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Throwdeuce:I can't believe a team made up of 4 pitchers is probably going to win the World Series, that's just not right.
Burnett's not having a very good go of it tonight. 5-1 Phils in the bottom of the 3rd, 2 on, nobody out. Well, nobody's out except Burnett. Not everybody can be C.C., so the Phillies aren't done yet.
"I know, everybody funny, now you funny too."It really is hard to pick a team to root for in this WS. Last night I was pulling for the Philz just to extend the series and the baseball season, and Wednesday night will be the same.
Fox just couldn't stop showing the Cryin' Hawaiian shaking his pinky finger after getting hit by the pitch in the first inning. Apparently, Charlie Manuel was impressed by the dramatics, because he removed his best defensive outfielder (Victorino) in the eighth inning and it nearly cost him dearly. Ibanez missed that gapper by ARoid and later Ben Francisco made a weak throw from center field to allow ARoid to score. The conventional move would have been to leave Victorino in center and replace the defensively challenged Ibanez with Francisco.
Three run lead in the ninth and the closer sits. It could have gotten really dicey in the ninth if Jeter doesn't gidp as the tying run with none out.
SamAdams:It really is hard to pick a team to root for in this WS. Last night I was pulling for the Philz just to extend the series and the baseball season, and Wednesday night will be the same.
Fox just couldn't stop showing the Cryin' Hawaiian shaking his pinky finger after getting hit by the pitch in the first inning. Apparently, Charlie Manuel was impressed by the dramatics, because he removed his best defensive outfielder (Victorino) in the eighth inning and it nearly cost him dearly. Ibanez missed that gapper by ARoid and later Ben Francisco made a weak throw from center field to allow ARoid to score. The conventional move would have been to leave Victorino in center and replace the defensively challenged Ibanez with Francisco.
Three run lead in the ninth and the closer sits. It could have gotten really dicey in the ninth if Jeter doesn't gidp as the tying run with none out.
I like Bobblehead, but that might have been the dumbest move I have ever seen him make as manager of the Phillies. When I saw Victorino coming out, my thought was "you have a good lead; Shane's issue isn't playing in the outfield. Why are you pulling him and leaving an Iron Glove like Raul's in LF?"
Hell, even Torre knew enough to pull Manny in the late innings for Slappy.
If the YankMes won that game, Bobblehead would have been raked over the coals by Philadelphia fans for the next 100 years.
The Easternmost in Quality...the Westernmost in Flavor!!Things are getting interesting in regards to the Phillies and the ............ Dodgers.
First, Shane "There's No Inside Pitch That Can't Hit Me" Victorino (the Cryin' Hawaiin) suffered a hand injury while getting hit last night by the umpteenth pitch this off-season. However, it sounds like he has recovered. I'd still like to see a 100 MPH heavy heater from Eggplant between his shoulder blades award him a "free" base on occasion.
Next, Larry Bowa is saying that he has been told by reps from other teams that they suspect the Phillies are stealing signs using a camera in CF. Supposedly, there is a "plant" somewhere in the OF bleachers who signals the pitch in. Bowa says he was on the look-out for that during the NLCS but never picked up on anyone making obvious signals.
Every silver lining has a cloud.Kissyface mentions (and references an article) during his Live Chat that the Rays may have a deal almost finalized to send Aki Iwamura to an NL team. Says it could be announced tonight. Doesn't mention any specific team.
"It is called being a professional. If you take the money, give the effort. If you are a pro in any sport, you are always supposed to give your best effort." ~Joe Morgan.Posts before indicated that it WAS NOT the Dodgers ... but you never know.
The mad scientist formerly known as ngrosshunteralan:Kissyface mentions (and references an article) ...
I haven't saved enough boxtops for a decoder ring yet, so could you please provide a link to the article, or at least clarify who "Kissyface" is?
Thanks.
Harpo:"I know, everybody funny, now you funny too."I haven't saved enough boxtops for a decoder ring yet, so could you please provide a link to the article, or at least clarify who "Kissyface" is?
