Baseball season is upon us…
Congratulations to Rowland Heights’s Jacob Martinez, who predicted the Saints’ would win 28-17 yesterday, coming within three points of the correct score. We’re going to send out a Dodger prize package, including an autographed baseball and other memorabilia.
And with that, football season has come to a close and baseball is upon us. Less than two weeks before we report to Camelback Ranch.
Are any of you planning on coming out?
Inside the Dodgers 
I wish one of our regular ITDers would have won.
Josh,
Thinking about coming out to Az this spring, but I wondering how the trip to Taiwan impacts who will be left behind. What is the date that the squad splits up? Who is going? The answers to those two questions would help me (and probably others as well) decide when I want to make my way out to McRanch.
I hope that prize package includes Ned Colletti’s best seller, “Let’s Be Frank–Leveraging a Storied Franchise.”
Josh ~ I’m curious. How come the people who post on Facebook use language far worse than any I’ve seen here and, nobody says anything about them?
Out-f***ing standing Trumom!!! LMFAO!!!!
🙂
Hi’Ya Kahli!! LOL!!! Don’t forget to pick up his latest less than best seller; “A Tale of Two-Faced Owners”. It was the best of times, and we’ll make it the worst of times.
Jhall ~ they post the exact same thread on FB that we get here. Hardly any of us ITDers post there. And, by the end of the day…..the F word is used quite freqently ans well as calling our future owner a billionare *****. Not exactly tame language, is it?
See they even bleeped me here. I was trying to say the five letter word that begins with a W and ends in an E. It wasn’t bleeped on Facebook.
Hey Jhall!!!!
I am okay losing to the facebook crowd as long as it is known that WE are the real, the creative, and the original ITD.
Hi’Ya Nelly, no doubt!!! I don’t think we have anything to worry about from the a**facebook crowd!!! :)))
LOL Trumom!!!
Perhaps we should set a good example!!!!? 185!!!
185 RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)))
LMDO!!!!!
All I know is I am soooooo ready to get baseball underway. I must have said World Series instead of Superbowl at least 5 times today during school. It’s definitely time for Dodger baseball. I was putting up the Minnesota wall today, and their new ballpark, Target Field, looks beautiful. Just wondering how cold it’s going to be in April and May, and then again in September/October (if they get there).
Then there is Messagebear’s 482 🙂
I was just going to give the owners and Ned, and can’t forget Mannion, the old 482.
I agree whole heartedly Nelly!!! We need the crack of the old bat and the smell of new mown grass!!! Fill me in, what is 482? I’m sure it’s a doosey!!!
Great timing, Bear!!!!! LOL
Now that’s what I call perfect timing Messagebear – LOL!!!!
Way to go Bear!!! LOL!!! How are you my friend?
I’m guessing that 482 is the “Sell the Team” chant with the proper expletive adjectives.
482 is the numerical version of…………….
donkeyhole maternalcopulating roostersuckers
……..which I so gladly figured out for Messagebear.
Hey Trumom, seems appropriate that wh*re is 69 in our new, more civilized vernacular. Right now my score is:
Jamie-69
Frank-67(clown)
Ned-94(puppet)
Hey gang!!
Ned sign Bonds yet? Figured if he signed Giles, Barry can’t be far behind. And speaking of behinds, where’s Frank?
The Sell the Team Chant is 732 thanks to Kahli 🙂
Hey enchanted!!! How are the Sierra’s tonight?
Hi’Ya Beav!!! LOL!!! Thanks Nelly, that’s a doosey alright!!!
Nells, have I got a weekend neighbor story for you!!
Oh no!!! LMDO!!!!!!
Oh I’m living under high tension baby!!!
I think me and the Sheriff’s office are going to become well acquainted 🙂
Hi Enchanted ! Nice to see you.
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I keep checking everyday to see if we, indeed, signed Barry:)
You do have some pretty “off their rocker” neighbors enchanted. I can only imagine what they did this time.
There is some hot-shot Japanese pitcher (Takahashi) that many teams (including the Dodgers) aree interested in…he does want to pitch on the West Coast.
