The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

As we begin a new thread, I might as well get it out of the way: 

Frank and Ned suck. 

O.K., now we can officially begin. 

Go! 

I'm happy to be done with that season ... there were some bright spots, but otherwise the whole season was DOA.  We knew that even IF Kershaw contended for the CY and Kemp the MVP that it wouldn't be enough.  And it wasn't.

Good-bye 2011.  It's a season I won't look back upon fondly.  Now, please baseball gods just GET US RID of Frank McCourt.  And while you're at it, we'll take Prince Fielder, CC Sabathia, CJ Wilson and Aramis Ramirez.

Thank you, Matthew, for getting the first piece of business out of the way.


:-)

I am definitely a lot happier with the season post-trade deadline than I was pre-trade deadline.

The team really played decently the last 2 months of the season.

Ownership questions loom large now and, unfortunately, they are probably going to affect our offseason.

So at this point, I am not quite sure what to expect from this offseason.

I just wanted to point out that if Loney's last two month pace lasted the whole year he would have hit 25 Hrs 40+ doubles and driven in over a 100 Runs.  Is that worth it?  There has been talk of him playing LF if we get Fielder but what about Sands and Ethier?  I have to admit I can't envision a scenario where Fielder comes and Loney stays.

Picture Aubrey Huff in the outfield. Multiply his awfulness x 2 = Loney in the outfield. It will never happen.

loneymiller said:

I just wanted to point out that if Loney's last two month pace lasted the whole year he would have hit 25 Hrs 40+ doubles and driven in over a 100 Runs.  Is that worth it?  There has been talk of him playing LF if we get Fielder but what about Sands and Ethier?  I have to admit I can't envision a scenario where Fielder comes and Loney stays.

I have to think that all Loney did was give us some trade value with his last two months.   We might be able to get something worth while from the Nats, O's, or Pirates for Loney and that was better than the other option of non-tendering him for nothing. 

jWerthfan said:

Picture Aubrey Huff in the outfield. Multiply his awfulness x 2 = Loney in the outfield. It will never happen.

Yeah, I remember the one time Loney played right field several years ago.  He hurt himself chasing down a fly ball on the warning track.  No doubt, he has the arm for the outfield, but he doesn't have much speed.  He is near the top defensively at first base, so it would make no sense moving him into our outfield with Kemp, Ethier, Rivera (I think he comes back), and Sands all potential starters.  

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

jWerthfan said:

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

You think there might be a little more coverage responsibility for Kemp in CF if he is flanked by Loney and Ethier?

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

This is a good point. I know I want Fielder badly, but I have to admit, Loney really raked well the last 2 months of the season. If Loney can provide a .300 avg, .800 OPS and 15 HRs, he is an asset when you factor in his Gold Glove defense at 1B.

The issue is Kemp. IMO, we need to do whatever it takes to keep Kemp happy. Flat out, the guy's one of the Top 3 offensive threats in the NL and the Dodgers NEED to sign him long term.

SamAdams said:

jWerthfan said:

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

This is a good point. I know I want Fielder badly, but I have to admit, Loney really raked well the last 2 months of the season. If Loney can provide a .300 avg, .800 OPS and 15 HRs, he is an asset when you factor in his Gold Glove defense at 1B.

The issue is Kemp. IMO, we need to do whatever it takes to keep Kemp happy. Flat out, the guy's one of the Top 3 offensive threats in the NL and the Dodgers NEED to sign him long term.

It's the second paragraph that is much more important than the 1st and if you get Fielder then you 80% have Kemp locked up IMO.

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

This is a good point. I know I want Fielder badly, but I have to admit, Loney really raked well the last 2 months of the season. If Loney can provide a .300 avg, .800 OPS and 15 HRs, he is an asset when you factor in his Gold Glove defense at 1B.

The issue is Kemp. IMO, we need to do whatever it takes to keep Kemp happy. Flat out, the guy's one of the Top 3 offensive threats in the NL and the Dodgers NEED to sign him long term.

It's the second paragraph that is much more important than the 1st and if you get Fielder then you 80% have Kemp locked up IMO.