Thanks.
Babe Herman:
There's a live chat on Tim Dierkes MLBTradeRumors site. At the 2:41 time stamp there's a link to the short article.
"It is called being a professional. If you take the money, give the effort. If you are a pro in any sport, you are always supposed to give your best effort." ~Joe Morgan.Harpo:I haven't saved enough boxtops for a decoder ring yet, so could you please provide a link to the article, or at least clarify who "Kissyface" is?
Thanks.
Ken must still be hording the Decoder Rings...
They're his version of 'Bling'.
"It is called being a professional. If you take the money, give the effort. If you are a pro in any sport, you are always supposed to give your best effort." ~Joe Morgan.Thanks, guys, for both the info and the laugh!
Harpo:Thanks, guys, for both the info and the laugh!
The Kissyface tag is well earned by Dierkes' site. Too bad she is no longer part of the site.
Regarding Iwamura, the source saying it wasn't the Dodgers (or Cubs) is not affiliated with the Rays and could be an innocent bystander trying to muddy the waters. We could do worse than Iwamura. He has gap power and good speed. His defense is very good and according to most reports, he works very hard at that aspect as he was a third baseman in Japan.
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...hunteralan:Kissyface mentions (and references an article) during his Live Chat that the Rays may have a deal almost finalized to send Aki Iwamura to an NL team. Says it could be announced tonight. Doesn't mention any specific team.
They specifically say not the Dodgers or Cubs.
Process of elimination!
It's not the Phillies, because they have Utley and aren't making any big trades while the WS is going on.
Mets have Castillo.
Marlins have Uggla and if/when they move him, Coghlan.
Braves have Prado, who had a big year, and Johnson, who didn't.
Nationals? Well, maybe. They do need a 2B. I'd be surprised if they thought Iwamura would make a difference, but I guess I could see them wanting another veteran on a young team.
Cubs - no, says MLBTR.
Cardinals - maybe, but I feel like they were happy with Schumacher.
Brewers - only if they really are moving Weeks to CF, I guess
Pirates - could definitely see this, otherwise it's Panda at 2B
Astros - have Matsui and no money
Reds - have Phillips, but there have been rumors about BP going to SS. So maybe.
Dodgers - no, says MLBTR
Giants - just signed Sanchez
Padres - maybe, but unlikely since their new GM's been on the job for about 10 minutes
Rockies - have Barmes
DBacks - possibly, though I'd be surprised if they didn't give Abreu a chance.
So I guess I'm leaning towards the Pirates here, with chances of the Cards, Nats, and Dbacks.
Mike Scioscia's tragic illness - the blog! For Dodger analysis, reviews, and hilarity.Mike Scioscias tragic illness:They specifically say not the Dodgers or Cubs.
Process of elimination!
It's not the Phillies, because they have Utley and aren't making any big trades while the WS is going on.
Mets have Castillo.
Marlins have Uggla and if/when they move him, Coghlan.
Braves have Prado, who had a big year, and Johnson, who didn't.
Nationals? Well, maybe. They do need a 2B. I'd be surprised if they thought Iwamura would make a difference, but I guess I could see them wanting another veteran on a young team.Cubs - no, says MLBTR.
Cardinals - maybe, but I feel like they were happy with Schumacher.
Brewers - only if they really are moving Weeks to CF, I guess
Pirates - could definitely see this, otherwise it's Panda at 2B
Astros - have Matsui and no money
Reds - have Phillips, but there have been rumors about BP going to SS. So maybe.Dodgers - no, says MLBTR
Giants - just signed Sanchez
Padres - maybe, but unlikely since their new GM's been on the job for about 10 minutes
Rockies - have Barmes
DBacks - possibly, though I'd be surprised if they didn't give Abreu a chance.So I guess I'm leaning towards the Pirates here, with chances of the Cards, Nats, and Dbacks.
