Dodgers on Game Shows…
It is somewhat ironic, I think, that the Dodgers recently visited the “Price is Right” set, given the last three months of trying to find the right price for Manny. As you surely know by now, he granted his first interview in a while to the LA Times and it was great to hear from him and know how much he enjoyed playing in Los Angeles. As you can imagine, it’s not always easy to work through intermediaries in any business sense, but it’s a necessary part of the game and his agent is very good at what he does. That said, I hope that Manny’s comments are an indication that we can work something out (hopefully before the Price is Right episode airs in mid-March!!!)
Meanwhile, our team historian, Mark Langill, has been a contributor to this blog from time to time and I’ve asked him to send us a weekly post that touches on something historical from the club. Sometimes it’ll be an anniversary, sometimes it’ll be a relevant piece of history tied to current events and they’ll vary in length, I’m sure. But, there’s so much knowledge kicking around in his head, we want to make sure you guys all enjoy it, too. So, here’s his first weekly post…
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The Dodgers’ recent winter caravan included a visit to “The Price Is Right” game show with host Drew Carey at CBS Studios, rekindling memories of a time when Dodger personnel often appeared on the non-baseball airwaves on game shows, variety specials and even in the movies.
During their tenure in Brooklyn, the New York-based game show “What’s My Line?” included mystery guests from the world of sports, including Dodger catcher Roy Campanella and Duke Snider.
In Los Angeles, sitcoms in the early 1960s featured Dodger coach Leo Durocher in a “manager” role because acting didn’t appeal to the low-key Walter Alston. Durocher appeared on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” scouting Jethro as a pitcher; “The Munsters,” scouting Herman Munster as a power hitter; and received advice from a talking horse on “Mister Ed.”
Arguably the most versatile Dodger in an acting role was pitcher Don Drysdale, who could appear as a gun-toting villain in such shows at “The Rifleman” and then wear a tuxedo and sing love songs, like he did after the 1963 World Series on “The Joey Bishop Show.”
In one scene, Drysdale masterfully performed “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” until he suddenly stopped when starting the song’s last line which began, “Your golden sun …” The supposedly startled Bishop approached Drysdale and the pair staged a conversation away from the microphone. Like a manager, Bishop then summoned relief pitcher Ron Perranoski, who slowly walked onstage in his Dodger uniform, complete with warmup jacket slung over his shoulder. Perranoski handed his jacket to Drysdale, who walked off the stage. “There’s another one Don couldn’t finish,” Bishop joked. Perranoski quickly sang the song’s final four words, “… will shine for me” to get the save.
Inside the Dodgers 
Thanks for the information, Josh. I certainly hope the Manny business is taken care of real soon. More important to me is to pay ANDRE what he is worth to this franchise.
As we noted earlier, Ryan Howard signed a $54M deal. Granted, he hit more home runs than Andre but, Dre played in 20 less games and still came close if not better in all other areas of the game. Howard struck out 199 times with a 251 BA. He also committed 19 errors. Andre had 39 doubles; 59 BB and his slugging was only slightly lower than Howard’s. His on base % was higher and he only committed 2 errors and had 11 assists. I certainly feel Andre deserves the $3.M he is asking for……….so come on Frank, open your wallet.
This is a re-post at the end of the last thread… Sorry if you’ve already read it…
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Pay Dre!!! Pay Dre!!! Pay Dre!!!
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Ned & Frank I don’t know what you’re thinking in regards to Either. He has not only put up great #’s but has always been a team player in every aspect. He has been in the community of LA reaching out and making a difference in many lives. He is a positive example to many in the community.
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You say that you want to have a team that is built from within. You say you want to go with the youth. You say you want to have a team that has & shows class. You say you want to have a team that has a positive affect in the community and reaches out to the community.
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Prove it…
Letter to Mr. Selig…….
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http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/02/will_you_sign_the_letter_to_bu.html
Thanks for the post, Josh and Mark. I remember on ESPN Classic (maybe 10 years ago), they used to have this 70’s game show where 3 representatives of 2 sports franchises squared off against each other in trivia. The Dodgers made multiple appearances in multiple forms, one game show even having the Brooklyn Dodgers vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Of course, all sports were involved, so you could have the Pittsburgh Steelers squaring off against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Oakland A’s vs the Kansas City Kings, etc…. Entertaining, but I can’t remember the name of the program.
Thanks for the link, D4L. Signed, Sealed, waiting for delivery
NS – Was it Sports Challenge hosted by Dick Enberg?
That’s the one, BPB! Thanks!
Wow, Plaschke Layeth the Smacketh Down on Manny’s dreams…
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-baseball8-2009feb08,0,2124971,print.column
Excerpt:
“We’re in the seventh inning and I’m waiting for my pitch,” Ramirez told The Times.
Um, dude, no, there are two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and there is only one pitch, and it is being grooved down the middle by a Dodgers team that will allow you to make a lot of money, save a lot of face, prove a lot of people wrong, and have a lot of options next winter.
Swing at that pitch, or get used to long johns and garlic fries.
Swing at that pitch, or admit that you never should have quit on Boston in the first place.
Signing with the Dodgers allows Ramirez to keep his dignity, his clubhouse and his fans.
Going elsewhere, to a team that clearly has not made him a priority, a fallen star that nobody really wanted, will only exacerbate the bad reputation that he is trying to live down.
The truth may have sounded crazy four months ago, but it’s never been more real.
Manny Ramirez needs the Dodgers more than the Dodgers need him.
nsblues – very well said once again 🙂
Nelly, everything but the first line at the top was Plaschke’s. Though the two lines after that in the article look a lot like Eric’s…
Gotcha nsblues ~ I knew most of it was Plaschke’s. However, the bottom two sounded like something you would say 🙂
I guess I am just trying to find some shred of reason why Frank is being stingy with his money when it comes to Andr, while paying Estes, Mota and Ausmus just to fill in spots. So, let’s go to stats. Given there are 16 teams in the National League and with 8 starting position players, there are approximated 128 starting players in the NL. Let’s not forget that he sat out the majority of June and some of July while Joe was trying to find a way to help Andruw and allow JP (the whiner) playing time. Here is how he ranks in the NL in most categories.
Runs – 24th with 90 (#2 Dodger)
Hits – 32 with 160 (#3 Dodger)
2b – 18th with 38 (#1 Dodger)
3b – 20th with 5 (#2 Dodger)
HR – 48th with 20 (#1 Dodger)
RBI – 32nd with 77 (#2 Dodger)
TB – 29th with 268 (#2 Dodger)
BB – 39th with 59 (#2 Dodger)
SO – 62nd with 88 (#2 Dodger)
SF – 15th with 7 (#1 Dodger)
XBH – 26th with 63 (#1 Dodger)
BA – 9th with .305 (#1 Dodger)
SLG % – 18th with .510 (#1 Dodger)
On top of that, like tru mentioned, he has 11 assists which makes him 6th among NL outfielders and #2 among the Dodgers in which Matt is #1 in the NL with 16. So, you have Andre who is in the top 3 in every category among the Dodgers and he can’t settle a dispute that is a difference of a million dollars. Really, what are these people thinking?
I think he is going to get jerked around again (financially this time) because for whatever reason this organization thinks they can. They have been doing it for two years now, why not make it three.
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Frankly, I want Manny to be a Dodger, but I am getting tired of the drama that surrounds it, and like messagebear said this morning, if the Dodgers don’t take care of the young guns now, there won’t be a core left in a few of years.
L.A. Zeitgeist:
From the latimes.com poll (as of 4:28pm 2-8-09):
Your Vote
Do you think the Dodgers have made a legitimate attempt to sign Manny Ramirez?
52.9 %
Yes. Two years, $45 million and one year, $25 million are fair offers for Ramirez.
24.8 %
No. They know he will reject those offers and just want to make it look good for the fans.
22.3 %
Forget Ramirez, they should go after Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu and a starting pitcher.
3374 total responses
Maybe its because Dre didn’t actually come up in the Dodgers organization that he gets treated like the red-headed stepchild.
I would think that if you can come up with the money for a roider like Mota, you can come up with an extra mil for Dre.
Good afternoon ITD.
Maybe Andre has to get a gig on a television show to make up the difference in salary! He certainly is cute enough and already has a huge following.
And Manny..maybe he allowed that interview to keep interest up, especially to say that he enjoyed being a Dodger, or in other words, he will be a model Dodger as he was the last part of the season. I think we all agree that the issue of Manny is becoming extremely tiring.