Yeah, I agree. Fielder is tight with Gwynn. I think if we want to keep Kemp, then it would be best to re-sign Gwynn to be the 4th OF, then sign Fielder to play 1B.

I think Loney should be traded this offseason. Like grabarkewitz pointed out, the Dodgers could get something for him.

Then you just offer arb to Ethier and Kershaw and sign Kemp to a long term deal. Re-sign Carroll and Rivera for cheap and there's the bulk of your team:

SS Gordon, RF Ethier, CF Kemp, 1B Fielder, LF Sands, 2B Carroll, 3B Uribe, C Ellis

If the Dodgers could sign Ian Stewart to play 3B and shift Uribe to 2B, that would be even better.

If Ethier bounces back, that could be a much improved offense.

 

saeldway said:

SamAdams said:

jWerthfan said:

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

This is a good point. I know I want Fielder badly, but I have to admit, Loney really raked well the last 2 months of the season. If Loney can provide a .300 avg, .800 OPS and 15 HRs, he is an asset when you factor in his Gold Glove defense at 1B.

The issue is Kemp. IMO, we need to do whatever it takes to keep Kemp happy. Flat out, the guy's one of the Top 3 offensive threats in the NL and the Dodgers NEED to sign him long term.

It's the second paragraph that is much more important than the 1st and if you get Fielder then you 80% have Kemp locked up IMO.

Yeah, I agree. Fielder is tight with Gwynn. I think if we want to keep Kemp, then it would be best to re-sign Gwynn to be the 4th OF, then sign Fielder to play 1B.

I think Loney should be traded this offseason. Like grabarkewitz pointed out, the Dodgers could get something for him.

Then you just offer arb to Ethier and Kershaw and sign Kemp to a long term deal. Re-sign Carroll and Rivera for cheap and there's the bulk of your team:

SS Gordon, RF Ethier, CF Kemp, 1B Fielder, LF Sands, 2B Carroll, 3B Uribe, C Ellis

If the Dodgers could sign Ian Stewart to play 3B and shift Uribe to 2B, that would be even better.

If Ethier bounces back, that could be a much improved offense.

 

I am of the opinion that if Fielder is signed, it's assured that Ethier is gone for a young 2b/3b with pop.  Hey, after last night's game how about Lilly for Middlebrooks?  I am of course not being serious.  I tell you what though, instant trade rumor, last night's goat, Carl Crawford, 1/3 of his money, and Middlebrooks for Ethier and Lilly.  Boom!

Is Epstein really going to chance Crawford for 3 more months and the loss of all trade value.  Then only Tony Reagans would want him.

I curse at Ned Colletti all day long, but at least he didn't trade for Vernon Wells and all of his contract.

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

This is a good point. I know I want Fielder badly, but I have to admit, Loney really raked well the last 2 months of the season. If Loney can provide a .300 avg, .800 OPS and 15 HRs, he is an asset when you factor in his Gold Glove defense at 1B.

The issue is Kemp. IMO, we need to do whatever it takes to keep Kemp happy. Flat out, the guy's one of the Top 3 offensive threats in the NL and the Dodgers NEED to sign him long term.

It's the second paragraph that is much more important than the 1st and if you get Fielder then you 80% have Kemp locked up IMO.

Yeah, I agree. Fielder is tight with Gwynn. I think if we want to keep Kemp, then it would be best to re-sign Gwynn to be the 4th OF, then sign Fielder to play 1B.

I think Loney should be traded this offseason. Like grabarkewitz pointed out, the Dodgers could get something for him.

Then you just offer arb to Ethier and Kershaw and sign Kemp to a long term deal. Re-sign Carroll and Rivera for cheap and there's the bulk of your team:

SS Gordon, RF Ethier, CF Kemp, 1B Fielder, LF Sands, 2B Carroll, 3B Uribe, C Ellis

If the Dodgers could sign Ian Stewart to play 3B and shift Uribe to 2B, that would be even better.

If Ethier bounces back, that could be a much improved offense.

 

I am of the opinion that if Fielder is signed, it's assured that Ethier is gone for a young 2b/3b with pop.  Hey, after last night's game how about Lilly for Middlebrooks?  I am of course not being serious.  I tell you what though, instant trade rumor, last night's goat, Carl Crawford, 1/3 of his money, and Middlebrooks for Ethier and Lilly.  Boom!

