Grapefruit League finale

question
how do minor leaguers get paid. is it based on their drafted, or potential,or the level that they are playing ay

ethier in centerfield, looking like he is the fourth outfielder. two weeks left until we play for real, time for some trades, or deciding who is playing where, lineups should start looking like they will for the regular season

Very sad to read in the Times this morning that Repko may be the odd man out in a very crowded outfield. I think we all know if the 25-man roster was based simply on Spring performance, Repko would be opening the season as an LA Dodger. Speed, power, tremendous defense. A pity. I despise the preferential treatment this front office is displaying.

I hate to think that the Pierre signing will foul up our team for five years, but that will probably be the Colletti legacy. You're right that Repko is probably the ideal 4th outfielder for the Dodgers, but he'll probably never have the chance to do that, at least not with our team.

Trade, dump, barter Pierre to fix this mess.

Come on Ned, if you're waiting for Pierre to turn it on and outplay Ethier the last week of Spring Training so you can drop your predetermined lineup on Dodger fans it's not going to happen.

You know in your heart and mind who should start. The speed difference isn't enough to sway things in Juan's favor and you know that.

Do the right thing and reserve your place in Dodger lore as the GM who put the team first and his ego second. Change your legacy from second guessed GM to hero and fan favorite overnight by announcing ASAP that Andre Ethier is our starting LF.

Repko and Ethier lead the team with 13 rbis, and are hitting .343 and .354 respectively. Kemp is 1 rbi (12) behind and hitting .310. Pierre is hitting .196 and has scored all of 6 runs, less than both Repko and Ethier. My nerves...

I'm still annoyed with what Tony Jackson wrote on the Daily news, " Of the three, Pierre would appear to be the least likely to contribute as a reserve. He has no power, and his speed adds a dimension at the top of the order - albeit one that is only effective if he can get on base a lot."

So, of the outfielders competing for a starting job, not only is Pierre the least valuable of the three in the starting lineup, but he's also the least valuable off the bench!

I concur with you Kahli...."My Nerves"

If Pierre's in the starting lineup, I'll start the call for Colletti's head early -
FIRE COLLETTI!!!

I'll wait for the first loss.

They should be able to go 162-0, shouldn't they?

shepherd,

162-0 with Ethier

0-162 with Pierre

The goal is:

162-0

3-0

4-0

4-0

Anything less is unacceptable!

Scott,

I'll hold you to that!

Hendy!

Lurch!

Dodgers vs. Marlins Play by Play Coming Up:

Hiroki Kuroda vs. Mark Hendrickson

Pierre, Furcal, Loney, Martin, Ethier, Sweeney (DH), Abreu, DeWitt, Young

Ramirez, Uggla, Gonzalez (DH), Willingham, Jacobs, Castillo, Baker, Carroll, De Aza

Lurch took the 1 step to first for the putout.

Top 1: Dodgers Batting: Mark Hendrickson Pitching:
Juan Pierre grounds to first

Rafael Furcal strikes out swinging

James Loney grounds to first

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 1/2 inning No Score

They should have used this line up yesterday ,the last game at vero beach ,might just have won the game ,not the wanta bees and someday players

What we ought to organize at DS is a daily chant if Pierre starts the game. Every time Pierre comes to bat, we need to start the chant FIRE NED, FIRE NED, FIRE NED!!! We would need to bring some hand-made signs that say FIRE NED!! to get the crowd started. I think that everybody would know what the reference was, and the media would probably pick up on that. It should make some impact and at least make him feel like the laughing stock he deserves to be. I don't recall that anyone has done that to a GM before, so it could get some major nationwide and MLB attention.

I think what we can all agree on is that its not just about Juan Pierre. He's a symptom, but not the disease. What I think it really is, is 20 years of fan frustration and the thought that after these 20 years, the D's still won't field the best team available to them.

wow, Pierre ground out? That's strange.

Juan Pierre, I don't know if you read this blog, but if you do, please understand our animosity is not directed at you specifically. It's just that we'd really like to see both Ethier and Repko make the squad. I know you and Andruw have had less than stellar springs but you're both vets and get the accompanying free spring pass. Lots of bloggers think there's a hate Pierre/dump Pierre vendetta giong on, but that's not the case. We're just impatient fans that want the best possible product on the field. Oops, did I say product? Uh oh...never mind. I forgot baseball is just a business and dictated by the dollar sign. Fans will always be passionate and irrational. Forgive us our fantasies.

I think messagebear is onto something. But if you really want it to hurt Ned & Co., when and if slappy starts.... Do not go into the stadium we sit outside with signs saying "fire Ned". kind of like a picket line. Tell me that wouldn't hurt!!

162-0 my fantasie.