True, we got Andre from another orgaization by trading Bradley. Which of the two would you pick for the Dodgers now? Ironically Bradley just signed a $30 million contract earlier this off-season. Andre can be had for $3.5 million for 2009, if our “brain trust” has any brains at all. SIGN ANDRE NOW, or,
SELL THE TEAM YOU CHEAP F***ERS!!!
LMAO!!!!!!!!
I think bear’s moved past irked and is now really sore.
LOL!!!!! umm……….just a little.
bear ~ SELL THE TEAM YOU CHEAP F***ERS is just fine with me!!!!!
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PAY ANDRE……PAY ANDRE……PAY ANDRE……PAY ANDRE…..
Would furious be a good word for how bear and the rest of us are feeling?
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or enraged; fit to be tied; or perhaps, pi**ed off, which would be my choice.
I haven’t researched the circumstances of Boston’s dealings with Manny/Boras in their past contract negotiations, so I don’t know for sure. But maybe, just maybe, all this frustration we’re going through is part of the “Manny being Manny” behavior.
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There was a round-table discussion a few days ago on ESPN and they brought out that it’s possible Manny is just so fascinated with the notion of making $100 million over 4 years that he’s not seeing the forest for the trees. When he left Boston, he intimated to his former team mates that he was planning on signing that type of contract. So maybe this is a face-saving device.
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I, too would love to have him back, but if not, the lessons he taught our young guns certainly made an lasting impression and the team is better for his having been part of it.
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So, let’s get Andre signed without further ado. GO DODGERS!!
diggie ~ I saw that round table discussion too. Don’t you think though at this point, it is Boras and not Manny who is being the problem? I have a feeling he does want to be in LA and Mr. BorASS is telling him to wait I can get you the moon and the sky.
If Manny really wanted to be in L.A., it a deal would have been done by now (i.e. November at the latest).
At this point, its not a bad tactic for Boras to hold out Manny until we go though at least 7-10 games of ST. Since the D’s seem to be the only suitors right now, 7-10 games may be all it takes for some other team(s) to lose an OFer to injury and suddenly get interested in Manny.
You know for a 1-2 year solution until Lambo takes over (which is also why you can’t sign Manny to longer than 2 years with a team option third), I haven’t heard Garrett Anderson’s name come up as a possible alternative to Abreu and Dunn.
BTW, is Jeff Weaver anymore absurd than Ned taking a whiff at Kris Benson?
whats manny going to do i mean howard signed for 54 millions!!!
http://junior13.mlblogs.com/
Does anybody here know anything about Jamie Hoffmann?……He is listed as an outfielder on the active roster but there is no info or bio on him.
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=469845
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bpb ~ Boras is Andersons’s agent………..he he shopping him to the Mariners, I believe.
red pen *he is
“Impressed by a Jan. 26 workout with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, the Rangers have agreed to terms with free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones on a minor league deal. An official announcement is expected soon, general manager Jon Daniels said. Jones will make $500,000 if he makes the big-league roster and can earn another $1 million in performance bonuses.”
Do they need Pierre?
kahli ~ I saw that this morning, too, and was thinking the same thing……..wouldn’t it be great!
Kahli – Getting rid of Andruw was a wish come true, and if we can some how unload JP, that would be a miracle.
Interesting tidbits from the Boston Globe:
“I had a feeling Frank McCourt would make the offer,” said an AL executive. “I’ll be honest, I never thought Ramirez would walk away from a deal like that. One year, $25 million. That’s better than the $20 million option he had torn up.”
“It’s an interesting case because it’s Manny Ramírez,” said one baseball official. “There’s nobody else like him both in his personality and in his ability.”
“It’s strange because you understand why teams are not biting on his demands, yet you’re surprised that teams aren’t biting on his demands. Know what I mean?
“…as one GM put it, ‘I’d be fired if I even attempted to sign Manny at more than $15 million for a couple of years.'”
“Maybe,” said a rival NL West official, “Frank McCourt can raise it to $28 million or $30 million for one year. If he did that and Ramírez walked away, all you can do is shake your head and know you did all you can do.”
Wow!
I hope the Dodgers get Manny back. If only to keep my friend happy who is like in love with the Dodgers. Interesting how Manny has been pretty cool since he left Boston….ahhh I hate the Red Sox with a passion.
http://girlybaseballchick.mlblogs.com/
Good luck trying to resign Manny! Maybe if you won enough money on the Price is Right you might be able to come to terms with him! Dodger4Life – thanks for the link here to my letter to Bud Selig.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Jones did alright BP last season. Its live pitching he can’t handle. He looked no better in the Dominican than he did last season. I’ll be shocked if he makes the Rangers 25 man roster, and stunned if he hits any better than he did last year.
bpb – really? You mean Andruw won’t get those fat pitches in a real game?
I saw you swing the bat, nellyjune and you can hit better than Andruw!
LMAO!!!!!!
Hey, nellyjune, you and your sister make a pretty good one-two punch!!!
WE LOVE OUR DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
365 DAYS A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 DAYS A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 HOURS A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERY DAY IN DODGER BLUE IS A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!
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Bring the Ring to LA in 2009!!!!!
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It’s A Beautiful day………. 🙂
I think I am going to post this every hour until this situation is handled in a timely and correct manner.
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I will help out 🙂
Thank you 🙂 How are you doing today Dodger4life? Life is good today 🙂
Life is Good today 🙂 I am good Nelly, I am Going to Sun Valley this week To paint the town. Yee haw!!!!
hello guys. i haven’t been on in a while
any word on a fantasy league for this year.
Hey!!! How are you manfromchina? I haven’t heard anything on here about fantasy leagues yet. Who ran it last year? I wasn’t involved in the ITD one last year, but I remember Emma being part of it and I believe Scott was as well.
i wanna say dodgereric but i could be way of on that. i didnt join cause i already was in too many leagues. i want to do it this year though.
sorry….off
I don’t think dodgereric was in a league from here, if at all. He does NASCAR and football, but I don’t think he does baseball. I could be wrong 🙂
yeah i don’t know.
To answer the question about Manny and Borass’s past dealings, as I understand it, I think Manny just hired Borass recently… probably right around his last contract, if not after.
Watched the Grammys tonight for the first time in years, glad I did, lot of good performances tonight by good performers. Paul McCartney w/Dave Grohl on drums, Robert Plant w/Allison Krauss, Smokey Robinson, Al Green w/Justin Timberlake & Boyz II Men, Radiohead w/the USC Trojan Marching Band (!!!), Neil Diamond, M.I.A. even performed 9 months pregnant. As for the awards, well, since the Beatles have won 1, I don’t think Grammy voters have ever known what they’re talking about (except for George Carlin’s win tonight).
Good evening ITD boys and girls!
Can’t stay past this post. I’m kinda tired. But this cr*p about Andre’s arbitration hearing seeming to be an inevitable event is just ripping me to shreds. I mean, Frank/Ned, you SAY that the youth is the way to go. I’m thrilled that you haven’t traded our Young Guns, but now your true colors are showing through on this. Don’t you realize that going to an arbitration hearing with Andre won’t make things better; they’ll only get worse. Whether Andre gets paid his figure or gets paid your figure, this will still be a lose-lose proposition. Not only will Andre know that you’re just paying lip service to this “youth movement” but the rest of our Young Guns will know that too. They’ll know that when it becomes their turn and will bolt to another team the first chance they can get. Just grow a pair, set a GOOD example to the rest of our Young Guns and pay Andre what he deserves!
So Princess Druw will be with the Rangers. Well, that’ll be interesting to see…
WAY TO GO CP!!!
Hey nsblues!!!! I didn’t see you up there. There is nothing better than the USC Trojan Band. When I think of them I always, always think “Tusk.” You have said before that Radiohead is one of your favorites as well, so you just had a great evening of music then.
I forgot the 10 o’clock hour so I will double up this time 🙂
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Howdy, anyone who might still be around………
A lot of great reading this weekend. Too bad there isn’t any more positive news to talk about.
Great to see you aboard, dishguy, and welcome to the jungle! And yes, despite the fact that some people don’t like it, we seem to have become a family here.
I added my signature to juliarant’s letter to Selig, and I may as well chime in with the steroid discussion here on ITD. As some have so eloquently said, it’s hard (if not impossible) to say what you might do unless you are actually in the situation, but I’ll let someone better with words sum up my feelings.
“Keep coming back, and though the world may romp across your spine,
Let every game’s end find you still upon the battling line;
For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name,
He writes – not that you won or lost – but how you played the Game.”
Alumnus Football
Grantland Rice
Good Evening Ward Dear……I am here just playing around and doing dishes still 🙂
Fantastic Quote!!!!!!!
How was your weekend? Did you get to watch the shootout……..our two boys collided there in the end….what was that all about? LOL!!!!