It does seem pretty weird that Bonds happened to show up at Roscoe’s for chicken and waffles on the same day the Dodger Caravan was there. Makes you say “hmmmmm”
Your neighbor can’t be worse than mine, Enchanted. My neighbor calls the police out at least once a week. He leaves nasty notes on my other neighbor’s door complaining that his dogs bark very now and then. The police see his number on caller ID now and thinks herw we go again.
*every now and then
Beav, you don’t happen to live under or near high tension power lines do you? LOL!!!
High Tension=High voltage power transmission lines.
Far be it from anyone to fix this blog…
JOSH PLEASE, WE’RE BEGGING…
I would love to see if Ward Dear’s math is right, but I rather have the blog fixed long before May 22nd, 5:06pm.
MLB, “Tear down this wall”!!! Gotta love Ronald Reagan!!!
Yep, you sure do!!!
I’m waiting for yet another “new and improved” version of MLB Blogs to come out on opening day. You know, the one that’ll be even worse than this.
3 years ago this blog worked perfectly with the simple program they used.
Good Article about Matt Kemp on the homepage.
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100208&content_id=8039696&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la
Good stuff Nelly!! Goodnight(99)!!!
God Bless(83)!!!
******PLEASE FIX IT******* SO VERY TIRED OF SUBMISSION ERRORS AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME!!!
All I am trying to do is say good night.
Good Night Jhall!!! Always a pleasure seeing you around here. Take Care and God Bless!
83 right back at ya Wally!! Catch you down the road.
Is anyone watching Castle tonight? Joe Torre was on there tonight.
gosh 40 min time warp
11:50 pm (PST)
42 minutes ahead 🙂
Josh: The Auburn baseball team is playing at Arizona State March 12-14 so I hope to make it out to the Ranch on either Friday or Saturday morning, but I see that you guys will be in Taiwan at the time. Hopefully I can catch up with Scott from the Sox since I am assuming you will be with the team.
Dan
I hope Ned doesn’t find out that Taveras has been released and is on the open market. Ned will probably appreciate the similarities with JP, and, considering how desperate we are for outfield help, what’s one more guy at Spring Training. If you decide to go for that, Ned, then double #482 for you.
SELL THE TEAM, you top #482 guy!
So, Bear, let’s give him the big #964!!!!!!
Ned has been a freaking #0 for me since he signed Pierre, Jones, Bombko, and Schidt!!!!
My, my, I step away for a few weeks and everyone is talking in code! I guess I can’t blame you since there has not been much to talk about, at least with respect to the Dodgers. Actually, I was afraid this would happen once JP was traded away since his presence provided so much fodder. Kemp and Ethier got huge bumps in pay thereby eliminating another favorite topic and Ned filled out his dance card by signing anyone he could find with a pulse who would work for meal money. No surprises there either, at least not yet. And the time warp thing is alive and well. Oh yeah, it is definitely time for spring training!
That’s just scratching the surface and discussing his most glaring boners!!! The dude is a PR spin man, not a baseball saavy GM!!!! He’s out of his league!!! Ng and White are more responsible for our current success and young core.
Hi’Ya lb, good to see you. We definately need some baseball action soon.
lbirken – your ears must have been burning last night. We were thinking about you last night and the fact we haven’t seen you around here in a while. It was great seeing your name on the comment list. Yep, I agree, there is no real debate to be had because we kind of all agree on Frank and Ned, no Andre to fight for, and until we see what really happens with DeWitt and Repko, we are just anxious to get this season rolling so we will have something to really talk about.
Hey Jhall!!!
I’m anxious to see what Manny has left in the steroid free tank, if Martin is really a star, and if Billz can get a nut sack!!! Those three will go a long way in determining our 2010 fate, IMO!!!
Hi’Ya Nelly!!!!
Jhall ~ I liked your tally sheet of:
Jamie – 69
Frank – 67 (clown)
Ned – 94 (puppet)
All three of those are very important to a successful season.
:))) Trumom!!! It was derived/inspired by you my friend!!!
I was referring to jhall’s 4:23 post 🙂
Are you buried in snow Jhall? It looks like Ohio was getting a pretty heavy dose according to our weather sources.
enchanted should be getting some later on today/tonight according to the same weather sources.
