Random stuff
Congratulations are in order to Clayton Kershaw and minor league pitching coach Danny Darwin, who were both honored last night in Dallas.
And serious kudos go out to Casey Blake, who clearly understands the meaning of giving back to the community. He and his family are donating $1 million to their hometown, according to their local paper.
Hopefully we’ll see many of you out and about at the caravan this week. More public stops than we’ve ever had before, so come out and see current and former Dodgers as we gear up for Spring Training (pitchers and catchers report in less than three weeks).
And we’ll leave you with the following photo from Joe Torre, who has a cameo on Jay Mohr’s show Gary Unmarried (seen here with Rob Riggle of The Daily Show fame). It’ll air on March 10 when we’re at Camelback.
Inside the Dodgers 
Trumom and DNelson Rock!!!!
The rest of us Roll!!!
Jhall rocks and rolls!!!!!
Josh – thanks for the new thead, and I hope all is well with you as the Spring Training is just around the corner.
Pitchers and catchers report in 19 days……………………..
Daytona in 15 🙂
Two posts on this new thread and, I got a submission error!!!!! Hot Dog, this is so much fun!
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From the previous thread, LMDO, Jhall!!!
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Congrats, Kersh!
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Thanks for all the updates, Josh.
I do enjoy reading stories about players giving back to their own communities (Casey Blake). It is one of the reasons (among many) I became such a huge Ethier fan.
PLEASE NOT ANDERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Seesky!! Great post!!! I saw that show, and I thought the same thing when they were talking about Santana.
Golly, gee, another time warp! What fun!!!!
Time warping issues continue to plague this blog……………please fix it!!!!
Hey Dodgereric – didn’t see you sneak in.
I am not understanding why they will not give Repko a real shot at left field, and if not, Paul still seems to be a better choice than a 38 year old Anderson – geez!!!!!!!
Okay……………how about this…………….
Hey Seesky and Dodgereric!!! When it comes to the Dodgers, what are you two thinking these days?
If there’s anyone hanging around out there, good evening. Congrats to Dee Gordon and Ethan Martin for making MLB’s Top 50 list. The one member of the list the article didn’t mention, of course, was Carlos Santana at #8. The panel’s glowing comments about Santana definitely did not go down well with Wednesday night’s dinner. It was also gratifying to hear Logan White’s comments concerning our talent in the lower minor leagues. Considering White’s track record, I would tend to believe it’s true but even if it’s so, most of those players are probably 2-3 years away from giving us any serious help. So, we are going to have to live with a jerryrigging job, personnel-wise , every year until help arrives…loved the Wang comments on the previous thread. If Wang makes an early exit from a start, does that mean he experiences premature evacuation???
What is it about defense that Colletti doesn’t like?
From The Times
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/01/dodgers-in-talks-with-garret-anderson.html
“Garret Anderson could be on his way back to Southern California.
The Dodgers are exploring the idea of signing Anderson to be their fourth outfielder and have been in contact with his agent, Scott Boras, according to multiple sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because talks are ongoing.
Anderson, who played 15 years of his 16-year career with the Angels, hit .268 with 13 home runs and 61 runs batted in over 135 games for the Atlanta Braves last season. He started 124 games in left field and earned $2.5 million.
Anderson turns 38 in June.
Anderson is among the handful of veteran free agents the Dodgers are looking at to replace Juan Pierre, who was traded to the Chicago White Sox this off-season. Jason Repko and Xavier Paul are the leading in-house candidates for the job.”
End of depressing article. Start of personal commentary.
Facts:
1 – Torre will carry only 4 OFs
2 – Having Ramirez on the team requires a defensive replacement for late innings in games when we have the lead
3 – A 38-year-old Garrett Anderson is not a decent defensive replacement. Statistics show that he is marginally (no, make that MARGINALLY) better defensively than Ramirez.
