhall: Not even Scott Boras?
Lion: Imp-oceros.
Dnelly: How about resigning Manny?
dodgereric: Why I'd sign him to a 3-year, $75mil with a 2-year option. We need his fanny.
Dnelly: Supposin' you can't trade Pierre?
dodgereric: I'd kick him in the derierre.
Enchanted: What if Schmidt can't go?
dodgereric: I'd make him feel like a ho.
Group: How?
dodgereric: How? Courage! What makes a King out of a slave? Courage!
What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage!
What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage!
What makes the Sphinx the Seventh Wonder? Courage!
What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage!
What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the ape in ape-ricot? What have they got that I ain't got?
Group: A contract.
dodgereric: You can say that again, huh?
Oh Dodgereric!!! That is awesome!!!!! Wow!!!!! Fantastic!!!!!
Dodgereric strikes again!!!!!
ERIC….that was too funny….j
I'm still catching up on Saturdays & Sundays blog…this is what happens when I call in sick at ITD…
Well said Josh,
It looks like Dodger Eric is stepping up to the plate.
Good afternoon everybody. This could get interesting.
Everybody and Colleti are very adamant about keeping about keeping our young core, but we have to have some perspective, you weren't that good before Manny came to town. I don't have a problem with moving Kemp or Martin. Larry Bowa made a good point about Manny's influence in the maturation of our young players, if Manny isn't brought back, that influence has to come from someone else. We are losing a lot of our veterans this offseason, veterans are what we have to be bringing in for our roster holes in the outfield, starting pitching, and third base.
If we let Lowe and Penny both go, which is a possibility, and exceptable in my view, then we have to make an aggressive push for Sabathia.
our other four starters:
Billingsley – youth isn't an excuse anymore
There is no reason to devalue Martin by moving him to 3B. He has developed into an All-Star Catcher. In 3B, he just average. But we need to understand that he is not a 3-4-5 hitter; bat him at the 2, 6, or 7.
DeJesus is our 2009 2B. He isa better than DeWitt, and on the subjectm DeWitt isn't the answer for 3B. We should trade for Beltre.
Manny – 4 yrs./100 mil. Anything more and you walk away.
We can talk about trading Pierre & Jones all we want, and they can ask for a trade all they want, but the fact is that nobody wants them, their respective value is lower than dirt. If it does happen, we are not getting anything worthwhile for them. The best we can hope for at the present is have another take their contracts by packaging them with other prospects, and thats unlikely. The best thing to do is hold on to them, play them, get their value up, and then try to move them.
I meant acceptable, losing Lowe and Penny is acceptable.
Losing Penny would be exceptional as well…
LOL Scott!!! I agree!
Very good Scott, very good!
if i was GM, i would let manny, kent, nomar, lowe, penny, maddux, sweeney, and bennett walk. that's roughly 45-50 million coming off the books and we collect 4 premium draft picks by offering arbitration to manny and lowe. as incredible as manny has been for us, there is no way this team should give him a 6-year 150 million dollar contract. manny has already said he wants to see who the highest bidder is, and boras has stated publicly that manny will be seeking "iconic" money. combine that with his advanced age and past behavior and it does not look good for his future in LA. with the glut of money that would have been thrown at mr. ramirez, i would prefer to invest the money in CC sabathia. this team is deprived of superstar players in their prime, and CC would give us just that. hopefully he would accept my offer of 6 years 141 million with an option for a 7th year at 25 million (very similar to the santana contract). i would do everything i could to keep furcal around. he's said he wants to stay in LA, so hopefully he would accept my offer of 2 years, 23 million. ideally, i would sign furcal AND orlando hudson, but i realize it would be extremely expensive, so i must be creative. juan pierre has a horrible contract, so i would contact omar minaya to swap bad contracts for luis castillo. pierre has slightly more remaining on the 3 years of his contract, but the mets will be glad to pick it up because of his sexy SB total. i have absolutely no desire to see andruw jones next season, so i would see if garret anderson would be interested in coming up the freeway for 2 years, 16-20 million. i know his OBP is nothing to get excited about, but i think his overall play would be better than delwyn's or andruw's. after all was said and done, my lineup would be: |||||
SS- rafael furcal
C- russell martin
RF- andre ethier
1B- james loney
CF- matt kemp
LF- garret anderson
2B- luis castillo
3B- blake dewitt |||||
pitching staff:
SP- CC sabathia
SP- chad billingsley
SP- hiroki kuroda
SP- clayton kershaw
SP- james mcdonald/jason schmidt
RP- chan ho park
RP- cory wade
RP- scott proctor
RP- hong chi kuo
RP- joe beimel
RP- jonathan broxton
RP- takashi saito |||||……………….it should also be noted that many of our young players are due for significant raises in the coming years, so schmidt and andruw's combined 34 million coming off the books next season is convenient.
DNEL – Hey girl, I was going through all the post of this weekend…I couldn't fine the calendar stuff. Can you briefly explain what was going on? I read and read and couldn't find it…did read something about taco bell and alcoholic drinks, I did read about the beginnings ITD and when some of you posted for the first time, the Yellow song, Amy is back and well and other topics. I did see you asking someone about the Calendar Idea but I couldn't find it…PLEASE HELP
We need just two players to be a contender just (Babe Ruth) and (Sandy Koufax.)
Whitey Herzog.
Do you know if ANDRE ETHIER is going to keep blogging on his DINING WITH DRE' blog?
dodgersrule ~ i think all the calendar talk started yesterday afternoon and went into the evening. It's way past where you wer reading.
A month or so back I ran some preliminary numbers that showed us being able to offer what should be competitive contracts to both Manny and CC, increasing the total payroll 'only' about $20-$25mil. This included, if memory served, buying out Penny, letting Lowe, Kent and Nomar go, but keeping Blake with a modest raise for what the Indians paid him. Of course, we'd release Sweeney and the rest of the PVLs like Bennett. It includes assuming that we have nowhere to put Pierre and Schmidt and Jones but on our roster. It also including giving marginal raises to the Young Guns, although I have no real idea what would be fair.
Although there's decent money coming off the books this year, we'll take that up and more to sign Ramirez and CC. I've done no homework on when our youth start to hit the arbitration years, but we've got a lot of money coming off the books after next season with Jones and Schmidt that will help take care of them.
I'd sure do a study on what effect Ramirez has on merchandising revenue before I say goodbye to him. He and Boros should too. He'll have more latitude to be "Manny" here than in that NY pressure-cooker. He wouldn't have to make any effort to win over fans in LA as opposed to NY (probably the only place that can afford him). That's already done here. A quick signing press conference here and start up the machine for jerseys, stained batting helmets, dredlocks (let him grow it all he wants, BTW) bobbleheads, lunchboxes, cereal boxes, action figures, the list is endless. The easiest no-brainer win/win situation you'll ever see.
dodgersrule ~ we were talking about doing an Ethieraholic t-shirt and that's what stared it.
The Dodgers have 2 choices:
1) Resign Manny and keep current outrageous Dodger Stadium price structure, i.e. tickets, parking, concessions.
2) Don't resign Manny and lower prices across the board because fans are not going to pay $15-20 for parking and Garret Anderson.
dodgersrule ~ it all started on Oct. 19th 3:00pm
Eric, AWESOME!!! I had that song in my head when I read the title, and then you knocked it out of the park! That's why YOU DA' MAN
If I was GM, the first thing I'd do is have a talk with Russ and his Agent, and see about keeping him long-term as a Dodger. If anyone knows anything about Dodger History and Tradition, it's that we've always had great minds behind the plate, and Russell Martin's don't fall off trees (neither do Dioner Navarro's, appearently, but I'm happier with Russ). The number one thing I'd want to avoid as a GM would be for Russell Martin, our defacto team captain the last few years, is for him to feel underappreciated. He's one person we definitely should not take for granted (especially since we traded away a developing catcher).
That's all I can think of right now, just off work and not exactly in a Front-Office frame of mind (and DEFINITELY not getting that Front Office check to be in a Front Office frame of mind, heheh).
Maybe we can get the Fed to buy stock in Manny.
Then we can give him 10 years?
scott ~ I don't think Frank knows the term "lower prices".
TRU – Thanks, I'll keep reading. OH yean ETHIERAHOLICS SHIRTS SOUNDS GREAT!
1. Re-sign Manny……….give him whatever he wants, he is that important to this team and to this community.
2. If you have any money left after that, try and re-sign Furcal to a high money, short term deal. We will have a black hole at SS if we don't bring him back and a short term deal will give him good motivation to try and stay healthy.
3. We will have a hole at whatever position Blake Dewitt doesn't play (2B or 3B)…………we have to fill that hole in free agency somehow. We can bring back Casey Blake if possible on a one or two year deal………or try and find a different option in the free agency market or through trade to fill one of those two positions.
4. Try and move Juan Pierre and his salary. He is obviously not happy here now. On top of that, there is just nowhere to put him if we re-sign Manny. Offer some lower rung prospects along with some money to partially pay the money remaining on his deal so another team can take him off our hands.
5. We are going to lose Derek Lowe in free agency and the jury is out on Penny's health (they will need to make a decision on his option)…………this leaves us with a rotation of Billingsley, Kuroda, Kershaw and most likely McDonald……….we will need another starter, here are the options:
– pick up Penny's option (not sure what his health situation is)
– sign another starting pitcher in free agency, or trade for one (Peavy is out there, but it may take too much to acquire him)
– rely on minor league options like Stultz or possibly Elbert (if his arm can hold up as a starter)
– rely on Jason Schmidt to be able to pitch next season (not comfortable with that)
6. Try and re-sign Nomar and Berroa to low money, one year deals in order to be our utility guys off the bench…….Nomar especially can give us good value in that role.
7. Hire a personal trainer for Andruw Jones and have that trainer move in with him over the off-season. His goal should be to drop 20-25 pounds over the off-season.
BTW, DeJesus could be an option to fill in at 2B, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with relying on him to start the season.
Trapp ~ looks like you spent a lot of time thinking these moves over……..not bad.
I vote for "Jarred" from Subway to be Andruw Jones' personal trainer.
Rose- It's good to see you back. I missed you here this weekend. You contribute to the girl power on the blog!! I'm glad you are feeling better and so am I. I was out for over a week and it was terrible. It's great to be back!
Enchanted- thank you my dear. It feels so wonderful being peppy again. I still say that I wish I wasn't sick during the playoffs so I could've enjoyed them a little better.
Tru- keep my boys!! so true, we need our young core. I feel we will go very far with them for seasons to come.
Dump Jones!
Eric- love the creativity. You soo have my vote for GM! all the way~!
Amy, I can't see how we could keep Jones, now that he's outright displayed his feelings with the fans (and without discerning between the ones who booed him and the ones that cringed in their seats, and the brave souls I saw who chanted "Let's Go Andruw" to dirty looks throughout the section).
Even notoriously media-unfriendly Jeff Kent knew better than that. He said "Bloggers!", not "Dodger Fans!"
Glad you are feeling better Amy!
First time in 3 weeks that I'm feeling like myself. I had a cold/flu/allergy thing going that kept me low . . . but today's wonderful.
Fantabulous song, Eric. Absolutely perfect!!!
Thinking about the "if I was GM" thing –
First thing I'd do is sign Manny. After that I'd sign Maddux to a player/coach contract and get rid of Honeycutt. Would definitely do whatever it takes to keep the young core players here and happy long term. Unload Jones and Pierre – they MUST be gone!! If DeWitt is slated for third, then I'd sign Orlando Hudson to play second. I would keep Berroa; he played like he was "interviewing" for a job the last month or so of the season, and I liked what I saw. Peavy is certainly worth bidding on; so is Sabathia – either would do. Lastly I would take a hard look at who has advised me in the past regarding FA signings (Pierre, Jones, Schmidt, et.al.) and tell them to take a hike, and take Stan Conte with you.
Rose, good to see you back! Wondering where you had been 🙂
NSB- agreed my friend. Keepiin gJones makes no sense at all. I do feel bad for Schmidy, he never got his shot. I still live Juan..I hope he's happy where ever he ends up. That's all I want for him.
scott- thank you 🙂 happy to be back!.
diggie- what was your previous post name? I forgot!
I was sparkleplenty_us
got it! thanks. that's a lot different than diggie- but loved all the same 🙂
awww – Amy, you are so sweet!!!
The moment an owner, especially our owner, tells a GM, "Give him whatever he wants", when negotiating with a free agent is the moment he should sale the team.
scott, the fans aren't going to pay $15 parking for garret anderson? how do you explain 2005 when fans were still coming in at record numbers to see the likes of olmedo saenz, jason philips, and jose cruz jr. suck everyday? we may not spend our hard earned money to watch GA, but CC would be a cornerstone of any franchise. prices are going to be outrageous whether we sign manny AND CC or sign david eckstein and call it an offseason.
Diggie1, there is only so much money a team can spend. Signing Manny, Orlando Hudson, AND Sabathia just isn't possible.
If we can get another power source, I'd let Manny walk and be happy with the draft picks we would get when he declines arbitration. Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu, and Pat Burrell are free agents, they don't really excite me, but they do bring power.
Apparently, the Dodgers have a genuine interest in Robinson Cano.
McCourt is building what he hopes is a cash machine outside the bleachers and is selling naming rights to everything but (hopefully) the actual name of Dodger Stadium.
I'm so naive……..
It's good to see you all. Diggie – I'm glad you are feeling better. Dodgersrule – get better, and Amy – how are the mini donuts?
Ward Dear….. LOL!!! I have nothing say because I'm still laughing at the song…. and everything else today.
Oh!! nsblues – I certainly didn't mean to exclude you. How are you doing today sir?
Hi DNel. Hope you're having a Dodger-licious day.
You guys were cracking me up yesterday – was lurking/reading, not contributing. Brain was not plugged in. Evidently laughter really IS the best medicine – LOL
good afternoon dnelly. On Little House today it was the opening of Nelly's Restaurant. I thought of you and good old Nelly Olson.
the mini doughnuts are fabulous. Had a couple with my breakfast this morning- thanks for checking 🙂
I doubt the D's have anykind of a shot at all with Hi-Bid Borass and Manny. Honestly, he shouldn't be signed for any more than 2 years by an NL team. The AL (Okay, the Yankees) have the luxury of making him a DH if he becomes too much of a liability in LF. Marketing aside, he's 37 next season – do you really want a 40 year old Manny being Manny in the OF in a couple years? Even at the end of this season Torre was bringing in Pierre – PIERRE! for defensive purposes for Manny.
