Tweeting from the meetings
Indeed, if you’re not already following the club on twitter, that might be the quickest way to get news because it’s so easy to post. Ken Gurnick has his usual great coverage on dodgers.com, but obviously he has to take the time to write it, whereas we’re posting stuff as it comes out of Ned’s mouth. Last night, he talked about George Sherrill, Juan Pierre, Joe Torre, Josh Lindblom, Scott Elbert, James McDonald and Brad Ausmus, so be sure to follow the team on twitter.
Mark Timmons from LADodgertalk.com is fortunate in that the Winter Meetings invaded his hometown, so he’s been writing about the experience.
Otherwise, not a heck of a lot to report. We spent the morning in PR meetings which we do each year, and go over various issues that come up during the season. Last night, Chris Haydock in player development and myself talked to about 100 students from our alma mater, Indiana University, and we brought in Tommy to wow them with stories at the end. It was a pretty cool event for those who came.
Tonight, we’ll have a dinner/meeting with all our minor league partners, as this is the best time to get everyone in the same place.
Hope to most more tonight when Ned speaks to the media again…
Inside the Dodgers 
Greetings ITD
Hi Josh!
I have not been posting, but I’ve been reading a lot here and everywhere else. I have aso been on a book reading binge.
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Is a beautiful day here after the storm yesterday. Nice sunny blue skies with a crisp clean air!
I got the first Dodger Linedrive. Looks like every Sunday it will be “Viva Los Dodgers Day.” Andre Ethier’s BBH is Tuesday 5/18 against Houston. Is my aunt Nora’s bday, but I am sure she will understand.
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Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
“Stuff as it comes out of Ned’s mouth” is garbage as becoming a dumpster diver.
I read where Frank is somewhat removing himself from day to day Dodger operations, so that he can concentrate his talents on the further development of the 360 acres surrounding Dodger Stadium. Recent years have indeed shown that there’s no limit to how stupid our major lending institutions can be, but can anybody conceive of loaning Frank any money for any type of project under present circumstances. The Fu**er has apparently retired to his Beverly Hills offices to stay out of sight. I suggest that Beverly Hills is way too close to Dodger Stadium – try Boston.
SELL THE TEAM, you miserable FU**ER!!!
Tweet-tweet….Whoopee! Another day and another do-nothing approach.
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SELL THE TEAM!!!!
Hi Emma!
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SELL THE TEAM!!
Everybody keep saying “SELL THE TEAM”, and maybe Josh can pass on our unanimous opinion to the head Fu**er now in Beverly Hills.
SELL THE TEAM..come on everyone..ive had it with this guy
Nice one Kahli!!!
PLAY THE KIDS!!!
SELL THE TEAM!!!!!
I say, SELL THE TEAM!!!
In the spirit of Frank, moving to his office in BH…….I dedicate this…………..
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Men At Work……..( Mr. Drysdale and Jethro)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swQi4CAzmrA&feature=related
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Sell The Team ( Not Piece By Piece) & (Not to Jamie)
“When the truth is found
To be lies,
And all of the joy
Within us dies
Don’t we want somebody to sell
Don’t we need somebody to sell
Wouldn’t we love somebody to sell
We better find that somebody sells.”
Love the team, F the owners!
SELL THE TEAM!!!
Keep it up, everybody.
Thaaaat’s just wonderful. What Dodger fan cares about the surrounding area? We care about Dodger Stadium and it’s players, period.
Please just do us a favor and sell the team Frank.
Sell the team!
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Don’t wait for the divorce to be finalized. That could take years. By that time, Ethier, Kemp, Kershaw, Bills, Brox, and Loney could be signed onto long-term contracts with other teams.
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SELL THE TEAM NOW!!!!
sell the team….it’s time, time for Dodger fans to revolt agaisnt this machine a.k.a as The McCourts. We can do this, lets go guys..spread the word..of you love the Dodgers say it with me “SELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL THE TEAMMMMMMMMMMMMM”!!!!
looks like the dbacks will be getting edwin jackson in trade..so much for that.selllllllllllllllll the teammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
It would be a great move to:
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SELL THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ATTICA
ATTICA
SELL……………………THE……………………….TEAM!!!!!!!
SELL THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What with this time warp and all, I’ve just gotta ask: What time is it?
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It’s time for Frank to sell the team!!
it’s time for dodger fans to stop giving money to this grinch..selll the teammmm
SELL
THE
TEAM
We’ve got wonderful and so far unanymous support. Let’s keep it up – SELL THE TEAM.
Would you kindly pass on that message from us all, Josh.
Is Dodgereric still taking the $48 investment? It is sounding better and better everyday.
SELL……………………………..THE……………………….TEAM!!!!!!!!
Give me a “S”…..Give me an “E”…..Give me a “L”…..Give me a “L”…………..Give me a “T”…..Give me a “H”……Give me an “E”………………….Give me a “T”……..Give me an “E”…….Give me an “A”……….Give me a “M”……..What do we cheer: SELL THE TEAM, YAY!!!!!!
