Random Thoughts…

Well things have been slow posting here.  I just started a new job, so thats been a good bit of my recent focus.  And Little League is starting to get rolling– excited about that!

Last night I watched MLB Networks “30 Clubs in 30 Days” report on the Dodgers.  Good story overall and I liked the Dodger all-time highlights at the end of the show.  After watching the show for the other NL West teams I feel very confident that we can take this Division.  The Alias Sports Bureau is saying we should win 91 games and take the West by 4.  Not to shabby if it actually happens.
The constant question for this club right now seems to be the Fifth Starter.  James McDonald has been thrust into the competition after yesterdays solid outing.  And Rookie Josh Lindbolm even seems to be making a case for the fifth spot.  The sad thing here is this job could easily go to anyone in the platoon of veterans we have in camp, but none seem to want it enough to actually with the spot.  I’m not sure I like throwing another rookie in there on top of Kershaw and his young arm, but you need to put the best team on the field.  All of this just reinforces the need for the Dodgers to add an arm before the Trade Deadline.
Finally, Jon Weisman is asking the question about what happens to Dwelyn Young.  Young has been successful at every level of ball, but he is out of options and seemingly has no where to go on the Dodgers.  I am suprised Colletti let it go this far and didn’t try to pick up a prospect or two by trading him.  As it currently looks Dwelyn is either on the bench and we send a veteran packing or we have to release him, which makes little sense.  Mike Sciosia’s Tragic Illness has commentary up on his desire to “Save Dwelyn Young”.
Well, that is all for now.  Off to play a little catch and get some tee work in with my son.

That’s Embarassing

So it appears that Puerto Rico beat, er DESTROYED, the U.S.A. in the WBC last night, 11-1.  Tats right folks, we lost by 10 runs thereby invoking the “Mercy Rule” and ending the game in seven innings.  I haven’t seen the mercy rule come into play since AAA Little League baseball when I was 10– very sad.

The unfortunate thing in all of this is Team USA is now on the ropes.  Another loss not only sends the team packing, but I think it could be a major blow to the World Baseball Classic in the biggest baseball nation in the world.  This could be the second straight second-round exit for the Americans, the supposedly best team in the world, and lead to our fans thinking even less of the WBC than we already do.  Hopefully the players, and coaches, will take this problem seriously and not treat tonights game like any old spring training game.
The failure of the U.S.A. to put its best product on the field led to the demise of Olympic baseball.  Failure to put out the best effort (we already know some of the best players aren’t playing) will lead to history repeating itself in the WBC.
Other Takes:
Jeff Passan calls out Johnson for worrying about pitch count versus performance in not pulling Peavy.
Amy Nelson gives a good recap of last nights emotion and what lays ahead against the Netherlands.
Side Notes:
Congrats to the Trojans on winning the PAC-10.
T.J. Simers chims in on Boston’s obsession with Manny. All I’ve heard for two weeks from my Red Sox fans is how horrible Ramirez is– last time I checked he was a major piece in two World Series victories.
While I am not a Padres fan, I do like the Umpire camp they are putting on for local Marines. The Pad’s have always been great at reaching out to our men and women in uniform. 

Schmidt Pitches, Martin Should Return Soon

Jason Schmidt made his first “A” game start  of the spring.  Should be interesting to hear how he feels this morning.  Torre apparently still views Schmidt as the most likely fifth starter in the crop of pichers still at Spring Training.


“I don’t think there’s any question,” said Torre. “His experience certainly adds a lot to the rotation. He’s always had movement, he’s got to keep his pitches down. I think the velocity will get better. If he stays healthy, what we saw today is not as good as it will get.”


In other news, Canada is out of the WBC.  I’m a little suprised they got knocked out this early.  I expected them to beat Italy and give Venezuela a run for its money after their poor showing against the USA.  Good news in this is Russell Martin should be back in camp soon.  I also find it interesting that the Dodgers current catching star was knocked out by the team coach by the one of the greatest Dodger catchers of all time, Mike Piazza.

Mannywood Returns

Well, it looks like its finally over and Manny is back with the Dodgers.  Interesting thing is it appears the deal is the same one made by the dodgers back on February 25th.  After the battle of press releases finally died down it looks like cooler heads prevailed.

At the time I did like Frank McCourts initial reaction to the whole deferred payments issue and the negotiating against ourselves.  He did however seem to drag on with all his moaning so much that he started to look like an insolent child.  He put himself in a bad spot where he would either a.) lose the best right handed hitter in the game or b.) eat crow and look bad.  Thankfully he took b… and he will recover from it as he continues to learn the game.
This signing makes the Dodgers the favorite in the West.  I think the National League is so weak right now that anyone who gets into the playoffs can make the World Series, so we have a shot!  If the Dodgers are smart they’ll add an arm before the Trade Deadline and be able to make a real run.
From all over:
Jeff Passan is his usual self saying Manny and the Dodgers deserve each other.
Dodgers.com has a timeline of negotiations online.
Sportsnation likes the deal for the Dodgers–  Except Boston Fans!
Page 2 always has something to add.        
And my PTI favorite, Bill Plaschke, gives a lesson in leverage
      