Manny's a great hitter, but its starting pitching more than anything else this team needs. Lowe's gone (Borass again.) Penny should be. That leaves Schmidt (doubt he ever throws effectively again) and two kids (Kersh & McDonald) who shouldn't be throwing over 160 innings apiece to go along with Billz and Kuroda. CC would go a long way of solidifying the rotation for years while the two kids develop.
Diggie – I am having an Ethieriffic day – students were pretty good, and it was just a fun, all around entertaining day 🙂 I am glad we made you laugh. I am not sure when jhall and I started, but it was non-stop laughing from morning to 1:00am ish when the ITD late night crew decided we had done enough.
BTW – dodger4life – very cool the way you signed off last night, and I love what you did on Andre's blog – funny 🙂
Hey yarrum,
Well, hopes were high after the Finley GS and all, but before Manny came in, things were getting ugly and Colletti and maybe even Joe were on the chopping block. This is L.A. baby. Do you want to be the Clippers or the Lakers? After tasting a star player this year, do you think the fans are going to settle for less? McCourt has stuck it to us fans big time and if they don't sign Manny then it's roll the dice all over again on second rate bums like Jones and Gonzales. Especially in the next year or so, people are going to have to be wiser with their money.
BTW, great piece Eric!!!
Nelly Olson and June Darlin' ~ Talk about polar opposites – Wow!!
well at Least Nelly Olson calms down and become real nice once she grows up and has her own family. Too bad her mom adopts Nancy- aka Nelly part 2.
I love little house. They also introduced Laura's Manly today. True love 🙂
Sad thing is Scott, Frank will never back down on his prices no matter what they put out there as a team. He still has to fund the green girdle or whatever it is to go around the stadium…
I'm prepared to lose Manny….just don't like the vibe out there. Manny's bye bye wasn't exactly an "I love you and will see y'all real soon…" If he signs, I couldn't be happier; that's where I'd spend free agent $$$ But……………I think he wants to be elsewhere.
So……..I'll follow Torre's lead and throw the cash into pitching. No CC or any other high-end arm, though. Name ONE long-term, high-salary pitching contract that has panned out? Build the staff from within, make a trade or two if you have to, stock up on middle relief withy your free agent money (if no Manny,) decide if Broxton is the closer, and if not, trade for one as well. NO K-Rod, please… Cross your fingers and hope for a healthy Schmidt. Not so sure I jettison Penny just yet. One more year on the cheap is doable. You can always trade him at the end of Spring Training if need be. Maddox? Why not?—as a player/coach/long man??? Kershaw, Kuroda, Billingsley…maybe McDonald and/or Elbert as starters (if not, then maybe AA or AAA until they're ready…not so sure we'd be doing either a favor in the bullpen, but that will sort itself out).
Keep ALL the core kiddies: MartinLoneyKempEthierDeWitt. I still say Repko, if healthy, is a stud. Pierre and Jones? Move Pierre (I think his contract is "tradable" now); release/trade Jones…whatever it takes. We don't need either one's diminished skills and borderline crummy attitude infecting the team. Resign Furcal, move DeWitt back to third, Hu or DeJesus to 2B.
Lots of inexpensive young players on the cusp of stardom. Let them shine. Hopefully it all comes to together like the young Rays!!!
I just got an mlb email : Re: buy your 2008 World Series tickets on Stub hub.
No thank you, I'll pass!
Hi Nelly,
I was laughing hard last night!
Lots of fun!
yep, enchanted. I'm not sure attendance will always be great though. I'm not as excited about going to the stadium as long as unruly fans are still allowed to ruin decent people's experience there. More of a "Raider Fan" mentality these days as compared to the O'Malley era.
I'm still not completely sold on McCourt. There's something not trustworthy about him.
Wonder if Josh is soliciting "what would you do?" on here because Ned needs some ideas.
Hey Junie, through all the nonsense last night, did you get enough baseball quotes to be useful or do we have another work night tonight?
I thought soliciting Beavette's specialty!
If I was Ned (GM) here's what I would do:
1. Recommend Logan White for GM to Frank McCourt
2. Resign
That is sad Scott. I haven't been to the stadium for 20+ years, but other than an occasional (and it was rare) drunk, the worst you ever heard then were boos. Perhaps Frank should cough up a few extra grand for security.
And I think you're right – for the next year or two attendance will probably be down all over.
Shhhhhh. Beavette's parents may be reading…
I take it all back. As the new GM, my first priority is no longer the roster:
We can only hope? Eric
Ward Dear… more than enough I believe – thank you very much!!! nsblues, dcollins and dodger4life too. I am sure they have enough to start with, and then if we need more, I know where to find you – LOL!!! Fantastic stuff, really 🙂
dodger4life – it's like that most nights. I go to bed with a pain in my side and usually crying, I am laughing so hard. Among other things, I don't think I will ever watch a "Leave it to Beaver" episode the same way ever again. However, yesterday was an all day event – starting with jhall and the Calendar Boys/Girls in the morning, ITD rewind and ending with baseball quotes. And the people that thought we wouldn't have anything to do on here… they don't know what they are in for 🙂
Ward Dear… I heard about the accident as it happened. xoxrussell texted me when it happened. She was sitting in that section by the foul pole. She said the person who fell had minor injuries and the person who was fallen on had neck injuries.
Those quotes were fun!
DCollins dont forget to recharge that toothbrush(LOL)
dodgereric ~ why doesn't security remove unruly fans?
Thanks Eric. You seem to have backed up my post quite well.
The parking lot is totally unsecured and I have only taken solace in the fact that I had a Dodger hat on and would be left alone by the drunken masses.
Jason Repko and Delwyn Young are extremely underrated. Baseball America said that Delwyn Young can be a starting left fielder for most Major League teams. The problem is Torre plays favorites, and is too stubborn to change his mind.
You're welcome scott. I've only been to a couple of games in the last several years but I've seen some of this myself. It wasn't too bad at all in the bleachers when I went this year, but last year I sat in the Reserved deck with my then-83-year-old mom and it wasn't what I remembered at all. No offense to the majority of Raider fans, but they sure reminded me of them. I went to a few Raider games when they were in LA and they were some of the only times in my life that I was really checking my back – and I was in Raider colors!
BTW, I just went on a Ray site to wish them good luck and warned them of what might happen to them should the Phillies win a game. It seems to be their most popular site.
dodgereric- you are such a gentleman 🙂
Hello All,
Well I believe alot of us are supporting the Rays…GO RAYS. If it is NOT the Dodgers then GO RAYS….LOL
NS – AMY yup I've been around. Actually I was mostly blogging during the evenings with Jeanette, BiddyBoo, Dnel, EdCarter, Spit and others. I was off from work so I had to wait til I put the kids to bed to blog. Then I got really sick and I just didn't touch a computer. Then with this whole fantasy footbal crap, my husband hogs the computer at home so I just wait til work.
DNEL – OK so I read something about ITD Calendars. I couldn't catch it all since there were several conversation. But what exactly are you guys doing? I read something about ITD Babes…which pretty much elliminates me..LOL Photoshop'ing is fine with me, but do explain more please?
Wow, Dodgereric, that was a nice post you did on Carlos' blog. I too was surprised to see how well behaved the Sox fans were………..they could teach some manners to the Phillie fans.
Ward Dear/Dodgereric ~ we just think too much alike sometimes 🙂
is it because we do not draw enough fans
do not pay enough in ticket prices
do not care about our team enough to where you can see that good team equals more revenue
do we not have a good media market?
Do we not have a great place to play weather wise
Do we not have good schools
Do we not have good public health care in Calidfornia?
Do we not have the highest paid manager and a well respected one?
So why is it again we can't sign CC AND MANNY?
My two cents.
Players who don't want to be back in LA: Lowe, Penny, Pierre, Jones
Manny doesn't care where he plays, he is all about the money. I'd sign him to 4 years though.
I know Pierre wants to be traded if he isn't starting everyday, what about AJones? I heard he already wants out. If we don't sign Manny, you have to keep Pierre over Jones I believe.
We have to sign Furcal!
3b and 2b looks to be open, with DeWitt probably at one of them. Gotta sign FA for the other position open, probably 2b.
Pitchers, gotta sign 1 FA at least. Hope CC, but can't see him and Manny both signing with same team unless its NYY. Love to see McDonald slotted as the 4th man or 5th next year. Schmidt should just retire.
Heading to Tampa for World Series tomorrow! Another nice sweet short vacation for me.
Take care everyone!
hi everyone? how are you all doing?
Josh a tour would be awesome!!! count me in!!! i do have a question for you.. hopefully you can answer it.. I was wondering if at the "under the lights" event, would i actually get to meet some of the present players? or is it a "maybe" type thing?
Dodgersrule – First of all you need to talk to jhall – his idea. Ward Dear/dodgereric got roped into being photo shop guy by "I don't know who" because I was probably laughing my a** off at all the other stuff that was happening at the same time. All I really know is I have April (mine and Andre's birthday month, which happens to be my husband's too, so we are all good – he's actually the same sign as Andre, and jhall, and Eric – OMG!!!!! – no wonder!!!! – they are all Aries – makes sense now, doesn't it? I happen to be the other sign – Taurus)….. I don't forget birthdays – another occupational hazard I think 🙂
as far as the GM goes.. just keep my boys Andre, Matty, Russy, James, Manny, Billz.. and a few more!!! there's a list of who i want to keep but those would be fantastic!!!
Have fun scurtis!!!! Are you cheering for the Rays? If you are, tell them ITD is on their side.
jungar – using that common sense again gets you nowhere when it comes to the Dodgers Organization.
acardona – hello, and the "Under the Lights" is supposed to be hosted by none other than Andre himself, but I'm with you. I would like confirmation that it will be him.
Okay – I have got to head on out to do my taxi mom duties and then on to church and then on to home eventually. Have a great evening, and I will catch up during the ITD late night edition. If I don't see you during the ITD late night edition, have a wonderful evening.
dnelly/June Darlin' – ETHEIRaholic!!!!
Dnelly- hi! I know its Andre! That's why i'm willing to pay $500 to go! haha! but I've asked quite a few people if they think its worth it and EVERY ONE said "yes, its worth it if you get to meet at least one of the players!"
acar- you're back! I hope your trip went well 🙂
and I'm with you on the under the lights, the flyer is a little vague. most the team might be on vacation. But then it's always a 50/50 chance anyone could show up… are you going?
I felt the price was a little outrageous for my taste.
Have fun Nelly!
I'm heading out to dinner with my family! I'll be back on later!!
Acardona= Ethieraholic and Dodgers fan for life!!!
Amy- yes my trip was awesome!! thanks for asking! and yes it is a bit pricey but thats why i'm asking if i'll get to meet someone at least!! i'm still not for sure if i'm going or not.. i'll be back later!! 🙂
Hey I am an aries aswell, but I am March. Then I will ask Jhal to see what's up. I'm sure it was funny coming form them…Jhall and Eric….
I'm a water sign. My wife's an earth sign. Together we make mud.
(sorry, old Youngman or Dangerfield joke)
Nelly, yeah Im for the Rays. Will relay the message lol. Gotta be for the Rays anyways, the girls down there will love that. haha
ACARDONA…I'm sure it will be worth it. If I had the money I would do it. I'm sure DNEL & AMY would too…and TRU & SARA…all the Ethieraholics.
scurtis ~ maybe you'll find a better nightlife in Florida than you did in L.A. lol
Financial Aid finally came, so I was able to pay my dad back for when he paid my tuition (YAY!).
Life is boring without baseball.
:: blows smoke from barrell ::
Johnny Threadkill lives to skulk another day 🙂
I am really torn on what the Dodgers need to do this offseason. As of yesterday I was firmly on the "Sign Manny" bandwagon but now I am questioning that. The only way I would resign Manny is if it's a 3 year deal. Anything more then that we need to look elsewhere. If if comes down to signing Manny to a 4 or 5 year deal or signing Sabathia to a 6 year deal I'd choose to sign Sabathia. In the long run I think he's the better investment. Anyways my plan if I was Dodger GM….
Let all the free agents we have this year walk away except Furcal. Decline Penny's option and offer Manny, Lowe and Blake arbitration. I would offer CC Sabathia a 6 year 145 million Dollar deal. Sign Pat Burrell to a 3 year 52 million dollar deal. Also, I'd trade for Adrian Beltre for Scott Elbert, Chin Lung Hu and another prospect who's not named Andrew Lambo or James McDonald. So If my plan came to fruition the lineup and rotation would look as soo.
1. Sabathia
2. Billingsley
3. Kershaw
4. Kuroda
5. McDonald
SS FurcalC MartinRF EthierLF Burrell
3B Beltre 1B Loney CF Kemp2B DeWitt
Now to the bullpen. I hate to say it but I think we need to let Saito walk. I think he's going to retire anyways. I'd sign Juan Cruz to a 2 year deal and would make Kuo the Closer.
Kuo (CL)
Cruz I'd fill the last 2 spots with arms from within. Guys like Troncoso and whoever else we have in the farm system.
Bench time. Keep Delwyn Young and Danny Ardoin. After them I really don't care enough to do the work to look up guys I'd but on the bench. We've got a couple capable guys in triple A and we can fill it out that way.
SS Furcal
C Martin
RF Ethier
LF Burrell
3B Beltre
1B Loney
CF Kemp
2B DeWitt
Also, the contract I'd offer Furcal would be a 2 year 25 million dollar deal with an option for a 3rd and with many performance incentives.
Max ~ sounds pretty good to me. Very logical thinking. It should be intersting to see what happens.
Hey, y'all! Miss Semptember here! Attempting to finish typing my macro paper! How is everyone doing?
ITD Gals or Ethierholics 2009 Calendar;
This is the list so far. Only 6 spots left gals!!!!
Pick your month if you are interested Gals.
September I mean. Not going to win the smarts award clearly!
Dad/Chevelle/Eric, simply OUTSTANDING!!™ song. Quite possibly your best ever. It's great!!!!
LOL SeptemberBiddy!!!!
Hey gang!!! Hope you are all having a great day/evening/night.
lol Jhall- Septembiddy!
Thanks Josh for all your efforts and patience. Really got a great bunch here. We love our Dodgers thru thick and thin!!!!
