A new thread

I can't believe it... I'm first. Let's go for five in a row!! SWAT DOWN THE GNATS!! GO BLUE!!

If anyone reads this Josh, if they trade Matt Kemp i'll be irate. Unless of course we get Jack Wilson or a pitcher who is fat and will be a free agent next year commanding millions. Kemp is still 4 years from prime and not a kid anymore according to Ned. What a joke. Kemp is 23 and so on. The reality is were never gonna win with this enviornment. Please Frank bring someone in who does not have to openly talk to the press about how he "has" to be patient. But it will be great we can then play JP and Jones and replace them with two other overpriced worthless PVL's and wish we had a young hitter age 26 (by that time) who can hit for power.

Please Josh, if you have any power what so ever, please don't let them touch the core young players (Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, DeWitt and LaRoche). They are finally getting the playing time they have deserved for such a long time (Ethier and LaRoche epecially), and they look great out there (win or lose). These players are NOT the supporting characters, they are the stars right here and now.

Looking towards the future, bring up DeJesus to get an idea whether or not he's ready. Any big name SS is probably going to cost us more in years, dollars, and current players than we (but maybe not the Nedster) want to give up. The fact that the Nedster is out there primed and ready to make a deal , quite frankly, scares the hell out of me. Trade Lowe for somebody's top 2-3 prospects, one of which could be a shortstop. If we can stay the course, it will pay off in 2009. In a transitory season, It's a bonus, IMO, if we make the playoffs.

Good morning ITD boys and girls,
I hope everyone had a great 4th of July yesterday. I'm going to make one more comment about a starting SS and then drop it like a hot potato (I really don't like the idea of trades but I just understand that it's part of baseball). I know I've been calling to trade for a starting SS (Berroa and Maza aren't starters and Hu will be, but not now). My hope is that Nomar stays healthy to play (maybe not everyday) but to play SS for most of the rest of the year. What I think is a better way to go is to DFA Berroa (he's of no use) and bring up DeJesus. Everyone has been talking about him and I'd like to see what DeJesus can actually do in the majors. If by the end of the year (I firmly believe Nomar won't be resigned) then we can see what we have in DeJesus, Maybe Hu can even make his way back up to the majors to see if there's any improvement (also take into consideration his health issues while in the minors).

Yes, I was a little too trade happy earlier to ask for a trade for **** now.

I must still be asleep. I don't even remember what that 2nd to the last word I wrote where it would need to be bleeped out???

oh, now I know. I wrote, "a shortstop" but I used the two letter abbreviation for shortstop. But there's a space between the two. Oh well...

Just had to do a song for Andre due to his magnificent play these last five days. I feel like he has really stepped up to the plate once again and has pretty much told Pierre and Torre where they can shove it. He deserves better than this, and needs to go back to being "Everyday 'Dre" Left field was his job and he never lost it; it was just given away to a sub par PVL.
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Song: Joe Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Original Song: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
by: Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO)
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Dre met a man Torre, he gave his job away
He said he had it comin' to him
And Joe wanted Juan to play
Dre thinks Juan must be good lovin'
And so Dre played when he could,mmmm
Oooh, oooh, they looked at Dre in the outfield
And Dre said..
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You ain't seen nothin' yet
T-T-T-Torre, you just ain't seen nothin' yet
Here's a home run you'll never forget, yeah
T-T-T-Torre, you just ain't seen nothin' yet
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And now Dre's feeling better cause he found out for sure
Joe took Juan to his doctor and he told him there's no cure
He said, "Dre's glove is the best glove."
So Dre took what he could get, yes
He took what he could get
Oooh, and they looked at Dre in the outfield
And Dre said...
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You ain't seen nothin' yet
T-T-T-Torre you ain't seen nothin' yet
Here's some doubles, here's homeruns
That you're never gonna forget
T-T-T-Torre, you ain't seen nothin' yet
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(break)
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Any play is good play
So Dre took what he could get, yes
He took what he could get
And then, and then, and then
They looked at Dre in the outfield
And Dre said...
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You ain't seen nothing yet
Torre, you ain't seen nothing yet
Here's more hits, more doubles
Here's fielding, Torre, you're never gonna forget
T-T-T-Torre, you just ain't seen nothing yet
You ain't been around.
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You ain't seen nothin' yet
Dre knows you ain't seen nothin' yet
Dre knows you ain't seen nothin' yet
Torre, Torre, Torre
You ain't seen nothin' yet

good morning CP :)

Magnificent Nelly!!!

"We're more open-minded to who we may have to move," Colletti said. The problem he continued "is that I am absolutely retarded and have no clue on who were suppossed to get in return" adding with a smile, "you have seen my track record right"?

Awesome nells!!

Funny jungar. Sadly true, but funny.

That one showed up in my head this morning. I heard the song when I was doing e-mail - LOL!!! And I was still pissed about the comment the Easler made about our young players being a supporting role when they are truly our stars right now. UUGGHHH!! still pissed. How can they refer to Russell, James, Matt and Andre as supporting is beyond disbelief. Did they watch the game yesterday? Maybe they were supporting Andruw from looking like a total idiot LMAO!!!!! Nomar did well, but hasn't been here all year - LMAO!!! these people are such idiots if they think we believe this crap - Get out Grambo Now!!!!!! LMAO!!!!

