A bit of news, both happy and sad
We just got word that the Dodgers have once again avoided all arbitration cases with their players and signed James Loney, the final case remaining, to a one-year contract.
As you probably know, we always try to avoid going to trial with our own guys because the process is never enjoyable for anyone, so kudos to everyone in baseball operations on getting this done.
On a sadder note, we also got word this morning that former Brooklyn Dodger Cliff Dapper passed away this past week.
Dapper was a Los Angeles native who appeared in 18 games with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1942. He was best known for being the only ballplayer in history to be traded for a broadcaster. When Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Red Barber went on a medical leave during the 1948 season, team president Branch Rickey called Earl Mann, the owner of the minor league Atlanta Crackers, and asked for permission to sign Harwell. Mann wanted compensation for his popular broadcaster and said his team needed a catcher.
Rickey sent Dapper from the Dodgers’ Triple-A Montreal affiliate to the Crackers to complete the deal. Dapper continued his minor league career as a player and manager through 1957. Harwell left the Dodgers after the 1949 season, he was replaced by Fordham University graduate Vin Scully. Harwell became a Hall of Fame broadcaster, primarily with the Detroit Tigers. Despite the famous trade, Harwell and Dapper did not meet for more than a half a century until the dedication ceremonies for Harwell’s statue at Detroit’s Comerica Park in 2002.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this tough time.
Inside the Dodgers 
Hi Everybody
I would like to direct a question to JOSH.
An old friend of mind asked me this and I’m in total agreement.
There are a lot of people here that still reminisce about the Dodgers’ days in Brooklyn.
Especially when it’s all over the news about the Dodgers’ throwback uniforms.
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What are your thoughts on the Dodgers wearing a Brooklyn throwback uniform some day at Citi Field?
I think there’s a chance the Brooklyn born Wilpons would go for it.
Josh,
Happy to hear Loney signed. that I was wondering what was going to happen since he is schedule to be at the Caravan volunteering on Monday.
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Very sad to hear that Cliff Dapper passed away. We lost two Brooklyn players in four days. We lost 10 last year. Now we are down to 51 Living Brooklyn Major Leaguers. Rest in peace Mr. Dapper.
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com
Like other, I am familiar with the story of Dapper and Ernie Harwell and also remember Harwell and Scully when they first arrived to join Barber and Desmond many long years ago.
My condolences to the Dapper family and may he rest in peace.
OBF,
Hey! I saw Ron at the Select A Seat event. We were remembering you and True in Boston.
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The Dodgers wore a Brooklyn uni at Tropicana Field when they were honoring Don Zimmer. It would be great if they would do it at Citi Field.
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Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com
I’m glad we got things done with James.
Hi Emma
I check in on your blog from to to time, it’s great. Yes I remember the Dodgers playing a road game in Brooklyn uniforms last year.
Those road uniforms look better on the road because that’s what they were made for.
I hope 53, had good things to say about me (HA HA).
Glad to read that James doesn’t have to go through arbitration. Thanks for posting that information Josh!!
5 days until our pitchers and catchers report to spring training 🙂
Dodgers appear on the ESPN list of most unimproved teams, also they get credit for one of the worst off season signings in Uribe, right behind the Jason Werth contract, but at least Werth can play. Way to go Ned.
I’m also glad that James won’t be put through the pain of arbitration. But I am curious about one thing. Why is it that Ned signs most of his PVL’s to multi-year contracts and only signed James to a one-year contract? There’s no logic to this at all.
I think the one year contracts are telling in the sense that the Dodgers aren’t able to offer fair value on an extended contract to anybody with some real promise. I would expect that all the young guys are looking forward to the day when they will be leaving and reaping some real dollar rewards elsewhere.
“I would expect that all the young guys are looking forward to the day when they will be leaving and reaping some real dollar rewards elsewhere.”
Exactly, bear.
How many thousands of dollars were Super Bowl tickets?
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-20110213,0,2569599,full.column
Sell the team, you sob.