I think Manny is the better short term solution but when you start to think short term you forget about the long term. I think Sabathia would be the better investment because of his ability to still produce at the end of his contract. If Manny gets a 4 or 5 year deal he'll be 42 when that ends. Who knows how he'll play then. Sabathia is in his prime and will give us the better return in the long run I think.
I love Manny and enjoyed his time here but I think it's better for the organization if they went with Sabathia. We've all complained about the overabundance of Old Guys on this team. I'd hate to see Manny become a liability in 3 or 4 years.
October and the crown both coming soon!
LOL!!! I love it Septembiddy!!!!
Anybody familiar with the prospects?
Max and to all in here… I have yet to read over all the comments posted but I have to confess… I don't think we are going to get Manny and maybe that is in some strange way ok. He is phenomenal to say the least but ultimately as he gets older and for the length of the contract, not even thinking about the amount, he is better suited for the American League as a DH. Please don't throw garbage at me!
Hi Jhall & Biddyboo ~ or should I say, Septembiddy! Hope you had a good day.
I'm happy as long as we keep Martin, Kemp, Loney and Ethier. 🙂
Jeanette ~ me too!
Hey Tru! How are ya? Amen to that, J28!
I was already heartbroken once upon a time when they let go of Piazza, not again please!! I hadn't felt as strong a connection with a team since the Piazza, Karros, Mondesi, Nomo days! How's it going Tru? and everyone else? hope everyone had a nice day
J28, I know what you mean! How crazy the stadium used to be! Raaauuuuuull! Those were the days. I was in love with Karros!
Hey Trumom/Ms August!!!
Hello Jeanette!!!
Jeanette ~ I still have Piazza's shirt! Can't seem to part with it. I was also a big fan of Karros.
Tru- Any time he was on KCAL before the games I would swoon. He is still dreamy!
hello wally!
Yes the stadium was so much fun, still is, but I guess because I was younger and sat in the pavillions lol I thought it was wayy more fun!
Jeanette, you need to pick out a month for our ITD Gals calendar.
ITD Gals or Ethierholics 2009 Calendar;
This is the list so far. Only 6 spots left gals!!!!
Pick your month if you are interested Gals.
jhall- are we really going to do this?! Haha
With dad on the project and me recruiting, I believe we can pull it off. Might be a downloadable kind of version but definately doable.
Piazza's still sore about you having his shirt too Tru!! lol
Biddyboo ~ i was so angry when he was traded. I would feel the same way if they traded Andre and any of the other young guns. I liked Shawn Green too………liked the way he tossed his batting glove to a kid after a homer.
Yeah, I havent thought about it til you said it, but this is probably the most I've known about all the players since the 90's in the Rookie of the Year Dynasty. Couldn't tell you anything about Ron Coomer or Mike Blowers, though.
I hated Lo Duca though…..
LOL Beav!!! How ya doin' little brother? I guess you are bumming pretty heavy reading that they will most likely buy out Bennett and not bring him back. HaHa!!!!!
enchanted ~ what's worse, is I still have Nomo's! lol
hello everyone! I'm back! 🙂
Jhall- I want February on the "ITD Ethieraholic Gals Calendar of 2009"!!! 🙂
jhall- that means I have to stop eating starting today! haha Bad enough I'm a nerd!
Hey Acardy!! That's super.
ITD Gals or Ethierholics 2009 Calendar;
This is the list so far. Only 5 spots left gals!!!!
Pick your month if you are interested Gals.
Great Tru! Now Piazza and Nomo are running sround topless.
Hey, John! Hola, acardona!
biddyboo ~ Ah, the magic of an airbrush!
trublue- I LOVED Piazza!!! he was my favorite Dodger player when i was younger!
Oops, Feb-Acardy
Hey Wally – the calendar will probably be easier to market than the rally booger.
No kidding Beav!! LOL!!!!
Acardona ~ when I was younger, many, many years ago, I loved Steve Sax and Steve Garvey.
Jhall- what exactly is this calendar thing? haha!
hello biddyboo! are you new here? or have you been effected by "the invasion of the name changers"? haha!
Hey Biddyboo! How's it going?
acardona- always a lurker and occasional poster! My name hasn't changed other than the 3 at the end of it isn't there!
John- I need a beer! I have to finish a damn writing assignment for macro and man is it boring!
I met Steve Sax a few years ago when I worked at the local ballpark. He was my favorite Dodger growing up, so I was frozen… I don't even remember what I said, or if I said anything, and I don't think I even shook his hand, just had him sign a book I gave to my dad for Father's Day.
Tru- it's funny to think back on who our "first favorite dodger" was, and look at our favorites now huh? 🙂 i just hope Andre, James, Russy, and Matty don't get traded away like Piazza did!! that would break my heart!!
I hear that Biddyboo! I have a Corona sitting in the fridge I haven't gotten around to all weekend, heh. But I am going to have to get around to reading at some point. Boo reading!
We're trying to put together an ITD Gals/Ethierholics/DodgerGals 2009 calendar. Most likely a downloadable on line kind of thing to honor all you great girl Dodger fans. Started off kind of in jest but is gathering steam and is quite doable. Get those pics ready to submit to DodgerEric by Thanksgiving.
NSB- haha!! that's exactly how i was when i met Andre!! i think i was talking really loud when i asked him to sign my shirt!! i think i was shaking too!! haha!
did someone say beer??! lol I'm in need of one after a LONNNGGG day at school!
nsblues ~ I'd be speechless too if I met any of my favorite players, and believe me, speechless is not easy for me! When I met Andre at a signing, all I could come up with to say was, "Nice to meet you." Boy, is he a cutie!
J28- I know. Tomorrow is my long day. Work full time early morning and then off to school at night until 8pm. My day is basically awake at 4am and done at 8pm and then hopefully sleep by 11pm. How many units are you taking at Fullerton?
If I met Russell….i'd probably faint…
Jeanette; Jan, May, July, Oct, and Nov are left.
Hooray Beer!!!!!
Heheh, yeah, can't wait til' end of semester, beer helps
12..Monday's are the worst because I have a Principles of Public Relations class from 4-6:45pm, after being there since 9am…then having to drive home..ughhh….where do you go to school?
hmmmm…..jhall…….I'd rather not! I don't want to scare anyone away lol plus March is my month..
Lordy! Like a full time job! I go to Cal State L.A. I thought it was going to be bad there but all my teachers have been awesome! My friend goes to Fullerton. She said there's like a bar on campus, is that true or is she pulling my leg?
J28- if you do the calendar maybe that will help you in securing a job with the Dodgers! Come on!
jhall- oh wow! that's cool! you can make my month just a tribute to Andre!! haha!! i don't want my pic on there! but that's a great idea!! Dnel, TruBlue, Sara, and Amy deffinately need to be a part of that!! haha
well i have to get going.. nice chatting with you all!! i've been so bored without a dodger game to watch every day!!! lol okay have a great night everyone!!!
Acardona= Ethieraholic and dodger fan for life!! 🙂
LOL Jeanette!! I'm not buying the scare off part. Our loss!!!!
Most of my classes are in a hall that's next door to a bar/burger place. Tempting, but I don't think I could do Shakespeare on a pint of Guiness.
Now Scotch, on the other hand… j/k. I would, but I commute an hour to school and an hour back, so probably not a good idea x_x
I think there is a bar in the billiards and bowling alley under the Student Union but I never been, I know there was one at SDSU cuz I had a beer…or 2..lol there once….
I wonder if CSULA has something like this! I just drive in, go to class, and go home. I go to a boring building that has a sad little coffee stand! No brewskies!
I would have thought that they just have bartenders in all of SDSU's classes!
I went to CSULA once in H.S. on a "field trip" and I went into an arcade, maybe it's in there…
Don Drysdale, came to one of my little league games. I played for the Dodgers and we were playing the Giants.
On the back of the Giants jersey it said (DON DRYSDALE SPORTING GOODS) I can remember thinking thats just not right. We were on the field at the time and were having troulble getting three outs, by the time we did Drysdale started to leave. I ran off the field catchers gear still intact and caught him down the street. Game still in progress forget the game this was Don Drysdale. I ask him to sign my mitt and in the progress said ( HOW COULD YOU SPONSER THE GIANTS). He laughed at me gave me my mitt back and said go beat them for me kid.
LOL seriously! I lived right by frat row and those ppl partied wednesday-Sunday! I had a friday class at 8am and that was just unheard of for most of them cuz Thursday was their main party night…my roommate invited me to a "highlighter" party once at one of the frat houses, but I just had to pass, everyone on my floor in the dorms was going. I guess I was the only loser! lol
Biddyboo, up at Chico, they might as well have bartenders in every class. I've had classes where the first day, a guy recognized a stripper who was at one of the parties. awkward for them, but I thought it was hilarious.
j28- i thought all those stories were made up about SDSU! I would have loved to go to school in San Diego but I would have tried for the other school!
That is too cool Dodger4Life!!!! Wow, Big D was/is one of my all time favorite Dodgers/Baseball Players!!!
Dodger4life, awesome story! You didn't have the pitcher bean one of the kids, did you?
lol john! Don't all strippers go to college?
not made up! I had teacher tell us, "if you can't make it to an exam because it was your buddies b-day the day before and you're gonna go out and get wasted..just let me know and you can come take the test during my office hours or the next class meeting. I went to State, I know what its like" lol
dodger4life ~ I feel the same way you do about Drysdale. Those were the days!
I'm guessing, heh
He beaned more than one. It was some big kid we picked up from the minors before that game. He threw smoke but WILD. He threw a pitch over the backstop that was why we were having trouble gettin three outs. LOL!!!!
But I hade faith!!!
Josh- The question is, what would you do as the GM?? I think you have a pretty good idea of what we all would do (i.e. Sign Man Ram, trade whiny Juan, and perhaps fire Torre and hire back on Tracy….ok I'm kidding). But in all seriousness…I want to know what GM Josh would do. What do ya say ITD gang?
Memories for a lifetime!!!!
By the way jhall…I want in on that calendar! It would be perfect for my desk at work right next to the pics of the kids.
Hi Wally!!! I'm home!!! Just got back from having fun with the ladies at church. Looks like you have a lot of friends here tonight…. Where is Beav Wally? He's not talking to that man in the hole again is he? He sure does miss his big brother when your not around. I guess your father will be coming home shortly. I talked to him earlier, and he was having a mighty swell day. How was your day dear?
Hi DNelly!
Hey Nell'!!! LOL!!!
Agreed Ed!!!!!
Good evening nsblues – boy!! you guys have been busy since I was on here last!! This is just a rockin' place right now. Okay – I haven't read all the posts since I left school, but is Chico still the party school it once was when I was at Sac State many years ago (86-89)?
you guys are making me miss college. Such good memories 🙂
but I like being independent and adult at the same time. But college is like a built in family..
Hey Ns,
I used to live in Santa Rosa, and most of my friends went to Chico State. Word was thats where you went to get a Phd. in drinking. Maybe you deserve a doctorite.
Ive been drinking no spell check.LOL
edwcarter – I agree with your statement wholeheartedly 🙂
jhall – I see we are still talking about the calendar.
I'm with you Ed, I would also like to know what Josh would do as GM!!!
Destined to be a true collectors item Nelly!!!!
Chico State isn't the Number One Party School it once was, but it's still pretty crazy. within two blocks of school, there's at least 5 bars (with at least 5 more restaurants that serve alcohol), so, it does get kind of wild.
Things have gotten less crazy since a couple of students died in hazing incidents (water poisoning) and an underage softball recruit was given drinks at a college party, all that happening from 3 years to 1 year ago. But just last weekend, there was a riot on campus where a mass of students started fires and the police fired gas and rubber bullets into the crowd, some of which jumped over the small fires they set.
So, the short answer is yes and no
Just need 5 more ITD gals!!! Jan, May, July, Oct, and Nov Nell'!!!! Rally those gals Nell'.
WOW…sounds like a crazy school!
dodger4life ~ Santa Rosa – there were a few Santa Rosans at Sac State that were in the dorms with me. Yes, Chico was defintely a place that we went to a few times. Once I moved out into apartments, I had a roommate who lived in Redding so it was kind of a road trip for us on some weekends.
I don't think I would make a good GM because I get too attached to the players.
But since I'm not the GM, I'd say this:
Don't re-sign anyone whose contract is ending this year with the exception of Manny & Furcal.
I'd say that the team we put on the field for the postseason including Saito should be untouchable, except for the expiring contracts.
I think the experience alone will help them play more relaxed in the postseason so they can feel the same as they do in the regular season.
I know that signing Ramirez will change the dynamics of this team in a good way but also in some hash ways like not being able to keep some of the guys we learned to admire.
So that's why I could not be the GM.
I need some baseball help. I just read the article about the buy out on Berroa. they bought him out, but he is still a dodger, but is not a free agent?
is there a simpler way to explain this to little ole Amy?
Yes on the doctorite no on the party school.
Dodger4life, Yeah, I might not be a doctor, but I've probably earned a Master of Brewology the last few years.
Even though I don't really have a taste for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, the local microbrew whose founder/brewmaster got an honorary Doctorate in Business Admin when my girlfriend graduated. I'm just not a fan of Pale Ales (except sometimes Rolling Rock), I'm more of a Mexican beer/German Lager/Guiness kind of guy.
Works for me Pierre.
yeah Jeanette, sometimes I'm glad I commute… but I partied enough here at my place over the years to make up for not being able to barhop in Chico every weekend.
Basically Amy, it comes down to him not having 6 years of service in the show so he cannot be a free agent. We would have to offer him arbitration however to keep him as he has over 3 years of service time.
Modelo!!!! Ole and (Play-Ball)
Whoops still to early huh!
Clubs have players under their control for 6 years before they can become free agents. After 3 years, they become eligible for arbitration. I believe Marty will be arbitration eligible after next season.
I am trying jhall, I am trying… 🙂
I hate the commute. 36 miles from my house to Fullerton! but it was only about 11 miles from my house to Santa Monica College and it took me about the same time to get there! traffic on the 405!
Read the article again, a few times if necessary AMYW27.
I had a problem with it myself.
All I know is that it's a ruling of some kind but I couldn't explain it for the life of me.
He's still a Dodger.