Speculation
1 – Ned is thinking Ramirez may be done
2 – Ned has no faith in Repko or Paul
3 – Neither Ned nor Joe have any faith in young players
3 – Ned thinks we’re going to have the DH in the NL in 2010
Conclusion
Sell the team, Frank
A bit on the Dodger Caravan:
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I really like the concept of the caravan. I’d like a Dodgers FanFest more held on a Fri-Sun so people that actually work could come, but the caravan is a good idea, just not the best.
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My issue with the Caravan is twofold: one, it is held right in the middle of working hours. Does that make any sense to anyone out there with a job? Second, the locations of the stops perplex me as well. I’ve had season tickets on the Loge Level for 10 years and I sit around generally the same people that I did when I first bought the tickets. Out of the the 10 or so groups of people that I regularly speak to, only one group lives in the City of Los Angeles and only one more lives in LA County. Do the Dodgers realize that a large portion of their fanbase does not live in LA County? While the Angels try to invade Los Angeles, the Dodgers retreat behind of the walls of Los Angeles County. If the Caravan is truly about bringing the Dodgers to the fans, why not try to bring them to all of their fans and not just the ones within a 20 mile radius (not at all factual, but pretty close, I think) of Dodger Stadium?
I would like the best of both worlds really. I agree, the caravan is a great idea, and it’s great for those fans that live in the area, but I would love a fanfest type thing for the rest of us who could be there for a weekend event.
*****Also, another ITD tour/weekend would be grand as well because I have certainly become a fan of some of these fine ITD people too :)))
I don’t think I would be “excited” if the Dodgers signed G-Lope (a nickname bestowed on him by a friend of mine who didn’t like the way he always loafed in the outfield. He felt Lope sounded better than Loaf).
No Garrett Anderson. Pretty please. If for no other reason than Boras is his agent. Not to mention he’s a PVL. The Dodgers have already overloaded the infield with PVLs (Carroll, Belliard, Green) and there’s talk Carroll and Green and Casey Blake can play outfield. Yippee…can’t wait. Rather than sign Anderson, let’s just send Joe to PVLs Anonymous, with the targeted aim being 1) an acceptance of young players and 2) overcoming the fear of young players. Ned says they need to replace Pierre. Admittedly, Anderson would do the trick: crummy defense replaced by crummy defense. Ned and doesn’t so much assemble a team…he collects parts rusting by the roadside.
Good points CY. I don’t live there but have thought that as well.
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I think going after GA is just plain stupid.
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As Eric said you want a late inning defensive replacement that has speed. I’m thinking GA is lacking in these areas. Where having a young guy like Repko & X Man meets this skill set.
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I liked having Juan to run for Manny late innings when he got on. It was Juan’s D/arm that made me scared. Having someone like Repko coming in to run for Manny and then playing D as he can would be a great move. Repko also as I remember has a great arm.
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Don’t spend the $$$ on GA. Save it for next year or put it into the pitching. You can never have enough pitching.
Ned claims they have no money to bring in another serviceable starting pitcher, which we need badly, but he seems to now be able to find money to potentially bring in first Edmonds and now, Anderson when we have players in our own organization that would more than fill the bill as an outfield backup. They would be cheaper, too. One thing this management team understands, as we all are well aware of, is CHEAP!!!!! I, for one, hope that Manny isn’t done, if, for no other reason that, if we are not in the running for the playoffs come July, we can ship him off to an AL contender for upper level prospects that can help us until the talent at the lower levels in our own organization bears fruit. An even bigger hope would be that the team is sold before this current management raids this young talent pool for PVLS in a vain attempt to squeak into the playoffs for marginal economic gain. SELL THE TEAM, FRANK!!!
Good evening ITD boys and girls!
I liked GA when he was with the Angels, but not now. Not at age 38. He’s never been much on defense and being 38, that just makes it worse. Is Edmonds REALLY on our radar too? I hope not. I would just like to see Repko and/or the X-man get a real shot.
So how are my ITD friends this evening?
cp, Edmonds was, supposedly, on our radar recently. Thank God, the Brewers got him.
Thx Seesky. I must have missed that. Well, that’s one PVL out of the way.
NED DON’T DO IT!!! DON’T SIGN GA!!! GIVE REPKO AND X-MAN A CHANCE!!!