WE ARE IDIOT FANS WHO BUY TICKETS EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A BABOON OF A BOSS…then we sit here andf complain but we still give the man our hard earn money
Hi ITD.
Today, I bought a ticket to the “JUAN AND JOHN” play at the Public theater on Lafayette St near Astor Place, for Friday night.
Thanks Josh for the information about the play.
I’ll let you all know, what I thought of it.
Joe Pierre.
Hey Oldbrooklynfan!!! It’s great to see you!!! Have a good time and please let us know what you thought.
My first thought when I saw some of the personnel announcements was that Frank was doing the right thing by getting out of the limelight and turning over operations to people better suited for those jobs. Frank knows we are angry and annoyed at the state of things and he knows he has a huge image problem.
But I too was a bit surprised to read that Frank wanted to devote more time to developing the property around Dodger Stadium? What exactly does that mean? I sure as heck do not want to see any corporate naming rights on Dodger Stadium and I sure wonder why the improvements already begun at the stadium have stopped. I have to admit the concept of what we were told Frank wanted to do around the stadium was interesting but I also have to admit I never figured that concept would ever happen and I still am skeptical.
Oh, forgot…………………….
SELL……………………………..THE………………………………..TEAM!!!!!!!!!
lbirken – I thought the same thing. It’s not Frank being away that is the problem. It is what he is doing while away that’s the problem. He needs to be concentrating on what is happening inside Dodger Stadium…………………the team being the most important because I would guess without them and us (the fans) all the things surrounding the stadium are pointless. However, we are just the idiot fans who just want to watch baseball, and it just happens to be Dodger Baseball.
Nelly, I am o.k. with the personnel moves if it improves the way the team is run and the results. No doubt the Dodgers are well aware of the public relations issues with regard to the McCourt’s and want very much to divert attention away from those issues. In reality, I really don’t much care about the McCourt’s personal problems except as it impacts the Dodgers. So far, the argument that those personal problems will not have an impact on the operations of the Dodgers are not too convincing. However, I do find it somewhat revealing that Ned accepted a new contract in spite of all these issues. I assume he knows a heck of a lot more about the situation than we do.
That being said, I would agree that it would be better if ownership was dedicated to the Dodgers and did not have distractions of a pending divorce, running the L.A. Marathon or planting a bunch of trees in the Dodger Stadium parking lot. And having some solid financial resources would help as well.
NSB, I was thinking along those lines about what might happen if McCourt does sell the team but try to keep the property. Would the next owner agree to such a deal?
I understand why he felt it necessary to do so but I rue the day Peter O’Malley decided to sell the Dodgers, especially to Fox.
BUMAYE ITD! BUMAYE ITD!
Now that I got that out of my system, I have to say: I don’t mind renovation to Dodger Stadium, as long as it doesn’t sap money from baseball operations.
Dodger Stadium is well-built, a jewel set in concrete. It could be there for 100 years total as long as it’s taken care of (barring any deus ex machina). The Green Necklace, well… a good idea, but what I’d like to see more is restaurants/merchandizing/ other types of places that can make Dodger Stadium a year-round destination, pouring more money into the team, and maybe even :: gasp :: driving down parking costs, or at least keeping them at :: gasp :: $15 no matter the increase in inflation (kinda like the way a CD still costs you the same $15 it cost in 1991).
IF such a development was to be undertaken, and it would ensure that the Dodgers stay in Beautiful Chavez Ravine, as opposed to being boxed in downtown with no room for parking, etc…, I’d like someone well-versed in real estate to be at the reigns. Remember, when we had a Lawyer in charge, they were still hammering nails in as people entered the stadium on Opening Day (and they never put that awesome fountain behind Centerfield, leaving it a barren black-screened eyesore on the otherwise beautiful stadium.)
Of course, that’d involve Mr. Real Estate to be owner for years down the road… But I have one fear I can’t shake…
What happened when FOX (which Jon Lovitz said “should be spelled with a ‘U’ ” when in control of the PA back in a mid-90’s Hollywood Stars game) sold the team? They kept the part of the franchise that most appealed to them, the Cable rights. Really, who would be shortsighted enough to buy a Major League franchise w/o the TV rights, which are the breadbasket of many a franchise? Ask the Giants, who have a multimillion dollar windfall for their TV rights this summer.
What happens if Mr. Real Estate sells the team? I’ll tell you one thing: The next owner of the Dodgers isn’t going to get 300 acres of Los Angeles, that’s for sure.
Something to think about… will the means justify the ends?
Yet, let’s say Mr. Real Estate’s heart grows 3 sizes one day, and sells the land with the team… if there’s stores, merchandising, movie theatres on the site (with tasteful architecture, hopefully), there’s another source of income for the team. And I have a feeling that the next person buying the Dodgers isn’t going to have to be leveraged as much as Mr. Real Estate, so they’ll have some money to play with…
Yeah, I’m dreaming, but…
“You might say I’m a dreamer,
But I’m not the only one.
I hope some day, you’ll join us
And the world will live as one.”