Great one, jungar - reminds of the Carey movie where he couldn't help but speak out the truth. That's how it would come out of Ned's mouth.

LMAO!!!! jungar - that's for you LMAO!!!!! they have to be retarded or something - how do people think like this and expect the rest of us to believe it?- absurd, I tell you!!! LMAO!!!!

I just had to make a quick comment regarding a comment made earlier by Mike Easler. I don't generally post a great number of comments, I usually just say what's on my mind and bounce. That being said, everyone knows my stance on Easler. After stating that the core of the line-up (Kent, Garciaparra, Jones...) can now be surrounded by the complimentary players (Martin, Loney, Kemp Ethier...) is absolutely ludicrous. Does anybody not agree that he needs to go?

I'm not opposed to getting Sabathia on two conditions: 1. They have a window to sign him to a 3 year deal before the trade consummates, and 2. They flip Lowe for a shortstop. I woudn't give up LaRoche easily, but Hu, McDonald, May, Wade and DY are certainly tradeable. Some combination of the three are better than the draft picks Cleveland would get.

Agreed kace. By Ned's own admission, didn't he bring in the vets to compliment the kids and fill in holes? There's a total disconnect and doublespeak to all of Dodger management and coaching.

Hey everyone, I went onto the MLB website and noticed something in the transactions list. I went as far back as 2001 and we've ALWAYS made a deal during July for the past 7 years. So, going out on a limb here and saying we will do SOMETHING, whether it's good or bad, who knows, but we WILL make a move of some kind of history says anything.

Also, to put my 2 cents in, I noticed a thread going on ESPN that mentioned that we're going after JJ Hardy... that's something that would be great, we could use him for years to come and let Raffy go, I love Raffy, but he is injury prone and also getting older and will want pretty big money.... So if we can make it happen and get Hardy, I'm ok with that. On top of that, I'm starting to feel like Ethier is our best young outfielder, and NOT Kemp... that could obviously change with some coaching for Kemp, but he's still VERY raw.

I know it's almost noon, but good morning dnel!

After my last post I decided to go back to the June 2008 archives to read some of our pasts comments. It was very funny to relive some of those comments, especially when dnel, jhall and mlk were trying to convince me to do a song parody. Now I've done two! wow! A lot of comments were just way too funny then and still are now!!! :)

brandondaughrity, I'm waiting for Kemp. I really don't know what to say, but I still think Kemp is going to be big for us. But right now, Andre is the better athlete! And no, I'm not just saying that because Dre is my favorite. I'd like to think that Kemp can be taught how to play the game right, but I really don't think Easler is the guy to show him what to do.

As for CC, there is no way Frank will match this $$ let alone the players we would have to trade to get him.

(He rejected a $72 million, four-year extension)

oh and dnel,
I saw your post on Dre's blog from the other day. Great post! I can't help but believe that he's getting encouragement from his fans. Maybe he's read our ITD comments. I wouldn't be surprised if he did!

Dre, if you do read ITD, know everyone (save eduardo) is proud of you and how you've been performing on all levels on the field lately!!! Keep it up!!!

CP - I was going back into the archives the other day for a different reason, but it is fun to relive what we were thinking, and the funny things is most of what we have been saying in terms of the team haven't changed. Also, eric's song list on Dodger Lyrics brings back memories in itself. We really do have to bring back some of those old ones if Andruw doesn't start becoming the Andruw he is supposed to be, but then it doesn't look like enchanted is going to run out of any ideas for new songs any time soon. Since he is the reigning leader of the song brigade. LOL!!!
I am two days away from going to LA, and I can't wait.

why do you guys still want laroche to play everyday dewitt is far better at fielding and at hitting we should trade laroche already dewitt has already taken over

and brandondaughrity,
I just saw JJ Hardy's stats page and you may be right, he would be good for us. Again, like I say with any trade rumor, just don't give up the farm...

dnel,
how long are you here in LA???

CP - I feel it's a connection that maybe he will read more readily, just because it is shorter in length than any of our threads after the first hour on most days. I would do it daily if he didn't think I was a raving lunatic already. I am sticking to his ball playing and restaurant topics, though. I refuse to talk like the seem to be little girls on there going crazy for other things then his ability as a ball player. I have mentioned ITD every time though so he knows I am on there as an honest Dodger fan and not just a fan of his, eventhough he is my favorite. I used to have equal affection for Russell and James, but Andre has that underdog appeal now, and I am ready to fight for him no matter what it takes. He is too good of a ball player and a person to lose from this team right now, and I believe he is one of the keys to Russell having good days in general (spirit wise). Russell needs him out in left field so he knows if a throw is needed it's going to get done.

Jungar...