Thank you Jhall. so he hasn't been here long enough to be a free agent. got that part..but I understand your wording on…"however to keep him as he has over 3 years of service time. "
JoePierre, I can understand that. I don't think I have what it takes to be a GM, I'm not that cut-and-dry, and I wouldn't enjoy dealing with the agents/contracts part of the game.
I was happy just working as an usher/parking attendant at the local ballpark.
joepierre- haha. yea. it's all fancy baseball jargin to me.
OK son, now what's all this talk about a calendar? I knew Eddie would do this to you.
I just read this. It helped. but it all hasn't sunk in. I mean, obviously I am familiar with these terms, cause it's all baseball related, but it gets confusing how it all works out sometimes. Luckily I am open to learning and understanding it all cause it applies to my boys!
Wally!!!!!! Your father's home!!!!!!!!
Berroa has over 3 years of service time so he is eligible for arbitration if we buy out his contract. If they don't offer arbitration, he becomes a free agent.
LOL Dad!!! Actually MomNelly was a bigger influence. LOL!!!!
Jhall. thank you for taking the time to explain. 🙂 I really do appreciate it!
Your very welcome Mon Amie Amy!!!!
Think Marty and Dre are super 2s so they're eligible for arbitration this year.
Well, come with me to the garage young man. It's time to take your medicine. (Is your mother still looking? No? Good. Let me show you my True Magazine collection!)
You are blaming June Darlin' – I was the influence? I think not!!!!!!
enchanted – yes they are!!!
Ward Dear.. Beav's home now too!!!!!!
LOL Dad!!!!
Beav, that is going to cost the Dodgers some bucks in arbitration if Dre and Marty are eligible. They need to sign them both long term and buy out there arbitration and may be a free agent year or two. Generally cheaper in the long run.
Your an inspiration Mom!!! LOL!!!
Agreed Wally.
There goes somemore of Frank's green girdle for the stadium.
LOL Again!
Ned's already pissed away more of the Green Stadium Girdle with his useless signings of Schidt, Jones, and Phew!!! Not to mention Bloaiza.
The Dodgers approached Martin's agent earlier this season trying to do exactly what you want, jhall. They were turned down. They flat-out said they didn't want to sign away his arbitration years like the Dbacks did with Justin Upton.
Here's a site with a whole lot of info:
an inspiration? Well, it's the inner beauty talking because it's definitely not from the outside 🙂 I thank you ethier way Wally 🙂
Yep Dad, Marty and his agent know he is going to cash in big time if he stays healthy.
Dodgereric/jhall ~ I remember that happening with Russell. We were wondering why he turned it down.
Your very welcome MomNell'!!!
A lot of times players will do a long term deal for the security in case of injury. Major injury and value goes way down.
Yep, that's the trade-off. Switching sports, Eric Dickerson used to get around that by signing a long-term contract with the Rams every year and then re-negotiate EVERY DAMNED SEASON! Lord, that used to piss me off!
Take care and have a great night gang. Catch you all down the road.
I still think this pretend GM thing is a sneaky way for Ned to get some ideas…
Wish we could get Joe on here for some managerial tips.
See Ya, Jhall
And June Darlin', don't ever go and discount inner beauty. A real man can spot that every time.
have agood night, jhall
Night Wally!!!
Good Night Wally!!!
Goodnight Wally! Hey, you're not sneaking any of my True Magazines into your bedroom, are you??
enchanted, you might have something there! Fine with me as long as he takes our advice!
Ward Dear…. I know dear, and I would have to say the same thing of us female types too when it comes to you men and your inner beauty.
So it sound like Josh is really going to try and do an ITD day at the ballpark for you guys out west – that's pretty cool.
enchanted ~ you might be on to something there. You had mentioned that earlier, but work was getting in the way of reading too much today – well, laughing was getting in the way too. That is definitely a thought…..
Yeah, e! Isn't that something? I thought there was absolutely no chance whatsoever of such a thing happening! Of course, there's always getting through security:
Large security guard: "Yes?"
dodgereric: "I'm here for the ITD tour."
"They call me dodgereric."
Ward Dear…. Ever since you posted on the Rays blog, there have been posters from the Cubs and Indians too, along with a few of us as well. However, we just kick butt when it comes to posting, they are only up to 50 since 2:30 am. We knock out 50 in 30 minutes.
I'm not well-versed in other blogs, but maybe I ought to look around. I can't believe anyone can touch us.
We call that keeping your eye on the ball Nell LOL!
Winter Meetings
December 8-11, 2008
Which means only 49 more days…
I hate the offseason
I think the mental hospital people will be waiting for me.
Security ~ "Name"
me: deb, debbie, debra, dnelly, June Darlin', Junie, Miss Debbie, mom, Mrs. Nelson, nelle, nells, nelly, nellygirl, nellyjune, and Oh!! Don't forget Presdent of Ethieraholics Anonymous, but I guess if I'm here and you know my name, I am no longer anonymous.
Security ~ She says she's here for the ITD tour. You might want to call Bellevue – she's got all these different names, and I'm not sure which one showed up.
According to the 10-13 post on mlblogs.mlblogs.com , we fell to 4th, behind DeRosa, Cryin' Hawaiian and Ellisbury. Commentwise, I'm sure we own all of 'em, but I'm not sure how they get those numbers…
This appears to be the official Red Sox blog. 10 posts since October 20, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Maybe you should just put Sybil on your nametag Nells!
LOL Junie!!!!!
They must somehow count hits and not actual posts.
Polling is probably conducted in Florida!!
ALRIGHT!!! – I just won the Canadian lottery for the fifth time this week!!
nsblues – you had mentioned number of pages too. Some of the posts are pretty lengthy.
LMAO!!!! That's funny dodger4life LOL!!!!!!
This appears to be a popular one. October Gonzo. Two since October 20, 2008 at 11:42 AM
The Pulse. 571 posts! But it's the same thread since we whupped 'em! October 5, 2008 at 2:19 AM
It's 15 days old!
Boy – what would we do with 15 days? Not that we want you to Josh. We like hearing from you. Don't leave us for that long 🙂
We know were number 1!!!!! Right Phan!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes we are!!!!!!!!!
You wanna hear it? We had one thread started on the 4th and the next one on the 6th. Giving them a running start on us, I started adding at the 6th.
5305 posts.
I don't care what they use as a measuring stick. We're the finest in quantity as well as quality.
"The ML best in quantity and the ML best in flavor!"
Ill drink to that!!!!!
And we have bigger thumbs!!
I'm poopin' out so I'll catch y'all later.
LMAO!!!! And with that, ladies and gentlemen, enchanted has left the building!!!
Good-Night Enchanted
LOL!!!! Good night enchanted!!!
Oh my!!! Boys, boys, boys ……….. I know – yes, you are!!!!
I will take quality of quantity anytime – thumbs or not!!!! LMAO!!!!!
Qaulity and qaunitity.Thumbs up LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good late evening ITD boys and girls!
Nice posts on TB site!!!
Okay, now Mr. Rawitch wants our thoughts as to what we would do if we were the Dodgers' GM. Boy, that is a LOADED question!!! Okay, let me say something about the "potential" trades that we've heard in the last few days.
About Peavy, my first thought when I first heard this the other day was to say, NO, don't trade for Peavy. Then I thought about it and I started to say, yeah, maybe we can do something. But the more I think about it (and this is where I am now), I ask myself, why is SD looking to shop Peavy at this time? Peavy has a contract that will pay him $78 mil over 5 years (thru 2013). Again, I ask why shop Peavy at this time? I would like some answers before I venture into any semi-serious discussions about him. Peavy didn't have that good a year in 2008; is he hurt more than the Pads are letting on??? Again, I would like some answers before I venture into any semi-serious discussions about him. I do know that Peavy and Maddux were close in SD, and I'm sure that Peavy would love to be reunited with Maddux…
Russ Martin to Red Sox. No, absolutely, no! I would NOT do this! My reason for this is not only do I not want to see any of our Young Guns traded, but also I think this or any trade for any of our Young Guns would not be a good thing. Young Guns, to me, include: Ethier, Kemp, Loney, Martin, Billz, Kersh and Brox (no, I haven't given up on him yet; too young to give up on). If any of these Young Guns are traded, I think that will demoralize the rest of the Young Guns and be counter-productive.
Resign Raffy to an incentive-laden contract for 2 years. Resign Casey Blake for 2 years. If we don't resign Casey, then have DeWitt play 3B next year and have DeJesus or someone from the minors fill the 2B role. Kent is gone. Lowe is gone. Penny is gone.
Sorry for the long post! See what you started Josh!!! 🙂
not "of" – should have been "over"
Oh, and Josh! Thanks for being our tour guide for ITD posters!!! Can't wait!!!
We're perfectionists here at ITD!
Hey CP!!!!!
yes, we are Ward Dear… yes, we are!
The 12:30 "Leave it to Beaver" episode – Ward and June want Beaver to be neater. LOL!!!!!! too many thoughts going through my head right now.
Hey Nelly!!! Boy, Josh sure did ask a loaded question, huh??? Well, he asked!!! I'm up later than I usually do. I guess I kept my husband up all of last night with my snoring. So I'm letting him fall asleep first, before I go to bed. Thought I'd chime in on Josh's question.
Happy Dodger thoughts Nelly!!!!
Hey Nelly!!! I'm gonna have another interview with the County of Ventura; I've just got to schedule it tomorrow. I know you are, but pls keep praying for me!!!
For me CP, it's the other way around. My husband is the snorer so I let him go to bed first (which is way too early for me), and by the time I am ready to go be, I am tired enough where I fall asleep fairly quickly.
your mouth gods ears. CP
Nelly, we both snore. But I can usually take it a little easier because I fall asleep so fast. And once I'm asleep, I'm asleep. Sometimes not, but usually I can ignore him.
I sure will CP!!!!!
dodger4life – I didn't even have to change a word – I took it straight from the menu. LMAO!!!!! Think what you will….
Dodger4life – huh???
Ill pray for ta too!
Ill pray too sorry
Thx Dodger4life!!! It's getting a little late and my mind is starting to turn to mush. But I'll stick around for a bit…
Hey CP, I'll be praying too!
Its 12:30 in Boise I can relate!
Dodger4life – Forgive me if I missed it before, but are you fairly new to ITD or do we know you as a more familiar name??? (You know, Invasion of Name Snatchers).
Oh, so you're in ID!!! I have a friend that grew up in the Lewiston area…
I found ITD at the start of the post season!I had to have my 10 year old show me how to use a computer.
Oh thx diggie/sparkleplenty!!!
My little brothers wife is from there.
Dodger4life was a big help with the nasties over on Andre's blog.
Well Dodger4life, it may be a little late, but welcome to ITD!!! 🙂
Thx for the help on Andre's blog Dodger4life!!! I tried, but those Philly phans were just being jerks. And I'm saying this as nicely as I can…
Glad to be here!!!!
Besides im learning how to type tonight!!!! LOL
I know he and everyone other player is on vacation right now, but if you can "suggest" to Andre to give us good places to eat in the Phoenix area, that'd be great!!! It'd be great for those going to that area for ST!!!
GO DODGERS Nelly!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What? More Phidiots?
Well, I think it's time for me to turn in for the evening. I'll catch up with y'all tomorrow…
Go Rays!!! 🙂
I hear an Hey Andre whats for lunch coming on!
Good-Night CP
Good-Luck again
No more Phidiots (very good name by the way). I was just explaining to CP how dodger4life helped out over on Andre's blog when it was at it's highest point of nastiness.
Good Night CP!!! Happy snoring 🙂
Goodnight, CP!!
Phidiots is well worded Eric!! LOL
Ah! I get it! I jumped back over after finishing my NASCAR Commish duties and landed in a conclusion!
Thanks! It seems to be my major contribution to this place!
How's the NASCAR commish doing? Are you winning?
Correct me if im wrong but no Petty's next year say its not so.
Actually I WAS doing rather well, headed for 2nd place money in both the Standings and Total Points. But Lil Shrub is killing me.
What was the huh for?
I wish it were not so, Dodger4. If Adam were still around, it wouldn't be true.
God Bless The Petty's
You have managed to coin alot of names and phrases around here, haven't you? However, you have major contributions in all areas around here 🙂
Yes Eric ,that what im getting
Security!!!!! lol!!11
I don't remember now what the huh? was for :), and I forgot you had Kyle. Kyle ain't doing so well.
I think I'm going to turn in, my Dodger friends. Good night and God Bless!!
Good- Night all!!!!
Good night Ward Dear…. thanks for the laughs today:) God Bless to you and your family, and see you in on ITD am edition.
Oh yeah and God I know your a Dodger fan. Please remember CP
Good night dodger4life!!!!
Good- Night Nelly!!
Good luck on your interview CP! Let us know how it went.
Good morning. In the car to work this morning I realized that I'm not emotionally over baseball. Paper planes came on, followed by Russy's walk up music. Plus Ryan Seacrest was talking about the Madonna concert at Dodger Stadium. he must have said 'Dodger Stadium' like 8 times. It was killing me. I though of my friend NSB who said "it's boring without baseball".
so true. Hope everyone has a pleasant day. CP good luck with the job search!!
Josh- are you working hard in preparations for the Madonna concert?? Your job never ends!
Viva Los Dodgers!!!!
Good morning ~ I read this morning that the Dodgers declined the option on Berroa…………one move down, how many more to go?
Good Morning ITD:
TRU – thanks for the info on Berroa. There is going to be "Manny" changes for next season.
CP – I hope it all goes well with your interview…prayers your way.
AMY – no matter what we do or go, what time of the year we are on…DODGERS WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF OUR LIVES…THINK BLUE…..ISN'T IT GREAT!
My dad once had a punish lesson – 50 pages of "I Must Not…" and halfway through wrote; "if you read this far I will give you a quarter." The next day the class turned in the assignments and the following day the sister at Queen of Peace School asked my dad for the quarter.
It takes a long time to read through these posts! You deserve a quarter – AND a championship team in 2009.
My guess is that management will measure the marketing worth of spending the huge dollars to keep Manny and they will at least bid that high. More than just jersey sales and filled season ticket sales, Manny really can bring success to the Dodgers. Minus Manny the Dodgers will need a miracle to fill the runs batted in.
I hope Jason Schmidt can pitch. He was awsome a couple years ago. I cannot believe Jake Peavey will be available for anything less than the Dodgers best 2 current pitchers and that would not include Lowe who, according to the media, is heading back to bean town.