– John Lennon ///o-o\\\
(October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980)
(How the heck did I go from Ali to Lennon?)
Hey everyone…. I havent posted since the season ended…. The last two years have had such promise and very exciting offseasons…. This one scares the heck out of me. With the financial situation not even being close to a secret, and trades being difficult because of our unwillingness to do something stupid and include some of our best players…. I’m honestly not too sure how we improve other than to hope for the continued growth of Ethier and Kemp and hopefullly Kershaw into superstars….. They are far and away our team leaders. The funny thing is you look at our starting lineup for next year, and the only change is Blake Dewitt in place of Odog in the 8 hole. Our BIGGEST need is going to far and away be pitching…. I just don’t know how we get it….. One can only hope that Kid K matures like no other and turns into what we all hope he can, and a bounce back season for Billz…. and sounds goofy, but we just may be ok…. Not to mention an entire year of Manny….. Keeping my fingers crossed. I’ve not been a big fan of the MCourts… However, one thing can not be disputed…. Under their ownership, we’ve made the playoffs 3 times and gone to the NLCS twice….. So, I can only say, the sky has not totally fallen just yet….. We could all be rooting for the Pirates or the Royals….. I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and hello from wonderful Las Vegas…. Nelly… when are ya gonna come visit me!?!?! 🙂
Hello gang!!! Hope you are all well and having a great day!!! Lots of good comments. Keep’em coming, I enjoy hearing all your opinions and thoughts on our beloved Dodgers!!! Thanks North!! RIP John Lennon!! I also would like Frank and Jamie to sell the team. However, I still believe we are in very good shape with just what we already have. I’m OK with giving DeWitt a shot at 2nd. If our young core continues to develope, we are still the team to beat in the NL West. We really need Billz, Martin, and Furcal to step it up a notch or two.
Our only stumbling block will be if the G’nats actually acquire and offense!!! They could make some noise!!!
Oops!! “an offense”.
Hi, Jhall….good to see you. I have a feeling the Giants will get a bat and, with their pitching, they will be a thorn in our side.
Hi’Ya Trumom!!! Great to see you as well. Yep, if the G’nats improve their offense, they will be tough.
Pablo Sandoval has got on a diet so he will be in better shape when the Giants start their season. He lost quite a bit already……just wonder if the weight loss will affect his swing or power?
LOL Tru!!! I guess we’ll see. The G’nats are going to get better!! If we stand pat, which I have no qualm with, Billz, Ferk, and Martin have to be more productive to keep up!!!
True, Jhall. Apparently we are trying to get a pitcher, including Halliday, according to our homepage, but so far, it hasn’t panned out.
I see those as the most disappointing performances and the potential for the most improvement in 2010!!! Brox, blowing that huge game in the NLCS and how he comes out of it will also be huge!!! Closer mentality is very fragile!!!
I think Brox did a fine job during the season. I, agree with you, however, Jhall, about his performance in the NLCS. I still believe he is one of the best closers around.
Hey Brandon!!!! How is the weather there. As far as coming to see you. We come out there at least once a year. My son and husband were just there the first week in November for a prospect camp at UNLV. We usually come out sometime during the summer (we came last July). However, knowing that NASCAR has moved their Championship week there, we might be making December an annual time instead.
Good Evening to you too, Jhall and Tru!!!!!!
I agree Tru, he is one of the most promising young closers in baseball. I think he will be OK. He is very young and I hope can just let it go and get amnesia. Good attributes for a closer. I do not fault or blame him for throwing the meatball. It happens. I hope he sees it that way!!!! Hey, Big John, I hope you are reading this.
Hi’Ya Mom/Nelly!!!
LOVE YA, BROX!!!!!!
Brandon – to answer your question, the next time we are out there, we will figure out a way to meet. Then again, if we have our annual ITD Tour at the end of June (hint, hint Josh!!!), then maybe you can join us there as well 🙂
Hi, Nellyjune.
I really have a hard time being hard on Brox and Billz. As much as I seem to be Andre, Andre, Andre all the time (which hasn’t changed – lol), I do love watching them pitch. They are so very young still, and I think we forget that because Kershaw kind of tips the scales in the young department.
If your out there Brox!! We’ve got your back!!! Shrug it off, learn from it, and light’em up next year. You can do it!!!
I rather we play the kids (young men) now, and save our money to pay them to keep them when it’s time for that kind of payment. I rather see our management take the risk on our own system then to try and salvage somebody elses at a cost that may be deterimental to keeping the young core we have now in the long run.
If I might add Brox, watch lots of video of Mariano Rivera!! Work on location!!! You’ve got better stuff than everyone out there, just need to put it in the right spot!!! Like real estate, Location, location, location!!!! Studying the best pitchers of all time, they have impeccable control!!! Ask Sandy!!!!
Billz, you need to be taking notes!!! You’ve got the stuff, learn to pitch. Watch Tom Seaver videos my friend. You remind me of him!!!
Brox, Kersh, Billz; seek out Steve Stone, Greg Maddux, and Orel Hershiser!!! I just wish Big D was still around for you.