I don't necessarily think that has to be the case. Considering that Furcal ($10.5 M), Blake ($5.25), Broxton ($7), Loney ($4.9), Garland ($3.5), Barajas ($3.25) and Padilla ($3) are likely coming off the books, that would free up about $40 million. All of those can be replaced internally with cheap options, except for Fielder replacing Loney.

I think Ethier's arb number will not be that crazy, considering the year he's had.

If they backload a Kemp deal, next year's number could end up reasonable as well.

Kershaw's the guy whose number will get big, probably at least $7 mill due to his likely Cy Young award and also just the  body of his work in the majors.

 

 

saeldway said:

saeldway said:

SamAdams said:

jWerthfan said:

I agree with you, Sam. As someone mentioned during a recent game thread, Loney's value is much higher with Dee Gordon chuckin' throws from SS.

Thanks, I mentioned a week ago that Loney (and I was thinking compared to Rivera) might save Meep double figure errors (I might have said 20) over the course of a season.  Hopefully, Meep will start throwing the ball more overhanded and stop that submarine stuff from shortstop.  

This is a good point. I know I want Fielder badly, but I have to admit, Loney really raked well the last 2 months of the season. If Loney can provide a .300 avg, .800 OPS and 15 HRs, he is an asset when you factor in his Gold Glove defense at 1B.

The issue is Kemp. IMO, we need to do whatever it takes to keep Kemp happy. Flat out, the guy's one of the Top 3 offensive threats in the NL and the Dodgers NEED to sign him long term.

It's the second paragraph that is much more important than the 1st and if you get Fielder then you 80% have Kemp locked up IMO.

Yeah, I agree. Fielder is tight with Gwynn. I think if we want to keep Kemp, then it would be best to re-sign Gwynn to be the 4th OF, then sign Fielder to play 1B.

I think Loney should be traded this offseason. Like grabarkewitz pointed out, the Dodgers could get something for him.

Then you just offer arb to Ethier and Kershaw and sign Kemp to a long term deal. Re-sign Carroll and Rivera for cheap and there's the bulk of your team:

SS Gordon, RF Ethier, CF Kemp, 1B Fielder, LF Sands, 2B Carroll, 3B Uribe, C Ellis

If the Dodgers could sign Ian Stewart to play 3B and shift Uribe to 2B, that would be even better.

If Ethier bounces back, that could be a much improved offense.

 

I am of the opinion that if Fielder is signed, it's assured that Ethier is gone for a young 2b/3b with pop.  Hey, after last night's game how about Lilly for Middlebrooks?  I am of course not being serious.  I tell you what though, instant trade rumor, last night's goat, Carl Crawford, 1/3 of his money, and Middlebrooks for Ethier and Lilly.  Boom!

I don't necessarily think that has to be the case. Considering that Furcal ($10.5 M), Blake ($5.25), Broxton ($7), Loney ($4.9), Garland ($3.5), Barajas ($3.25) and Padilla ($3) are likely coming off the books, that would free up about $40 million. All of those can be replaced internally with cheap options, except for Fielder replacing Loney.

I think Ethier's arb number will not be that crazy, considering the year he's had.

If they backload a Kemp deal, next year's number could end up reasonable as well.

Kershaw's the guy whose number will get big, probably at least $7 mill due to his likely Cy Young award and also just the  body of his work in the majors.

 

 

The ole' "coming off the books" trick.  There's not as much room as you might think.  There's already 92Mil committed to next year without Loney, and it looks like payroll will be a little bit higher than the $114Mil this year (Numbers per TBLA worksheet, and includes deferrals.  Payroll being higher per Jackson's article today.)  Let's use the $114 as if payroll won't go down.  That's 22Mil available for Fielder, #4SP, Ned's move of Barajas and Rivera, a 3b or 2b, and the bench.  There's not enough in there for all that without dumping Ethier.  Doing so would fill the IF need, get Fielder, and leave enough to accomplish all those other things.