Here is the story that kahli quoted from:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2009/02/08/a_tough_pitch_to_let_go_by/?page=full
Hi Junie!
Yeah, they got together all right! Just a superspeedway last lap frantic manic moment! That last lap is just about always like that. There will be more on the twin 150s on Thursday. I’ll have to make sure the DVR is set for those babies!
I used to read a lot of Grantland Rice when I was searching around for stories about Ty Cobb. He wrote several stories on him and I like his style. Here is the entire poem that I quoted earlier. It’s about football, and I believe it’s the origin of “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.”
http://runalot.blogspot.com/2007/12/alumnus-football-by-grantland-rice.html
I actually left the room and my husband had changed the channel so I didn’t know the wreck had even happened until much later in the evening. When I saw where they finished I just figured it was due to it being so tight up front with so many cars trying to push through to the finish line. That’s right hockey on Thursday.
I have never seen that poem before……..just fabulous eric!!!!!!
Well, it’s certainly possible for such a change to happen without a wreck at Daytona (or Talladega), but it’s more likely to be a wreck. What kills me is that so often it’s two guys battling for 32nd place. The yellow comes out and freezes the field and we’re denied a great finish.
And it’s not hockey that’ll make me record on Thursday. They start at 11AM our time.
Wasn’t Grantland Rice a great writer? They talked a little different 100 years ago, that’s for sure. You ought to read some Ring Lardner sometime!
So, I guess I have to record too then – LOL!!!!
I am sure nsblues has read some 🙂
Yeah, I’ll bet he has at that! I liked his little game he played the other day!
FYI – Rice was also the one who wrote about the Notre Dame backfield as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. And if you can find a copy of Lardner’s “You Know Me Al”, it’s very entertaining!
I didn’t know that about Rice, and I will look for a copy of “You Know Me Al” and yes, nsblues can be very, very clever when he writes like somebody else we know on ITD 🙂
There are a lot of people here that I love to read. There are some amazing posts!
And before I forget, you were correct earlier talking with manfromchina. I don’t do baseball fantasy leagues. If I found one with low maintanance, I might. But most of them require an almost-daily updating and I don’t have the time. We’ll be doing our NASCAR draft Wednesday. So who’s on your two teams?
Hey, look what I found:
http://www.online-literature.com/ring-lardner/
You can click on “You Know Me Al” and there are links to each chapter on the left. What it is is a collection of “letters” to a friend (Al) from a baseball player. You might also notice that he wrote “Alibi Ike”.
It’s late again and I have to hit it. Good night Junie, and may God Bless you and yours. Always great chatting with you!
All young drivers….I feel like the Dodgers of Nascar.
Team #1
1. Hamlin, Denny
2. Newman, Ryan
3. Kahne, Kasey
4. Smith, Regan
5. Gilliland, David
6. Nemechek, Joe
This team I know all the drivers pretty well 🙂
Team #2
1. Busch, Kyle
2. Mears, Casey
3. Ragan, David
4. Raines, Tony
5. Sauter, Johnny
6. Wallace, Kenny
This team I am not familiar with the last two.
Good Night Ward dear and it’s great chatting with you as well. Take Care and God Bless to you and your family 🙂
http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090208&content_id=3810656&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari
I guess Conor Jackson from the dbacks is having similar issues as Andre, even in the amount of money that separates the two figures. However, if you are talking stats, Andre is a little better (Jackson .300, 12 HR and 75 RBIs), and Jackson switched positions in the middle of the season when Eric Burnes went on the DL. He went from first base to left field.
Good morning ~ Here’s hoping that this is finally the week we get two things done: (1) Sign Andre and (2) Sign Manny or, move on and get someone else.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/02/manny-ramirez-4.html
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I am waiting for a bigger bully to come along and kick these two adolesants out of the sandbox….. enough already!!!!
Interesting that BorASS still has six of his clients unsigned!
I am ready for some on the field action . I have heard enough and seen enough of all the offseason characters.
They are not!!!! What has attracted me to the game……
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Play Ball!!!…….. coming soon……
I have seen Franks picture and name in the limelight, more than I ever seen O’Malley’s.
Carry a compact Frank…. save the limelight for the boy’s on the field!!!
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buenos dias ITD boys & girls.
It continues to rain here in Southern Cal.
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Eric- fabulous! I get to add more books to my list of books to read. Thanks!!! I will be returning two books to the Central library this week and I will be taking two ladies from the train that have never been to that library. I can spend hours there. they do have tours that last one hour. If you want to read about the self guided tour here is the link
http://www.lapl.org/central/guidedtour.pdf
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Josh & Mark – thanks for the history lesson! I always like hearing from you Mark. Did you ever find out anything about those Dodger plaques on the sidewalk along Sunset boulevard. Well, they are actually of sport figures as I noticed some are of Laker players, boxing, etc. . I wonder when they started doing that , who did them and when did they stop.
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Well, I need to do some work. Will come back later.
………………………………. FRANK ……………………………………
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PLEASE SIGN ANDRE ETHIER
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SIGN ANDRE TODAY
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. WE NEED AND WANT ANDRE
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SIGN ANDRE RIGHT NOW!!!!
The Masters of Diversion.
That’s what I call our entire management group. There’s Ned who’s in the forefront to make sure that management doesn’t get blamed for not signing Manny. There’s Frank and Jamie making sure they get the photo ops and spout their community involvement while buying up Malibu estates that don’t make any sense. And then there is Torre, who doesn’t have Japan to divert him this year, so he’s got a book published that obviously is taking up his interest. Can anybody wait until we see his “The Dodger Years”? If I was one of the young Dodger players, I’d make sure I never say anything to Torre unless it was a one sylable word. So, the diversion game to keep the fans interested gave us Vargas, Estes, and Mota, none of which I can find any use for, but our publicity department certainly had a feast on that bit of news. I won’t berate getting Blake or Loretta, because I essentially see them in place of Nomar and Sweeney.
But, what is so difficult about signing Andre to a well deserved contract? Is that rocket science, or are we playing just nasty cheap hardball with a guy who’s essentially our best player at this point? $3.5 million should do it nicely to avert arbitration. Consider that alongside $30 million signed for Bradley, the guy Andre replaced, and the $50’some million signed for the Phillies young star.
Where’s our management and owner when it comes to some honest accomodation with our young players, who are supposed to be the core of this team? Why, they are all playing their own version of the diversion game. I have no faith or trust in any of them, nor should any knowledgeable fan who loves our Dodgers.
Just remarkable messagebear!
The spin doctors are brilliant…. as they were donating money to charities they announced that they were worried that there might be public backlash if they signed Manny.
All while they were really about to announce the purchase of the Malibu properties…. simply ingenious. no one seen this coming…….. we were too caught up in the Manny saga.
Seeing pictures of Frank plastered all over everything
that has a media spin to it…. is starting to look like a dictator that puts his spin on the land he controls. Stay behind the scenes more Frank… One monumental statute at the end of your term will be sufficient providing you are worthy.
Good morning ITD boys and girls!
Still no news on Manny. Oh well, what else is new?
Nelly – Thx for the D-backs’ article on Conor Jackson. I guess if one of those five names they mention in that article (Conor, Andre, Jeff Francoeur, Mike Jacobs and Josh Willingham) avoid arbitration, that the rest should follow. I just hope for Andre’s sake that they DO AVOID arbitration. For heaven’s sake, Ryan Howard signed and avoided arbitration!
*** NOTE TO FRANK/NED ***
SIGN ANDRE AND AVOID ARBITRATION!!!
It may be unorthodox to reveal what kind of figure is offered to people eligible for arbitration. We know what the club offered for arbitration purposes to Andre and what number he asked for – I believe it was something like $2.65 million vs. $3.7 million. I have been promoting $3.5 million as an honest value recognized contract number. I would like to know what dollar amount has been offered to Andre to reach agreement instead of go into arbitration. We have no problem discussing the figures that have been offered to Manny. It seems to me like there is a great deal of interest to make sure that Andre is treated fairly, maybe even a little generously. I would be greatly surprised if we have offered anything close to my $3.5 million to Andre so far. If in fact we have, and he has turned down that number, I will shut my mouth on the issue.
Alright time to fight off the Kryptonite…………
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WE LOVE OUR DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
365 DAYS A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 DAYS A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 HOURS A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERY DAY IN DODGER BLUE IS A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!
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Bring the Ring to LA in 2009!!!!!
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It’s A Beautiful day………. 🙂
Messagebear – If I remember correctly, I think Andre is asking for $3.75 mil and the Dodgers countered with $2.6 mil. Not sure. But I honestly think that if Andre was offered anywhere between $3.25 mil to $3.5 mil that he would take that deal. I really can’t imagine Andre turning that deal down – not after such a lengthy process.