Hey CP!!! I would really just like to see them give Repko and/or Paul a shot if Manny needs/wants a break.
But just as soon as I say that, I just hope Repko stays healthy. There’s always something happening with that boy’s health…
Hey Collie!!! Good to see you as well :))
I see where the Giants signed their closer Wilson. Now, all they have left is Timmy, and they are ready to challenge for the the race in the West. They’ve made more moves than we have and that tinkles me off!
One of Ned’s bookmarks on his computer is for dumpsterdivingforpvls.com.
My Nellygirl!
I sure hope they get their chance. I have to concur with Collie – I DO like the idea of Repko being the 4th outfielder. He’s fast and I do remember his cannon arm. Again, if he can only stay healthy…
You know Ned’s motto:
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Give us your tired, your poor, muddled assses.
Hi Trumom!
I’ve had the sinking feeling (for a long time) that the Dodgers wouldn’t be signing any FAs (of note). But as soon as I say that, I still do like the Jamey Carroll signing; that’ll help us. But at least we avoided arbitration and even signed some of them to something longer than a year.
Enchanted! You always make me laugh! 🙂
You know all this mess with Frank and Jamie started on a trip to the library don’t you?
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Frank went for Tolstoy, but Jamie went for the Dickens.
Where’s Birk with my rimshot??
Ned’s deals give a whole new meaning to the word “assets”.
Enchanted/Seesky – THIS is the reason why I miss ITD when I’m away for any length of time!
Edmonds? Anderson?
If Ned keeps fishing these waters, think we might end up with a Salmon?
If Ned keeps fishing in those stagnant waters, he’ll hear a lot more carping from ITD!!!!!
Especially if we’re floundering come midseason.
I have been in the ITD submission error penalty box once again.
Enchanted certainly knows how to make an entrance.
CP – I couldn’t agree more.
tru – The gnats may get Tim, but they certainly didn’t go after the bat they were hoping to get. Their GM did much like ours (hmmmm………..makes you wonder). They signed a whole bunch of pvls, which only seems like it will be blocking their young players’ from getting a shot. Sound familiar?
….and there won’t be any fan mail for that flounder!!!!
At least salmon swim upstream into clear water. Ned’s strictly at the bottom with the suckers.
Yep…………….that he is!!!!
….and the barnacles.
LMDO!!!!!
What with these ex-ex-ex Angels and Ned?
Nelly – Sorry you’ve been in the submission error penalty box. Hey, speaking of hockey (okay, it’s not that much of a stretch) but did you know that a certain Dre, ah-hem, Dredger (that’s my stupid way of combining our Everyday Dre and Dodger) will be dropping the puck at the Kings’ game on Tuesday 2/2? My husband was trying to get tickets, but they’re tough to get. Especially now that the Kings are playing so well! The Kings won their 5th straight game in a row when they won today and with that same win, they won their 6th straight ROAD game in a row to set a franchise record! Okay, okay, enough hockey talk! 🙂
Como esta the ITD familia?
Cy, for me, I’ve been taking a day vacation to attend the Caravan for the last few years. Only one time it was close to work when it was held at Cal State Northridge. I remember in the past attending a game in February to watch USC against the Dodgers.
Hello Carol, hope business is picking up!
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Way to go Casey!
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Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
Yes, I did know that, and I have been paying a little attention to the Kings hockey lately. Up here it’s all about the Sharks, but I watch the NHL on the Fly late at night and have been paying some attention when I am not watching mlbtv late at night.
You know MY hockey team is gunning after YOUR hockey team??? 🙂
Carol and June,
My friend Lore text me with the info that Andre will dropping the puck at the kings game on Tues. It so tempting to go once I get off the train at Union Station. Is just one short trip on the Red line and then one stop on the blue and you are across the street from the Staple Center.
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
Emma – I’d love to go to the game! Wearing my Kings jersey and my Dodger cap!