Now Dylan's got an article about our offseason spending.  Part of me says where there's smoke.... but part of me is ready for the biggest letdown of my life because huge offseason is going to look something like Beltran and Cody Ross and whatever other former Giant he can overpay for.  Tony Jackson's article seemed to indicate payroll will be above the $114Mil from last year(Includes deferrals.)  So I think we should be between $114Mil-$120Mil. If its $120Mil, that should leave $28Mil to fill all holes this offseason.  I don't think we go as high as $130Mil.  I can see a Webster, Gould, SVS +more for Shields and sliding him into Rusty's spot for less than Rusty made in 2011.  Rays would obviously want Lee instead of Gould but I can't see Logan approving that.  He talks about him in the same way he talks about ClaY.

Look at that, Cashman gets caught in extra-marital affair.  Wonder what it does to the Yankee offseason, if anything?  I tell you, if I ever become owner of the Dodgers I'm hiring a PI to dig up dirt on the other GM's.  Not baseball dirt, real dirt. 

Hey, Dave Dombrowski, you feeling like trading Verlander for Urine? No?  Funny, cuz I've got these pict.....you'll send him right over? PERFECT! 
Hey, Friedman, been hanging out late at the Tampa bars....Longoria you say? For Andruw Jones deferred money?  Sounds fair.

OK, we don't have a snowball's chance in hell of signing Fielder.  What about Aramis Ramiriez?  Dodgers need a 3rd baseman not named Blake, Uribe or Miles.  Ian Stewart would be ok, but he whiffs too much and has a mediocre BA.

ToucheTurtle said:

OK, we don't have a snowball's chance in hell of signing Fielder.  What about Aramis Ramiriez?  Dodgers need a 3rd baseman not named Blake, Uribe or Miles.  Ian Stewart would be ok, but he whiffs too much and has a mediocre BA.

Uribe could be given a chance at 2nd base and then Andruwed if he doesn't produce.

Key is whether Kuroda comes back or stays home.  I hope for another year until Rubby, Webster or Lee is ready.

Ethier?  If he doesn't want to sign a long term contract, trade him to Boston for Josh Reddick & prospects.

JOMO.

I am not a massive fan of Fielder - I think he goes the way of Mo Vaughn - but he is the star quality hitter out there that fits the bill in LA.   Given that there aren't a lot of open first base slots in the game and teams who are willing to spend the coin to sign Prince, his options are limited.   Let's face it, the Orioles are not going to win anytime soon, the Nationals need more pitching to compete in the NL East and the Cubs have some huge holes to fill.   For what it is worth, the Dodgers might be the right combination of money, chance to win and the friends of Prince to pull it off.   Of course, before we go in on Fielder, we have to be rid of either Ethier or Billz.  As Rivera, Gwynn and Sands would likely cost us a third of what it would cost to sign Andre, trading Andre should be the move.   Like we have been speculating, trading Ethier to the Sox for Middlebrooks would work for me. 

grabarkewitz said:

ToucheTurtle said:

OK, we don't have a snowball's chance in hell of signing Fielder.  What about Aramis Ramiriez?  Dodgers need a 3rd baseman not named Blake, Uribe or Miles.  Ian Stewart would be ok, but he whiffs too much and has a mediocre BA.

Uribe could be given a chance at 2nd base and then Andruwed if he doesn't produce.

Key is whether Kuroda comes back or stays home.  I hope for another year until Rubby, Webster or Lee is ready.

Ethier?  If he doesn't want to sign a long term contract, trade him to Boston for Josh Reddick & prospects.

JOMO.

I am not a massive fan of Fielder - I think he goes the way of Mo Vaughn - but he is the star quality hitter out there that fits the bill in LA.   Given that there aren't a lot of open first base slots in the game and teams who are willing to spend the coin to sign Prince, his options are limited.   Let's face it, the Orioles are not going to win anytime soon, the Nationals need more pitching to compete in the NL East and the Cubs have some huge holes to fill.   For what it is worth, the Dodgers might be the right combination of money, chance to win and the friends of Prince to pull it off.   Of course, before we go in on Fielder, we have to be rid of either Ethier or Billz.  As Rivera, Gwynn and Sands would likely cost us a third of what it would cost to sign Andre, trading Andre should be the move.   Like we have been speculating, trading Ethier to the Sox for Middlebrooks would work for me. 