Hey Dodger4life!!! Still frozen in ID??? 🙂
Hi Cp, Yes it is……
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry to hear that Dodger4life. But you’ve lived there for a while, haven’t you. I just don’t know if someone that’s lived in frigid temps EVER gets used to it!
Well, I’ve gotta go. I’ll try to be back later today. I’ve got to get ready to leave the house for my US Census Bureau test.
GO DODGERS!!! SIGN ANDRE!!!
Good Luck CP 🙂
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANDRE ETHIER MUST BE SIGNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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ANDRE MUST BE SIGNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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DRE NEEDS TO BE SIGNED RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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……………….*****FRANK SIGN ANDRE*****………………….
Nothing would make me happier than if the Dodgers NEVER drafted another Boras client (see Luke Hochevar). And maybe if the “word” got around, Boras would be forced to enter the real working world.
a co-worker just told me that his gf called saying that is snowing again in Lancaster.
So now that A-Rod has admitted to steroid use in the ’01-03 seasons what should he do?
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I’d say he should at least donate all the $$$ he received during those seasons and start a charity of some sort.
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Or maybe a scholarship program for college kids.
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That way he can at least put a silver lining in his poor decision making.
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It could be called the Alex Rodriguez Steroid Scholarship Program or ARSSP for short!
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I say that jokingly but it might be something he could really do to help out others and at the same time take a step of correcting what He’s done wrong.
Kahli ~ I think a lot of owners are already rebelling against Boras…………he still has at least 6 players who have yet to sign.
Emma-That’s funny that you mention the snow in Lancaster, A friend of mine that is on Facebook who lives in Lancaster posted about 50 minutes ago that it’s snowing in Lancaster. Just about the same time you did!
Dc -Is news to us here that we do not get to see much snow. My friend was saying that he is going to have to get a hotel around here if he they close the road like they did a few weeks back.
I love andre just as much as the next guy but ned and frank arnt going to pay him until they have to…give manny his money…no baseball player has energized this city like him since fernando…give him a third year and then lambo can take over in left…honestly how much money do the mccourts stand to make from all the hype that will surround manny if he starts hitting epic milestones like 3000 and 700 not to mention the outside shot at setting the all time rbi record in a dodger uniform…if im going to be buying tickets for more money so frank to build resteraunts to increase the real estate value of dodger stadium he had better be willing to pay the best hitter…yes easily the best hitter…the dodgers have had since the turn of the century and most likely a long long time before that
Great little blogarooni about tv past. I do remember Herman Munster sizzling a line drive through the third baseman’s glove, and also a home run clear around the world??
I enjoy TPIR daytime, and especially Rachel, her smile exudes happiness, and seems like a fun gal to be around…
Could be Manny needs multi-year contract because he has similar ‘roid demons in his past that have surfaced to bug A-Rod?
Dunn could be Dodgers new Frank Howard of the next century.
How about $7M for two years for ‘Dre?
gsutton is right about Ethier–McCourt isn’t forced to pay him, though Andre may yet win arbitration. I just think it’s a waste to denigrate a player and then welcome him to Spring Training. Ethier was a found gold nugget, compensation as the Dodgers rid themselves of Bradley. Pay the lad!!!! Next to Manny, he and Loney carried the team. Sure wasn’t the handsomely-paid Martin, though I love Martin.
Whatever happens with the 2009 edition of the Borass drama, I’m really looking forward to watching these kids grow into forces to be reckoned with. I know I’ve been spoiled rotten by Manny last year (especially for FREE), but I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that for whatever reason the owner doesn’t want him.
Who knows, maybe John Henry made McCourt feel shame for mooching a guy who pushed down an older travelling secretary (and yet Pedro didn’t get much flak for shoving Zimmer to the ground in the Red Sox uni… but then again, Zim was the one who entered that china shop). I’ll be beyond ecstatic if/when we sign him and he’s back, but I’m not hanging my hopes on it anymore.
But I won’t be happy. But enough talk… C’MON!!!!! HURRY UP, BASEBALL!!!! Enough of the business, enough of A-Rod, let’s get BACK TO THE GAME
GO DODGERS!!!
Good afternoon ITD
Very gloomy here in Long Beach, a few drops of rain. It does make your mood a bit down.
Hi Nellyjune…hope your day went well.
Hey Cpompe1, good luck with the US Census Bureau. Hope the cold weather isn’t annoying your shoulder.
Crzblue…sounds like your Saturday wasn’t a total loss. The tour sounded awesome. I’m glad I didn’t go anyway because I would have been very disappointed. R u going to Spring Training?
Hello Dodger4life…so where do you live??? And it’s how cold?
Hello trublu, Dodgereric.
I have said before that the management needs to look at the team that got to the playoffs. James Loney and Andre were also instrumental in getting us there. It wasn’t just Manny. So PAY DRE!! And how can we forget Kuo?? Did we forget that Manny was instrumental in a few runs but the entire team did the rest. Gotta go now.
Good Afternoon ITD readers and writers!!! I think this signing for Andre is important, and not just because I am an ethieraholic. It’s just important because of how Frank and Ned have said all along, or made us believe, that they believe in this young core, and that even without Manny, they believe in this young core. It’s not like Andre came up with some outrageous number that can’t be met at least half way. No, Frank doesn’t have to pay him now, but why risk this whole young core leaving in a few years just so Frank can say “I can wait and pay him because I can.” I agree this Manny issue is important, but in my opinion, keeping our young core intact is as important if not more right now. I think the Manny thing is what is going to drag on into Spring Training.
Nelly, to bad you and the rest of the Ethierholics are not able to represent Andre in aribitration hearings should things get that far. You all make a great case for him.
Thanks lbirken….if only that could happen ~ It’s just he has already gone through two years of getting screwed on the field with Ned getting players who are blocking him and now it’s his third year of going through the same old crap. The only difference is it’s in an office versus out on the field. The thing is too, is that Frank (and everyone else in the Dodger Organization) knows Andre will be the good guy and just let what happens, happen. He will keep his thoughts to himself, just like he did over playing time, play like he knows how to play and then in two years (if not traded sooner), I think he and Russell will walk, and then James and Matt a year after them. This will all be done quietly because that is how Andre has operated all along, with the exception of an occasional outburst after a bad at bat. I believe in Frank’s eyes, this is a cake walk compared to what he is dealing with with Manny because he knows Andre will just be Andre and be the professional he is whether he gets his money or not.
I’m with you nellyjune and everyone else who thinks if Franks doesn’t watch it, his “young core” will be no more!!! Then, he will be a liar, and lose what remaining respect he has left, to all of the Dodger fans.
Let’s hope the Dodger minor league system has some gems somewhere because I agree that there is a good chance at least some of the young core players will seek their fortunes via free agency when the time comes. This problem is not unique to the Dodgers but we will see how the situation developes down the road. I am sure the players understand this better than we do and that is why we don’t hear them say much about it. One just has to recall Gagne and his dealings when he became a superstar. The club marketed Gagne and we all got terribly excited while it was going on but I knew then that the bubble stood a good chance of bursting when he became eligible for free agency. Look at the club’s dilema: a young star rises to the top of his game creating all sorts of excitment and wins while working for a below market wage. Remember, he was not below market when the process began but clearly was a bargain during the process. Then he becomes arbitration eligible and all sorts of things happen when he has to face the team to argue his case. Fortunately the Dodgers did not give him a long term contract and we all know what happened after that.
It does seem as if the Dodgers did not have a lot of confidence in Ethier to play much better than what we saw prior to 2008. I must admit I did not think his numbers would improve much over what he did in 2007. However, players do get better and have breakout years. Did Andre have a breakout year and will he show more improvement in his power numbers? I certainly think he has done enough to get that chance and the organization should support him in that effort.
I am not sure who called it, but Weaver was signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090209&content_id=3812614&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la
Another bargain basement signing with little risk. Can Weaver be another Chan Ho Park for the Dodgers?
Kahli ~ I read yesterday, somewhere, that the McCourts have instructed the scouting department not to draft any Boras clients in June. I don’t know if that is prudent, but I hope more teams follow suite.
dishguy ~ I think in the future, Boras will have a hard time getting teams to sign any of his clients. The owners have already backed off on some of his players this year.