SERVER ERRORS SUCK!
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SUBMISSION ERRORS, YUCK!!!
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TIME WARPS, A REAL PAIN IN THE ASSS!!!!
Great advice Jhall!!!!!
I was trying to tell you, Jhall, that I think the pitching coach and catcher have a lot to do with the success of a pitcher. As you say, location, location, location but, mental toughness comes from the coach.
I can relate to that. Just watching how Michael relates to his highschool coach compared to his travel team coach are night and day. Plus, he has a catcher that is learning to just catch for him. Not everyone can catch all his pitches. He has a hanging curve ball just like Kersh, and he has some pretty nasty breaking pitches as well.
That would be great Jhall to see them team up with one of those greats. On mlbtv they were talking to Bobby Cox and Lou Pinella, and they were asking Bobby what it was like coaching Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine. He said it doesn’t happen like that much. Kersh and Billz (and perhaps one of our newer up and comers) could be that trio once again with the right coaching, don’t you think?
Yes definately, as the Magic 8-Ball would say Nelly!!!
LOL!!! A Magic 8 Ball may be needed to get through this season because it seems sometimes our management decisions are made based on one.
LOL Nelly!! I would trust the freakin’ 8-ball over Frank and Furter at this point. Probably could have saved enough money to go after some pitching if we hadn’t extend Ned and had promoted Logan and Ng!!! More qualified, and cheaper.
Very, very, and unfortunately. true Jhall!!!
:))))
Yours and Beav’s smile kills me every time :)) I have been dealing with connection issues once again. I am guessing you are in bed, so have a wonderful tomorrow. Always a pleasure talking to you. Take care and God Bless !!!!!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-mccourt9-2009dec09,0,302265.story
The filing did not specify how the issue had been resolved. Jamie McCourt had asked for $488,000 per month in temporary spousal support.
Despite a consistent refrain from Dodgers executives and Frank McCourt’s lawyers that the club has been conducting “business as usual” despite the divorce proceedings, McCourt said in the filing that the “distraction is . . . creating a hardship for the Dodgers management.”
Do they realize that montly spousal support is about the same amount that Matt and James made for the entire season last year?
I just threw up lol
http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3787301&cp=1452355.1452789
Gosh dang Giants colors.
Oh my favor we’re ranked #4 but McCheap is broke.
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/33/baseball-values-09_The-Business-Of-Baseball_Value.html
I had a big long post typed up, but I’m getting to where I just don’t give a ratsass.
PLAY THE KIDS AND SELL THE TEAM.
Hey, check out my blog http://vinran.mlblogs.com/ otherwise known as Queens Faithful for all mets information.
Hey, check out my blog http://vinran.mlblogs.com/ otherwise known as Queens Faithful for all mets information.
Oh, and doesn’t $480K a month seem, you know, a little weird, you know, for an adulterer?
Maybe we should build another 50 ball fields.
LOL!!!!! I guess you do have power. I thought, knowing your luck, you would be one of the 12,000 homes in the hills without power. I am glad to read that is not the case (or at least the case anymore if it was an issue).
PLAY THE KIDS!
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SELL THE TEAM!!!!!
Useless fact for the day:
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Peladophobia: Fear of bald people.
I thought you would get a kick out of that, Enchanted:) I hope once you meet Nellyjune; Dodgereric; Dodger4life; many others and, yours truly, you will be glad to be in California. Then again, once you meet us, you might high-tail it out of the state! lol
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It has taken over 20 minutes to get this post to stick…..submission errors pop up at the worst times. I hope and pray they get this fixed before our season starts. I doubt they will do anything to remedy the situation, though.
GREAT, NOW I AM TIME WARPING AGAIN!
Damn glad I wasn’t one of them Nells!!! I’m not too thrilled right now being back in CA anyway, and that may have just pushed me over the edge.
Fear the E Tru. Fear the E.
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know enchanted. That’s why I was glad to see your name on here this morning.
I hope that not truth the Giants colors with the Dodgers name on them.
I was laughing at Tru’s useless fact, not enchanted’s soon-to-be-over-the-edge state of mind 🙂
BTW, nice to see out GM so upbeat in his interview on the homepage.
The name Eeyore comes to mind.
Out = Our
Freudian slip.
LOL!!! Out is more appropriate 🙂
Here’s my tweet for the day:
SELL THE TEAM!!!!
Eyre? I surely hope not
Nice to see we got ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for Wolf when they knew damn well that he wouldn’t sign for one year only even at potentially inflated arbitration number.
Good call boys.
SELL THE TEAM.
The only conclusion I can draw from the illogical decision to offer no arbitration to Wolf and Hudson is that the Dodgers can’t afford to pay our draft choices any significant signing bonus; therefore, why obtain more draft choices, especially in the first round. No wonder we’re willing to obtain some stiffs just to fill our minor league rosters.
SELL THE TEAM!!!
Just hiding out of the limelight in Beverly Hills won’t satisfy us, Frank. We know full well who screwed up this franchise.