I just heard Ruben Amaro JR say that he built the best team he could build because Philly fans deserve the best and their goal is to win the World Series. I guess Dodger fans deserve the Worst, and Ned and the Low life McCourt are giving that to us. Of course their goal is to raise prices and make more money.
Does Frank still pay $30,000 a month to live here?
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http://www.montagebeverlyhills.com/
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Sell The Team!!
I’m very anxious to see how our young core performs this year. We’ve put our faith in them and now they are seasoned and in their prime. As much as I detest Frank and Furter, they have kept the young core together as we have so vehemently cried for. Pitching is paramount in winning championships, and, I think Ned has done a pretty good job of putting together a decent if not better than average starting rotation. It is now time for our beloved yun’gins to step it up and get the job done. I do believe this is a make or break year for them. Yes, our owner is a con man and our GM out of his league. A con man needs a spin guy!!! I’m rooting for our players to overcome the ineptnesshandicap of the ownership and show what I believe they are capable of. EXCELSIOR TRUE BELIEVERS!!!
Thats the spirit Wally!!
mSLI6T efxrjtjcvwta
:):)!
Fabulous post Jhall!!
We don’t know what their future holds with the Dodgers so we need to enjoy watching these young players explode into incredible baseball players, which I believe they will.
I’m just waiting for Frank & Furter to explode period.
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I see Ned signed another worthless pitcher the other day (Rincon.) He’s making it too easy for me. 🙂
I’m tired of waiting and glad that the season is just around the corner. I’m totally tired of Ned’s signings that are catagorized as “nothing to lose”. Those are all the “not expected to perform”, mostly over the hill players that Ned seems to find year after year, and if one of them makes the roster, the front office seems to cream all over themselves. Instead of “nothing to lose” has Ned ever heard of “win – win” where he might actually find somebody who’s still a winner and might make a real difference on the roster.
Oh, I forget that Frank would have to pay somebody like that.
Like with what?
SELL THE TEAM and take Ned with you to run a parking lot somewhere!
You will need all that new material if you plan to be batting .300 before too long – lol!!!!
:)) Thanks!! It’s just time to quit talking and get the freaking job done on the field. We’ve been waiting patiently for our youngins’ to come into their own. I’m tired of waiting. They’re not kids anymore. It’s time to step up to the plate!!!! Get it done or we figure out what our next direction is!!!! With our current ownership and GM, I’m not sure I want to go there. As Beav says, Pittsburg, Kansas City West. If the kids don’t get it done, I feel, we may be in for some lean times!!!!!
Jhall ~ I don’ think you mean we will be a Lean Mean Killing Mahine! lol
So i’m starting to officailly get excited about baseball now, i’m usually going crazy a long time before this but last year left a bitter taste in my mouth and I finally had my NFL team (FALCONS!!) playing great and in the playoffs. This is the first time in a long time that I am confident in the entire pitching staff, just need the bullpen to hold up their end of the deal…talkin to you Brox… and if the offense is there then I have no doubt we can win our division, we’ll worry about the rest afterwards. GO DODGERS!! btw, everybody wear something Dodger related on the 1st day of spring training to show support, i’ll be rockin my Ethier jersey
Of course Bluesplash!!!! My Ethier jersey and my Ethier totebag are all ready for that day. I call Opening Day the biggest holiday of the school year. It’s good to see you back 🙂
Lou Seal
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.( Lucille By Kenny Rodgers )
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLKDFKRTdlo
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In a bar in Sausalito, wavin Will Clarks speedos
Neddy was a beltin his tune
I thought I’d get closer
So I hopped on over
When McClown came a callin my name
When the Jints became winners
Neddy said ? he wasn’t bitter?
But admits to shedding him some tears
I’m a dummy and a baaaa ? stirred
Kw- ear ever after
Missin my oranges and my boys by the bay
Might need to send in a pinch hitter to finish this one?
Great job, thesuckometer!!!!!
GO BLUE!
RIP Chuck Tanner while we’re at it.
Happy Valentines day one and all………………………..
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I Love L.A.!!
We Love It!!!
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GO DODGERS GO!!!!