Thanks (I think) Jhall 🙂
Yep Nelly, we’re getting dumped on pretty heavy for this area. Snow wise that is. I knew what you meant DNelly!! Manny, Billz, and Martin are the biggest variables on our team in my opinion. I really don’t care if Loney hits for much more power if he continues to drive in runs. He plays a mean 1st base and gets RBI’s. I don’t care if he gets them with homers or singles. The big key beyond pitching and defense is team OBP!!
Thanks for thinking about me. I know most of you expect Matt and Andre to improve and I do too but I must admit I am anxious to see that happen now that they have a little security and a lot more money. Frankly, I have little expectations for Manny. I hope he hits around .300, cuts down on the strikeouts, gets his walks, hits around 20 homeruns and gets around 80-90 rbi’s. In reality, I will be surprised if he plays the entire season without any trips to the DL. I would also guess that Joe will give Repko and Paul a fair chance to win the 4th outfielder spot and I hope one of them does as I think everyone suspects that even a healthy Manny will be given a lot of time off during the season. Wouldn’t it be great to see one of those guys out there making a strong contribution to the Dodger’s success in 2010? I suspect the Dodgers are not too confident that will happen but we will see.
I’m with you lb, nice post!!! It’s going to come down to Kersch, Billz, and the pitching. If those two continue to improve and Kuroda is healthy and pitches well, we’re in good shape.
I’m just not sure we have the right guidance in place for Billz!!! His problems are obviously between his ears. Not in his stuff!!!
Hi Josh and ITD
I still got a lot of winter in front of me, but that won’t interfere with spring training.
I’m looking forward to another exciting season and hoping we can break through the NLCS and beyond.
GO DODGERS
The day became brighter with Joe Pierre in the house!
By the way, I know many of you are critical of Honeycutt and his ability to develop pitchers and I will leave that to others to debate. The other day someone lamented that Bob Gibson was not available to come teach the “killer” instinct to Kershaw and the rest of the staff but do you think such an attitude can be taught? I believe it can come with confidence and we all know Lasorda’s story of how he motivated Orel Hershiser. But can it be taught?
LB, that attitude is not taught, it is inspired!!! Honeycutt is not inspirational. Tom Seaver, Don Drysdale, and Bob Gibson are. Tommy needs to come up with a nickname for Billz!! LOL!!!
Well, it’s great to see you Oldbrooklynfan!! Spring Training always brings around a sense of excitement for the upcoming season. Can’t wait to catch a glimpse of what is about to unfold for this 2010 season.
You are most welcome lbirken 🙂
As far as Repko and Paul (and Johnson and Giles), it’s a different situation then the Andre/Pierre situation. With Andre and JP, it was a competition for the 3rd spot (left field), and it was clear through spring training who was the better left fielder, but the powers that be certainly didn’t see it that way for quite a while. However, with the situation with Repko, Paul, Johnson, Giles (and whoever else is/will be in the mix), it’s about the 4th outfield spot, defensive replacement for Manny, and/or a potential replacement should Manny, Andre, or Matt get injured. So, just maybe it will be a legitimate competition for that 4th (and perhaps 5th) outfielder’s spot.
I think the current umpires have a lot to do with the pitchers throwing inside. One up-and-in pitch and a damn warning is issued. I love the brush back pitch but, the umpires and prima dona players have to accept it once again!
I agree Trumom. But it only takes a couple of times to establish the fact that you will come up and in. You might get thrown out once or twice but it plants the right seed in the hitters mind!!!!
Just an aside, but what do you think Big D would have done to Barroid. He’d wouldn’t have walked him, he would have beaned his pumpkin head!!! Gibson also!!! Next time up they would strike him out!!!!!
He wouldn’t have walked him!!! Sorry for the contraction error!!! LOL!!!
They sure would have, Jhall! Why do you think Barry wore all of that armour….he knew he was going to get hit. But, pitchers for the most part, would not hit him.