Don't forget, the Pirates have talked to LaRoche the Younger about playing second base and he is good with the idea. I would not write off the Dodgers yet. The source saying it won't happen doesn't inspire confidence. Given the other options, Iwamura might be the cheapest available and cheap will be our hallmark, this winter.
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...Mike Scioscias tragic illness:They specifically say not the Dodgers or Cubs.
Process of elimination!
It's not the Phillies, because they have Utley and aren't making any big trades while the WS is going on.
Mets have Castillo.
Marlins have Uggla and if/when they move him, Coghlan.
Braves have Prado, who had a big year, and Johnson, who didn't.
Nationals? Well, maybe. They do need a 2B. I'd be surprised if they thought Iwamura would make a difference, but I guess I could see them wanting another veteran on a young team.Cubs - no, says MLBTR.
Cardinals - maybe, but I feel like they were happy with Schumacher.
Brewers - only if they really are moving Weeks to CF, I guess
Pirates - could definitely see this, otherwise it's Panda at 2B
Astros - have Matsui and no money
Reds - have Phillips, but there have been rumors about BP going to SS. So maybe.Dodgers - no, says MLBTR
Giants - just signed Sanchez
Padres - maybe, but unlikely since their new GM's been on the job for about 10 minutes
Rockies - have Barmes
DBacks - possibly, though I'd be surprised if they didn't give Abreu a chance.So I guess I'm leaning towards the Pirates here, with chances of the Cards, Nats, and Dbacks.
Or possibly some team wanting to move him back to 3B? Unlikely, but posible.
"It is called being a professional. If you take the money, give the effort. If you are a pro in any sport, you are always supposed to give your best effort." ~Joe Morgan.The winning answer was ... THE PIRATES! Congratulations. Skip, tell em what he's won!
The mad scientist formerly known as ngrossHmmm . . . . I don't really get this. From either side.
Some middling, run-of-the-mill reliever is all Tampa wanted of could get? And a $4+ million MI for Pittsburgh?
This is just wierd to me.
"It is called being a professional. If you take the money, give the effort. If you are a pro in any sport, you are always supposed to give your best effort." ~Joe Morgan.Rays probably just wanted to get something for Iwamura.
Figured that if they buy him out, they are out $500K and get nothing.
Its a no-brainer that most teams looking for a 2B were just hoping the Rays would buy him out and then they could get him on a cheap deal.
All things considered, this may have been the best the Rays could do in the situation.
Die-Hard Dodger Fan:Rays probably just wanted to get something for Iwamura.
Figured that if they buy him out, they are out $500K and get nothing.
Its a no-brainer that most teams looking for a 2B were just hoping the Rays would buy him out and then they could get him on a cheap deal.
All things considered, this may have been the best the Rays could do in the situation.
I don't understand the Pirates. They have Panda, LaRoche and Shelby Ford, in the minors, waiting to play second and they get Iwamura. I can't see him going to third, not with Alvarez and Walker waiting in the wings. I think Huntingdon lost his ever lovin' mind on this one. Chavez has a decent arm and could be a closer candidate, especially if the Pirates do deal Capps. This trade looks like a Littlebrain deal.
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...DoppelgangBang:The winning answer was ... THE PIRATES! Congratulations. Skip, tell em what he's won!
Five more years of head shaking and declining attendance.
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...Some good news for a change. Donny Ballgame has declined to interview for the Nationals' managerial job. Likely a sign that in 2011 Donny will be managing the Dodgers.
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...Toes and I were at DS today, talking season tickets. While talking to the rep, Babu walked by. What I wanted to do was grab him, shake him and scream "Get a G-D ACE, Babu!"
I said nothing at all, of course. I'd like to be able to come back, next season.
The Easternmost in Quality...the Westernmost in Flavor!!this will definitely not make us phille-proof
but are we seeing an offseason trend with dumb injuries to dodger pitchers or potential ones?
does this mean we get a "you're a dumbass" discount?
bigblaster:Toes and I were at DS today, talking season tickets. While talking to the rep, Babu walked by. What I wanted to do was grab him, shake him and scream "Get a G-D ACE, Babu!"