Kahli ~ I found the article: it is in Gammon’s blog from yesterday. I am a computer dope so I don’t know how to link the article.
nellyjune ~ Boy, with those signings, I’m sure we have our rivals shaking in their cleats!!!! Give me a break!!
dishguy ~ I’m glad I’m not the only one who is a computer dope! LOL
dishguy – right click on the title of the article, look for “copy shortcut” click, then come back here and click “paste” – that should do it 🙂
Don’t worry, I learned how to do that on here too 🙂 Didn’t we tell you, there have been many occasions where we go completely away from Dodger talk, and in the most creative ways at times too, as you will see in the coming days, weeks and months.
Hey trublu, how are you tonight?
Nelly ~ Thanks a lot. Hopefully this works. I’ll forget by tomorrow, but I can always check back to your instructions.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3892618&name=gammons_peter
It worked perfectly!!!!
dishguy ~ I’m doing great. Had a very nice day. Thanks for asking. How about you?
Thanks again Nelly ~ the pertinent part is just past the *** about halfway down.
trublu ~ I’m doing well…just counting down the days I have left coaching…10-12 days!!! Woo Hoo!!! I coached for 15 years, then retired from coaching a few years ago. I have since fallen in love with going home at 3:30. But with four days until the season began for our girls team the coach quit…enter the emergency guy…
dishguy ~ my husband used to coach basketball. He was a walk on coach in Junior High for several years and then the Soph. Coach in High School…………it was very hard work but he loved it. Many early morning hours of practice and then, especially, when he was coaching the junior high kids, he’d arrange for them to participate in tournaments…..the kids loved that.
trublu ~ I began teaching just so I could coach. I had been in a different career, but I decided I wanted to coach basketball, so I used my degree to get a teaching/coaching job. The first few years I hated teaching, but stayed in it because I loved coaching. As time went on I fell in love with teaching and now would much prefer to not coach. But for the 15 years I loved coaching. It was a lot of fun; just too much time away from my wife and the stuff I enjoy now.
I did notice some bad Dodgers news today…my wife and I are attending the June 1,2, and 3 games against the D-backs, but the game time for the Dodgers game at Chicago on May 31 was finally posted…an ESPN night game. So our Dodgers will be very tired for the important divisional games with Arizona, but also the 3 games we’re going to!!!
dishguy ~ They will be fine. After all, they are young and we always do well against the Dbacks! I know what you mean about coaching taking up a lot of time. I hardly ever saw my husband when he was doing it. Between the early morning practices, then going to work his regular job, and then of course, games at night……..we didn’t have much time together.
I didn’t celebrate a normal Christmas with my wife until I retired from coaching a few years ago. I would either be coaching a game at night or I would be away scouting other teams every Monday through Saturday from Thanksgiving until league games started after New Year’s. I never realized what I missed until I quit coaching.
Dishguy ~ I know what you mean! Now my husband is a Taekwondo instructor along with my son. He now teaches 4 and 5 year old children up through adult. He really loves Taekwondo and has his 4th degree black belt as well as my son. They are both Masters now. So, except on weekends, we don’t eat dinner until 9 or 9:30 pm.
Go Billz!!!!!
GO!!!!! J. Martin!!!!
Go Matt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go, Andre !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 DAYS AND 14 HOURS UNTIL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT. GO DODGERS!!!!!!
********** DODGER BLUE, WE LOVE YOU!!! ***********
GO DeWITT!!!!!
trublu ~ Wow, Taekwondo. I can’t even imagine being that good or athletic.
GO RAFFY!!!!!
dishguy ~ nellyjune and I used to do Taekwondo. It’s very difficult.
I think I’m going to stick to golf…LOL
dishguy ~ I used to play golf. Talk about a frustrating sport!
Furcal
Martin
Ethier
Blake
Loney
Kemp
Repko
Dewitt
Pitcher
Bills
Wolf
Kuroda
Kershaw
Schmidt…I can dream
I’m actually OK with that. Although I would love to get Dunn or Abreu on a 1-year deal or Manny on a 2-year deal.
Gotta hit the hay folks ~ Go Dodgers!!!
“Garvey, Lopes, Russell, and Cey” Oh, my youth.
Good night, dishguy. See you tomorrow.
GO BLAKE!!!!!
Good night dishguy – Have a great day at school tomorrow 🙂
GO LONEY!!!!!
Have a great day tommorrow, dishguy… 🙂
GO, JP…………………go away, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO GARDEN GNOME!!!!!
BE GONE, GARDEN GNOME!!!!!!!
GO AWAY, NOODLES
Feels like a long time since I’ve done one of these
The Rolling Stones
Under my thumb
The man who I still have down
Under my thumb
The man who can’t push me around
It’s up to me
The difference in the bucks he makes
It’s up to me, for two more years,
He’s under my thumb
Ain’t it the truth babe?
Under my thumb
The squirmin’ dog who can’t have his day
Under my thumb
A man who just wants to play
It’s down to me, yes it is
The way he does just what he’s told
Up to me, I’m not so dumb
He’s under my thumb
Ah, ah, say it’s alright
Under my thumb
A classic player in this league
Under my thumb
He has enough talent to intrigue
It’s up to me
We’ll drive him nuts over a couple of bucks
Up to me, no more will come,
He’s under my thumb
Ah, take it easy babe
Yeah
It’s down to me, oh yeah
The way we’ll talk when we meet the
Arbitrater, and then he’ll see,
He’s under my thumb
Yeah, it feels alright
Under my thumb
His eyes will just keep to himself
Under my thumb, well I
I can still get someone else
It’s up to me, oh that’s what I said
I’ll just pick up my cell and have a talk with Ned
Up to me, we’ll lowball him,
He’s under my thumb
Say, it’s alright.
Say it’s all…
Say it’s all…
Take it easy babe
Take it easy babe
Feels alright
Take it, take it easy Andre.
GO AWAY, SLAPPY!!!
You did a song for Andre – Junie impressed!!!!!!!
Good evening, Dodgereric ~ the song was well worth the wait!!!
Evening nelly and evening trumom! I listened to it on the way home and I couldn’t avoid it.
How is everyone up in gnatland? We’re a little soggy down here.
Soggy here too, and it’s very, very cold. We have had everything from a funnel cloud touching down in a town nearby to a warning for severe thunderstorms with sleet and snow. I guess they were talking on here earlier about Landcaster getting snow. So, it sounds like the weather is pretty wild down there too 🙂
There’s been some hail here and there but nothing like funnel clouds and thunderstorms!
I don’t know if anyone’s raised the possibility here, but what are the odds that Manny’s one of the 104? If I was Manny and if I knew I was on that list, I’d sign a guaranteed contract PRONTO!
You don’t think his name would have been leaked out by now if he was….. It is kind of strange it was just A-Rod’s name that came out.
Hey dodgereric – what are your thoughts about the Weaver signing?
I love it ~ Yee – Haw!!!!!!!
LMAO!!!!!! very funny costamesaneddy 🙂
It’s certainly possible. That list was supposed to be confidential and someone may yet pay for leaking Arod’s name. The person who leaked it may know of no other names.
Weaver? What do I think of signing him? This is in need of a really profound answer. Let me think about it…………
Never thought about it like that Eric……..possibly only knowing the one name. I bet there are 103 players out there hoping the person that leaked A-Rod’s name doesn’t know their name.
Then again, maybe not.
It makes me wonder why we don’t sign every single sore-armed, washed-up, piece of crap out there? Wait a minute, maybe we’re well on our way!!!
Good Night and God Bless ITD, Have a wonderful day tommorrow.
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bring the Ring to L.A. in 2009!!!!!!!!!
I heard someone say in the last couple of days that they should release all the names, because there are 600 others who are tainted by these 104. Of course, there might be a few of those 600 who were using it too, but they weren’t tested.
This is going to make the Hall of Fame voting very interesting for the next 25 – 30 years.
That’s how I feel Eric. The gnats are just sitting in their corner with probably the best pitching staff in the west division laughing their a**es off at the players we have acquired.
D4! Where you been? Well, good night and God Bless you too!!! Stay warm!!
Thanks Eric and its always good to see ya.. 🙂
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I have been tired lately 🙂
Good Night Dodger4life!!!! Take Care of yourself and God Bless!!!
Speaking of gnats, it sounds like they are close to locking up Crede, and they may be offering Aurilia a minor league contract. Other than the mlb highlight saying they are interested in Manny, there actually own site isn’t writing about it.
Have a good day tommorrow, Eric and Nelly 🙂
You too Dodger4life…….keep the spirit alive and well. We are going to need you.
red pen “their” instead of “there” – geez!!!!!
Yeah, D4! You take care of yourself! We can’t afford you gettin’ all sickly on us! We need your enthusiasm now more than ever!
…I also have a feeling the songwriting is going to sky rocket if things don’t get changed around here real quick.