I agree with you....After reading that article in the Times this morning, I'm already furious....If he gives up Loney, Kemp or Ethier, I will personally go and STRANGLE COLETTI.
There is no shortstop out there that is good enough to give up the farm...the only one other than the guys in Double A or Triple A that I would consider is LaRoche...but I'm not so sure about that either....Even if the Dodgers would HAPPEN to win the division, they're not going anywhere...Coletti needs to think ahead a couple of years and not always trade what's in front of him...unless of course he wants to give away Andruw, Sweeney, Proctor, or any number of other useless players...Every player he has traded away is better than the bench guys we have...Anyone notice what Cody Ross is doing?..I even called Coletti at the time and he gave me some stupid answer as to why he traded him...Wouldn't you rather have Marlon Anderson than Sweeney....This guy doesn't get it...We NEED to do everything we can to prevent him giving up one of our good kids....Please DON'T DO IT COLETTI....Listen to the fans that know!!!...
If Coletti hadn't made so many mistakes in his off season signings we wouldn't need an offensive shortstop...We could have had Rowand which would be alot better than Andruw..even if it was a longer contract...That guy can hit and field....we would be far better without the Andruws, Schmidts, and all his other MISTAKES....

I, like most of you, fear that Ned is in another panic mode and will do another stupid trade/signing because he thinks it will get the Dodgers to the playoffs. I say give Nomar a chance to handle SS the rest of the year with some in-house help. DeJesus and Hu have good potential for the long-term, and they don't need to be blocked like our other young players have been. To trade any of the core young players is SHEER LUNACY. Why is it so hard for our management to realize that there are good reasons why the other teams want this young talent??? We never needed Pierre or Jones, and those signings have been devastating to the Dodgers in blocking the younger players who ARE outperforming those two, let alone the team chemistry problems that they cause. But despite how bad those signings were, perhaps the worst signing that Ned has made was the signing of Joe Torre. He is single-handedly the reason why the Dodgers are not leading the NL West by a wide margin today. With proper coaching and encouragement, along with a consistent batting order and line-up, all our young players would be performing at a much higher level than they are. When you consider what they have accomplished under the dire circumstances of Torre's regime, it is amazing in itself. It's time to give credit where credit is due and lay the blame where it belongs. Let's hope that Ned will refrain from any stupid panic moves and recognize that there is good reason why others want what he has and don't want what he's been getting. If he truly wants to improve the team, trade Pierre and Lowe for some young prospects. Andrew should go, too, but nobody would be stupid enough to take him.

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CP - we are leaving Monday, going to the games Monday thru Wednesday (altanta series) and then going to San Diego for the remainder of the week. Catching the Friday SanDiego/Atlanta game - my girl friend is a Braves fan so since she has to endure Dodger Fans for three days, I will be a Braves fan for the day and cheer on Mark Texiera and company. She is hoping to see Maddux pitch since she won't be able to see Glavine pitch for Atlanta - she really wanted that. (I see he's picking on third base now) :)

I hope you and your friend have a great time next week; sounds like fun! Yeah, when you get to SD, you can magically turn into a Braves fan! :)

Well, I've gotta go. I'm still in my pj's (okay, okay, a visual no one needs). I'll catch up with y'all later...

drpdedblnd and redfox - very well said - let's hope somebody is paying attention to these blog sites. They are all saying the same things verbatim in some cases.

Note to Ned:

If you enter the trade market, be very careful! While I commend you for holding on to our good young players, your recent remarks have scared many of us into thinking you may unload young talent to acquire a veteran like Sabathia or Jack Wilson. We don't want another Loaiza, Hillenbrand, Schmidt, or Jones situation. We've been just fine without Yohan Santana & Dontrelle Willis. Every trade is a gamble, but unfortunately you have lost the confidence of many fans who are afraid you will be taken advantage of because you don't appear to understand the value of your own merchandise.

The 1970's was a great time for Dodger baseball. That era was characterized by a solid core of young players, peppered with a few quality veterans in their prime. I think that's the formula that most fans appreciate, and that is the foundation that you have a chance to build on. Please don't damage the foundation as you repair the roof!

The injury to Furcal has truly been devastating. I understand you probably feel uncomfortable heading towards a pennant race with Maza or Berroa at SS. We are all glad that Nomar is back to man the position, but we know you realize his frailty. So it makes sense to inquire about Jack Wilson to fill that spot, but please don't let them pick your pocket. They probably want to unload his salary as much as you feel you need him, so be careful what you give them in return. He's really not worth more than 2 decent minor leaguers IMO...maybe Hu/DeJesus & Santana/May.

As for Sabathia, one needs look no further than Santana with the Mets, or Bedard with the Mariners. Sure glad you didn't trade the farm over the winter to get a stud pitcher who has under-performed. Just resist the temptation...unless they offer him on a silver platter.