Losing Kent at 2nd base is bigger than most people think so a priority should be a power hitter for third or second with the open spot going to Blake Dewit. Keeping Furcal is a risk because he is injury prone but healthy he is the best. Furcal is worth the risk if the Dodgers have good backup players and we like him!
Don't give up on Andruw Jones yet. Injury free he will be a great number 5 or 6 hitter in the lineup and very able to get those 30 homeruns we were hoping for this year. Despite the boos (I was not one of them) he can still be a Dodger favorite. I just hope we get a chance to cheer for him again. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp need to somehow play every day. These guys are the Marris and Mantle of the Dodger future and their off-season should concentrate on hitting skills to make them more confident and polished. Both have impressed Los Angeles so much and have become fan favorites.
Hey – tell the guys in the front office; DON'T EVEN THINK of trading Russel Martin. Not now – not ever. If poor Russel can only use one leg we still want him on our squad. The SHAME of trading away Mike Piazza and Paul LoDuca still lingers in the halls but I am confident that the current ownership respects the fans as only the O'Mally family was able to.
Thank you for a great year of notes and insider information. I can't wait for Spring Training.
Ohayo Gozaimasu! Buenos Dias! Buon Giorno! Ni Zao! Guten Morgen! "And a pleasant good morning wherever you may be" ITD!
Well, not so good for me, I woke up to find I missed my classes x_x.
Skepco, I agree with most of your post. I'm hoping Schmidt can come back for his contract year (which might be motivation enough). Manny should be a bigger priority than McCourt could imagine, but even so, there are no guarantees when Boras is involved, and he DOES want to stick it to Boston, and he's from Washington Heights, home of Vin Scully and also the Dodgers (who played pre-Ebbets at Washington Park, where they used the George-Washington-slept-here-and-led-the-Battle-of-Brooklyn-from-here-too Gowanus house as a clubhouse), so I think it would be hard not to imagine the Yankees getting Manny (and probably Lowe too).
The only thing I sorta disagree with is Jones. I wanted to like Andruw Jones, but it seems like he gave up on Dodger Fans long before we gave up on him. Of course, 35,000 boos every night might do that to you.
REALLY small picture from a Yahoo News thumbnail, but take a look at the shirt. Is there something you want to tell us, Ryan Howard?
(if you have Internet Explorer, click on the 100% in the lower right hand corner to enlarge the image)
OK I am the GM:
Get an ACE (CC free agent), get a new closer (Fuentes), move Saito to setup (I do not believe he will be physcially able next year so Broxton can develop into a pitcher rather than just a thrower of a 98 mph fastfall), resign Furcal for 2 years with incentives, sign Blake (3 years), keep DeWitt at 2nd, sign a slugger (Manny max 3 years x $25mm or Dunn for 4 years at $20mm), move both Kershaw and McDonald into starting rotation, trade Pierre for prospects (paying 1/2 of salary), walk from Penny (physcially unable to perform at the level of salary he wants), Biemel walks. Stay out of arbriation with both Martin and Either (and maybe Kemp???)
25 man salary level at $116mm, total payroll in $140mm level.
STARTER (CC?) 20,000,000 sp
Kuroda 10,000,000 sp
Billingsley 475,000 sp
Kershaw 415,000 sp
McDonald 400,000 sp
CLOSER (Fuentes?) 7,000,000 rp
Saito (???) 3,000,000 rp
Proctor 1,300,000 rp
Broxton 1,500,000 rp
Kuo 425,000 rp
Wade 420,000 rp
Park 750,000 rp
Jones 17,100,000 cf
Ethier 2,000,000 rf
Kemp 2,000,000 cf
NEW LF (Dunn?) 20,000,000 lf
Martin 2,000,000 c
Ardoin 400,000 c
Loney 600,000 1b
DeWitt 410,000 2b
NEW SS (Furcal?) 13,000,000 ss
NEW 3RD (Blake?) 8,000,000 3b
Young 410,000 utility
Abreu 400,000 utility
Hu 400,000 utility
25 man Roster 112,405,000
Repko 600,000
Pierre co-pay trade 5,000,000
Ozuna 1,200,000
Penny buyout 2,500,000
Schmidt DL 12,000,000
Bennett buyout 900,000
I'm seeing a couple new names on here – skepco & chuck. Welcome aboard ITD!!!
Good Afternoon nsblues and enchanted!!! I like the shirt on Howard nsblues 🙂
Welcome skepco and chuck – awesome posts from both of you. Fuentes isn't a bad idea. I am a little bias since he is from my home town, but it is a thought. I'm not sure how I would handle Brox though. I will have to think more about that one.
Sorry Bob Lee. Looks like Jerry Jones has a new business partner (and those two logos together behind them make a chill that cuts to the bone I haven't felt since… well… ever.)
SKEPCO – I agree with you in "Manny" ways. Oh yeah please DO NOT TRADE MARTIN, KEMP OR ETHIER. If that was to ever happen…L.A. Fans will be very but very psssst off. Andruw Jones is a power hitter, but to tell you the truth, I feel that he does not want to be in L.A. and he is not putting all his power & heart to the game. He should play someplace else where he is happy. If he does stay in L.A. then he has a lot to do to earn the respect of the fans here..
AND OH YEAH IF I WERE MANAGER…then ITD members will have their seating section next to the duggout and ITD members can attend Dodger practices and as well participate in the practices. Let's not forget we get to park where the players park. Discount on all Dodger items, beer, tickets, food etc. Before making any trades or change in lineup….Management must consult and obtain approval from ITD…LOL!
How would us Dodgers fan feel if management decided to just close up the purse strings and cover up the roster holes from within and allow the young players to just take their lumps. Don't resign anyone, get the draft picks from the departing free agents, wait out contracts to expire, and just be patient and watch our players develop into whatever it is they are going to be. We keep Penny to round out the starting rotation, and apparently Schmidt doesn't have anymore discomfort.
C – Martin
1B – Loney
2B – DeJesus
SS – Berroa / Hu
3B – DeWitt
LF – Ethier / Young / Pierre
CF – Jones / Repko
RF – Kemp
P – Billingsley
P – Penny
P – Kuroda
P – Kershaw
P – Schmidt / McDonald / Elbert
Would we be okay with that?
nsblues – no way!!!! I am sorry for you too boblee!!! Go Redskins!!!!!! LOL!!!
Hey Dnelly and enchanted! and welcome to ITD Skepco and Chuck!
I guess the only reason I'm not playing GM is because I'm the kinda guy who, when playing a baseball video game, goes for Season Mode instead of Franchise Mode. I like watching the game, but numbers make my head hurt. If I'd have a chance at a Front Office job, I'd probably be better suited to the PR department, or Advertising, or generally anything involving typing.
Looking at how well thought-out everyone's response to Josh has been, I'm very impressed! Me, I'm more inclined to bust out a typewriter than to bust out the Adding Machine.
No offense Cowboys fans (and feel free to direct all Crazy Al Davis comments in my direction as penance), but that picture is like watching Darth Vader shake hands with the Borg.
Or like Fantasmic! at Disneyland when all the Disney villains unite to spoil Mickey's fun.
Rose, I like your idea!
OG, I'd be reasonably okay with that lineup. Most people would probably be upset with the fact that the Big Market Dodgers didn't make an offseason splash, but that would be compensated when the Young Guns start getting their next contracts.
With all the money tied up in Jones, Pierre, Schmidt (if unhealthy), etc, I'm kinda worried that soon we'd have to, say, pick 2 out of Martin, Loney, Kemp and Ethier. Your plan covers that worry.
Ned had the right idea by signing PVLs… but what we should be doing instead of getting bargains is gunning for a PVLIHP, a Proven Veteran Leader In His Prime. Yeah, a lot easier said than done, but I think we could use at least one guy in his prime to drive the ship. We could afford at least one and still have enough money to keep the Young Guns that are growing into a team.
Thinking a little outside the box…
1. Sign CC Sabathia 6 years $140M (doesn't mean you can't find a way to flip him year 5 or 6.)
2. Trade DY, Hu, Elbert and Pierre + Cash for Peavy (if healthy, and I don't want Conte making THAT call.)
3. Sign Maddux as player-coach
Rotation is now CC, Peavy, Bills, Kuroda & Kersh with Maddux taking a turn now and then in pitcher friendly ballparks.
Closer: Brox (he's only 24 and did a better than decent job when handed the reins.) Set-up: Wade and Kuo. Rounded out, take your pick of 2: Biemel, Procto, Stults, Troncoso.
Trade McDonald for Holliday straight-up (Holliday must be a trade and sign or no deal.)
Outfield now Holliday/Kemp/Ethier
If you can't dump Jones, sit his sorry *** on the bench and he can be a defensive replacement, though I'd prefer to cut him from the team and eat the contract.
#4 Jones, #5 Repko
Move Marty to 3B, DeWitt 2B, resign Ferk (but be prepared to commit to DeJesus if he goes down) and Loney.
Resign Berroa as back-up infielder, give Lindsay a shot at being RH PH, Sign Rich Aurilia or Craig Counsell as 3B/IF, + another PVL (Ozuna, whomever)
Sign I-Rod for two years as catcher. He'll help the kids and give better defense than Marty. He'll catch about 3/4 of the games. Marty will take his days off (hence Aurilia or Counsell at 3B), with Ardoin getting a spot start or two. I-Rod buys us 2 years until Lucas May is ready for the show.
Wins the west and CC, Peavy and Billz would be hard to beat in the playoffs.
Hey North!!
I really do love all the ideas if you were GM. I am much like nsblues, I don't think I would make it or want to be the GM. I would want to work in the hospitality department somewhere, primarily with the team – team mom 🙂
Hey E! How's it going? Me, I sense a great disturbance in the force with Steinbrenner and Jerry Jones teaming up. Hopefullly they'll have room in the home for Al Davis too, heheheh.
I definitely wouldn't mind having Maddux as a player-coach… of course, who pulls him from a game? That must be the hardest thing ever for a pitcher, to say "I'm out of gas, your turn".
Taking my girlfriend to turn in a job application, so I'll be back in a while.
enchanted – Love the outfield!!!!!! That would be as jhall would say "sweet!!" Not about idea about Russell ethier 🙂
Greetings, all!
Beav, I like your style. Do you think the Rox would go for that deal straight up? I like the idea of getting an everyday player for a SP, but I think the Rox would want more. They can afford to wait, they have a few months before the trading deadline. I like you as the GM. Can I sit in the dugout between Maddux and Mattingly?
There is no way CC signs that kind of contract without a no-trade clause.
It would take more top-tier talent to get Peavy. They want to move Peavy's contract, why would they take on Pierre's contract.
We would have to give up a lot more then just McDonald for Holliday. Holliday is overrated, his numbers outside of Denver are not impressive.
Martin is an All-Star catcher, moving him to 3B would lower his value tremendously; his numbers at 3b look above-average at the most.
Good late afternoon everybody!
Eric nice spot on the bench!!
I love it! LOL!!!
Dinner time .
hey guys. today's been one of those busy, can't really post kind of days.
Welcome new friends. Chuck and Skepco.
I wore new shoes today and now my feet are bleeding from the blisters popping. I hate my feet sometimes.
Dnel and Rose- yes, Dodgers 24/7. I also like your idea of having ITD Stadium privilages I want dugout seats at an affordable price 🙂 but then everyone would join ITD just to cash in. Josh would have to know who the real family members were.
enchanted, I like a lot of the proposals you made, but as Aesthetics Coordinator I'm not thrilled with giving up both Elbert and McDonald. Their replacements look GREAT on paper…but in reality CC has NOT been a post-season legend and he's pitched an average of 222 innings/year for eight years (I'm surprised he didn't break in half the way Milwaukee used him down the stretch…253 innings this year, 241 last season). And I'm not sold on Peavy's health. Peavy's a smallish guy with a wicked slider (a pitcher's "ouch!-I'm-injured" pitch) and I doubt the Pods would even think of trading him if he wasn't, shall we say, "damaged." That said, pitching is such a crap shoot. I know Torre wants to zero in on it, but does ANYONE trust Ned and/or Conte and/or Honeycutt to know a decent, HEALTHY pitcher when they see one??? Another problem: Division rivals Rocks and Pods are NOT going to take our dirty dish water for All-Stars Peavy (even if he IS secretly dinged) and Holliday, with all due respect to Hu, Young, Pierre, Elbert and McDonald (the only real keeper in the bunch…well, maybe Elbert, too).
ok here are my thoughts.
.first off, i would like manny resigned, however i realize that that might not happen. if we cant sign manny then we HAVE to sign or trade for a middle of the order bat. i like burrell, dunn, but burrell more than dunn.
you trade pierre for same prospects or relief pitching…eat whatever you have to.
wait till spring and see whats up with andruw and either trade him or use him as your 4th of.
dewitt is an ok hitting 3rd baseman, but a good hitting 2nd baseman. so i leave him at second.
you sign furcal
move russ to third…now i know some people dont like this idea because he calls a great game and his offense isnt really your typical 3rd baseman. however i trly believe his offense will be better as a third baseman just because his body will be much more rested.
sign jason variteck. i know offensively he isnt all that great anymore but he can call a game as good or better than russ…..russ could catch on days that variteck takes off. i think i-rod is good to. and bengi molina can produce offensively but i think he would have to be traded for.
i think you let lowe walk, and make a run for cc.
sign maddux as your 5th starter/long relief. i think j-mac and maddux should split time in those roles, because he probbaly doesnt need to pitch 200 innings yet.
sign nomar as your utilty infielder, if he is willing to take a pay cut.
start de jesus at AAA and see how he progresses and bring him up to spell dewitt and furcal if he produces.
Furcal ss
andre rf
loney 1b
manny, burell lf
russ 3b
kemp cf
dewitt 2b
variteck, rodriguez c
cc, bills, kuroda, kershaw, mac/mad
young, jones (maybe), hu, nomar………..
i truly believe you can sign manny/burell and cc. the money that this team would bring in would cover their contracts.
Good afternoon/evening ITDland ~ we have some potential GM's among our family. You all have very good ideas. It's nice to see new members to IDT…….welcome Chuck and Skepco.
I think Fuentes is a real possibilty. We almost had him at the trade deadline, but the Rockies blocked it. Like Dnellyae said, he is from our hometown and is real "Dodger" material. Our fans would really like him.