Eric – please, please don’t look for it if you don’t know where it is, but by chance do you know in what month you came up with the term “Ethieraholic”? If not, I will go on a search for it myself.
If I had to guess it would be Junie (or July!!!)
I am thinking June as well….so I will start there 🙂
A minor interview for those Ethieraholics among us:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=444498
By dodgereric on August 11, 2008 12:42 PM
A little later than I thought. I wouldn’t have thought it was in August.
And, coincidence, I think not. Here’s a little song for you Ethieraholics that I just happened to be working on when you asked:
Ringo Starr covered it, but it was Johnny Burnette who did the original. Just happened to be watching American Graffiti tonight.
You hit curves like a dream, make the girls scream,
Even know where to dine.
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine. (mine, all mine, all mine)
You’re well known in Japan, not the Sudan,
Eyes that sparkle and shine.
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine. (mine, all mine, all mine)
You’re my baby, you’re my pet,
I fell in love when you played the Mets.
You swung the bat, the ball went POP,
OOH, when I dream, I could not stop!
You walked out to right field and into my heart,
Now you’re my Dodger divine.
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine. (mine, all mine, all mine)
You’re my baby, you’re my pet,
I fell in love when you played the Mets.
You swung the bat, the ball went POP,
OOH, when you smile my heart went flop!
You walked out to right field and into my heart,
Now you’re my Dodger divine.
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine. (mine, all mine, all mine)
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine. (mine, all mine, all mine)
You’re sixteen, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine.
Right now, ITD is #1, DodgerLyrics is #7 and North State Blues is #13!!!
I told you not to looking for it. It wasn’t that important. However, thank you anyway. How many other tasks did you NOT complete while you were looking for this? I remember that article very well. I think that is the Andre Frank is relying on when it comes to his contract. He will walk out of the arbitration hearing (if there is one) as the professional he has been all along. It might just end up being another case of where the good guy gets screwed, but hopefully in the end the bad Karma will come back to bite Frank in the *ss.
#7 – that is very, very good, and #13 for nsblues isn’t too shabby either.
JUNIE, STOP LOOKING!!! I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!
That song you just did? It’s not an archived song?
I know it’s not important. I just love a challenge of looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes. You caught me in the right mood and I had just finished that little diddy of a song.
No, no archive. When I do that, I include the time and day stamp of when I did it.
Two songs in one night – Wow!!!!!! That is amazing!!!! Fantastic job as always!!!!!!
I’m still having a hard time believing Ethier’s case will make it to the hearing. When is the date?
Thanks, but I’m a little out of practice.
17th – a week from tomorrow. There is still time I know, and I do have faith it will all work out.
I know what you’re saying, but it’s a little hard to have faith when one side has let you down so many times.
I think all of us are a little out of practice, with maybe the exception of enchanted, who probably has them stockpiled for when Spring Training starts and the real drama begins to unfold.
…the thing is we have been saying this since the middle of January that it will all get figured out with Manny and Andre both,and here we are 3 days until pitchers and catchers report, and we are no further along with either one of them. And at this point, I fully expect the Manny drama to go right into Spring Training.
He’s been quiet lately, hasn’t he?
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I miss jhall …….. 😦
I am just slightly worried because even if we haven’t heard from him on ITD, we usually know he is still around,but enchanted tried to e-mail him when you were in Arizona and got no response. So, something’s up, but certainly don’t know what 😦
Now THIS is what I am using my faith for. He’s fine, just busy.
Notice how I said slightly 🙂
Yes! You’re getting better! LOL!!!
As long as you and enchanted aren’t worried, I will be fine as well.
Attagirl!
Well, it’s getting to be about that time again. I’m going to have to bid you a good night. God Bless you and yours now and always!
LOL!!! Good Night Dodgereric!!!! Thanks for finding your ethieraholics term coming out day. Take Care and God Bless to you and your wonderful family 🙂
I had the weirdest dream last night…
I dreamt that Torre said, “Ned, we need some pitching”, and Ned then went out and signed Jeff Weaver, Shawn Estes, Guillermo Mota. and some guy I was cally Huggy Bear.
Wouldn’t that be a frightening quartet?
BTW, congratulations to dodgereric’s Dodger Lyrics on being #7, and to North on being #13. Outstanding fellas!!
Jeepers, what’s this bag doing on my head? Won’t seem to come off though. I’m sure somebody must be giving me the business…
Good morning bpb ~ Weren’t you the one who said we should look out because Weaver was going to sign next? I have a feeling your paperbag will be on for quite some time. I thought we’d get things taken care of this week but, so far, nothing to get excited about. Missed you yesterday.
Morning Tru!
Its gotten to be with our management that you can just mail it in. The only light you can see at the end of the tunnel right now is an oncoming train.
Unless Estes, Huggy, Fritz or Mota enjoy a renaissance like Chan Ho did last year, they’re all about as useful as **** on a boar (or some other colorful euphemism.)
Euthanasia may be more appropriate.
LMAO!!!!! Well, there is one thing for certain brownpaperbag. You haven’t lost your sense of humor. So, even if you never get to take off your brownpaperbag, we will at least know you are still enchantedsunset. LOL!!!! Don’t forget, you are one of the main reasons why dodgerlyrics is #7. BTW – good morning!!!!!
Good Morning trublu!!!!
Good morning, nellyjune. I don’t think any of these pitchers will make it out of ST on the roster. And, then where will we be?
…..several more million dollars wasted is where the Dodgers will be 🙂
LMAO!! What a waste of money.
Frank can afford reclamation projects yet he won’t pay Dre what he’s worth.
I saw Mark Cuban on Rome is Burning yesterday and was thinking what a great owner he’d be! He is one man who REALLY cares about his team and takes care of his players very well.
Good morning nelly. Are we ready for baseball? I’m getting ready. I can’t wait. Being retired and following baseball everyday is the greatest thing ever. I know the Dodgers are going to sign Manny. Just a question as to when.
I just ordered a new Dell system last night with a 24″ High Definition monitor and 12GB processor. Ready to set up mlb.tv
and catch all the Dodger games. Have a good day.
Cowboys smart in releasing Pac Man Jones. Good riddance.
Good Morning Boblee!!! It’s good to see you here and ready for Dodger baseball. I think you are right in the fact that we will probably get Manny, and like you said, it’s a matter of “when” than “if”. And, yes, I agree, It’s good your boys are done with Pac Man Jones.
bpb – The more I think about it, the more I am not really surprised at the moves. I guess it’s more of the fact that you would think FranknNed would learn their lesson on pvls, but I guess not.
boblee ~ good morning. I hear the Cowboys are interested in Ray Lewis………good move?
Good morning ITD, Dodgerfaithful……
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WE LOVE OUR DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
365 DAYS A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 DAYS A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 HOURS A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERY DAY IN DODGER BLUE IS A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!
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Bring the Ring to LA in 2009!!!!!
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It’s A Beautiful day………. 🙂
Good morning Los Angeles (and all parts of our beautiful country!) Let’s hope we have plenty of reasons to cheer this week as we sign our two remaining outfielders and start on the path to the World Series! Go Dodgers!!
perumike ~ I agree with you 100% !!
Let’s see, we signed Weaver and the Brewers have just signed Looper……hmmm
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=smith_stephen&id=3896206
and, the Mets are taking a close look at Abreu………we haven’t offered Andre his worth yet and haven’t signed Manny………hmmm
Thanks nellyjune for putting that link for me. I even wrote a comment on his page.
You are welcome!!!!
We’re not the only ones having a problem with Frank!!
I don’t think the problem is you don’t pay Manny. Who can justifiably argue that $45 mil and $25 mil isn’t paying somebody? The problem is you don’t pay Manny $25 mil per for 5 years unless you are willing to pay him $40+ mil each for 3 years (read that as eating the last two years of the contract) because you don’t sign a 37 year old ballplayer who already can’t field and pay him as a premium player until he’s 42. Not when in a couple years you have a $400K/Yr. man ready in the minors, and not when you don’t have the DH.
Its time to fish or cut bait for Ned and Borass. I personally would rather just move on, sign Dunn or whomever, or let the 4 guys you’ve got battle it out for LF. This season isn’t going to be won or lost on having Manny or not, its going to be won or lost on pitching.
… or lack thereof.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2701-Colorado-Rockies-Examiner~y2009m2d10-Rockies-division-preview–Los-Angeles
Andre Ethier – talk about benefitting from a bat in the lineup. Prior to Manny being traded to LA Ethier had an OPS of .861, .746, .643 and .835 in the first four months of 2008. Once Manny showed up in the lineup his OPS jumped to .961 in August and a ******** 1.249 in September/October. It is amazing what a good player can do when opposing pitchers groove pitches down the middle of the plate when Manny Ramirez is lurking in the on deck circle.