The most difficult part of a GM is trying to see who is of value and who will make your team better. Look, I would love to see Kemp turn into Pujols, and become amazing, I would also love to have Kershaw become the next Koufax, and for every single one of our prospects to become the best of all time at their position. But the facts are that not ALL of them will be, more than likely not even close, we all try to play GM on this site, and well love the Dodgers. The one thing I can guarantee you guys though is that Ned Colletti is not trying to make the Dodgers bad, the man is not trying to lose his job. Put yourself in his shoes for a minute and think about how difficult making some of these decisions must be. If we knew for sure that Pedro Martinez would become Pedro, he'd still be a Dodger, if we knew that Mike Soccia would become a great manager, he'd probably be managing the Dodgers, if we knew that Paul Konerko would be a perennial all star, he'd be playing first base for us right now. The flip side of this is a big word... OPPOURTUNITY... that's something that is required to show how good a player can be.... it's hard to balance patience and winning.... and the market that we're in is all about winning, and not rebuilding or waiting. The key though is oppourtunity, givne the chance Pujols came in and dominated.... I just don't know for sure that Kemp or some of the other guys are going to be great.... there's just no telling... if any of you knew for sure, you'd all have won the lottery a long time ago. I live in Vegas, and nothing is guaranteed... I say if it makes us a better team, I'm all for it, if not... no deal. We have got to find out who our core group of players are going to be and build around them. If someone does not fit into those plans, then so be it and move them for someone who can help us win. Sorry for the long post, I just want what's best for our team, and none of us are in the position to make those calls.... so, lets all just hope for the best.
GO DODGERS!!

Don't look now but the Dodgers have the best record in baseball over the last 10 games. 7-3! They are the only team to win 7 of their last 10 games. We really need to capitalize with Pierre out. This is our only chance!

Alot of great conversation about what Ned should do or not do. I agree with whomever said for Wilson give 2 decent prospects and the Pirates probably want to unload his salary. Ned, do not panic and give up a top prospect for an average SS.

As for Sabathia, I would love to have him and Frank would have to sign him to a 6 yr extension minimum at 17-18 mil....hell we signed a 34 year with a bad shoulder for 16 mil plus...why not a 27 year old coming off a Cy Young and only should be reaching his prime. He would be the horse to lead Billz and Kersh to the top. Having those 3 power pitchers would be hell to face in a 5 or 7 game playoff...If we have to give up Laroche (I do believe in Dewitt, he has the temperment to handle and adjust,you can see it in his swing and his defense is almost Beltre like), McDonald , and Hu...Do not think twice and throw in another fringe prospect if needed. Although if the Brewers are giving up the kid LaPorta, he is a stud in the making and possibly Escobar an exciting SS we cannot match that package. Although our 3 are more majors ready.

Lets go, we are playing our most enthusiatic baseball of the season. 4 in a row and Matt has a .409 OB...Ethier is en fuego!!! Nelly is going to see a sweep of the Braves...Damn life cannot get any better than this....

The team seems to be having more fun right now in the last week. The younguns have more pep in their step!!! Why JoeNed? No more albatross, just a Pillsbury Dough Jones! I hope ole puff and stuff can turn it around and make contact, it was actually painful watching him yesterday. And Joe we know he is still rehabbing as Sweeney was still in ST mode....Sometimes you have to say it like it is....Andruw you were horrible!!! He should have stayed the full 20 days to regain his confidence....He was having success at LV and JoeNed panicked even though Mr Kemp and Ethier were doing fine and we had won 3 straight.

Nomar I have bashed you this year and wanted JoeNed to cut you but if you can stay healthy and produce like yesterday I want you so JoeNed do not panic and get Wilson.

so, i've really been thinking about this trading for a shortstop thing.. and i think there's no doubt we must acquire a shortstop, but one that will be here for more than just the rest of this season. i do not think that there is any shortstop that i would want to trade any of our "kids" for (aside from hanley ramirez as someone mentioned, which will NEVER happen). i think that ned MUST realize what a powerful chip he has in derek lowe. he can get quite a bit for one person, in derek lowe, and fill the hole without touching our future. everyone needs pitching, mainly contenders, and we know we are losing lowe at the end of this year anyway, so there is no sense in hanging on to him. i was talking with a friend, and i would love to see lowe flipped to the cubs for either theriot or fontenot, and some prospects. that way, we would only lose lowe, and gain much more. also, i think renteria is probably available, and he's under contract for at least a couple years, i believe. he would probably come cheaper than other shortstop options. the point is, USE DEREK LOWE and NOT THE FUTURE to accomplish what we need to.

also, about the dewitt and laroche debate. i'm not ready to deal away andy like some of you are. he has not been given any kind of chance to prove himself, and just because dewitt went crazy at the beginning of the year, it doesn't make andy less of a ball player. i think that andy has more power potential, and he should be the third base option, and dewitt should move back to second to take over once kent is done. i love them both, and i think they both can be good for our future.

lastly, i don't think we really talked about how much we mis-treated repko last week. he gets off the plane, thrown into the leadoff spot, criticized for choking, then doesn't play agian.. and then is immediately returned to triple-A for jones who "is rehabbing". what a joke our management is.

typo --> again

Sara, I am not a fan of giving up LaRoche, but if we could get CC I would. I agree, he has never been given a fair shot at the full time job, but sometimes as Dewitt did, when given the opportunity you have to seize it. I am a fan of LaRoche and I hope he can show us the potential we have all been reading about. It would be great to have Laroche at 3b and Dewitt at 2b, but I really do not think this management team will be that patient. I would rather give up a Laroche than Kemp or Ethier.

dodgerboy, you really can't get CC for just laroche, and as much as i love CC, he isn't going to be cheap. i just don't see McCourt ponying up to pay for CC's extension, after all the wasted money on pitching. we don't need the pitching right now, we need the shortstop. derek lowe must be traded for a decent shortstop option. that should be the top of the list, not CC.