I said nothing at all, of course. I'd like to be able to come back, next season.
season tickets?
do you already have set seats?
i think i want a better spot in loge next year
According to the latest Bill Shaikin article in the LA Times,
"The Dodgers have paid $8.5 million in signing bonuses for draft picks over the last two years -- the lowest figure among all major league teams, according to Baseball America."
This is unacceptable. I really want the McCourts to be gone.
www.shmolnick.comshmolnick:According to the latest Bill Shaikin article in the LA Times,
"The Dodgers have paid $8.5 million in signing bonuses for draft picks over the last two years -- the lowest figure among all major league teams, according to Baseball America."
This is unacceptable. I really want the McCourts to be gone.
Shaikin gets what most of us have been saying. The McCourts have managed to run this franchise to the ground. Sure, they have a nice facade going up with the Dodgers, but underneath, we are run worse than the Pirates, Royals and Astros combined. What was really scary is that Logan White, usually one of the most accessible guys of the franchise, didn't have a comment on the money spent on player development.
Bud Lite needs to step in and step in now. Prove you have a pair, Bud, remove the McCourts from the day to day operations and get some accountants in there to see just how much money these greedy bastids have leeched off of this franchise. I know, as owners, they can run the franchise as they please, but if Bud Lite can step in with the Snakes, Expos, Mets, etc.... why is he invisible with this franchise? Could it be that he ramrodded this ownership through and he has enough egg covering his face to feed most third world nations?
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...shmolnick:According to the latest Bill Shaikin article in the LA Times,
"The Dodgers have paid $8.5 million in signing bonuses for draft picks over the last two years -- the lowest figure among all major league teams, according to Baseball America."
This is unacceptable. I really want the McCourts to be gone.
That is not news around here. We've been talking about this topic for years.
But it is good to see the local media wake up and smell the coffee.
It was obvious from the start, with the hiring of DePo, that The Brand wanted to run the team on the cheap when it came to player development. DePo was associated with MoneyBall, the vaunted low budget solution to putting forward a competitive team, and I don't think Frank had much of a concept on how to run a MLB team other than scanning the back cover of the book.
The Brand lucked into the blooming of several years of effective player development producing good product on the field that sold tix. Jacking up prices had little if any negative impact on increasing attendance due to good team performance and The Brand came to think they were printing $.
They did put more $, in the form of more debt, into refurbishing DS, but put the extra revenues into their personal lifestyle as opposed to plowing much back into player development. In effect, we shit away the past 3-4 of player development to a great extent by: a) not offering arb to FAs we were likely to lose but could afford to keep, with the key being we would have gotten extra draft pix for losing them; b) not using our extensive financial resources to pick up a signability player or 2 each draft; and c) forcing the GM to trade away several of the better prospects already in our system to acquire needed veteran players while avoiding taking on their salaries.
The club has been eating its young, but The Brand didn't care as long as they could eat cake.
Every silver lining has a cloud.kennerbuggy:That is not news around here. We've been talking about this topic for years.
But it is good to see the local media wake up and smell the coffee.
It was obvious from the start, with the hiring of DePo, that The Brand wanted to run the team on the cheap when it came to player development. DePo was associated with MoneyBall, the vaunted low budget solution to putting forward a competitive team, and I don't think Frank had much of a concept on how to run a MLB team other than scanning the back cover of the book.
The Brand lucked into the blooming of several years of effective player development producing good product on the field that sold tix. Jacking up prices had little if any negative impact on increasing attendance due to good team performance and The Brand came to think they were printing $.
They did put more $, in the form of more debt, into refurbishing DS, but put the extra revenues into their personal lifestyle as opposed to plowing much back into player development. In effect, we shit away the past 3-4 of player development to a great extent by: a) not offering arb to FAs we were likely to lose but could afford to keep, with the key being we would have gotten extra draft pix for losing them; b) not using our extensive financial resources to pick up a signability player or 2 each draft; and c) forcing the GM to trade away several of the better prospects already in our system to acquire needed veteran players while avoiding taking on their salaries.