Am I missing something?  Is there a reason why we'd consider going "all in" on the "fatman" at 1B, but not even consider the several-year-older (but always productive!) option in St Louis...?  

What about the rumored (according to Fielder) trade of Rollins to the hated ones...?

ItTakesFaith said:

grabarkewitz said:

ToucheTurtle said:

OK, we don't have a snowball's chance in hell of signing Fielder.  What about Aramis Ramiriez?  Dodgers need a 3rd baseman not named Blake, Uribe or Miles.  Ian Stewart would be ok, but he whiffs too much and has a mediocre BA.

Uribe could be given a chance at 2nd base and then Andruwed if he doesn't produce.

Key is whether Kuroda comes back or stays home.  I hope for another year until Rubby, Webster or Lee is ready.

Ethier?  If he doesn't want to sign a long term contract, trade him to Boston for Josh Reddick & prospects.

JOMO.

I am not a massive fan of Fielder - I think he goes the way of Mo Vaughn - but he is the star quality hitter out there that fits the bill in LA.   Given that there aren't a lot of open first base slots in the game and teams who are willing to spend the coin to sign Prince, his options are limited.   Let's face it, the Orioles are not going to win anytime soon, the Nationals need more pitching to compete in the NL East and the Cubs have some huge holes to fill.   For what it is worth, the Dodgers might be the right combination of money, chance to win and the friends of Prince to pull it off.   Of course, before we go in on Fielder, we have to be rid of either Ethier or Billz.  As Rivera, Gwynn and Sands would likely cost us a third of what it would cost to sign Andre, trading Andre should be the move.   Like we have been speculating, trading Ethier to the Sox for Middlebrooks would work for me. 

Am I missing something?  Is there a reason why we'd consider going "all in" on the "fatman" at 1B, but not even consider the several-year-older (but always productive!) option in St Louis...?  

_________________

Option "B" would be to watch either Puljois/Fielder go to Miami/Florida, and trade for him at the deadline when the team is in the process of tanking (and the manager exploding!)... for a mere pennies on the dollar...

Well, we're talking about 4+ years older and those 4+ years are generally considered to be a player's prime.  27-32.  Prince is a FA prior to what *should* be his most productive years.  I think Albert certainly could be very productive for the next 5 years (probably declining as he gets above 35), but you have to realize that St. Louis already has a FAT offer out to Albert (I believe 9/200 - something like that) and it will take an A-Rod-type K to lure Pujols away from St. Louis.  Do you want Albert for 10 years at $275-300M?  The ass-end of that K will literally kill your club.

With Prince, I'd limit my offer to 5-6 years and go heavy on the annual salary.  Ryan Howard's deal is a perfect comp - 5/125.

Terry Francona fired by the Red Sox.  Funny, when your pitchers can't get anybody out, the manager gets canned.  I'd guess no job with the Sox is safe after their historic collapse.

SamAdams said:

Terry Francona fired by the Red Sox.  Funny, when your pitchers can't get anybody out, the manager gets canned.  I'd guess no job with the Sox is safe after their historic collapse.

In a related story, Adrian Gonzalez blamed the schedule for the Sox collapse.  He said all those Sunday night games for ESPN wore the team down with late travel and 4 a.m. arrivals.  He also said that God did not want them to win.  

I remember when J. D. Drew made a comparable comment by saying, "If God had wanted me to catch that ball I would have" after a tough defeat.  Ron Cey commented,  "If there is a God, he or she has more important things to do than worry about Drew catching a fly ball."  

Man, I missed Penguin the minute before he was gone, for a gazillion reasons.

The Francona firing is exactly why Don Mattingly should thank the Lord every day for having the roster he was given in 2011. Francona was handed Crawford and Gonzalez. Not making the playoffs is unacceptable regardless that Crawford bombed, their pitching imploded, etc, so it's Francona, not the GM that gets sacrificed. Ned didn't just give Donnie garbage when he signed Uribe, Navarro, Thames, Cormier, Garland and Padilla. He also gave him a guaranteed 2nd year. Low expectations = no fall guy necessary.