I never said Laroche for CC I have also included what has been reported as Hu, Laroche and Mcdonald...obviously CC is not going to traded for one AAA prospect/borderline ML ready.

I think we do need pitching. Penny is not dependable. 100 pitches to get thru 5-6 innings is not acceptable. Lowe is on the way out...Kuroda just spent 2 weeks on the DL. Park has won 20 games or so in 6 years and has had an era over 5.00...I am happy that he is doing well (should have never left, thats another story) but I do not like the thought of him throwing every 5 days for the rest of the year. Kershaw did ok, but his command is not ML ready yet....maybe by the end of July with some confidence building starts in AA he will be....CC has pitched into the 7 or 8th inning in 11 of his 20 starts and regularly throws 100-115 pitches...he is a True Ace not a wannabe like the sour puss Penny.

Lowe I would try to trade to Detroit (they need pitching) for Renteria...a complete SS.

I really liked all of your points, sara, and I wish that management would take all of those issues to heart. As far the shortstop goes, I do wish that we had given DeJesus a chance while we were playing that position with Hu, Maza and Berroa. If we do trade for a shortstop, we'll probably block DeJesus before finding out if he could be our longer term answer. That would be a shame, considering how we tried to plug up that hole when another answer might have been close at hand.

Dodgerboy - thanks for the confidence that I will bring a sweep of the Braves. I have Braves pitching for my fantasy team, and even though they won last night, they are struggling in the pitching department right now so hopefully the Dodgers can capitalize on that we shouldn't see too many problems as long as the Dodgers are playing like they are right now. And to comment about the noticeable difference in body language from our young players (Jeff Kent, too, I might add). It has been along time since I have seen Ethier show so much positive emotion during a game. He was truly have fun out there when he hit that go-ahead double, and that is a very good sign that this team is really trying their best to get things done. Win or lose, this is the time we have to cherish the team out there because as soon as JP comes back, it's back to the bad old times, and that will be a very sad day.

Ok so when the AB's are even at least could we then trade top prospects. DeWitt has 242 career ABS and an OPS of .703 and LaRoache has 126 career ABs with a .698 OPS. It's laughable that either could be judged yet. You all would have traded A-rod by now if it was his first year and a half. He OPS'ed .570

jungar - maybe that's why I sit on the fence on this issue. I don't think I have seen either one of them enough to know which would be more of a benefit. I do, however, like the idea of trying to keep both of them and put DeWitt at 2nd if that becomes a choice.

re: LaRoche/DeWitt

I like them both. DeWitt has shown a lot this year, but the league has adjusted to him. I think LaRoche has greater upside potential. I'd like to put DeWitt back at 2b next year, and keep LaRoche at 3b. But if we had to trade one of them, I'd want to keep LaRoche.

I'm glad to say we're finally maybe getting to the point where we can have the kind of friendly debates on this board that we should have been having all year. Friendly debates about whether Andy or Blake is the better third base prospect; about whether Matt or Andre is our premier outfileder; about whether we should hold on to DLowe for the postseason or unload him now for several top prospects.
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There is only one good thing that has come from the bumbling of JoJo and NedCo so far this season, the plethora of songs written by posters on this board. See here: http://dodgereric.mlblogs.com/
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Now to my takes on the friendly debates.
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Is Andre or Matt our biggest OF stud? I have usually thought that Andre is a solid outfielder on a World Championship caliber team. I have put him on a par with somebody like Jacque Jones (http://www.baseball-reference.com/j/jonesja05.shtml). Andre has occasionally showed me that I might have underestimated him.
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I have always loved Matt's potential -- as high as any young player anywhere right now. The key for Matt was this: After pitchers figured out he couldn't hit a major league curve in 2006, would he make the adjustment? He answered that question with flying colors in 2007, and there now remains no question that he will be a productive major league starter for many years.
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Now Matt faces a similar challenge. Everybody knows he swings at unhittable pitches low and off the plate. Will he make the adjustment as he did in 2007? If he does, Matt will probably be one of the greatest Dodgers in history. If not, he'll be Raul Mondesi II.
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Bottom line: Andre, when allowed to play, is already what he's going to be (unless I've once again underestimated him). That is he'll be a player on a par with a pre-steroid Paul O'Neill. Matt is already as good as Andre and has a huge upside beyond that. I'll take Matt.
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Blake v. Andy: I love both of these guys. Right now Blake is at a similar point to where Matt was in July of '06. Almost every succesful young player faces this point; some become long-time major leaguers while others become a flash-in-the-pan. Now that the pitches have adjusted to Blake, can he adjust to the pitchers? Only time will tell.
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Andy, on the other hand, has not yet reached this point (and perhaps never will). Most feel he has a higher upside than Blake. Due to a combination of injury and Grittle/JoJo/Nomar blockage, Andy has never had the opportunity to show what he can do as an everyday starter.
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I wouldn't have a problem with sending Blake down to refine his game if -- and this is a big if considering the way the Dodgers have treated Kershaw and Repko just this week -- management communicated to Blake and helped him understand that such a move wasn't so much a demotion as part of the regular developmental process. Simultaneously, I would give Andy the 3B job with the promise and fulfillment of said promise that he would face all comers every day for at least six weeks.
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Bottom line: It's a tossup. Ideally, they will play on the same infield with James and the winner of the Hu/DeJesus battle for years to come.
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Should Lowe be traded: Actually, in a sane world this question would not be raised because we would by no means be sellers at the trade deadline, but ten games up in the NL Worst. However, as we all know, JoJo has undermined this team with his vet-love and it is a legitimate question right now.
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I would NOT trade Derek Lowe, although we will probably get some very tempting offers. I want to see this team win THIS YEAR and I know our boys can win if JoJo starts playing the best team and the best batting orders. Derek Lowe is a darn good pitcher, and one we'll need if we are to win the World Series. Plus he does have something that has been highly overrated in these parts but still does have its place -- experience. Specifically he has experience in the one area where it matters most -- post-season pitching experience.
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Bottom line: Keep DLowe and bring home a trophy in 2008.