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With the exception of the .643 (which was in the infamous June where he was truly being jacked around with playing time), Andre wasn’t so bad without Manny ethier.
Guess what word was asterisked w.h.o.p.p.i.n.g – LOL!!!!!!
Buenas tardes ITD boys & girls!
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Eric & NSblues: Congratulations on your move up the latter on the MLB blogs!
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Too funny Nelly on that word being astericked!
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Welcome Weavie! I hope he is the next CHP Spring Training surprise.
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I am not worry about Andre. I think he will do in arbitration or they will settle before.
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Read the articles on A-Roid in the Times today In there he says that he hoped his acknowlegement of sterioid use would not derail his changes for induction into baseball’s HOF”. Uh….I hope it goes get derailed.
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Emma
“The integrity of the game has been jeopardized for so many years, and I’m embarrassed about the steroid era,” –Jeff Kent’s quote at his retirment press conference.
bpb ~ It’s not just the money we’d have to pay for Manny But, don’t you think Frank is unwilling to spend money at all?
I believe some bloggers have gone a bit “free agent” crazy, especially when it comes to pitching. Sure, we all like to bag on Ned and Frank–for being inept…or cheap…or whatever. But it’s too easy. True, pitching was labeled as a priority. But look at reality. Other than CC (whom I would NEVER have given a SEVEN year contract), what else was out there? Demster? Please…and he was going back to the Cubs anyhow. Peavy? You want to trade a bundle of our young stars for that guy…coming off arm problems? Burnett? For FIVE years? So where did that leave Ned and Frank? With a stop-gap Wolf, a sprinkling of Estes, Weaver, and Vargas…maybe Schmidt (a big maybe, to be sure) and the belief and hope in Kershaw, McDonald, and the rest of the young arms. That’s how it was a year ago, everyone clamoring for the kids. You grow superstars…you don’t sign them or trade for them. Manny spoiled the Dodgers. I say, let the youth movement continue. Trust the young arms. Seemed to work with Cole Hamels and the Phils.
Yes and no Tru. $45M and $25M are pretty generous offers to someone who isn’t getting any others. That’s being greedy on Borass’ part IMO. Now if Borass would reach out to meet somewhere in the middle and Frank didn’t budge, then it would expose Frank for the cheap ******* he appears to be.
Right now the onus is on Boras & Manny. If he’s got other offers, put them on the table and let’s talk. Boras appears however to be BSing, and I don’t blame Frank and Ned for calling his bluff.
What they do need to do though is guard against this crap dragging on into ST and becomming a distraction to the rest of the team (if it isn’t already.)
I certainly hope this is all settled before ST, too.
From Bill Dwyre’s article “Baseball as a whole should just ‘man up’ “:
” Also announce, at the same news conference, that by league mandate baseball will cut ticket prices, parking and concessions 10% across the board for the next five years and will also return 10% of its TV and radio rights revenue to the networks.”
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre-a-rod10-2009feb10,0,3614747.column?page=1
I wrote him, pasting the quote, saying “Careful, you might give the McCourts a heart attack.”
I found an expaination for why many feel we haven’t got what we wanted this offseason…
“If it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn’t, it ain’t. That ain’t right.”–Lewis Carroll
nsblues ~ great article. That ain’t right……….priceless!!!!
I agree Kahli. No way do you give CC a 7 year contract, and since Sheets was hurt, the rest was pretty slim pickens. I think we all got really amped up because we got so close last year. In reality we’ve got some young arms, they just need time to develop. The problem’s going to be by the time they truely develop, the “core” may be gone to free agency.
I think that song idea in the middle probably gave some ITD songwriter an idea for a song. Great Article nsblues, and that quote from Lewis Carroll about sums it up perfectly 🙂
You know, if Frank and Ned would come out and say that we may struggle for a couple years, but we’re not signing any high priced FAs because we’re saving money now to invest in the young players as they come into free agency because we want them to be Dodgers for life – I’m down for that. And maybe that’s what they’re really doing and are afraid to admit it for fear of losing money at the box office. It would sure go a long ways with us true diehards though and actually eliminate a lot of the ill will they’ve generated.
Hello all ITD’s….
Nelly how are the Lil’ Ones doing? Are they getting exciting baseball season is soon to start?
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NSblues…long time no hear! What have you been doing? School keeping you busy? and thanks for the article.
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JOSH – I like the whole Dodger’s glimpse to the past, a little Dodger’s history. LOVE IT! It’s good to hear that Manny loves it hear. I do hope that he signs.
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Just wanted to say that hopefully we have no ARods or Bonds playing for the Dodgers…I just hope our young guns stay strong and Positive and don’t give in to things that can ruin their career.
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Rose (aka dodgersrule1655)
bpb ~ That would be refreshing to hear them say what their plans are. I think most of us die-hard fans would appreciate the honesty and enjoy watching the young players develop.
Ah therein lies the rub Tru – I don’t really think Frank ‘n’ Nonsense know themselves exactly what it is they want to do.
LOL!!!!!!
Talking about pitching – anyone think that Atlanta’s going to regret $60M for 4 years to Lowe? They have had great success with older pitchers – Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux. But then, Lowe’s no Smoltz, Glavine, or Maddux.
On the face of it I was against switching him from reliever to starter, but after looking at Troncoso’s numbers starting in the DWL, the possibility of him being the fifth man is intriguing.
I’ve been staying away from the McCourt bashing. To tell you the truth, when he took over the team, I signed a petition that was going around against them purchasing the team. But the fact is that year after year, we still see $100 or more invested in the team. Yeah, some contracts have not worked out but with Andruw very few were against the contract back when he got it. We don’t have a crystal ball to tell us who will work out and who will not. With Pierre, I think it was a panic move once J.D Drew left us in the cold. Still, Ned should acted with caution.
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My season tickets are the best bargain in town paying $4 a ticket in the Top Deck. Yeah, many times I spent more once I get to the stadium but that is my choice. Parking is available on the streets. You can bring sealed drinks as long as they are plastic and 32 oz or less. you can bring food.
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I’ve seen Frank walking around talking with fans at the Top Deck, at the center field area where fans can catch balls during BP. He has always been courteous the times that I have approached him in the field level, top Deck, Loge, BP, at Vero Beach talking with us fans hearing our praises as well as our complains.
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Emma
“The integrity of the game has been jeopardized for so many years, and I’m embarrassed about the steroid era,” –Jeff Kent’s quote at his retirment press conference
brownpaperbag, you pinpointed my biggest fear: NOT signing the core to long-term contracts…based on inept front office blunders or what have you. The whole point of the youth movement IS NOT to supply Boston and New York with talent (see Marlins) but to build a dynasty (see 70s Dodgers).
Pay dre……….pay dre,pay
pay dre……..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre…pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre……pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…….pay dre…….pay dre
pay dre……….pay dre.pay dre
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WE LOVE OUR DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
365 DAYS A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 DAYS A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 HOURS A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERY DAY IN DODGER BLUE IS A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!
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Bring the Ring to LA in 2009!!!!!
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It’s A Beautiful day………. 🙂
Kahli – That’s why the front office needs to come out and say in so many words that they’re trying to build a 70’s type dynasty and the reason we’re now trying to save millions is because we want to keep this team together for the long haul.
But they don’t do that because in a always winable Western Division, rather than take a couple years to rebuild, they’ve got a notion that all it takes for them to win is a few hasbeen vets and a second tier marquee name or two and they can rebuild AND win at the same time (and put a bazillion butts in the seats.) And in doing that, they never totally commit to win now nor totally commit to rebuild.
bpb & kahli ~ They simply have to sign their “core” and, to lucrative contracts…………if this doesn’t happen, we will be the cellar dwellers for a long time. With our young pitching and the Young Guns we could be a dynasty like we had in the 70’s.
It’s official ~ Andruw is now a Ranger!
My guess is that he’s a non-Power Ranger, but he has done some Mighty Morphin in the last 2-3 years.
Well, what’s happening in the sports world today?
Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001-03 while with the Rangers.
Brian Giles has countersued the former girlfriend who has accused him of domestic violence, saying it was she who abused him.
Giles accuses Cheri Olvera of striking him, pulling his hair, slapping him, hitting him with a car and kicking him. He also states Olvera disparaged him in front of other people, calling him profane names and screaming at him.
Miguel Tejada was charged Tuesday with lying to Congressional investigators about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.
Dodgers signed RHP Jeff Weaver and invited him to spring training.