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

I had a dream last night that Albert Pujols was playing 3rd base and wearing Dodger Blue next year.  Here's to hoping.

Interesting.  Tony Reagins resigns as GM of the Angels. 

Can Ned take a hint and resign too?

The judge's comments today got me thinking.  In his paperwork he was openly pondering whether to install a chapter 11 trustee to replace Frank.  This exercise is probably more fantasy than reality.  What if MLB, knowing Frank is out authorized the Ch.11 trustee to have a 2012 payroll more in the $125Mil range for on-field payroll ( to make it up to fans, get butts in the seats, and increase the price in a sale), what would your 2012 team look like?  A "true" $125Mil payroll would mean the team has roughly $46Mil to spend this winter.  Even with deferrals it would still have $23Mil to spend.  These numbers are per TBLA's worksheet and accounts for all raises.

With a "true" 125Mil payroll this team could easily afford both Fielder and Wilson.  I would still try and trade Ethier though.  Or would you if the payroll were at that level?

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

On another note - Mattingly impressed the heck out of me.  The team went full steam into the end of the year.  The complete opposite of that POS Torre in 2010.  I wasn't too excited going in to the year, but he won me over.  Especially in the way he went after the ump after Clay got thrown out for throwing at Parra.  I hope new ownership gives Mattingly a chance.  He has my vote.

UCSB07 said:

Interesting.  Tony Reagins resigns as GM of the Angels.  

Can Ned take a hint and resign too?

Interesting.  Especially because Reagins only "huge" mistake that I can come up with was trading away Napoli for Vernon Wells.  Stupid is as stupid does, but Ned has made way more blunders IMHO. And on that issue, I think it was apparent that Scioscia never like Napoli, ever.

Brookster said:

UCSB07 said:

Interesting.  Tony Reagins resigns as GM of the Angels.  

Can Ned take a hint and resign too?

Interesting.  Especially because Reagins only "huge" mistake that I can come up with was trading away Napoli for Vernon Wells.  Stupid is as stupid does, but Ned has made way more blunders IMHO. And on that issue, I think it was apparent that Scioscia never like Napoli, ever.

Okay, back to lurking...

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

Kissyface has compiled a list of who they deem the most likely GM candidates (focused primarily on those who have not yet served in such roles) from which the Angel's and other teams may choose.  They include both current and former Dodger FO staff: Paul DePodesta, Kim Ng, DeJon Watson and Logan White.  I'm hoping Artie can resist the temptation to take yet another shot across the bow of the Blue, by hiring either White or Watson...  

By the way Kyle, the Ray's just called, and they're insisting that you must once again put away your "laptop" (Who even has those old things anymore... have you heard of the "tablet"?  You're starting to sound like an honest to goodness Luddite my friend!) and retreat into the woods sans internet.  They are concerned about your reemergence into the "real world"; and the effect it may have on their "Mojo"... Have you heard of the "BluePastorKyle" curse?  Let's make sure it doesn't happen...  

Logan white stays especially with the writing on the wall for Frank. It's his team and he's invested and will surely land an asst GM job minimum from anyone buying the club. It almost lining up perfectly for hI'm if he stays put.

BluePastorKyle said:

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

JDub - didja miss me?  I'm still in CA, on my way back from a very nice time with family up and down the state.  Led worship with my son and an amazing team of musicians for 400+ men at a men's conference outside Santa Rosa last weekend, then went to the family cabin in Coffee Creek way up north.  

It's a bit strange missing the last games of the season.  At the conference AND the cabin, we had no internet service, so color me shocked to see the BoSox and Braves NOT in the postseason.  I also thought the season would be ending this weekend, so when I emerged from the mountains this morning to hear the playoffs have already started, I felt really lost.  

What did we do without the internet?  I can't remember.  After 8 days away from my laptop, I feel like I just walked out of a cave, and have to be retaught how to engage with society...

Miss you? You bet!

The man that approved me for this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], got me pointed to Mozilla to help keep me on this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], and agrees with my insightful points without fail.