Jack Zduriencik Executive VP & General Manager
2009 –
hired 10/22/08, replacing interim GM Lee Pelekoudas
Milwaukee, 1999-2008
VP, Special Assistant to the GM (2008)
Special Assistant to the GM/Director of Amateur Scouting (2006-07)
Director of Scouting (1999-2005)
LA Dodgers, 1999
Director of International Scouting, Special Assistant to the GM
NY Mets, 1983-90, 1994-1998
Pittsburgh, 1991-93
Director of Scouting
Assistant General Manager Jeff Kingston
Director, Player Development Greg Hunter
Director, Amateur Scouting Tom McNamara
Director, Pro Scouting Carmen Fusco
Can we get this guy back?
Wthout Wolf, Hudson, Schmidt, Manny getting paid less, and all the other FAs, payroll dropped $40 million. Even if we assume $20 mil goes to our arbitration guys, that still leaves $20 mil to sign what 4 top draft picks? And its not like they’d be in the top 15 picks of the draft either. I think a cool $5-$6 mil would’ve done the job.
Bear, if you’re right then and they can’t even scrape up that much, this franchise is not only doomed this year, but many to come.
SELL THE TEAM.
Josh…… please title the next thread……….
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SELL THE TEAM FRANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Juan to the Tigers, as soon as they find someone for Guillen, that has a pitcher with a poorly structured contract, to satisfy Ned.
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Frank even after claiming he was broke till March, when his dividend from the Dodgers kicks in, has appeased Jamie, as to spousal support. (must of received a draw.)
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Ned is looking at Halladay, but is confident, if one of the youngsters are the 4th/5th starter.
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Ned has yet another special assistant to the GM
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Mannion is now the new monkey, at the controls
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Torre is getting hit hard with the cattle prod, to stick around through all this. ( Just Go Joe.)
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Jamie loves the fans….Whatever it takes to win a championship.
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Manny fans have their ticket prices raised (lets face it their showing up to see Manny.)
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Frank has redirected his energy towards, the outer confines of the ballpark.
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Waiter Check Please……( Here you go Ned, sign something! )
Anyone naive enough to think that when Frank actually gets the cable TV rights in a couple years that we’ll be competing with the big boys for premiere players? My guess is what doesn’t go to payoff his lawyers will go in his pocket for more inane Malibu homes or maybe ownership of a triathalon event.
Boston’s calling Frank.
Pick up the phone.
Enchanted, at this point I’m unwilling to believe anything coming out of the mouths of the front office people. I think Selig is equally complicit to coloring the truth about the status of this franchise. What will it take for major league baseball to recognize that our franchise is in serious trouble and draw some parameters for how a major league franchise must act in order to preserve its standing.
Good morning all!
.
.
.
and…SELL THE TEAM!!!
I meant to say “major market franchise”.
And to all you front office publicity people in Indianapolis this week:
Take your Tweets and stick them up your Toots!
You know we are a laughing stock when the Bay Area sports talk show is discussing the McCourt divorce, trying to decide how Frank and Jamie are going to split the team.
.
So, PLEASE SELL THE TEAM!!!!!
I agree, messagebear. The Dodgers should not be hanging by financial threads. I hope our great young players take the McCourts to the cleaners during arbitration. 45 million for JP, 47 million for Schmidt, but Lackey isn’t even an option or Phillips?
And why is it that other teams can make very reasonable 1 for 1 or 2 for 1 trades, but when it comes to Ned, the asking price from other teams is always the whole farm plus major league studs?
WTH???
SELL THE TEAM!!!
Excellent, Sparkleplenty!!!!!
Now is as good a time to post my spin on our situation through a song. Profound apologies to Paul McCartney and John Lennon . . .
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Help, we need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know we need someone,
Help!
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When we were younger, so much younger than today,
O?Malley owned the club ? now those were happy days.
But now those days are gone, we?re not so self assured,
McCourt says he?s the boss, charges more to open the doors.
.
Help us if you can, we?re feeling down
And we don?t appreciate Frank being ’round.
Help us get our feet back on Series ground,
Won’t you please, please help us?
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And now our lives have changed in oh so many ways,
Can?t we ever get out of the PVL signing phase?
But often times and more we feel so insecure,
How can we bring the team back to the way it was before?
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Help us if you can, we?re feeling down
And we don?t appreciate JoJo the clown.
Help us get our feet back on Series ground,
Won’t you please, please help us?
.
When we were younger, so much younger than today,
We never needed anybody’s help in any way.
But now those days are gone, we?re not so self assured,
Trading our prospects for rentals, it just ain?t all that good.
.
Help us if you can, we?re feeling down
And we do appreciate your being ?round
Help get our feet back on Series ground,
Won’t you please, please help us?
Help us,
Help us,
Ooooooo.
Give it up, McCourt! Your real estate wet dream is over!! SELL THE TEAM!!!!!!
Great Job, Sparkleplenty!!!!
THAT is fabulous Sparkleplenty!!!!!!