I am not a Sharks fan…………….it’s just they are equivalent of the gnats up here so if there are games on, it’s them. I have been watching some hockey lately due to our teenage romance, and he just happens to be a Kings fan. So, if I am a fan at all, it’s for the Kings, and that’s not to be confused with Kings basketball, which I am a fan of as well. However, I don’t follow basketball too much at all anymore (other than scoreboard watching) unless it’s college basketball and March Madness.
Don’t have any opinion on hockey. I’m, pretty much, a baseball and football fan. There’s almost always, something interesting on mlbtv. Last weekend, they rebroadcast games from the 1991 Braves-Twins WS, the best WS, in terms of competitiveness, ever, IMO. 5 of 7 games were decided by one run and 4 games were decided in the last AB. Capped off by Jack Morris out dueling a young John Smoltz 1-0 with a 10-inning shutout in Game 7. It doesn’t get any better than that.
As much as many Angelinos like the Lakers, we are not Laker fans. I used to be way back during Magic’s days, but I’ve never liked Kobe. And Jim, well, he just doesn’t like the Lakers or the NBA for that matter. We love to go to Kings games.
I forgot to ask you lately: How’s the romance???
Sorry for the hockey talk Seesky! (And no offense Nelly) but it’s kinda like when Nelly & Eric start talking Nascar. Sorry Nelly, but I’m not a Nascar fan…
Seesky – I agree…………mlbtv has some very cool programming. I enjoy the Wednesday night’s Frontburner where the fans get to send in questions. It’s kind of like the live version of ITD, but for the entire mlb. Two weeks ago they were reading questions from fans from our division, and across the bottom, the ticker tape was sharing concerns from our division,and I saw Shad’s name roll across………….It said Shad from LA and the concern was pitching. I don’t know if it was our Shad, but it was pretty funny still.
Oh, and Nelly considering he lives closer to the Ducks, my husband would be thrilled to know that Matt is a Kings fan and not a Ducks fan! Kings fans and Ducks fans don’t like each other too much. Sounds an awful like the Dodgers and Gnats…
That’s ok,cp. I’m not a NASCAR fan, either. It’s interesting, though, to hear about other people’s interests on here. Sometimes, you find something in common with somebody, sometimes not.
Nelly, I missed the Front Burner for the NL; I did get to see the AL Front Burner, but it wasn’t the same. I’m sure that if you saw Shad’s name, I’m sure it was ITD’s very own Shad!
The romance is 15 days away from being a year.
Has it been a year already??? Wow! So how is the happy couple? Are they planning something for their first anniversary?
I believe the Kings/Ducks rivalry is very similar to the Dodgers/gnats. The only difference is a longer history of the rilvary, with our Dodgers, but it’s a rivalry nonetheless with the Kings/Ducks.
I like the Hot Stove stuff every night. And “Studio 42” with Bob Costas. The best part of watching the games from the past is seeing how much the game has changed since then.
Yeah Nelly, I’m getting that idea between the Kings and Ducks. I still have a hard time when Kings fans say, “Ducks *uck” during games. Heck, I still can’t bring myself to even saying “Giants *uck” at Dodger games!
Seesky – I LOVE Hot Stove and Studio 42. I just love MLBN period. I’ve even found myself watching repeats the next morning if I missed the live show the day before!
Well, it’s been fun, but I’ve gotta go. I’ll catch up with y’all later…
My Jackie Robinson post is in my blog if you all care to see the pictures I put there. I took the pics from a billboard I saw last Friday, from Dodger Stadium last week and from a 1947 Time Magazine.
Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson!!
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
Agreed, cp. There’s nothing about MLBN that I don’t like. I watch it nearly every day. It’s definitely the channel for the hardcore baseball fan.
What is up with the submission error crap? This is just sooooo very aggravating to say the very, very least!!!
I agree Seesky!!! I watch the Hotstove show every night. I like “By the Numbers” too being a stats person. Heck……I like all the programming. It had a great first year, and it’s only going to get better. You are right………….when watching the older games, it’s amazing how much the game has changed.
