Spring Training and more
An article in the Arizona Republic came out today that says the Dodgers’ continued talks with the city of Glendale are picking up. The story is pretty much accurrate and there should be more information tomorrow coming from the us. Beyond that, unfortunately there’s not much I can tell you right now but I didn’t want to ignore the obvious.
Other good reading for today is Jill Painter’s feature on Don Newcombe in the Daily News. The story has a quote that refers to him as a living legend and it’s the perfect description for him. One of my most prized photos from my time at the Dodgers is a shot of me as an intern in 1995, standing beside a World Series trophy while shaking Newk’s hand, which completely dwarfed mine. I consider it an honor to know him and for any of you who have met him, you probably agree.
The L.A. Times has a good online Q&A between Steve Henson and…himself. It’s actually theoretical questions he poses and does his best to answer them for the readers, and it’s only available online, not in the actual paper. Obviously this is one of the things the Times is trying to do to enhance their coverage and along those lines, I have to say I’ve really enjoyed Jerry Crowe’s new Page 2 features called the Crowe’s Nest. Today’s was about the guy in the Stanford band who got run over during "the play" against Cal, but they’ve ranged in subjects dramatically and have all been really interesting reads.
I liked one fan’s idea of a contest for the Top 10 prospects in the organization, but I’m afraid that on something so subjective, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. While I definitely think you guys should debate those players’ value here, I’m not sure that it’s fair to award someone a prize for thinking the most like Baseball America.
And a final thought on Spring Training in response to one of the comments on yesterday’s post. All fans should certainly know that the organization and the McCourts truly do understand the history and tradition that goes along with Vero Beach and Dodgertown. I’ve never met anyone who visited there and didn’t immediately understand the importance and value of those things. As die-hard fans, you should rest assured that serious consideration is put into every decision made here with the ultimate goals remaining the same – championship baseball year in and year out; the best fan experience in all of sports; and a renewed commitment to the community here in Los Angeles. If we reach all of those goals, I truly believe that every Dodger fan – both inside the front office and in the stands – will be happy in the long run.
Inside the Dodgers 
First the Oakland A’s decide to move to Freemont, then the 49ers decide to move, now you guys?
What is going on in California?
http://rumormill.mlblogs.com
stay in vero…
As much as anyone, I can appreciate the history of Dodgertown but I think for fans, logistics and long term goals, the move makes a lot of sense.
I would love the opportunity to drive out to Arizona to watch some games.
sharing a complex is what kind of bites me, i’m cool with the move (some what) when i think of a short drive or a short airline trip is what makes me feel o.k. about it.
As a veteran of many spring training trips to the Cactus League, I would love for the Blue to train in AZ. The Padres, Giants, Rockies, D-Backs and Angels are natural rivals with top-notch facilities for their teams and their fans. Throwing the Dodgers into the mix would be that much more fun. All the stadiums (except for the White Sox and D-Backs in Tucson) are located close together so one can enjoy a Dodger game almost everyday — something the Vero location can’t offer. Great hotels and restaurants abound with great weather and low humidity.
No, I don’t work for the AZ tourism community (but maybe I should?).
Blue-hoo, boo-hoo! Quit crying already! I love this decision to play Spring games in Arizona. It only makes it more affordable for the organization to put money back into the big club. If it means saving a TON of money by better logistics, this will only in turn bring better talent to Los Angeles. It makes sence. Vero Beach was quaint. It’s no longer necessary in today’s market… and don’t forget, it’s not about how many Grapefruit League titles the Dodgers win, it’s about how many World Championships the Dodgers attain. Stay focused on what’s really important…
i was just on the online chat with Vinnie & i think some of my question got answerd by him
WOO!!!!
I have been to Dodgertown as a visitor and as a participant in Dodger Adult Fantasy Camp and I can tell you, it is a special place. However, as much as I like tradition and would like to see the Dodgers stay in Vero, I can understand a move to Arizona from a financial and marketing point. In time this new facility could be a special place although I am not happy about sharing it with another organization. It will seem a bit strange when and if it happens but as others have said if it helps the organization I will support the move.
Sorry Josh, Sorry Kevin, I understand all of the logic but I still say “Stay in Vero Beach” !!! The modern day game doesn’t have to have everything new or state of the art. It’s people and tradition that built this franchise and it’s what keeps it together.
Will I go to AZ if they move, of course I will. Will I still support the Dodgers as much, of course I will. I just won’t like it as much as I would if they were in Vero Beach !!
Go Ned !!
Go Dodgers !!!
Vinny said it best in today’s chat:
“I would think it’s time for a move. Vero Beach was greatly associated with the Dodgers, but particularly the Brooklyn Dodgers and it is far, far away from our fan base in Los Angeles and Southern California. It would make sense in many ways, including business, radio, television and others to move closer to Southern California.”
Ever since I was a young boy, I always wanted to go to Vero Beach to watch the Dodgers in spring training. But Vero Beach is on the other side of the world for a small boy from a family that simply did not have the means to get there. Should the Dodgers make the move to Glendale, AZ, this “old” boy would finally get to live his almost forgotten young boy’s dream.
The greater Phoenix area (including Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Gilbert, etc.) has become a major hub for nearly every major professional sport (MLB, NBA, NFL, NASCAR, PGA, just to name a few) and these communities have embraced every one of them. Professional sports have made Arizona the new sports capital of the world and I would welcome and cherish the Dodgers moving there to become a part of it.
GO DODGERS!
I’m with you “53” growing up on the west coast, I to could not go to vero beach. Arizona is only a 6-hour drive away. I can make that trip a few times every spring. fan since “51”
I see the Sox paid 51.1 mil to negotiate w/Matsuzaka and Boras is at work on his behalf. He’s going to cost Boston plenty. I’m assuming Seibu keeps the money if no deal is made, but does anyone know for sure? Does Boston get the money back?
When you see figures like that you know somebody is making a bunch of money. Makes it harder for me to begrudge the players wanting their slice.
knouffbrock, I read in the paper that if he dosn’t sign, the money is returned.
“The greater Phoenix area (including Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Gilbert, etc.) has become a major hub for nearly every major professional sport (MLB, NBA, NFL, NASCAR, PGA, just to name a few) and these communities have embraced every one of them. Professional sports have made Arizona the new sports capital of the world and I would welcome and cherish the Dodgers moving there to become a part of it.
GO DODGERS!”
that’s the reason my realestate broker friend moved out there
Don Newcombe is a class act.
Of all the former Dodgers not in the Hall of Fame, he would be the first choice on my ballot (if I had one).
How good does he look? He could put on the uniform and give us six innings!