No Jungar, I do not believe anyone wants to trade LaRoche unless it is for the right person. CC is the anchor we need for the pitching staff. This is my opinion and no I would not have traded A rod that is a ludicrous statement. I like the way Dewitt plays the game and he has a long way to go to be a finished product, but he has not looked overwhelmed at the plate or the field, even though he has been struggling. If he hits .260-.275 with 10-15 HR and 60plus RBI, I would be estatic. I believe he has only started to develop.

As for Laroche he has had alot of injuries and has not developed as quickly as people would like and being a realist we cannot keep all the young guys. For the right deal I would trade him, I feel that he is expendable. Just my opinion!

I like DeWitt. I like CC. So far from what I see I am not sold on LaRoache at all, however he has been about our only minor leaguer who has hit for power consistently the last 5 years. We don't have power up here on the big club. IMO, that does not make him expendable whatsoever.

179. silverwidow
Kemp, RF
Ethier, LF
Martin, 3B
Kent, 2B
Jones, CF
Garciaparra, SS
Loney, 1B
Ardoin, C
Park, P

This over from Dodger Thoughts

jungar - I was reading over at DT, and I know you post there too. Who did come up with the name Bison for Kemp?
#168 was the latest mention of it.

Nice to see that the only one on the team that doesn't get it is JoJo. Jones batting 5 again... unbelieveable. I also think if you're going to rest Marty, then rest him. I believe LaRoche could more than hold his own against Zito.

It was also just reported on DT that Brad Penny will be out until after the All-Star break

Exactly why I feel we need another pitcher!!!

We need to trade The Roach and Kemp for a decent player-both these guys are losers-The Roach more so than Kemp (Mr. Strike Out).

I thought JoJo said Jones is "rehabbing". I guess I really don't have any understanding of baseball at all. I must go to Darth Joe to learn the ways of The Force and of baseball.
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As a mere padwan, I thought that guys who were "rehabbing" and had struck out 4 times the previous day due to the "rehabbing" weren't supposed to start on major league teams, let alone bat 5th.

cable30, who is "The Roach"? And I would not say at all that Kemp is a loser...

mlk,
Others have said it before but I'm going to repeat it. If Jones is rehabbing, then why isn't he still in Vegas? But now that he's back, I have to deal with it. Joe, DON'T BAT HIM 5TH!!!

I honestly don't know what JoJo is waiting for guys like Jones and Sweeney to do. Magically go back 3-4 years perhaps. Joe is about as thick headed and tunnel visioned as they come when it comes to vets. Wake up Joe, these are the same kind of vets you had in NY, they're Ned's finds off the dung heap. I'd like to see Jones succeed, but it just ain't gonna happen.

As far as Penny goes, no problem. He's about as valuable this year as Bombko and Hendy were last year.

Well here we are the day after independence day.
Just a 1/2 out of first and rarrin' do go.
Looks like we got the best team in the division and hoping we get a lot better so we can take on those really tough clubs in those other divisions if we get to the post season.
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I'm really pulling for Nomar to keep Colletti away from seeing what's out there because as we all know he's a poor judge of talent.
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I'm also hoping for Kemp to straighten himself out at the plate and learn to be a better judge of the strike zone, because I hate to see him go in a trade.
WELL BRING ON BARRY ZITO & THE GNATS AND LET'S PLAY BALL.