Gnat rumors are flying……………………talks of moving Panda to 1st so they can either open 3rd base for DeRosa or moving Sanchez to 3rd, leaving an opening for a 2nd baseman. Then there is Arizona, who because of the situation we are in (mlbtv said it……..not me), thinks they can take the division with a few changes.
Like I said, play the kids, but just don’t let Ned do anything stupid either. Oh, and by the way…………..sell the team Frank before we can’t afford the young kids either.
Bravo Sparkle! Bravo!!
Read where Wolf’s agent gave Dodgers one last shot at matching Brewers’ three-year deal. Ned politely refused. Nothing against Wolf as a person, but three years, given his recent health history plus age, is a bad contract, in my crummy little opinion. Glad McCheap has no money or the Dodgers would be stuck with this # 3 or 4 starter for three more years. How Pierre like! Give me a young Elbert or Lindblom any day.
http://www.blessyouboys.com/2009/12/9/1193258/tigers-working-on-another
Tigers Working on Another Threesome to Get Pierre?
Why couldn’t it be Jackson in this one than the other Tigers trade?
Fired Ned hired Mitch Kupchuk and Frank sell the team to Br Jerry Buss. Is there a rule that you can’t own 2 LA team?
oops that’s Dr. Jerry Buss
Here’s a funny comment from a fan on that Tigers-Pierre story:
“But if they go out and get Juan Pierre?s overrated, low OBP ***, I?m pushing DD into an wood chipper.”
*** = another word for a donkey and “DD” = Dave Dombrokski
I’d say Frank’s got a PR problem there Josh. Whether real or imagined, the perception is he’s broke, disinterested, and has given Ned a strictly hands-off mandate to anything that costs more than a buck fifty.
But to his credit, he has raised some prices and put another flunky in charge.
OUTSTANDING SPARKY!!!! I love it!!! LOL!!! Shad, thanks for the link and update. I hope something comes of it!! Lots of great comments gang. I enjoyed them all!!!!
LOL!!!!! I was reading the comments in the link Shad provided. Here’s one…………………………….of many…………
“they don’t even have an owner……. closest thing to it is the LA county judge presiding over the divorce”
SELL……………………………THE……………………………..TEAM!!!!!
Here’s another one.
“Tell them that since their owner is so broke, that they?re going to be giving us Manny for Casper Wells”
See, Frank, even other teams think you are broke. Something has to change Frank. Sell the team!!!!
No amount of PR BS will turn this around for Frank – he might as well fire their a**es and spend some of that money for the team on the field.
But in the end SELL THE TEAM, and don’t wait too long.
Might be the best we can hope for, is that Ned has abandoned his (All The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time Strategy) and just sticks with the kids. Frank cracks under the stress, and is committed, to an institution…..in Boston. Jamie bumps her head on the bed post and gets amnesia and is put in the same home as Frank, where they get reacquainted, fall hopelessly back in love, never to be seen or heard from again. The McCourt boy’s, then sell the team, to Hef for the girls next door and cash. Hef then wills the team to Cuban, who vilifies Bud Selig everyday he’s in office.
Isn’t it interesting that the top tier teams concentrate on starting pitching first?!! They don’t waste time dumpster diving for used up outfielders and utilitymen. Geez!!!! No mystery, starting pitching and strong bullpens win championships!!!! Hell’, with Koufax and Drysdale, the Dodgers could win with and outfield of me, Bear, and Beav!!!!
So true, Jhall. And, top tier teams also look to fill needed holes with GOOD players, for example, the Yankees.
Hi’Ya Trumom!!! I don’t like the Yankees but they aren’t afraid to go for it. I guess it helps if the owners are legitimate and financially solvent!!!
Nice pix of Colletti in the article “Dodgers working to fill Wolf’s void” – looks like something out of The Godfather.
Speaking of filling voids, Frank’s got a void I’d like to fill with my foot.
Now tell me that Wolf’s agents didn’t indicate what Wolf wanted BEFORE they didn’t offer him arbitration. It would appear that Bear was right in his assessment of McAsshole being so broke they can’t even sign top draft picks.
I used to do alright in the OF Wally. No speed, but I had a pretty good arm.
I don’t like the Yankees either, Jhall but, like you say, they do see what they want and they go and get it. We certainly have the money right now, with all we have not spent and what we saved by not signing our free agents, to go and get a quality pitcher.
“The Dodgers are looking at a number of veteran free agents who could share time with Blake DeWitt at second base. Among the options are Ronnie Belliard, Juan Uribe, Craig Counsell and Jamey Carroll.”
Well??????????? Take your pick….
Give me a break, Kahli!
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SELL THE TEAM!
The McCourts are/were trying to become champaigne jet-setters on a beer budget. It doesn’t work that way. Concentrate on the team and winning a championship first. The champaigne lifestyle will follow!!! They wanted the beach houses and notoriety first, not a World Series Champion!!!
LOL Beav!! I’ll take you on my team everyday!!!
The difference between Ned and The Godfather though is that ALL offers Ned makes are refused.
Wally!! – always good to see you my friend!!
Could it be that Frank and Ned are considered a joke among their peers?
You too Beav!!!