Well....two out of three ain't bad [according to a certain Mr Loaf ]. But seriously, I had noticed your absence, and was hoping you had not pulled a Grabarkewitz on us. :)

ItTakesFaith said:

By the way Kyle, the Ray's just called, and they're insisting that you must once again put away your "laptop" (Who even has those old things anymore... have you heard of the "tablet"?  You're starting to sound like an honest to goodness Luddite my friend!) and retreat into the woods sans internet.  They are concerned about your reemergence into the "real world"; and the effect it may have on their "Mojo"... Have you heard of the "BluePastorKyle" curse?  Let's make sure it doesn't happen...  

--------------

We'll see you after the World Series...!  

I am heading back into the mountains right away - if you insist.  I shall endure another 2 weeks of quiet serenity.  

jWerthfan said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

JDub - didja miss me?  I'm still in CA, on my way back from a very nice time with family up and down the state.  Led worship with my son and an amazing team of musicians for 400+ men at a men's conference outside Santa Rosa last weekend, then went to the family cabin in Coffee Creek way up north.  

It's a bit strange missing the last games of the season.  At the conference AND the cabin, we had no internet service, so color me shocked to see the BoSox and Braves NOT in the postseason.  I also thought the season would be ending this weekend, so when I emerged from the mountains this morning to hear the playoffs have already started, I felt really lost.  

What did we do without the internet?  I can't remember.  After 8 days away from my laptop, I feel like I just walked out of a cave, and have to be retaught how to engage with society...

Miss you? You bet!

The man that approved me for this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], got me pointed to Mozilla to help keep me on this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], and agrees with my insightful points without fail.

Well....two out of three ain't bad [according to a certain Mr Loaf ]. But seriously, I had noticed your absence, and was hoping you had not pulled a Grabarkewitz on us. :)

Speaking of missing in action, CeyHeyJay has been posting over on Msti.  Not sure who he got cross-wise with over here, but I kind of miss his posts.  Didn't agree with all of them, but it kept things lively and interesting.

NIce Q & A with Dan Patrick and Kershaw in this week's SI. Among other things, CK heartily endorses Kemp for MVP [ well, of course ] and nearly raves about Mattingly. See, I'm fine with clubhouse Mattingly, but have really not liked his in-game management, and said so more than a few times.

CK seems like a straight shooter. So, I bow to his opinion. If Clay loves him, I figure I should, too.

SamAdams said:

jWerthfan said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

JDub - didja miss me?  I'm still in CA, on my way back from a very nice time with family up and down the state.  Led worship with my son and an amazing team of musicians for 400+ men at a men's conference outside Santa Rosa last weekend, then went to the family cabin in Coffee Creek way up north.  

It's a bit strange missing the last games of the season.  At the conference AND the cabin, we had no internet service, so color me shocked to see the BoSox and Braves NOT in the postseason.  I also thought the season would be ending this weekend, so when I emerged from the mountains this morning to hear the playoffs have already started, I felt really lost.  

What did we do without the internet?  I can't remember.  After 8 days away from my laptop, I feel like I just walked out of a cave, and have to be retaught how to engage with society...

Miss you? You bet!

The man that approved me for this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], got me pointed to Mozilla to help keep me on this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], and agrees with my insightful points without fail.

Well....two out of three ain't bad [according to a certain Mr Loaf ]. But seriously, I had noticed your absence, and was hoping you had not pulled a Grabarkewitz on us. :)

Speaking of missing in action, CeyHeyJay has been posting over on Msti.  Not sure who he got cross-wise with over here, but I kind of miss his posts.  Didn't agree with all of them, but it kept things lively and interesting.

No love lost here for CeyHeyJay.  Just saying....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n4s-lkYm0w

BluePastorKyle said:

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

JDub - didja miss me?  I'm still in CA, on my way back from a very nice time with family up and down the state.  Led worship with my son and an amazing team of musicians for 400+ men at a men's conference outside Santa Rosa last weekend, then went to the family cabin in Coffee Creek way up north.  