MLB: The Show 09

MLBshow09.jpg
Next to Opening Day, my favorite day of the year is when the new MLB: The Show video game comes out for the Playstation.  (Thankfully my wife doesn’t read this thing so I don’t have to hear, “What about our anniversary?!”).  So far this years version looks like it won’t disappoint.
The ‘Road to the Show’ game seems much more in-depth this year.  They’ve added the 40 man roster concept as well as Waivers.  The entire contract process is much more in-depth with Rule 5, Arbitration and Free Agenct Exclusivity.  For the playing perspective you randomly get pulled into training programs through out the year by your Hitting and Pitching Coaches.  Defineitely like the more in-depth game play.
I have not done the Franchise, but I assume the additional parts in the ‘Road’ section will be added into the Franchise engine.
When EA Sports initially lost the MLB franchise I was worried about the new MLB game.  I hate 2K Sports, but ‘The Show’ has never disappointed.  So, I defineitely recommend buying this game if you like the MLB video games.
About a month ago I bought the 2K Sports MLB Front Office Manager.  I was impatient for The Show to come out and I actually like managing the organization more than playing the games– so I gave this game, headlined by Billy Beane, a try.  Well, lets just say I sold it back to GameStop within 48 hours.  Do yourself the favor and us the $40 to buy cheap tickets and some dogs at your favorite ball park.  Probably minor league at that price!
For the real big fans, check out this MLB The Show Commercial featuring the cover star/AL MVP Dustin Pedroia.  I found it rather amusing.

DeJesus Injured…

Looks like one of the candidates to back up Furcal this season, Ivan DeJesus, Jr., broke his leg  and is most likely out for the season.  This may make the Dewitt move to Short even more important with an injury-prone Abreu and DeJesus gone for the year.   

Camelback Ranch Opens…

Good to see that the first game at Camelback Ranch was a success.  Well, not a success in the W column, but good to see the facility finally open.

I was a little sad to see Dodgertown go.  I felt it was one of the last things that truly attached the team to the Brooklyn days and I’m a big fan of the history of our team.  I will say this continues the McCourt path of investing in team infrastructure, something the last ownership failed on.  The commitment to the team is obvious and hopefully in a few more years we will get through the growing pains of the McCourt regime.

I’m Starting to Like McCourt

My dislike of how the Manny negotiations have been going are obvious.  I’ve actually liked how 
McCourt has finally stepped up and become the adult in the situation.  Today before the opening game at Camelback Ranch he spoke yet again on the matter.

“Every day things are changing and we need to be mindful of that,” he said. “We’ve made four offers since November. And, you know what, the world isn’t anything like the way it was in November.”

Thank you!  I, like many of you, have seen my family’s retirement savings and kids college tuition money all but get flsuhed down the toilet over the past six months.  Thousands of people are being laid off almost daily.  Our Nation is running up a credit card bill on our children that should make all of us ashamed.  And here is Manny and Scott Boras, supposedly upset because it will take three years to get all $25 million they feel they deserve.   I can think of many four letter words I’d scream at the two of them right now.
If someone else is willing to pay you Manny please go and take it.  Otherwise stop whining and play some baseball. 

Blake of Many Trades…

Looks like the Dodgers are trying Blake Dewitt out at Shortstop.  With Abreu down, again, this might be a good option torelive Furcal some so we don’t see another injury riden season.

I like DeWitt.  The Hudson deal upset me a little because I feel like DeWitt is a good ball player that deserves a shot.  He’s doneeverythingthe organization has asked up to this point and has proven his work ethic.  If this move increases the chance he makes the team, seasons him for another year and gives him the starting job at Second next year then I am all for it.
We need character guys like DeWitt around.  They are the glue that hold teams together– something we’ve been missing in the McCourt era.

When IS Enough Enough?

Good ole Manny has rejected the latest Dodgers offer and supposedly made a another counter offer.  Here’s the story.

Frank McCourt finally pulled out the claws:

“We love Manny Ramirez and we want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves,” McCourt said.

“When his agent finds those ‘serious offers’ from other clubs, we’ll be happy to re-start the negotiations.

“Even with an economy that has substantially eroded since last November, out of respect for Manny and his talents, we actually improved our offer.

“So now, we start from scratch.”


Frank McCourt has said some pretty stupid things as owner of the Dodgers, but right now he seems like the only adult in this situation.  Let Manny go to the Giants, play for a team that won’t even sniff the Wild Card and see how much he likes counting his money.  Then test the free agent market and see if he will even come close to $20 million next season.  Ask Barry Bonds how being an amazing hitter with a horrible attitude is working out for him right now.


In all of this Manny crap the Dodgers have added moderately priced veterans, but failed to truly address the biggest hole of all– the starting rotation.  I say McCourt should let Manny go to SF and send Colletti back with him.  Let’s give Kim Ng the keys to the kingdom… She can’t do much worse!
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