Bottom 1: Marlins Batting: Hiroki Kuroda Pitching:
Hanley Ramirez lines to Ethier in center

Dan Uggla doubles to left center in front of Pierre and Ethier (the Florida wind played tricks on the ball)

Luis Gonzalez singles to right, Uggla to third

Josh Willingham on a hit and run grounds to third, Uggla scores, Gonzalez to second, 1-0 Marlins

Mike Jacobs grounds to Abreu at second

1 Run 2 Hits 1 LOB End of 1 1-0 Marlins

Well, maybe 161-1

What player is batting?

Top 2: Dodgers Batting: Hendrickson Pitching:
Russell Martin strikes out swinging

Andre Ethier grounds to first

Mark Sweeney walks

Tony Abreu pops to second

0 Runs 0 Hits 1 LOB End of 1 1/2 1-0 Marlins

I think we need to change JP's nickname to Slappy McGroundout. That's 6 straight ground outs at least. Can't steal first!

kahliforni - I completely disagree with the idea that "the 25-man roster [be] based simply on Spring performance". ST isn't that long - weird stuff happens. 32-year old AAAA player George Lombard hits .6000. Wilson Valdez briefly looks like a major-leaguer (he does field like one). Scott Erickson (Chan Ho?) looks like he resuscitated his career (he didn't). Baseball is littered with ST wonders that don't pan out.

What we should be judging these players by is what we know they bring to the table and what your eyes tell you:

2005 - 2007 Juan Pierre:

2197 PA, .287, .329, .365, .694 OPS, 179/52 SB/CS 77.5% (age 30.5)

2006 - 2007 Andre Ethier:

946 PA, .295, .357, .464, .821 OPS, 24 HR (age 26)

2006 - 2007 Matt Kemp:

477 PA, .312, .344, .496, .840, 17 HR, 16/5 SB/CS 76.2% (age 23)

One of these things is not like the other........

BTW, I'm not sold on Repko or Young. Repko, Loney and Kemp have comparable career PAs (451 to 486), with Repko getting all of his at ages older than Loney is now:

Repko career:

451 PA, .232, .302, .382, .684, 15/4 SB/CS 78.9%, 11HR (age 27).

Neither Repko or Young have shown much plate discipline at any level and major-league pitchers usually make mincemeat out of those guys. My eyes say they have some tools and potential, but I still think they're longshots. I did like the comment the other day from Young about shortening his swing; it looked long to me (similar problem with Betemit), which is another thing major-league pitchers can take advantage of, since the batter has to commit to that long swing earlier. Those guys will tattoo mistakes though; witness some of the bombs they hit.

Bottom 2: Marlins Batting: Kuroda Pitching:
Jose Castillo pops to Abreu

John Baker strikes out swinging

Brett Carroll pops to Furcal

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 2 1-0 Marlins

Starting OF petition:

Jones, Kemp, Ethier: 48

Jones, Kemp, Pierre: 0

Jones, Ethier, Pierre: 0

Pierre, Ethier, Kemp: 0

Other: puppyhead01@hotmail.com, Jones, Kemp: 1

These are the most updated numbers that I could find, doesn't anybody else want to vote?

DY has reduced his Ks in the last couple of games. He went 1-3 with 2 BB yesterday. .600 OBP for that game.

Top 3: Dodgers Batting: Hendrickson Pitching:
Blake DeWitt singles to left center

Delwyn Young broken bat loops to third

Pierre bunts down the first base line, thrown out (1-3), DeWitt to second

Furcal grounds to third

0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 2 1/2 1-0 Marlins

I say Hendrickson blows it next inning.

I like Repko as an all around fill in 4th OF. Defense, pinch running, occasional start, ready to go at a moment's notice.

Pierre? pinch runner & spot sacrifice maybe.

Slappy McGroundout fails to get on base?! What? That's different.

ladodger. I agree.

It's one thing to ignore a rough Spring, but Pierre has been awful as he allegedly is battling for a job. That's when Spring matters.

scott - fair enough, no argument that Repko is a bona fide CF.

I don't like the attempt to bunt for a hit (I assume) with one out already. Plus JP will get "credit" for a costly one-out sacrifice and one less AB.

Why oh why is it that past players ALWAYS are able to produce 29384723947 times better for other teams than they did for the Dodgers!?!?!?

scott - but JP is playing out of position! That takes it mental toll at the plate! ;)

Remember, this is getaway to Arizona day for the Dodgers. Expect the batters to stink. Except DeWitt, he's too young to know better!

Bottom 3: Marlins Batting: Kuroda Pitching:
Alejandro De Aza flies to Young in right

Ramirez flies out

Kuroda flies out

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 3 1-0 Marlins

domination by mark hendrickson, of all people.

Rob Neyer weighs in:

Lee D: Rob, the LA Times is reporting that Ethier and Kemp will platoon in right, with Pierre in left -- and Repko getting cut. Isn't Torre smarter than that?