I know CP !!………….it’s crazy and wonderful but yes, it’s been almost a year. Well, it happens to be the same day as Valentine’s Day and Mariya’s Birthday. Also, for us NASCAR fans, it’s the same day as the Daytona 500. Mariya is going down their way this time, and I am sure she and Matt have plans, but I am not sure what they are. Good Night CP!!! Take Care and God Bless!!!
I guess I’ve been lucky tonight; no redirect or ITDFST gremlins bedeviling my posts. Well, it’s been fun but it’s been a long day. Good night, all!!! Catch up with you all later!!!
Good Morning ITDland ~ I spend so much time last night in the SUBMISSION ERROR penalty box, I finally gave up trying to post. This is becoming a real P.I.M.A. This seems to happen more during the nightime hours and guess what? We play our ballgames at night!!!!! I know that if restart my computer, it gets better but I don’t feel I should have to do that.
Just give Repko to The Rockies. Tracey seemed to appreciate him.
It’s not just Anderson we are looking into. We also have our eye on Brian Giles (39), Gabe Gross (30), and Reed Johnson (33).
The Dodgers backup outfielders are Jason Repko, a speedster who can play all three positions and is gifted defensively but is a career .226 hitter with a history of injuries; and the inexperienced Xavier Paul, who hit .214 in 11 games as a rookie last season before going on the disabled list May 22 with a staph infection in his knee that would keep him out for the rest of the season.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/news/story%3Fid%3D4873575&ct=ga&cd=oW2eDBnU82Y&usg=AFQjCNETxSOih_0vXIznkuDTe7P7QhhPpg
Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson!
See my tribute to him. Nothing long just a short tribute. I took a picture of a wonderful billboard I saw and pics of a Time magazine article from 1947.
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
If we were not going to give Repko a real chance, why tender him a contract at all, or why not simply have traded him? Now, I don’t think he’s a major league type of outfielder, even though he’s been hampered by injuries and maybe that’s why his ML record is not inspiring. I think he could be a reasonable defensive outfielder and substitute for Kemp in CF a couple of days a month. What’s probably at issue is that we really can’t count on Manny to be a steady day-in day-out player any more, or at least not as productive as we would like; therefore, we need a major league proved outfielder just in case. I don’t see how Anderson, Gross or Giles fit that description. If Reed Johnson is the guy I’m thinking off, who was with the Cubs last season, I like him somewhat, and he’d be my choice out of the four listed above. Above all, isn’t it sad that a guy essentially being paid huge bucks can’t be counted on to play every game or a full nine innings every game?
All the things I have read are pointing to needed a left fielder as opposed to a center fielder to give Matt a break. So, I agree Messagebear, it’s sad that we can’t count on him for what he is getting paid, but with the history of JP and Andruw and the need for pvls, I have learned not to be surprised by anything when it comes to the outfield anymore. I thought this year would be a problem-free season for the outfield, but I guess I thought wrong. It kind of makes you wonder if there is more to this story than just needing another 4th outfielder.
red pen – “needing” not “needed” – geez!!!
Poor Andre will need a day off too…depending on the pitcher, of course! GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!
It amazes me that for 50 games, Juan didn’t need a day off!
Happy Birthday Jackie Robinson!!
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Enjoy your Sunday everyone…..
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GO DODGERS!!!!
“The Dodgers are close to signing Reed Johnson to a one-year deal to be their fourth outfielder, according to baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal hadn?t been completed.”
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/01/dodgers-nearing-deal-with-of-reed-johnson.html
While Paul can still earn himself a job on the big club, (assuming this goes through) it’s a little disappointing to see the lack of faith in our young people that continues in the McCourt/Colletti/Torre hierarcy.
Having said that, Reed Johnson (who went to the same high school as my son, although quite a few years ago) has quite a motor. As long as he’s healthy, I think we’ll like the guy. And he’s light-years better than Anderson.
That’s good news, Dodgereric. I was thinking Anderson but was REALLY hoping I was WRONG!
So, we have no Wang, but we may have a Johnson, just not the Johnson we were talking about. Glad I got that all figured out. Enchanted might be happy to know we at least have a Johnson. (jk) LOL!!
That is good news Eric!! A Temecula Valley Golden Bear – How cool is that!!!