Unfortunate Trumom!! That body armour is b*llsh*t!!! No choice but to put one in his ear!!!! I miss Big D!!!!
jhall, I am sure Gibson and Drysdale would try to intimidate but I don’t think that really works with the good hitters. As I recall Hank Aaron hit a lot of homeruns off Drysdale. I don’t remember what happened to the guy who hit after Aaron but I imagine that poor guy got brushed back once in a while. Guys like Vada Pinson and Frank Robinson crowded the plate and dared the pitcher to hit them. The game has changed as trublu4ever mentioned. I still maintain Drysdale and Gibson brought that attitude to the game and their abilities let it manifest. The good pitchers don’t get rattled when things are not going well. I think Kershaw already shows some of that and when he has confidence in his pitches, we will all see the results. I am not sure Bills has that mentality.
Outstanding post LB!! You’re right on it. That’s what made Pinson, Robinson, and Aaron great. The fact is, only a very few players/hitters can rise to that level. Pitching and defense wins championships. As far as Billz, yeh, that’s the point. He would be well served to get that mentality!!!!
We sure did miss your two cents lbirken. Great posts as always!!!
I am leaving school and heading home. Have a wonderful evening if you are not around for late night ITD.
In baseball, you don’t let one guy beat you. I’ll be darned if I let Pujols beat me. Make the Cardinals beat me. Greg Maddux was a master at it. You don’t pitch to a player, you pitch to a team. Pick your spots wisely!!!!
Nice to chat with you all today.
I was lucky to see baseball in the 60’s and 70’s. The way it was played since its inception. Down and gritty. The reason we won it all in 88 was because Gibson brought back that smash mouth football mentality back.
Me too, Jhall. Those were the good old days 🙂
Same here. Not saying the game is not good today and in a way I understand why some hitters choose to wear protection. Maybe pitchers back in the day did have better control but I suspect it has more to do with protecting careers and big money which certainly was not the case years ago. However, I still have memories of Steve Garvey and how he responded to close pitches: he did not charge the mound but got back in the box quickly and usually hit the next pitch into the gap in right center field for a double. At least that is how the legend grows as time passes.
And as the saying goes, “’tis the season when a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of ……. baseball.”
To Elton John’s great “Roy Rogers”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGIds7cSf3U
We all love our teams, and sometimes it seems
Winter won?t end at all
The bleachers are dripping with icicles
And the snow just continues to fall
You draw to the curtain and one thing’s for certain
You’re cozy in your little room
The cable’s all paid for, God bless the TV
Gee, we?re now just 3 months from June
And Vin Scully?s broadcasting tonight
Returning to our silver screens
Hall Of Fame characters never grow old
Ballplaying heroes whose stories were told
Oh, the great Sandy Koufax still fires the ball
That hustling Pete Reiser still runs into walls
Turn on the T.V., shut out the lights
Vin Scully?s broadcasting tonight
Ten o’clock mornings, six o’clock evenings
Vin makes every game sound so good
His voice takes me back to my childhood days
Round baseballs hit squarely with wood
Lay back in my armchair, close eyes and think clear
Do homework ? no, base hits instead
Maury and Big D still grace memories
While I fall asleep in my bed
And Vin Scully?s broadcasting tonight
Returning to our silver screens
Hall Of Fame characters never grow old
Ballplaying heroes whose stories were told
Oh, the great Sandy Koufax still fires the ball
That hustling Pete Reiser still runs into walls
Turn on the T.V., shut out the lights
Vin Scully?s broadcasting tonight
Wow!!! We haven’t seen one of those around here in a while either…………………a song that is!!! Fabulous Dodgereric, and gotta love Elton John!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HIROKI!!!!!!!!
The trouble with dumpster diving is that there is so much trash that sometimes you can miss a real diamond. Ned is no doubt saddened by the fact that Hendrickson signed on somewhere else for 2010. I didn’t even know he was still active. “Active” may be too strong a word, but then we know Ned. Wish he was no longer active.
You know you’re a redneck if you think the last words to the “Star Spangled Banner” are “Play Ball”.
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Great song, Dodgereric.
Happy Birthday Hiroki Kuroda!!!!
Good morning ITD boys and girls!
Happy Birthday Kuroda-san!!!
Eric, THAT song was wonderful!!! I love EJ and you did him justice with that parody! Makes me wonder when my next song will come out. I don’t know. I think about it and then life distracts me, and it’s not even close to posting. But one of these years! 🙂
I thought everyone here would appreciate this. I workout at my local Curves. Everyday, they have on their whiteboard a mind game called Tribond – you’re supposed to figure out what connects the three words or three phrases. Well, today’s Tribond was courtesy of little old me! Everyone here should know what these three have in common and I’m sure y’all will know what these mean but here is what I gave them: (1) can of corn, (2) around the horn, and (3) cup of coffee!