Trouble is we need someone to anchor the staff pookie. Otherwise we're left with Billz, Kuroda, Kersh (max 160-170 innings – that's about 5 per start), McDonald (ditto Kersh) and Schmidt/Stults/Orenduff/Miller/Elbert and/or a myriad of PVLs, any of which if they gave us 100 innings I'd be surprised. With this starting staff, the bullpen will be in shambles by the end of June. I agree on being suspect about Peavy, that's why I wouldn't want Conte taking a look at him.
No big bats in the FA market. Dunn K's way too much and can't hit for enough average to be effective on this team. Plus he's another liability on the field. The way I see it, we'll have to just about empty the farm to bring in anykind of bat. Only solace is that we should get two picks apiece for Lowe, Manny and Blake.
Marty hasn't exactly been impressive behind the plate this last season either between the steals and bad throws. We get someone back there with more defensive skills we shore that up and save wear and tear on Marty. Another option is to play Marty LF, which would give you a + defense and offense outfield, then sign a 3B man be it Blake or Crede.
Any way you look at it, Flanders left this team with 5 seasons worth of holes in one offseason.
I just don't think there is a possibility to sign Manny or CC. It just doesn't seem realistic. Two 100+million dollar contracts seems too much. If we sign Manny we have to target a more affordable pitcher, and if we sign CC we have to target a more affordable batter.
I hope we resign Nomar as a pinch-hitter, its all me thinking with my heart, you could see how much he loves playing in LA and for the Dodgers.
manfromchina, It's a lot to ask for a young pitcher like McDonald to have a dual-role in his first season. You have to decide, is he a reliever or starter, and in my eyes he is starter. Athletes are creatures of habit, and young players are just starting to form their habits, you can't have him be starter one and then a reliever the next. Put him in the rotation, and until you know that is not where he should be, then you move him. This point can also be taken with Martin. Moving between two distinctly different positions is going to affect his offense. Name one All-Star caliber player that split time in two positions in one season.
i see what your saying. but i think you would only use russ to catch 1 every 2 weeks or so. and if we needed to then we could sign a back up catcher so that he didnt have to do that.
you may be right about j mac. so maybe have maddux or maybe schmidt (maybe) as the fifth and start jmac at AA or AAA and bring him up mid way through and just decide whether its as a starter or reliever.
If we think that Martin shouldn't be the Dodgers catcher, the answer isn't to move him to a different position, the answer is to trade him as an All-Star catcher and get an excellent package for him. An All-Star catcher will get you an excellent package. On that note, there is a report that says that the Dodgers might put Martin on the trading block because they are not enamored with his makeup, if that is the case then why trade your best catcher prospect (Carlos Santana) in the Casey Blake deal, IT DOESN"T MAKE ANY SENSE.
oh and as far as the 2 big contracts i think we really need a bat as well as an ace. so cc and burrel. i know thats still 2 big ones but burell will be a lot less than manny. and the production really isn't that far off. you would get better defense and he would hit the same hr and rbis. the average wouldn't be quite as high but that lineup looks solid from top to bottom.
Agree, enchanted, Dodgers need a true ace…but then, I guess everyone does. I always felt we were a year or two ahead of schedule with Manny on board, anyway. If he bolts, maybe we let Kershaw, McDonald, and Bills grow into the studs we think they are. I keep thinking of the Rays. I haven't even heard of most of their pitchers. You save cash and players (potential trades). Now if CC wants to be a Dodgers for a reasonable duration (four years), then sure. But he won't. As for sticks…please no more PVLs. No Burrell, no Dunn, no Veritek, no Casey Blake, trade Pierre, wave a magic wand and make Jones go away. If there is no Manny, trade for a guy IN HIS PRIME, like Campanis used to do. Maybe Ned can actually follow up Manny with an even more brilliant move. Well, then again……….
good point og-
i wont say to trade russ just cause thats blasphemy but i understand what your saying. iyou could get a 3rd baseman who can hit as good or better by trading him……..geeze i think im just to atached to him.
but i cant understand how they can say they dont like his makeup….if they said that. i feel like of everyone on th eteam he has the most.
Maybe Marty uses Revlon and Ned and Frank are Mary Kay kinda guys.
I still think that's why they went for it this year – because NedCo new what a shambles the roster would be in '09.
The biggest frustration isn't when you have holes in your roster, but when you have question marks in your roster. Question marks for us, I believe are Andruw Jones, Brad Penny, and yes, Jason Schmidt. The question is: Can we expect any positive production from any of them?
Answering that question tells you whether or not you have a hole, if you decide you do, then you fill it.
When you have Young Guns you concede that frustration because you know you are going to have question marks. Take Matt Kemp, his question mark is whether he is going to be the consistent power bat that is going to get you 30+ HR, with a young team you stay patient and let them develop. Now, I love my Dodgers, and I believe in our Young Guns, so I have no problem being patient. But, when you sign a Joe Torre, you are making a statement that you want to win now, then our patience is limited and you have to make moves.
enchanted ~ I think you are on to something!!
Hey TruMom!!!
manfromchina, I understand about getting attached, we read about the next Dodgers prospect coming through the minors, going up the steps on his way to show, and then you finally see them wearing Dodger Blue, and say, "so thats Adrian Beltre," or "so thats Eric Gagne, and Jason Repko", or "so thats Chad Billingsley, and Matt Kemp, and Andy LaRoche" you look at them wearing that uniform and see them get their first hit or first out and think that is their first step to being the next great Dodger and to a Hall of Fame career. Dodger Blue makes you believe.
Hi enchanted ~ good to see you. Hope you are having a good day.
you got that right og
DODGER blue!!!!!
THE ONLY blue
Good evening ITD boys and girls!
Thx for the well wishes on my interview. It was today @ 3:00. It went fine; again, a waiting game. And this interview was with the County of Ventura; nothing is ever fast where the county is concerned.
Hey CP!!! Just got in from having dinner out. How are you doing? Glad to see your interview went well. Like you said – now sit and wait. Well, we will be here waiting with you.
cp ~ I didn't get to last night, but I do want to wish you the best of luck with your new job………I'm sure you will get it. After all, we here at ITD are the "best" people!
Thx Nelly/TruBlue!!! Don't you love that tour idea!!! I sure do!!! Like I said before, I can't wait!!! About a month ago, the three of us (myself, Jim and Kyle) had a LONG talk. A lot was said at that time. But what came out of it is Kyle (my son) has committed to cooking for the three of us, once each week. Well, Kyle cooked for us tonight! He BBQ'd, but it went great! And I didn't have to cook or clean up afterwards!!!
Okay, I know I put in my 2 cents worth earlier, but I'd like to say some things that I didn't say before. No way would I try for Dunn; too many strikeouts. But some of you were saying to sign Fuentes. I forgot that he's a FA and maybe that would help shore up our pen. If that means saying sayonara to Sammy Saito, well, maybe that's what it means. If we do pick up Fuentes, then Broxton can go back to his 8th inning role until he develops into a full-time pitcher, rather than the thrower he is now.
I don't think that we'll be able to resign Manny. I would go no further than 4 years/$100 mil. I KNOW that Manny/Borass won't go for that; they want 6 or 7 years. And I wouldn't do that. So if we don't resign Manny, then we can definitely go after CC. That Burrell idea might work. But we MUST (1) trade Pierre and eat part of his contract and (2) have someone OTHER THAN CONTE to evaluate Jones' health and evaluate what Jones can contribute before we make a serious run at Burrell. Repko can be back up, along with Xavier Paul.
And I forgot to mention my thoughts on DY. I love this kid! If I were Ned & Torre, I would FIND a defensive position for him! But what they did to him in 2008 was just wrong. You don't call a 26 year-old kid like him up to the majors, just to ride the pine and PH. He is WAY too young and valuable for that. If the Dodgers can't find a position for him, then trade him to a team that will start him.
enchanted – the more and more I think about what you said last night and yesterday about Ned being on a fishing expedition to find out some ideas on what he should do, the more it makes sense. There aren't any ideas so far that aren't out of the the realm of possibilities (the normal ones) – hmmmmm…. makes me wonder.
I was wondering something. I wasn't on ITD during last off-season. Did Josh ask this same question last year?
I was wondering something. I wasn't on ITD during last off-season. Did Josh ask this same question last year?
Okay, why did that post twice??? Hmmmmmm…..
CP – I don't want Manny for more than 4 years ethier, and even 4 for me is pushing it (3 would be the ideal). And poor DY – they need to play him or let him go. I was saying the same thing about Andre at the beginning of the season. DY is too valuable to sit th bench like you said.
Yes, Manny at 3 years would be ideal, and 4 is pushing it, but that is the extent I would go. But again, I KNOW Manny and Borass wouldn't accept that. I just want them to decide what is going to happen with DY. Again, what they did last year to him was wrong.
I don't remember it, and I have looked from November through half of March.
Well, I know it was short. I'll try and come back later tonight. I'll catch up with y'all later…
cp ~ I think you are right about Fuentes and Brox….that would be an awesome combo. I did want Manny signed but, I also am being realistic and don't think it will happen. I didn't get to see DY play much so I don't really know how productive he would be as a regular player. But, you are right about the way he was treated. When you think about it, Andre was almost in the some position, when Joe was playing Juan.
good evening friends.
off season talk. so delighting. I like all of everyone's opinions and it just shows all of the options for our team. Exciting times.
I hope everyone is well.
Things are going well ~ I hope you are doing well too Amy
they are 🙂 just not a whole lot happening right now. Miss watching my boys on tv every night. I guess they are a great constant to have in my life 🙂
I think we should go after Hank Blalock for the 3B spot. Injuries have gotten to him recently, but that just means we can get him on the cheap and he had a great second-half.
Thanks for all the great posts and hard work, Josh. Love reading your blog daily. As for 2009, if I'm the GM…
1. Re-sign Manny. Manny's impact on the team, the fans and the city was nothing like we've seen around L.A. since Fernandomania in the early 80s. Even at his age, if he puts up anything near his career averages, his bat would still be worth it at the back end of a possible 4-year deal. Give him the 4 @ $100MM.
2. Re-Sign Furcal. Everything I've read since the start of the season, and even in recent days, suggest there is a mutual interest to have him back in Blue. Furcal is the spark at the top of the lineup the Dodgers sorely missed while he was out with the back injury. Because of that, take precautionary measures and give him a heavy incentive-laden one year deal, perhaps with an option year or kick-ins that make a second year guaranteed.
3. Sign AJ Burnett (assuming he opts out of his final year in Toronto). I know he's had his history of injuries, but after CC Sabathia (who would be too costly after re-signing Manny – word is he'll command a Barry Zito-like contract), Burnett is the next best SP on the market, and he probably won't command the kind of deal CC would. His '08 season in Toronto indicates he's healthy and can be trusted to provide the 200 innings pitched left behind by D-Lowe.
Potential '09 rotation: Burnett, Bills, Kuroda, Kershaw, McDonald.
4. Move DeWitt back to 3B and sign Orlando Hudson. O-Dog is one of those "feisty" type gamers the Yankees used to sign or trade for that helped them win 4 World Series from 96 to 2000. The offense needs some more spunk at the top of the order and a true #2 guy. Hudson is only 31 and probably could be had at fair market value for about three years.
Potential '09 lineup: Furcal, Hudson, Manny, Loney, Ethier, Kemp, Martin, DeWitt.
5. Let everyone else walk, and make an effort to trade Pierre. The only two other Dodger free agents I'd consider keeping are Nomar (if he can be convinced to be a utility infield reserve and primary righty off the bench) and Chan Ho Park. CHP showed he's still got some game and was solid out of the pen all season.
6. Give the closer's job to Broxton outright and give the setup role to Wade and Kuo. The only way Broxton is ever going be able to have confidence in himself is if the team has confidence in him. That's not to say they haven't had confidence in Broxton, but giving him the job only because Saito was hurt makes it look like they were forced to give him the job. Saito's going to be 38 anyway, and he didn't look sharp at all this year.
With only one year left on their contracts, I wouldn't do much with Andruw or Schmidt. Maybe the Dodgers get lucky and they get SOMETHING out of either one.
Good evening. How's everyone? I've been messing around with my DS, got a Japanese learning program to help me keep from losing my Japanese knowledge from the last 3 years (with one full Japanese-less year inbetween).
Plus, my girlfriend just got her long-awaited copy of Sims 2, so I've been finding non-computer activities the last few hours.
Good Evening nsblues!! Just hanging around, playing games on the computer, and do a few report cards. So, I am doing a little of everything right now. That's great you are keeping up with your Japanese. The asian languages are just as important to learn as Spanish for the US now a days. My sister-in-law travels to China and Hong Kong all the time, and has picked up the languages too. She is from Poland and already knows Polish, German and French.
Cool, I want to learn a lot of languages eventually, but Italian gave me trouble. I did good in Spanish 1, but I could never do too well in Spanish 2 for some reason. in Japanese, I went up to Japanese 3. not anywhere near fluent in any of those, though, sometimes I have a hard enough time understanding my first language, heheheh.
Not surprising for a language that started off Germanic, then got spliced with Scandanavian when the Norse invaded, then to confuse everyone, William of Normandy/the Conquerer threw French into the pot, and voila! Modern English.
You just made most ITD people go – huh? LOL!!!!!!! Only from an English/Lit Major – LOL!!!!! However, we do have a very confusing language to say the least.
Yeah Nelly, after reading that, I'm waiting for Nelson Munz (the Simpsons bully) to come by any minute now…
LOL!!!!! I tell you, having to teach all the rules of the english language is hard. It's not necessarily the rule itelf, it's all the deviations from the rule that become "Hell if I know moments" We call all the words that don't follow the normal rule of english language "Brat Words." The are words that don't behave and follow the rules (ex. "have", "once", "done" to name a very few)
Yeah Nelly, nothing makes sense, if two of a tooth is teeth, then why is two of a booth booths? and comb, bomb, tomb are all pronounced different, but spelled with the same ending… enough to give me headaches in a few classes.
No kidding!!!!! and then there is read/read and live/ live – spelled the same but pronounced different depending on how it is used in the sentence.
Ahn yong ha sey yo, NS and Nelly.
Nelly- Red Pen?
Im still trying to figure out why in the south yeller is spelled yellow.
Good Evening Dodger4life!!! nsblues has got me thinking the english language and how screwed up it is.
Sounds interesting,
I can probably learn some things.