A Johnson yes, but no Balzac.
LMDO!!!!!
🙂
From the TrueBlueLA blog…………….more on Reed Johnson. They mention what number he may choose. #9 may be a choice since he had that number with the Cubs. Pitchers like to hit him too according to the article. Also, the article mentions his alma maters, TVHS and Cal St. Fullerton 🙂
Forgot the article once again :))
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.truebluela.com/2010/1/31/1285956/dodgers-leaning-right-toward-reed&ct=ga&cd=PuSQBVkTsZI&usg=AFQjCNHXGnK1raylYqXH9nknB7CppyLvcQ
If he can throw the ball without it bouncing 6 times and then almost rolling to the infield, he’s alright with me.
I am with you on that enchanted.
I was actually shocked when I went back this morning and found that last year’s best 4th outfielder in the game actually had 1 assist. The southside of Chicago is in for a rude awakening if he’s an everyday LF or CF.
I’m with Bear though – why did they even tender Repko a contract? Even after all the success of the current batch of young guns, JoJo and Ned still don’t trust playing a younger player. The Repper’s never going to set the world on fire, but if you’d carry 5 OFers and less PVL manure on the bench (or actually go to an 11 man staff by letting your starters pitch past the 6th inning once in awhile), he’d be the quintessential late inning defensive replacement.
I was also going back and seeing all the FAs Ned signed that cost millions and did nothing. One of those I’d forgotten was Bill Mueller. If this team is broke, Ned contributed greatly to that end, yet he gets a contract extension? Who would you rank as Ned’s top 5 blunders? There’s so many to choose from, but:
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#5 Manny Ramirez II
#4 Santana for Casey Blake
#3 Juan Pierre
#2 Jason Schmidt
#1 Andruw Jones
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Honorable mention: Tomko, Loaiza, Hendrickson, Proctor, Mueller, Nomar II, Sao, Baez, Carter, Lugo, Ohman, Sweeney II, Hamulack, trading Navarro, Luis Gonzalez, Brady Clark, Roberto Hernandez, Rickey Ledee, Gary Bennett…
#5 Sweeney II
#4 Baez
#3 Juanpy
#2 Jason Schmidt
#1 Andruw Jones
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The biggest blunder of all, however, was the fact that Frank hired Ned!
It is quite an amazing list, Enchanted. If I ever failed like that, at my job, my boss would have said, “You’re Fired!”.
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Geez, it’s only 9:30 am (make that 9:55) and I’m already getting submission errors!!!!! PLEASE GET THIS FIXED!!!!!! I DON’T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO RESTART MY COMPUTER SEVERAL TIMES A DAY IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM!!!!!!
You’ve got a point there Tru!!
TRU…well here at my job it is just like working for the dodgers. There is a guy that have screwed up soooooo many times and yet he has not been fired. Don’t know why but it is either My boss is too Nice and like giving people chances or he just doesn’t want to admit he screwed by hiring him.
I know what you mean, Rose. It has to be hard working with somebody like that.
TRU – I am waiting for that guy to be traded off…LOL
LOL!!!
We keep signing guys to minor league contracts and keep inviting them to Spring Training. I think the number is now getting so high we should reopen Dodgertown in Vero Beach to enable all of them to get in at least a couple of innings. Garbage Squad sounds like a good title – now that Ned has signed them, maybe he can also manage them.
New thread :)))
Ned likes useless catchers: Chad Moeller, Einer Diaz, Gary Bennett, an aged Sandy Alomar, an aged Brad Ausmus, Danny Ardoin, Mike Lieberthal, Toby Hall, and now, the great Justin Knoedler. The fact that he’s another ex-Gnat makes it that much the better. The fact that he hasn’t had a ML AB since 2006 seals the deal.
Must make Ellis and May feel warm all over, especially considering Ellis was supposed to be able to challenge Martin for the job this spring.
This front office just proves that its never too early to start drinking.
Saw this on ESPN today, Enchanted, and it made me think of you….Seven days without a pun makes one weak. 🙂
🙂