The club has been eating its young, but The Brand didn't care as long as they could eat cake.
All a person has to say is Kyle Blair, Alex White, Zack Cox to get the ball rolling on the ineffectiveness of this ownership. All three of these players could've been signed for over slot money and in each instance, McCourt wouldn't spend the money. Don't even get me started on Carlos Santana or Tony Abreu. It is just criminal to lose two talents like that because Frank & Hot Lips needed another palatial mansion. Where we were once the leaders in the International Market, we are a joke. We haven't spent anything since Joel Guzman or Willy Aybar. Even when we do get quality talent on the international market, we deal it away so that Frank & Hot Lips can charge trips to foreign lands on the Dodger dime.
I am so hoping the backlash towards the McCourts effects the bottom line so much that they take a huge loss when they sell this team. Oh, they will have to sell this team. They could've made a massive profit on this sale, but by basically salting the earth in their attempt to be Hollywood glitterati, they have cut their throats. Not every Dodger fan is as superficial as the McCourts, some actually give two damns about how this franchise is run and it appears that some in the media are figuring that out, finally.
I'll play the radio on Southern stations because Southern Belles are Hell at night...I think the PR damage the McCourts will have gotten by going through their divorce and having their personal finances revealed will be significant.
Most Dodger fans with a brain will see the excessiveness and greed of their ways and will now truly see why payroll was cut and why prospects were traded in return for other teams picking up payroll of players we traded for.
The lowest signing bonus figure is just adding a log unto a fire.
I truly believe the McCourts will end up selling the team due to the inability of either to buy the other out and I, for one, would be ecstatic if that were the case.
I will always support the Dodgers, but as long as a McCourt owns the team, I won't put one dollar towards coming to games. I am not lining their greedy lil' pockets anymore. And I hope attendace falls big time next year (if they still own the team) and that causes them to accelerate the sale of the team.
Die-Hard Dodger Fan:I think the PR damage the McCourts will have gotten by going through their divorce and having their personal finances revealed will be significant.
Most Dodger fans with a brain will see the excessiveness and greed of their ways and will now truly see why payroll was cut and why prospects were traded in return for other teams picking up payroll of players we traded for.
The lowest signing bonus figure is just adding a log unto a fire.
I truly believe the McCourts will end up selling the team due to the inability of either to buy the other out and I, for one, would be ecstatic if that were the case.
I will always support the Dodgers, but as long as a McCourt owns the team, I won't put one dollar towards coming to games. I am not lining their greedy lil' pockets anymore. And I hope attendace falls big time next year (if they still own the team) and that causes them to accelerate the sale of the team.
I feel the same way--I will never turn my back on this team but these asshat owners have proved to be even worse than feared.
How about all of the new events that the Dodgers have created during their tenure and charge a pretty penny for? The same day that it came out that Jamie was asking for all of those perks, I got an e-mail from the Dodgers to attend an "Under the Lights' with Matt Kemp night in November.
$500 "Under the Lights" batting practice sessions with players! (Oh, wait, it includes all-you-can-eat food!) Sleepovers at Dodger Stadium (which I believe they have charged $150 per person for)? Where has that money gone? For many of these events, I know that they say the money goes to the Dodger Dream Foundation, but I've always doubted that. I would be willing to bet that it goes toward fulfilling their dreams of having a luxurious lifestyle. THAT'S the dream that is being funded.
These two are highly disingenuous, self-centered, and unworthy of running this team. I am praying that a new owner is able to come in and restore the stability, glory, and strength of this organization. There is NO way that the Dodgers should be spending the least amount in all of MLB on draft signees or sacrificing premium prospects or asking other teams to pick up tabs for players.
GET THESE CLOWNS OUT OF LOS ANGELES!