After reading about all the GM decisions in our post.
The english language doesn't seem too difficult. lol!!
This GM stuff is fun to read, but I am kind of thinking like enchanted. Maybe this is a way for Ned to get some ideas. If that's what he wants, then he is getting plenty of ideas.
Im more of a between the chaulk guy.
I enjoy the excitment of the fans, the feeling of bieng in a ballpark.
And rooting for the greatest baseball team in the world!
Weve only just begun!!!!!
I am with you dodger4life – I am not the GM type – I am the "team mom" type. I just want to make sure the players are happy.
Rings Nelly, thats what makes them happy.
That does have a nice RING to it 🙂
I was born in 1965 I have that ring as my background now.
During the playoffs it was 1955.
I just like looking at them.
Thanks, Josh, for the fine job you do and for the opportunity to comment. The biggest thing that our GM needs to do is REMEMBER THE TAMPA BAY RAYS! They did what many of us have urged the Dodgers to do – go with the young players and forget the big-salaried vets and free agents. Now they have a division title to support that philosophy without the huge salary baggage that the Dodgers have. It is also interesting to note that Dodger castoffs were instrumental in the success of both the Rays and the Phillies, while the Dodgers have nothing to show for those players. Bad judgment has plagued Dodger management in recent years. I hope someone has learned from it and doesn't add to it again. Werth hit more HRs (24) than any Dodger. Jackson had more victories (14) than any Dodger pitcher except Lowe (14) and Billingsley (16). Aybar, Navarro, Victorino all played key roles for their teams. And so it goes.
As for Manny, he was a huge help to propel the Dodgers to the playoffs. But he was necessary only because of the poor decisions by Ned and Joe in blocking the young players with veterans for so long. Although Manny did produce, there were times on defense and running the bases where he was a detriment. I remember one key game when he didn't score from 1st on a two out double to deep CF that probably cost the game. At his age, he will only get worse in these areas. And remember we saw him at his very best, motivated by the huge free agent contract he is seeking. Once he signs a multi-year contract, that incentive is gone and with his age, results will no doubt be different. I would only sign him to a 2 year contract at most, but even that may not be in the Dodgers best interests. Young could probably do a reasonable job in LF if he were given the chance, and at a MUCH cheaper cost. Jones and Pierre should definitely be moved during the off-season. Both will just provide more of the same problems if they're retained.
Veteran experience isn't all that Ned and Joe think it is. Let's go with the young players and develop the team chemistry that is so important to winning. And if anyone needs proof that kids can do the job, how much experience did David Price have when he struck out Drew with the bases loaded and then finished off the Red Sox for the League championship?
AK and BK Dodger report cards – Andre did good (A-)
Well, well, well, Redfox.. it is always a pleasure seeing you on ITD again, and I must say I loved your comments. You are very correct in the fact that many of us wanted to play the young core, regardless of outcome, because we knew this was a dynasty waiting to happen.
DY to have surgery on his elbow
I've read all your comments to date, and I can't really add anything new to the mix, except to say that I really DO NOT want to see Jason Schmidt, Andruw Jones, Brad Penny, Mark Sweeney, and Juan Pierre wearing Dodger uniforms next year.
I would like the team to resign Furcal to an incentive laden deal and keep the core group of kids [Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, Kershaw, McDonald ] while adding another starting pitcher like CC or Peavy. Having learned from the experience of Jones and Schmidt, I hope the Dodgers will get a more qualified team of physicians to examine and vet any possible free agents. Stan Conte and his med school buddy Dr. Nick, have failed us miserably. 🙂 I don't expect to see Manny back in Dodger blue in '09 so I hope we'll go after a young FA OF who can help with the bat and the glove.
Additionally, if Jeff Kent and/or Nomar Garciaparra decide to retire, [and I hope they wil] the organization should plan major tributes to both players at separate home games during the 2009 season, so fans can salute their individual careers and contributions to the Dodgers. Both men deserve a better send off than what happened last week.
It was a very good season, almost a great season. I'm very proud of our team and I think the kids will grow and learn from this experience. I'm also very excited about the good things that can happen for the team during the off-season, although I believe the team's espirt de corps would be better served with Logan White as the GM instead of Ned Colletti. Go Dodgers!!! Go ITD!!
It's good to see you Obi!!! Another great addition to the "ideas for Ned" stack.
Okay if I was the GM I would do the following.
#1-Attempt to get Hersh as the pitching coach.
#2-There is a report that Bowa is leaving. So if he does I would attempt to get Gibby on board as a hitting instructor/3rd base coach.
#3-I also like Fuentes as the closer with Brox setting up. Brox hasn't shown me that he can pitch as opposed to just throw (As CP mentioned earlier). He just tries to throw the ball harder than the last pitch. He needs to improve his location as well as get used to throwing his slider.
#4-(Plan A) Go after Manny & CC. Which ever one I sign first than that's it. I go back & forth on who I would prefer. Manny I would offer a 4 year contract @$100 Mill. with a 5th year option. CC would be 5 year @$130 Mill with a 6th year option. .
(Plan B) Go after Burrell & Burnett. Whoever I don't get in plan A then on to plan B.
I really don't like long term contracts for pitchers. Especially when they are overweight. Manny is older but he is in great shape. He is known to work out hard. So I would be okay with a 4-5 year contract. 40 is the new 30!! Remember Bonds played into his 40's and many other players are playing longer and later due to better diet, nutrition, and working out. Most of these guys have their own cooks so they don't have to rush through the drive thru on the way to work like we do. I don't think Schmidt will pitch for us, so he isn't part of the plan. If he does then bonus.
#5-Resign Nomar to be the super sub we had hoped would be this last season.
#6-Resign Ferk to a 2 year incentive laden contract.
#7-Good bye to the rest of the Free Agents.
#8-Buy out Penny.
#9-(Plan A) Move DeMitt back to 3rd and go after Hudson.
(Plan B) Keep DeMitt @ 2nd and go after Beltre.
#10-Trade Pierre for whatever the best offer is for him. He does have value for some team that needs a leadoff hitter.
#11-Give DY 1 position to focus on now so he can work on it now and be ready for spring training. I'm thinking OF.
#12-Do everything I can to salvage Jones. I don't think they can trade him and I don't think they will cut 18+ million dollars. So do everything to salvage him. Hire Dr. Phil if I have to!!
#13-Find a back up catcher who can throw the ball to me at the meeting!!!
#14-Fire Stan Conte and apologize to the old training staff and if possible rehire them or find a suitable replacement (We have joked about it this year but it really is a joke the way some of these injury's happened & carried on).
This is also with a plan on looking towards the future.
That is why I would bring Hersh & Gibby into the fold. To have one of them take over as a Manager. Unless Sosc leaves the Anaheim Angels when his contract is up. Then I would go after him with the other 2 on board.
The Minor Leagues I'd have Hu, DeJesus, Paul, Elbert, Mcdonald ready & in the wings ) unless one or more of them are traded for Beltre). I also think Lucas May is our next catcher in line to move on up. I didn't hear much about him after spring training but he looked good when I saw him. If he looks good in the minors and proves he can play then we could move Russ to 3rd in 2010 and have May catch.
Of course I'm pretty clueless with most of this and don't know all the ins & outs of the business but those are ideas and the PLAN I would have. At this time I'm not positive of all the Free Agents and players going into their final years of their contracts. I also would have a PLAN A, & Plan B, & Plan C, & PLAN D. That way if something doesn't work out I've got a fall back so I don't do signings like Pierre.
That's it so far as I've got to turn down the lights. But that is the start I would work on.
I just looked at May and he didn't hit all that well this year in AA, however I think he's going to the Arizona Fall League. So that seems to be an indication that the Dodgers are targeting him to move on up.
It seems as if I was a little late to the party today so good night to all that are still out there!
Go Blue!!!!
Hi Josh, thank you for keeping us up to date all season and aren't we fans all proud of what the Dodger organization accomplished this year. This includes the McCourts and Think Cure. I don't usually get involved in any of the rumors but when they get reported in Sports Illustrated I tend to take notice. What is it about Russell's makeup that the organization doesn't like? It seems that Manny, Russell and Andre were the most popular players this past season. Trading Russell or Andre would be extremely unpopular among the fans. It may not be possible to get Manny so if Russell is traded, get ready for many unhappy fans. That's just IMO. 😦
Godd morning ~ Hope everyone has a pleasant day! Even though it's not our Dodgers, yea we have baseball today! Go Rays………..sweep those Phillies away!
So sorry, should be Good! Not quite awake yet!
Goooooood morning, ITD!!!!!
I see it's a little quiet here this morning, I guess we better get used to that.
Beav, if Ned's idea was to get ideas (not too far-fetched), we've certainly given him a few. A lot of nice back-and-forth, everyone!
Just a couple of observations before I go back to work:
Everything I've seen from Nomar this season would leave me to believe that he would have no problem with the super-sub idea. He's been the consumate team player since he's been here. I don't recall any grumbling whatsoever from him, no matter what he's been asked to do – 1B, 3B, SS, PH, bench. And I think he's more aware than anyone of his body's limitations in the last few years. Of course he wants to start. Who doesn't? But, at least in public, he's never had a bad attitude. And he'll still produce on occasion.
There's been a lot of talk about DY here, and I like him too. But I just don't think he shows enough pop for a corner OF. What happened to his 2B career? He played a lot of it in the minors, and though he was making a lot of errors, his fielding % got better every season.
'03 – .942 at South Georgia (A)
'04 – .951 at Vero (A+)
'05 – .965 at Jax and .980 at Vegas.
Then he just stopped playing second and moved to the OF. If I missed something, I'm sorry. Unless there's a really good reason, I'd give him a good shot there.
DeWitt seems to have potential for decent pop at third and I'd have no problem going to ST with him there.
I still think this Martin thing is more NY writer BS. I wouldn't move Russ nor would I trade him. He's the man. He should leave ST with a "C" on his uni, just like Varitek does. He just needs to be rested more during the season. Repeat – RESTED MORE DURING THE SEASON!!! And that doesn't mean playing him at third. It means REST, whether he likes it or not. He's not a big man and he's going to wear down.
Career BA by month
March/April .303
May .306
June .292
July .292
August .263
Sept/Oct .260
I know, I know – catcher. No brainer (you'd think).
Plus, he needs to work on getting his throws to the first base side of second. His arm strength is good and his footwork seems to be OK. It's his accuracy that he needs to work on.
Last thing, I know Manny wants 6-7 years. I know CC wants 6 – 7 years. Andruw wanted it too and no one offered it. Maybe, just maybe – the market won't be there for the long term contracts that everyone is talking about for the same reasons we've talked here – Manny's age and the Zito Effect.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!
Dodgereric ~ you have proven why you are our GM! Logical, and to the point.
Good Morning ITD writers and readers!!!!
Have a fabulous day!!!!!!!
Good Morning Ward Dear……. wonderful comments as always 🙂
Eric – might a recession economy force teams to re-evaluate these huge contracts also. Surely the economy this next year or two will be felt at the gate and in merchandising.
Good Morning trublue!!!
xoxrussell – nice post!!!!!!!
Think you should also be prepared to see advertising on the outfield walls at DS.
I think redfox is the one that said it best. Remember the Tampa Bay Rays. They don't have any big contracts and they are playing today in the World Series.
I think the difference is, the Rays aren't run by the three stooges.
Mornin' gang!
As I look back at the '88 club, maybe we should let Manny go his separate way and invest in pitching as some of you have said. Except for Kirk Gibson, who really didn't do much more than Ethier or Kemp or Loney statistically, the non pitchers on that team were pretty pathetic. I just don't want to see Pierre leading off or Sweeney pinch hitting.
Highlights from '88:
1b Stubbs – LOL
ss Griffin – LOL
3b Hamilton – LOL
But the pitching was awesome.
Maybe great pitching and no Manny will drive away the riff raff from Dodger Stadium too — OR maybe just maybe Frank McCourt will man up and expand security and kick these losers out that have ruined the great Dodger family experience.
LOL!!!! No kidding enchanted!!!!!
good morning everyone!! just stopping by really quick before i head out to work..
xoxrussell. GREAT post!! i couldn't agree more! if Andre and/or Russell get traded… i can't even think about it!! i would be absolutely heartbroken!!!
i hope you all have a great day at work/ school/ wherever you are!! remember to always think blue! 🙂 GO DODGERS!! (P.S. GO RAYS!! ITD IS ROOTING FOR YOU!!)
Acardona = ETHIERaholic and dodger fan for life!!!
Good morning Nellyae & Enchanted ~ There is a lot of truth in the fact of a recession and the very real possibilities that the teams won't pay the big bucks for these players. I remember Peter Gammons saying that quite a while ago. With the cost of going to a game, I really do think you will see a drop in attendance and many teams will suffer. So, players represented by Boras might have to "suck it up".
enchanted, I'm a huge fan of old-time baseball. And I like the trend to the old-time ballparks. I don't think going back to the advertising on the walls would bother me at all, they all used to do it. Plus, I'm a NASCAR fan! 🙂
The Rays had better enjoy their success. They'll not be able to hang on to most of those guys, I'm sad to say.
Scott, the problems with the gang-bangers in DS have pre-dated Manny by several years.
Eric, Yeah, I know, just kidding for the most part…McCourt probably thought raising prices would get rid of them, but they are going to foreclose before they give up their tickets!
Scott, I thought so! LOL!! Plus, I don't think a lot of them actually PAY for those seats either.
BTW, I'd much rather be the manager than the GM……..
What is the opinion of Honeycutt here?
The Dodgers pitching staff had a great era this year, but I don't see that translating to faith in Honeycutt.
Honeycutt — Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Dodgereric ~ If Enchanted says it's okay, and I'm sure he will, you can now be our manager! We have to give Enchanted a position of great importance……..got any ideas?
In my opinion, I think Honeycutt was so-so. I'd love to have Maddux (if he were to retire). I think he did more for the young pitchers in the short time he was with us.
firstname.lastname@example.com… you brought up an interesting point regarding the comparisons with the 88 team and that pitching was the focal point of that team. the difference in the everyday lineup is that one was a more balanced veteran lineup compared to this team. stubbs and hamilton were really the only two "kids" on of the regulars. scioscia, sax, griffin, the entire OF (gibby, shelby, marshall) were all seasoned vets. thats what this teams was missing, so-to-speak, and the learning experience this year, much like the phillies last year, should help guys like martin, loney, dewitt, kemp and ethier next season, with or without manny, in the future. as for the pitching, this team had/has (assuming they can replace d-lowe with a quality, experienced veteran) the pitching to do something special. but the lack of veteran experience outside two or three guys was the difference. (i don't know if playing kent or nomar more often would have made much of a difference either, considering there really wasnt anywhere for nomar to play, and kent was still hurt.)