They’re a joke on ITD. I’d imagine they’re even less than that amongst the other owners and GMs. It might even be an insult to the other owners and GMs to be referred to as “peers” in the first place.
I’ve never been so disgusted. McCheap is now hitting the same levels of contempt as the Fox years.
SELL THE TEAM FRANK!!!!!!!!!!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb1chtPKWCU
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very entertaining gentlemen……..:-)
Khali – nice choices from the ol’ dumpster! Kind of like choosing lethal injection over the electric chair if you ask me.
So, if Wally, Beav and Bear are in the outfielder, who is the stud Center Fielder and who is the dreamy Left Fielder? Oh, and can’t forget Manny and JP (he isn’t gone yet). – LOL!!!! (jk)
I have a feeling that the other owners and GM’s also have no respect for Frank and Ned as we do!! I’m sure they are talked about and laughed at behind the scenes!!!!
Hey, I like fried ice-cream!
I do not want to see Counsell in a Dodger uniform. Once was quite enough, thank you very much.
Hey, I like fried ice-cream!
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I’m postting this again, because I got time warped and want to see where this shows up……..4:55 PST
I call Bull****
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?Why didn’t the Dodgers offer arbitration to Type A free agent Randy Wolf? They feared he’d accept and get $15MM. Do you agree with that logic? The Dodgers were given one last chance to sign Wolf this morning, but GM Ned Colletti passed.
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http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/12/dodgers-colletti-has-no-regrets-about-wolf.html
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Other teams are in line already to pounce, on the kids…..
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SELL THE TEAM FRANK!!!!!!! (Not piece by piece), ( Not to Jamie)
Thanks D4!! It’s sad, but Ned is a joke here and at the Winter meetings!!! We will not flourish with Ned as our GM!!! And a bigger problem is, the owners are more of a joke!!!
I know this is a baseball board but this is just sick. Actually we’re top of thjs listed lol.
Updated: December 9, 2009, 6:17 PM ET
Forbes lists NBA franchise
NEW YORK — The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA’s most valuable team, and 12 franchises lost money in the 2008-09 season, according to Forbes magazine.
In its annual listing of the value of NBA franchises, Forbes finds Lakers to be worth $607 million, up 4 percent for the league champions. Second are the New York Knicks at $586 million, but that is a 4 percent drop. The Knicks led the rankings for the four previous seasons.
The Chicago Bulls ($511 million), Detroit Pistons ($479 million) and Cleveland Cavaliers ($476 million) round out the top five.
At the bottom of the 30-team rankings are the Milwaukee Bucks at $254 million. The league average worth is $367 million, down 4 percent, according to Forbes.
The teams losing money in the last 12 months are the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Bobcats, New Jersey Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies and Bucks.
Teams’ average operating income was $7.8 million, with the Lakers at the top with $51.1 million, just ahead of the Bulls at $51 million. Portland’s value has increased the most, by 10 percent, while the Kings and Grizzlies each have dropped the most, by 13 percent.
dang typo thjs should also be *this
I hear ya jhall, I get a little tired of them feeding us fried ice cream…..I try to remain positive, after adjusting, and adjusting, ect…. But they just keep on spinning things around in circles. Almost to the point where, I am ready to take a break altogether, until this is resolved. As in new and better ownership.
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I love the Dodgers, and enjoy the games tremendously, as well as the guy’s we put on the field…..However…Enough is enough, especially when they tarnish the image with hogwash.
Folks, I hear the pain & frustration but even if Frank put the team up for sale today it would take quite some time for the process to be completed. And while thankfully I am not an expert in such things, the divorce and the issue of ownership would have to be determined first. So dream if you must about new ownership and withhold your dollars if doing so makes you feel better but for the time being we are stuck with things as they are.
lbirken, if theres crime in your neighborhood….would you just sit on the front porch/gaze out the window and let it happen. Or would you demand that it be addressed as soon as possible. or would you simply move when it wasn’t. The sooner they sell the team or start the action the sooner the neighborhood will be enjoyable again.
There are all sorts of crimes in neighborhoods, little to severe.
The neighborhood grocery store gets shoplifted everyday.
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I am doing the same lbirken, I love the Dodgers and the team, but demand that it be a fun event, that is void of unscrupulous actions and characters. It would be easier if we could seperate the two events. When Manny was busted, I said these very same things. A bad dream and a bad soap opera are fictional, the daily dealings of the Dodgers are not.
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I will agree that this is tough, for everyone that care’s.
Dodger4life, I am not trying to change your opinion on the subject or asking that you stop making your position known. Maybe someday soon current ownership will reach a point that selling makes sense to them and the organization. Maybe whichever McCourt ends up owning the team will somehow realize how important this franchise is to the fans and to major league baseball. Maybe Bud Selig will do something. Maybe all the negative publicity will be a factor in making this happen. In the meantime, I am still a Dodger fan and I am trying not to let all this crap ruin my enjoyment for the game and the team.