Anyone who knows anything about baseball will know, but those ladies didn’t know what hit them! 🙂 I told them yesterday that I had a REALLY TOUGH Tribond, and they’re using it today. I went to the gym this morning and everyone was after me trying to figure out what these three things mean! It was funny!
Oh, and Josh, I’ll be at Camelback this year! It’ll be myself, my husband and my mom! 🙂
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/story/12896967/-fantasy-outlooks-los-angeles-dodgers&ct=ga&cd=M7jXcIxG7NQ&usg=AFQjCNELHhGiUSq8JcuPRt6vVnl0Qlnk8w
Buenos Dias ITD!
Buenos dias a la vida (life)
Buenos dias al amor!
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Happy birthday Hiro!
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Another great song Dodgereric!
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Carol,
LOL. If they know you well, they should have a clue. How are the exercises going? The only thing I do is Pilates three days a week at work during the noon hour. Today is Weight Watchers and I am dreading weighting myself.
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There is more snow in the mountains. My friends make fun of me ’cause I have never been to Big Bear. Some day…
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My trip to Fenway Park is booked!! My friends and I are doing the DodgerLife event. I hope I hope I hope Vin Scully does go back to Fenway like he did last time. So excited about making this trip!
.
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
http://DodgersBlueBlog.com/
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/156270-report-wang-has-two-offers
According to the homepage, pitchers and catchers report in 11 days, according to mlb.com it is 7 days………so take your pick. PBG!!! :))
So, Wang or no Wang, that is the question?
GOOD DAY ITD!
*
Happy birthday Kuroda!
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GREAT SONG Eric…thanks for sharing!
*
NELLY I think MLB knows that our pitchers need extra time, Dodger’s management like extended vacations…J/K Wish our pitchers luck & lots of blessings…GO DODGERS!
I just heard there will be no Wang.
Hi ITD
I hope you’re enjoying that wonderful California weather as mother nature has dropped some six inches of snow on us today, with another 3 to 6 inches expected by midnight, our time.
Ah, but it was due, we’ve haven’t had this much in some time now and it’s February, the usual time for a foot of snow.
Like I always say, I wish it would snow on Christmas like this.
But spring training is around the corner and we’re all looking forward to it.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Frank, Joe and Ned are Wangless.
And, poor Wang wanted to be re-united with Joe!
Yeah Tru, Poor Joe hasn’t been able to find his Wang for a couple years now.
LMDO!!!!
You just couldn’t resist that, now, could you?
lbirken ~ just think of the fun we would have had during the season 🙂
Especially since we already have a Johnson!
:)))
Reminds me of a bit from Kentucky Fried Movie.
Yes, the headline writers would have had a good time with that one. But Ned has learned his lesson, or so it seems.
To bad through. I can see it now:
.
Torre pulls out Wang in 7th inning.
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Wang lifted in favor of Johnson.
.
Loney trips over Wang covering first.
The possibilities are endless.
Wang wilts under pounding by Rox.
Wang gets support by Furcal’s quick hands.
Ng might be a good GM but probably for some other organization since it appears Ned will be around for a while. Of course, we have to assume she wants the job and some organization will have the, you know, to give her the opportunity. Anyway, enough on that subject. Have a great evening, everyone.
Wang around here is a non-issue, unless we’re talking about Jamie!!!
If Frank and Ned had two nuts to rub together (as well as brain cells), we would probably not be debating our current situation!!!!!
Frank and Ned, one nut wonders!!!!!
I think Kim Ng has alot more in the sack!!! You should have given her the reins instead of Ned, Frank!!! JMO!!!!
You guys make me want an Almond Joy, or perhaps a Mounds, would do….sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t 🙂
And I don’t mean sack as in the bed gang!!! Just wanted to head that one off right away!!! I admire what she has done and think she would be a good GM!!!
I don’t think you can play this game at a championship level without some balls (ie, Kirk Gibson in 88, our last championship). Both on the field and in the front office.