I just got back from San Fransisco and the Dodgers team hotel. I went to try to get autographs and see the boys. There is a roped off area where they let you stand for autographs. I mainly went for Fernando and Vin as I can't get these at the stadium here.
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I walked out of the parking lot in my Dodger Blue (Cap & Jersey)and the first guy I see says to me you shure have balls to wear that. I love it when we play the Giants!! As long as people aren't idiots about it!
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Well I saw most of the team and was able to get Martin's autograph on my Dodger Helmet I brought to Spring Training. So it is pretty filled up now. I would of liked to of gotten a few more but the guys didn't seem to happy. Usually they are pretty friendly. I'm wondering if a few of them are a little nervous that they might not be around much longer. I was able to get most of the team to autograph the helmet in Florida so with some of the guys I didn't ask for a signature I just was told them to go get first place!!
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That was a sweet win yesterday and it's been fun watching them play with a bit of the lineup most of us wanted at the beginning of the season. Especially "Every Day 'Dre"!!
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Last night I lay awake in bed reading ITD on my cell & thinking about the trade thing. What I was thinking about was what Enchanted and Dodgerboy have mentioned. I like some of these players but LaRoche & Hu haven't proven themselves to me yet. They are still prospects. I would love to have Renteria & CC for the rest of this year and the next 4-5. If we were able to keep May and he is as good as billed, maybe in the coming years we could even have Martin move to 3rd and DeMitt (Not a typo!!) move to 2nd.
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I think those moves would be able to keep the core youth we love as well as add to the holes we have. You can never have to much pitching and having a staff of CC, Bills, Penny, Kuroda, and Kershaw would be pretty sweet. I think it would also help Kershaw next year with him not having to be the saviour.
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Almost game time!! I hope we can get another so all the Giants fans will keep quiet for another day! The get so mouthy when they win 1 game. I guess that happens when you've never won a championship!
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Also Dnel--I saw a post where you got some cards. I had a good week. I got a 2008 Bowmans Best Ethier autograph card and in a pack of 2008 SPX cards I pulled a Joe Nathan patch card #'d to 50.
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Go Blue--smack the Giants into the cove!

LaRoche hits a HR yesterday and is benched today. We have two good 3B and Martin plays 3B. Jones should be batting 7th or 8th - or better yet in Las Vegas - until be shows he has "recovered" and can hit. The major leagues is no place for rehabbing players. But then Torre doesn't manage the vets - they manage him. If they say they want to play, they play. If the Dodgers win, it's despite Torre and not because of him. He is the worst manager the Dodgers have had as long as I've been a fan.

MLK - LOL!! I don't know what else to say - it's becoming beyond comprehension to me. I'd be put on disciplinary action plan if I ran a classroom like this.

dcollins - Wow!! great finds on the cards. My recent Ethier cards are 2007 and his number is reversed on both of them(61 instead of 16). My mother got them for me - One is a Bowman's Best with autograph and the other is a Fleer Ultra - the reversed number is something to look into. Other Dodgers I got this week were Chin Lung Hu's rookie card and a Matt Kemp I hadn't had. Other than that, nothing worth much for now, anyway.

Brandon--I also agree with your comments. I don't think they want to lose. I also think that some of the comments where they are funny and I agree with most of them, I do wish they weren't so hatefull towards the team. I'm not happy that Jones stinks right now, but I'm not going to call him names.
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I always hated that going to Giants games. They would always boo a player if he wasn't performing. I always thought that was embarrasing for the team. I'm one that doesn't think you should boo the home player unless he is being a jerk. Maybe don't clap for him when he bats, but don't boo. I'm all for talking about how a player stinks or isn't getting it done, but just not calling him names. If you want your team to win, booing isn't going to motivate him or the team. They are usually trying. Remember, baseball is half mental!!
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I know some might think (As I do) that it is annoying when Jones K's for the umpteenth time and has that little smirk he doesn't care. I think he does and that is his way of dealing with it. I mean maybe he is being green and doesn't want to break bats over his leg on a daily basis!! (Tounge in cheek)
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Remember everyone deals with failure differently.

Dnel-I saw that you had a reversed number card. Hold onto it. Those "error" cards hold value.
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By the way what is the weather like there? I'm going to be playing in a softball tourney in Manteca tomorrow.

Roach hits one homerun and we expect him to be in the lineup. That's crazy. If any one should be there is Dewitt. He has proven himself. As far as kemp and his strikeouts are concerned it sucks to see him k. He has alot of potential.

Good evening everyone.
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Is anyone is the LA area watching Think Blue TV right now?
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They just ripped Ned for signing Jones and said "Jones will be the death of Ned Coletti"
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Uht oh!!