Besides, I think comparing what is happening with the Dodgers and crime in the neighborhood is a bit of a stretch. What is happening with our Dodgers may seem like a “crime” but compared to the real world, it is more like a bad soap opera or a bad dream.
Good Evening ITD readers and writers!!!! I hope all is well with everyone. Great reading/discussions today. I posted a few times, but it wasn’t anything substantial.
I think this whole situation we are in, as fans, is kind of a catch 22. If we don’t spend our money on the Dodgers, whether it be tickets or merchandise, then yes, we hurt Frank, but aren’t we also hurting the players and the team as a whole? I, personally, would have a hard time boycotting buying Dodger related items as the season draws closer. I think of it as supporting the team and its players. It’s not their fault they are stuck in the middle of a PR circus, and I think the players (whoever is on this team on Opening Day) are going to need us, the fans, more than ever. Yes, Frank should sell the team, and yes, Ned should be fired, but until that happens, we are still Dodger fans and need to stick with the players through the good, the bad, and lately, even the ugly.
The owner and the manager of our toystore really suck right now, but the toys (players) still inside the store are pretty incredible and are worth hanging on to and maybe, just maybe, they can do this without getting another big name. I just wish Frank, Ned and Joe trusted them, and there my friends, seems to be the problem. Trust the kids (and the pvls you have)and let all of them prove they can do this in spite of our owner, GM or manager.
I really do love this toy store. It’s very difficult to go inside and not buy anything, especially if it has the #16 on it :))
NASCAR seems to be my other toystore these days, and the #11 is hard to resist too :))
The difference between the two………………..the #11’s owner knows what he is doing.
It’s not just the fans making fun of our owners. I saw the name and thought “Oh Crap!!! Here we go!!”, but then I realized they were kidding (I hope – lol!!).
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are rumored to be working on a complicated trade in which the part of outfielder Andre Ethier under contract to Frank McCourt would go to Cleveland for outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, while the part of Ethier under contract to Jamie McCourt would go to Baltimore for pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. In other McCourt divorce news, Jamie insists that Manny Ramirez’s production belongs to her, and his $23 million contract belongs to Frank.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story%3Fpage%3Dcaple/091209%26sportCat%3Dmlb&ct=ga&cd=NaX2NUdAjyw&usg=AFQjCNGydGCvUSncIuot8-aiRJuuEX9BYw
Nelly — Just got back from our Christmas Dinner Date with Wifey. We always go to this little mom & pop Italian restaurant in San Rafael. It’s romantic & fun and they have great food. I came home for a little cup of tea and TV before going to bed and to check in.
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Thanks… you almost made me loose my awesome dinner. LMTO!!!
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I’m serious. I read the 1st couple of lines of that post about Dre & felt like I was falling. You got me good!!
Collie – I did the same thing when I read it. I fell for it until I read the last line about Manny. I would think I would have learned by now not to be so gullible around here, but I still fall for it everytime.
Sounds like you had a great evening :)))
So I haven’t read up on the other posts through the day so I’m not sure the topic you are all on.
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But I was thinking today about the Winter Meetings & such.
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I know I’ve expressed that I think they need to get a #1 pitcher & another vet pitcher to help mold the young pitchers we have.
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Well thinking about it a little more I wouldn’t be upset if for this year they don’t go that route. I still would like a vetern pitcher to help the youngsters mature. But unless they could get Halladay & extend him, then ok.
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But if they don’t, I wont be upset.
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My reasoning for this is a few years ago we all wanted to play the kids. I think they should continue with this plan. I don’t want them to trade the farm for 1 pitcher for 1 year.
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This years free agent class isn’t that great. So why throw $$$ at not the best. It’s like buying a coat that’s on sale for a great price but it’s really scratchy and uncomfortable.
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I say wait till next year and get the nice cashmere one!
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Also with the status of the McCourts this year isn’t a good year for them to spend money. I get it they are divorcing. It stinks for us seeing as it will affect us & the organization but the reality of it is they aren’t going to want to spend the money on something that will be split & sold.
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The analogy I thought of today would be my car. I have a ’98 Honda Civic. Good car in pretty good shape. If I was going to sell it the blue book on it is around $3,000. If I spent like $1,000 & painted it it would look nicer but I wouldn’t get anymore than $3,000 for it.
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I see the Dodgers as the McCourts car.
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So I’m not going to expect anything this year and hope that our youngsters get to play & improve. Not just the Brox’s, Bills, Kersh, Kemps, etc… But the Elberts, Lindbloms, etc…
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Then next year I want the big moves to be made. & No excuses!!!
Yup it’s been a great evening. I love date night! Christmas Date night is the one of the better ones!
Great thoughts Collie!!! That is so great about your Christmas Date Night. So, I am guessing if you had your Christmas Date night this early, yours and wifey’s schedule must be horrendous from here on out.
Yup. Only 3 more days off until Christmas day. We only have 1 more off together. Tomorrow. Were going to the city to do some shopping and see the lights. Then my other 2 days will be spent finishing painting the exterior of my Aunts house. So not much time for me & us to enjoy the season. But we’ll make do!
Have fun in the city tomorrow.