It's a bit strange missing the last games of the season.  At the conference AND the cabin, we had no internet service, so color me shocked to see the BoSox and Braves NOT in the postseason.  I also thought the season would be ending this weekend, so when I emerged from the mountains this morning to hear the playoffs have already started, I felt really lost.  

What did we do without the internet?  I can't remember.  After 8 days away from my laptop, I feel like I just walked out of a cave, and have to be retaught how to engage with society...

Kyle, up in Coffee creek? Did you swim at the Mann's Hole? Swing by Wyntoon Market? That is my old stomping grounds. Nice place!

Brookster said:

SamAdams said:

jWerthfan said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

JDub - didja miss me?  I'm still in CA, on my way back from a very nice time with family up and down the state.  Led worship with my son and an amazing team of musicians for 400+ men at a men's conference outside Santa Rosa last weekend, then went to the family cabin in Coffee Creek way up north.  

It's a bit strange missing the last games of the season.  At the conference AND the cabin, we had no internet service, so color me shocked to see the BoSox and Braves NOT in the postseason.  I also thought the season would be ending this weekend, so when I emerged from the mountains this morning to hear the playoffs have already started, I felt really lost.  

What did we do without the internet?  I can't remember.  After 8 days away from my laptop, I feel like I just walked out of a cave, and have to be retaught how to engage with society...

Miss you? You bet!

The man that approved me for this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], got me pointed to Mozilla to help keep me on this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], and agrees with my insightful points without fail.

Well....two out of three ain't bad [according to a certain Mr Loaf ]. But seriously, I had noticed your absence, and was hoping you had not pulled a Grabarkewitz on us. :)

Speaking of missing in action, CeyHeyJay has been posting over on Msti.  Not sure who he got cross-wise with over here, but I kind of miss his posts.  Didn't agree with all of them, but it kept things lively and interesting.

No love lost here for CeyHeyJay.  Just saying....

Yeah, he is not on my Christmas card list, either. 

grabarkewitz said:

Brookster said:

SamAdams said:

jWerthfan said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Brookster said:

jWerthfan said:

Speaking of which - and off topic for a sec - I haven't seen BPK around for a while....??

He has been on a Southern California vacation with his family.  I caught a game with him at Dodger stadium - Clay's 20th win by the way!!!!  Woot!!!!  Kyle is a cool dude.

Back atcha Dave!  What an awesome game, and awesome company.

JDub - didja miss me?  I'm still in CA, on my way back from a very nice time with family up and down the state.  Led worship with my son and an amazing team of musicians for 400+ men at a men's conference outside Santa Rosa last weekend, then went to the family cabin in Coffee Creek way up north.  

It's a bit strange missing the last games of the season.  At the conference AND the cabin, we had no internet service, so color me shocked to see the BoSox and Braves NOT in the postseason.  I also thought the season would be ending this weekend, so when I emerged from the mountains this morning to hear the playoffs have already started, I felt really lost.  

What did we do without the internet?  I can't remember.  After 8 days away from my laptop, I feel like I just walked out of a cave, and have to be retaught how to engage with society...

Miss you? You bet!

The man that approved me for this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], got me pointed to Mozilla to help keep me on this board [yeah, the rest of you can blame BPK], and agrees with my insightful points without fail.

Well....two out of three ain't bad [according to a certain Mr Loaf ]. But seriously, I had noticed your absence, and was hoping you had not pulled a Grabarkewitz on us. :)

Speaking of missing in action, CeyHeyJay has been posting over on Msti.  Not sure who he got cross-wise with over here, but I kind of miss his posts.  Didn't agree with all of them, but it kept things lively and interesting.

No love lost here for CeyHeyJay.  Just saying....

Yeah, he is not on my Christmas card list, either. 

Crap Chris... come to think of it, I haven't received a Christmas card from you either... Does that mean that you think the same of me, as you do of CeyHeyJay... Now I'm developing a complex...

Regarding the hotly contested MVP race in the NL, Mr. LA Sports Fan at So-Cal Sports Fan, points out some outstanding support for Matt Kemp in terms of WAR.  According to BaseballReference.com, Matt Kemp had a WAR (WinsAboveReplacement) value of 10.0  compared to 7.7 for Ryan Braun.  This was pointed out by