When it rains it pours…….
More likely Andruw STOPPED taking Mighty Morphine the past few years. Pile him high on the scrap heap of former stars who somehow “lost it” or couldn’t shake those darn nagging injuries when drug testing became the norm….
LMAO Kahli !! Mighty Morphine – priceless.
BTW, howdy Eric, D4, Rose & Emma!!!
LOL!!!!! Good Afternoon ITD readers and writers!! I don’t have much to add other than you are doing a good job of making me smile and laugh today 🙂
Good to see everyone…. 🙂
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi BPB!
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Eric _ but he signed to a minor league contract and who knows, he might do well. He approached the Dodgers about being used in the bullpen. Is not like Weaver has taken steroids. I for one, wish him the best of luck. I always root for our local (he is from Simi Valley) boys to do well.
Good afternon Dodgereric ~ I think we are getting ready for a downpour!
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Very clever, bpb & kahli. But, you two and dodgereric always are!!!!
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Manny…check out the DOW today. Better sign that 1-year contract.
Greetings to all!
Emma, I understand what you are saying, and it’s not that I’m hating on Weaver. And I even understand the “finding gold in the dung heap” thinking that got a good year out of Chan Ho. It’s just that with a fraction of the effort that it’s taken to sign some of these players who will be lucky to be on the 40-man roster, they could stretch their precious budget just a little to reward the guy who showed all last season that he’s the ultimate team player and giver-to-the-community.
And I respect your feelings towards McCourt too. I just don’t share them. No offense.
I understand emma’s feeling too. But, I remember the last time Jeff pitched for us. It wasn’t a very pleasant experience. If, however, Joe uses him in the pen, we could get an inning or two of decent stuff out of him.
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As for the McCourts, being pleasant doesn’t mean being a good owner.
I don’t know about you guys, but I have a hard time comprehending that Jeff Weaver’s only 31.
Excuse me, 32. Seems like he ought to be at least 37-38 by now.
I know he aged me a few extra years.
He do tend to serve up a few gofer balls udf!!
How old are you?? You sound wise beyond your years unknowndodgerfan. Were you ever on,” Whats My Line? “
As one of the panelists? lol
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/manny_ramirez/index.html
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Fact or Fiction???
Fact! I heard last week about the Dodgers’ interest in Hudson.
Good evening ITD and Dodger fans
Hi Nellyjune, how are you and how was your day?
Greetings also to trublu, Dodgereric, Dodger4life, Cpome1, crz.
I can’t say that I am unhappy that Jeff Weaver is back. We should at least see how he does during ST. I definitely will keep an eye out.
I can’t fault Ned and Frank for playing their hand the way they are with Manny. It doesn’t look like anyone else is taking a chance with him. Maybe they know something we don’t know.
It looks like our team is rounding out anyway. With what we have, I think we still have a good team. Manny was one guy. As I have said many times before…it takes more than one to make a team. Andre and Loney were hitting great at the end of the season. Did we forget that?
I hate to say anything negative about anyone. People say that I am such a pollyanna but it does keep me smiling. I remember that huge slump the Dodgers were in after the all star break which no one believed they could ever get out of, I just smiled and said “wait and see”.
Only 3 weeks until I am on my way to Arizona for my first ST game ever. I am so excited.
I posted some pictures on my new blog and everyone is welcome to see them. I am new at it and need practice at this blogging thing. Here’s the link http//catlovesthedodgers.blogspot.com.
At any rate, it has all the hallmarks of how Colletti would finish off the Hot Stove season. For better or worse.
oops. http://catlovesthedodgers.blogspot.com.
heartruss, I loved the picyures I’m jealous. Thanks 🙂
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
heartruss ~ I love your positive attitude. You and dodger4life keep the balance between the occasional outbursts from some of us, me included. I promise you, once the season starts, I will be cheering for our Boys in Blue the entire way to the playoffs. GO, DODGERS!!!
Red -Pen ~ pictures
Trublu, you are a true Dodger fan. I usually stay positive about everything. I found it keeps me feeling better in general. Baseball is the huge positive in my life. I like to keep it totally separate from everything else. When my work friends overlap onto my baseball life it makes me nervous. Work is probably the biggest stressor right now. Meeting such wonderful people who are fans such as you and your super daughter Nellyjune has added so much to my hectic life. Thanks.
Dodger4life. I feel very lucky about the fact that I have met many of the Dodgers. I wish all of you could as well.
If you go to enough games, they get to know you.
I’m posting more pictures in a while. I have a picture of the last MLB ball that Russell signed for me. 🙂
Only three reasons I can see for wanting to sign Hudson after you’ve already signed Blake:
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• You have a potential deal to trade DeWitt for pitching.
• You’re got a fall-back lead-off hitter if Furcal goes down.
• You’ve no intention of signing Manny and will move DeWitt back to third and Blake to left.
bpb ~ I think it is your second option. A back-up for Furcal.
Abreu and Angels talking on a one year deal.
Interesting that everyone is getting one year deals.
Let’s see…the Angels and Bobby Abreu are close to a 1-year, $5 million deal, a steep cut from the $16 million Abreu earned last season while hitting 20 HR and 100 RBIs. So using higher math…and factoring in Manny’s superior talent level…the 1-year, $25 million Dodger offer to Manny was WAY out of line. Should have been more like $7 million for one season…
I want a one year deal
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!
A pro-Manny view:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=smith_stephen&id=3896206
Some valid points, ladies and germs.
Lets put this is perspective…
Abreu 20 HR 100 RBI = $5 mil/Yr.
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Pierre 1 HR 28 RBI = $8 mil/Yr.
In otherwords, I don’t want to hear any whining out of JP this year.
Andre last year – $424,000
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Matt last year – $406,000
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Total team Payroll last year – $118,118,536
kahli ~ I posted on S.A. Smith’s article, under my ESPN name. It felt quite nice to get some of my feelings out!
Good Evening ITD readers and writers!!!!
It’s just pure frustration on my part. I don’t really think I would care as much about all the mindless signings if other players had been taken care of first. Andre’s arbitration hearing is a week away and yet we have continued to throw a million dollars here and a million dollars there for “might be okays” or “might be our new CHPs”, but yet we have one of the most reverred young players still without a contract. It’s just not making any sense to me right now. Like dodgereric said earlier, for the money they are throwing around for some of these pvls, why not just put it towards the million dollar difference in #16’s contract. Like I said last night, he is one of the good guys who I think is getting screwed for a third year in a row……..two on the field being blocked by pvls and now in the front office. I am a Dodger fan first and foremost, but for this ethieraholic, this really sucks!!!!! Like jungar says on here all the time…….I will be glad to be wrong about this one.
nelkyjune ~ well said! I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Also, I am sure Frank is a nice guy, but that doesn’t mean he knows what he is doing. I can speak just by the principal I am working for now. She is a wonderful, kind lady, who is good with numbers and budgets, but doesn’t have a clue how to run a school when it comes to relating to parents or students at this level. She just happens to have the best damn staff helping her through it IMO of course 🙂
Then I was reminded today of Dodgereric’s thinking that this is our toy department, and it should be viewed as such. We just found out that my son’s freshman coach last year is expected to live no longer than through March. He has a rare form of stomach cancer, and we were just told tonight that his liver is shutting down. He is at the ripe old age of 27.
OMG, who is the coach?
bpb – Do you really think you won’t hear whining from JP? He will be whining from day one because I am thinking about your options, and I am thinking screw you Manny, Blake in left field and Hudson at 3rd. However, the DeWitt trade for pitching I can see being an option perhaps.
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090210&content_id=3816412&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la
another 10-year veteran to a minor league deal with incentives if he makes the big club 🙂
trublu – Grant Kuhr – a very good guy 😦
nellyjune ~ I was looking for something and found a 1986 Dodger Commerorative Yearbook. I’ll give it to you for your collection. It has Greg Brock; mariano Duncan; Pedro Guerrero; Rick Honeycutt; Orel; Mike Marshall; Ken Landreaux; Bill (maddog) Madlock plus many others.
How sad 😦
Thanks!!! As for Grant, I never knew anything was wrong with him until the end of last year because the cancer was in remission. I guess when it came back, it came back with a vengence. He was at Stanford, but I guess they are sending him home because there is nothing they can do for him there. He is married, but they don’t have kids yet, unless something happened in the off-season.
Wow! Your Dad’s appointment went well today. The doctor spent a lot of time with him and explained exactly what would be done. Doctor said he is in very good shape overall.
very good, very good 🙂
Wow Huggy Bear AND Milton The Toaster!! Start printing those WS tickets!!
new thread 🙂
New thread