It's been said that a baseball manager by his game tactics can only add three or four wins/yr, but can subtract many more by boneheaded moves.
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I find it almost laughable that Torre complained about us winning a "sloppy" game yesterday when we all know his sloppy tactics almost lost us that game and surely would have if his favorite pinch-hitter had been available.
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The sloppy tactic that JoJo was able to implement -- and is repeating today despite his own comments -- is batting Fat Andruw fifth.
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The one he wasn't able to implement -- using Mark Sweeney as his #1 pinch-hitter wasn't available (alleged pulled hamstring) and forced JoJo to use Delwyn Young. We all know that at best Sweeney would have struck out, thus destroying the five-run innning in which DY's hit was pivotal.
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My conservative estimate is JoJo's tactical managment has cost us seven games thus far this year over what the average poster on this blog would have accomplished.
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A manager can make a positive difference in two other ways:
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1) Teaching baseball skills
2) Motivating his players
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As to the first, I don't know what JoJo has done, but considering he has displayed a shocking lack of knowledge about his own players -- diidn't know anything about his players before Spring Training began and has been repeatedly surprised to find out players have been injured for several weeks, I'm going to guess he ain't doing much teaching.
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As for motivation, he has depressed rather than motivated his most important players. Hard to gage the exact effect of his negative and very public attitude about his most important players. I'll guess that it has cost the team another five games.
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Overall then, I beleive Joe Torre as manager has cost this team at least ten games.
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This team managed by the average, reasonably knowledgeable fan with a decent personality, should have a record of 52-34 and be recognized as among baseball's elite team.
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It is this knowledge and my completely unfournded hope that JoJo will "get it" that keeps me optimistic about the 2008 season.

Kemp just needs to learn to be patient with the down and away pitches, and go with the pitch (Like I ever could!!). He did it on Friday in his 1st at bat and singled past 2nd. If he ever leans this watch out!
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There were many comments yesterday about the Giants anouncers. To steal a team from them, they have "nun" class. Can you imagine Vin interviewing Larry King and during the interview "erasing" his cap? These 2 are Idiots--capital I!! They always complain about the strike zone and calls. It gets old...
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Is already the deaf of us.

dcollins thanks for the heads up I was thinking the game was at 10...the boys look grumpy eh? hopefully that is because they hate being in SF...go kick some gnats butt and keep Nelly from getting razzed...

Prediction....Andruw will make contact in at least 2 at bats and the post game buffet.

dcollins - weather's pretty good - not real hot but a little windy

oops death

Shad- it's true and WE know it. It's always great when members of the media agree!!

dcollins - my mom had told me about the cards, but I didn't see them until yesterday - they are very cool!!

Let's get on Zito early!! He tends to struggle early. If we can get him early, then we get their pen and we saw that wonderfull sight yesterday! Maybe we can even were the pen down today for tomorrow.
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I know wishfull thinking. But I'm a glass half full.

I hope Peavy holds off the diamondbacks tonight!.

***WOOHOOO KEMP*****

Cpompe1 he's talking about LaRoche. hahahah Zito suck.

God Bless Andre Either!

well that's a nice way start Mr. Kemp and Mr. Ethier - way to go boys!!!!

yeah trade one of these guys....they do not get it...it is great to see a leadoff hitter be able to hit the ball out of the infield....Go bison and Ethier....

Are you listening to Vin - Andre is on a tear!!!!!!

Nice way to start! I hope they light up Zito like a pinball machine.....

What about Schmidt and Sweeney too? How can you forget about those 2?

That is why we call him "Every Day 'Dre"!!!!
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Also way to go Matty! Another game we score in the first inning. What is that 4 of the last 5? Hasn't Pierre been out the last 5?
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Hellooo...Joooooeee...
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1+2=3...

WOW we're not waisting any time The BIG E again after kemp just missed hitting it out.

Zito has started out as Zito - my family is rolling their eyes already - LMAO!!! (quietly of course!!)

To bad Pierre is on the DL.
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With Damon going on the DL maybe we could of spun something with NY.

No Martin I don't like that k's.

dcollins - you need to trademark that name for Andre "Everyday 'Dre" - you came up with it. I use it all the time :)

Jones this is your chance.

Nice job Andruw - you hit the ball!!!!

That's all you gotta do, J O N S E Y.

Lets just hope that wasn't just a carryover from Yesterday.

Ok, now Park can show us what he's got!

4 balls- not good :(

Dnel-Yes I know you like it! How do you do that???

So Ethier now leads that active roster in slugging percentage, home runs and doubles and hasn't even started consistently, yet he barely gets a crumb of praise or attention from Torre, Ned or anyone else in the organization, except Tommy. On the other hand, Jones can come into spring training totally out of shape making 18 million a year and take his sub .200 batting average into yesterday's game and strike out 4 times, and he gets nothing but excuses made for him and bats 5th in the order today. Sad to say that it is all par for the course and normal in Dodgerland.

glad we got on the board first.. keep it going boys.. we could take over the division lead today!

I am listening to Vin on audio through mlbtv (with earphones). The only problem with that is it's delayed so the play happens and the vin tells you what happened. I show my excitement when typing. I do clap on occasion, and the only time I go wild is when Andre does well, which they have all learned to live with even when the Dodgers are not playing the gnats. However, when it's reversed and the gnats are winning, my son his horrible so I feel I have to set the example and let the game speak for itself.

great at bat by Kemp...I just do not understand why he is so criticized...he saw more pitches that at bat than Pierre will see in 2 at bats.

I wish that Jones didn't get put in the game yesterday. I actually wish he had stayed in AAA for the full re-hab so there weren't any excuses.
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But I do think it is good not to bat him in 8 hole as some have said, just so he gets some good pitches. If he was in the 8 hole he wouldn't see a strike and this year Jones hasn't seen a ball outside he hasn't liked! I don't know if that deserves a LOL or COL (Which is a CRY OUT LOUD).