I agree, trueblu44.
Every time Honeygutt goes to the mound, the very next pitch is a home run or double or something hit hard. I'm thinking to myself, "Thanks for nothing!"
Scott ~ all of the pitchers said that Maddux was a great influence on them. He knows every batter and what every opposing pitcher throws. Plus, he's just a good guy to have around.
Tru – I think Borass' client Andruw Jones sucked it up all year.
It would take a totally different mindset for Frank to totally commit to youth and struggle for a year or two waiting for them to mature, though I'm sure he'd still see 3 milllion at the turnstiles regardless. Paradoxically he'd actually turn a higher profit than with big names. The biggest difference though between LA and places like TB, FLA and MIL is that Frank would have the money to retain the players once they hit arbitration/free agency. Then we're talking old fashioned one-team in a career ballplayers like the O'Malley era.
Good morning ITD boys and girls,
Okay, I've already given my ideas on the "if I was the GM of the team" question.
Scott – You were asking about the opinion of Honeycutt. For me, it's not that I don't like Honeycutt, but the thought of Greg Maddux being a player/coach excites me a great deal better. I think having Greg Maddux on our team as a player/coach would attract attractive suitors. I firmly believe that there is a reason why the Dodgers are one of Peavy's choices to waive his no-trade clause. That's because he and Maddux were close in SD, and I think Peavy would LOVE to be reunited with Maddux. And on a similar note, I think Maddux would be able to help our young pitchers (Billz, Kersh, McDonald) the same way he helped Peavy with the Cy Young in 2007.
New thread and it's a doozy!
Dodgrdog88, The problem is there's no one close to Hershiser on this year's team. Gibson was the motor for that team all year as well. Players played hard or they'd have to answer to Gibby. Things are different now. Soft premadonnas for the most part.
Side note:
I just read that DY had the 4th most PH this season in all of baseball. But Ozona made the roster over him? Could have used DY instead of crippled Nomar swinging at sliders in the dirt.
I've never been impressed with Honeycutt. Down. I can't stand it when we get ahead of a hitter and start nibbling until the count is full. Fine, toss that 0-2 pitch 6 inches out of the zone and see if they'll chase it. If they don't, go after 'em! If he's got anything to do with all those full count 'hit me' pitches, thumbs way down.
And 'lest we forget, we caught lightning in a bottle (riding Gibson and Hershiser) in '88. We finished 5th in '86 and 4th in '87. We didn't win the division again until '94, finishing 4th, 2nd, 2nd, 6th (last for the 1st time in a CENTURY!), and 4th in the 5 years between '88 and '94. We weren't exactly a powerhouse in that era. I hope us to be a real force for a while now.
From MLBtraderumors.com:
Next up in our Offseason Outlook series, the Dodgers. Their likely 2009 commitments are below. Remember, this is not a projection of the actual '09 roster. I use only internal candidates here as a way of showing depth and needs.
C – Russell Martin – $500K+
C – Danny Ardoin – $400K
1B – James Loney – $411K
2B – Blake DeWitt – $400K
SS – Chin-Lung Hu – $400K
IF – Tony Abreu – $400K
LF – Juan Pierre – $10MM
CF – Matt Kemp – $406K
RF – Andre Ethier – $425K+
OF – Andruw Jones – $15MM
OF – Delwyn Young – $400K
SP – Chad Billingsley – $415K
SP – Hiroki Kuroda – $10MM
SP – Clayton Kershaw – $400K
SP – Jason Schmidt – $12MM
SP – James McDonald – $400K
RP – Takashi Saito – $2MM+
RP – Jonathan Broxton – $454K+
RP – Hong-Chih Kuo – $400K
RP – Cory Wade – $400K
RP – Scott Proctor – $1.115MM+
RP – Ramon Troncoso – $400K
RP – Yhency Brazoban – $540K+
Buyouts: Brad Penny – $2MM, Gary Bennett – $50K
That's about $59MM committed, plus arbitration raises for Martin, Ethier, Saito, Broxton, Proctor, and Brazoban. A few of those guys figure to be non-tendered (Berroa for sure), but raises could push the Dodgers close to $70MM. The Dodgers entered the '08 season with a $118MM payroll, so theoretically Ned Colletti could have $48MM to spend (more than any team, as far as I can tell). Makes sense, since the Dodgers have the most free agents.
First issue: Manny Ramirez. I can't see the Dodgers (or any team, really) stretching beyond four years, $85MM or so. Just a few months ago I wouldn't have thought Manny could get four years. Will Scott Boras ultimately be reasonable, or will he stick to the "iconic" talk and aim for a contract well beyond $100MM?
As far as clearing the salaries of Pierre or Jones, I don't see it happening. Of course, it's worth exploring what, if any, bad contracts might be offered in return. Elsewhere on the trade front, dealing Martin seems unlikely. Any replacement would be a downgrade.
The Dodgers need to address the left side of their infield; it could be considered more crucial than the Manny situation. Interest is mutual with Rafael Furcal, and he's the best available option. A return of Adrian Beltre would be intriguing at third base; otherwise options like Casey Blake and Joe Crede can be considered.
It's unclear whether Penny will be back, but Derek Lowe is expected to sign elsewhere. The Dodgers may have two open rotation spots. The big names are legitimate options – Jake Peavy and C.C. Sabathia. The Dodgers will have the money for Sabathia, especially if Manny signs elsewhere. The Dodgers may not get either ace, but they seem likely to sign a veteran starter (Randy Johnson could work).
The back end of the bullpen looks pretty good (Broxton/Kuo/Wade). Colletti will still probably consider signing Joe Beimel and/or Chan Ho Park, or other veterans of that nature.
Bottom line – it should be a very active offseason for the Dodgers.
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned an incident that happened when I made the trek down to Dodger Stadium to watch a couple of games. To preface this I work in the security field and deal with tough situations on a daily basis. Both verbally as well as physically. I've been a bouncer at night clubs as well. I generally know how to talk with people (I'm better in person than this blogging. Still getting used to it!).
My story is Wifey and I go to the Saturday night game (10/20) against the Giants. I'm so pumped to be going to a game at Dodger Stadium after all of my years going to games up here In Nor Cal against the Giants I was pumped to root for the home team and against the Giants.
I mean you have no idea how excited I am (Well maybe you do!)!!
I paint my face blue. I'm wearing my Dodger cap and Jersey as is Wifey.
I buy my seats from Stub Hub in Field Level Section 45 row D. Ticket price is $40.00 each. When all is said & done with processing fees etc, I paid about $120.00 for the 2 seats.
We get there early when the gates open to take in batting practice. I always get there early.
So were at the game and enjoying it. But in our section, it is non stop beach balls. I mean every inning from the get go. I mainly ignore them but I can't see the game as so many people are standing up in front of me looking back screaming for the ball (Hasn't anyone ever seen a beach ball before?). I mean you'd think they were throwing money around!
During this time there is a Giants fan in front of me and 2 sitting in the row behind me to my right. After a few innings the one in front of me isn't being bothered to much but the 2 guys sitting behind me are just getting slammed. Not just boos. Peanuts, beer, and anything else that people could throw. They were just sitting there. They hadn't been obnoxious or rubbing in anything. They had just been sitting there. This one big guy keeps standing up and turning around and flipping them off and saying **** the Giants. His buddy is standing the whole game and continually is screaming **** the Giants and anytime something goes well or doesn't gives the bird.
So somewhere during this time there is this guy in about his 50's with his mother in her 80's and son in his early 20's, and a beach ball falls in his lap and he takes out his keys and pops it. I'm like, "You're my kind of guy! I hate the beach balls!".
So as the game continues whenever a beach ball lands on me I give it to them & they pop it. I don't go out of my way but if one lands on me it goes to them. Of course people were booing. I thought it was kind of funny and didn't realize that my and Wifey's safety was in danger. I really didn't think it was such a big deal until some of the thugs behind me started to threaten us. This one guy is yelling that we are ruining "the kids fun". Well I'm all about kids having fun at the game but it's the adults that are doing most of the "beach balling.
So this one guy is standing up 2 rows behind us throwing things at us. We ignore him. The whole row behind us ends up leaving after an inning. It's now around the 7th inning. This dude is still threatening to "punk" us. We've since stopped confiscating the beach balls.
So the picture is of this.
Numerous people standing up in front of me looking back towards the various beach balls bouncing around & screaming "hit it here". Dude standing yelling **** the Giants while bouncing up and down doing his little dance and continues to flip off anyone who is a Giants fan as well as towards the field. Of course he has a couple of under 10 year old kids in tow. Meanwhile beer is being thrown at the Giants fan behind us a few seats over and were having peanuts & other food items thrown at us while being told were going to be "punked" & "were going to get it".
Ahhhh what a great night at Dodger Stadium. I'm sure glad I paid $200.00 for tickets food & parking! I can't wait to come back tomorrow!!!
It gets worse.
Thug behind us keeps calling for someone to toss him a beach ball so he can get us. Of course he obtains one and spikes it at us from about 3 feet away. It goes in between Wifey & the 20 year old kid. I turn to the kid and we agree that there was a cause to the wayward beach ball.
So Thug's upset that he has poor aim he obtains another ball and this time pops Wifey in the side of the face. Now I know a beach ball isn't a hard item but spiked into your face from about 3 feet away isn't a pleasant experience. And Wifey is the kindest, most gentle person I've know. I mean she really is. My family is always telling me how lucky I am to of met her!!
I jump and and start telling him enough and to sit down and watch the game. That were all good and to let it go. Well of course he has about 10 of his shaved headed, tattooed, gottee'd up friends come climbing down the rows ready and wanting to "throw down" & "let's go" along with all the wonderful names being called to me.
This is when security decides to show up. All 2 of them. We're all telling what's going on and they (Security) tell me to sit down and just ignore them. They are all drunk and swearing at us. I ask the security guy isn't this a no tolerance stadium. He says yes. I'm like well listen to them they are all swearing at us they need to go. He again tells me to sit down and he'll take care of it. So I sit down and "ignore" them. A few minutes later the security guy taps me on the shoulder and says everyone is okay just ignore them and they'll be cool. He also says you know "it was just a beach ball" while referring to Wifey being hit. So I ignore them.
Well it is hard to watch a game when your being called out to behind your back wondering if & when your going to be jumped. I should of just left but I'm a stubborn guy that doesn't want them to "win" the stadium. They should be the ones to go. They are drunk and swearing left & right. So who is ruining it for the kids???
Wifey is like I'm scared can we go? So we were getting ready to pack up and go when finally I hear the 50 year old guy yell, "That's it! I'm with my mother" and he jumps up and climbs over our aisle (This guy wasn't small and he probably could of taken out 2-3 on his own but there were probably about 10 or more that were ready to jump in). I jumped up and over the row and in between him and them and was yelling at him that it's not worth it and pushing him back all the while having them swearing at me/us and getting all huffed up.
So security shows up. Then a few more guards show up as well & after a few minutes some police. They escort 8 of them from the stadium. But the main culprit is still behind us and they leave him and a couple of his buddies.
So we end up leaving in the 8th inning. I never leave a game early!!! I ask for an escort to our cars because I know there are 8 guys outside the stadium that are going to want to throw down and I know they don't fight fair. 1 vs 8 would be fair to them.
So I ask myself, do I ever want to go to a Dodger game again. Do I really want to support this team when they don't have enough security in the stands to stop the problems. When I go to the LA area am I know going to go to Angels games instead of Dodger games?
Let's put it this way it really darkened a vacation trip for us. Wifey & I both weren't going to go the next day even though I already had tickets to the game. I told her we would go and then leave at the 1st sign of trouble. I felt it was a Sunday day game so maybe they would all be hung over and not make it there.
This is just my experience but I don't think it's unusual. All night it was nothing but fights in the stands from what I saw. Also when we went last year we saw many things going on that were pretty bad and heard nothing but foul language and taunts of the Rockies fans.
I'm sorry that this is so long. I've thought about not posting it but after the conversation regarding the issue I wanted to bring my incident up. I'm still very discouraged about what happened and not sure if I'll make any games next year. But it's like after 911 (Not to make 911 this small). I wanted to fly to show I wasn't scared. I don't want to not go to games and be another good customer and fan. My not going adds to the percentage of bad fans that are there. These guys are there to do one thing… fight.
McCourt can put his Green Chain all he wants but it'll not make anything nicer there if he doesn't hire enough security, properly train them & when at the first sign they see people giving the bird, acting up, or swearing and being general huligan's, kick them out he'll be losing this lifelong Dodger fan and I'll be sen in Angel stadium not Dodger Stadium.
I agree with Joe Torre that pitching needs to be "front and center." Without it, the Dodgers cannot expect to advance very far in the playoffs. With a good solid front end to your rotation, you can go a long way. Remember what happened when the Red Sox added Curt Schilling in 2004? That gave them a starting rotation which featuring two aces – two aces who could theoretically pitch four of five Division Series games and five of seven in the other two series.
The Dodgers need at least one ace-type pitcher and two would be even better. C.C. Sabathia would be great but Jake Peavy would be even better, because not only would the Dodgers get an outstanding pitcher but a pitcher they wouldn't have to face anymore. Both would be awesome!!
It would be nice to get Manny back but he will be expensive. If the Dodgers can fill their pitching needs as well as the other holes in the lineup, then he is obviously worth it. I'm curious as to what the Dodgers will do this offseason.
I heard a lot of talk (especially on Dan Patrick's radio program) about the Dodgers keeping Manny or taking CC Sabathia.
I take Manny. As solid a pitcher as CC is, he can only produce 1 out of every 5 days. Manny produced consistently for the Dodgers day in and day out. I don't think Manny's numbers measure his success in LA, but rather his ability to revitalize a young team and give them the confidence to battle their way into the NLCS.
Re-sign Manny, keep developing the bullpen and maybe find one more solid starter. I don't know Penny or Schmidt will look in 5 months from now, but another starter would do wonders for the inevitable success of a very talented Dodgers team.
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