Rob Neyer: First, if this actually happens I'm definitely revising my projected West standings. And second, it's hard to believe such idiocy could last for long.

What is happening in the top of the 4th?

jegiboney - man, alex41592 is providing a summary at the end of each 1/2 inning. Be patient! :)

Top 4: Dodgers Batting: Hendrickson Pitching:
Loney grounds out

Martin grounds to short

Ethier grounds to first

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 3 1/2 1-0 Marlins

is there a link to that article, jungar?

Old Fogey, I agree that spring stats are just that...spring...and they don't tell much of a tale. Same with Repko's career numbers, though. Seems he's always playing hurt, trying to get back in the line-up. I feel if Repko stays healthy he has a great year as a reserve/part-time starter, helping the Dodgers into the post season. As for Young, I don't even put Young in the same ball park as Repko.

yarrum,

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-dodrep18mar18,1,5458195.story?track=rss

Bottom 4: Marlins Batting: Kuroda Pitching:
Gonzalez flies to Ethier in center

Willingham flies to Young in right who lost the ball in the sun and made a diving catch near the line

Jacobs flies to Young in right (11 in a row retired by Kuroda)

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 4 1-0 Marlins

We're going to get no hit by freaking Mark Hendrickson... He pitches for us, he gets slammed.... he pitched against us, and is AMAZING... go figure

Oops, sorry, guess I missed a base hit somewhere, so we're getting one hit by Hendrickson

If JP plays regardless and Kemp and Ethier are forced to platoon, its good-bye Snakes, Rox and Pads, and hello Gnats.

kahliforni - both are 3:1 K/BB ratio guys in the minors and majors. The odds are against guys like that.

Hendy has the capability to put together a good game every now and then. He just can't do it on a consistant basis.

Top 5: Dodgers Batting: Hendrickson Pitching:
Sweeney reaches on an infield single to third

Abreu singles to left, Sweeney to second

DeWitt forces Abreu at second on a slow bouncer to short (6-4), Sweeney to third

Young 6-4-3 Double Play

0 Runs 2 Hits 1 LOB End of 4 1/2 1-0 Fish

One comment on Top 5:

DeWitt forces Abreu at second after fouling a bunt attempt.

The Dodgers fifth exemplifies that JP is not their only problem. Not driving in RISP with less than two outs is going to be their ultimate downfall.

Quick question, Did any of you sign up for the opening day ticket opportunity through the online raffle? If so, have you heard back yet?

Ethier's double play on a deke is what I am talking about when JP has to play LF.

Bottom 5: Marlins Batting: Kuroda Pitching:
Castillo doubles to right over the head of Young

Baker flies to left center, Pierre was going to catch it, Ethier cuts in front and makes the catch, Castillo tags to go to third and Ethier guns him down at third for the double play (that play is symbolic for numerous reasons)

Carroll strikes out swinging

0 Runs 1 Hit 0 LOB End of 5 1-0 Dolphins

I signed up for the raffle, but I have heard nothing. I figured they moved on without me :)

Haha yea I'm a little worried too, Ebay prices aren't very encouraging.

Man, it is great to see this passion.
A couple of hours ago, I sent the following letter to the Times. It won't get printed, but maybe we should flood the largest newspaper in LA with the sentiment.

In Wednesday's Times article on Jason Repko, Kevin Baxter writes, "So barring a trade or injury to left fielder Juan Pierre, center fielder Andruw Jones and the right-field platoon of Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, Repko figures to start the season somewhere other than Dodger Stadium."

Why does Juan Pierre merit a starting position over Ethier or Kemp? Ethier has totally outperformed Pierre in spring training. The Dodgers don't need him to bat leadoff as Rafael Furcal is a better choice. And anyone who advocates platooning Matt Kemp with ANYBODY is a bonafide *****. That guy needs to play every day.

GO ANDRE "JOE FERGUSON" ETHIER!

The censored word is m0r0n.

wow, heck yes that's symbolic, thanks Alex. 100% guarantee that Castillo makes it to third if Pierre is throwing.

Top 6: Dodgers Batting: Hendrickson Pitching:
Pierre grounds to first

Furcal lines to second

Loney ground to second

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 5 1/2 1-0 Tuna

Eric,

The ridiculous thing is that you don't need the ST stats to argue for Ethier over Pierre. That is not a solid argument, and it is based on too small a sample size to be fair. We can just look at the last two years to see that Ethier is the better player...especially when he starts every day.

Slappy McDribbler does it again.

I'M REALLY GETTING TIRED OF THE 123 INNINGS FROM HENDRICKSON.... ERRRRR!!!

Jon Heyman of si.com (an east coast guy):

"Hardly anyone believes Andre Ethier should be a backup. The Dodgers should either play him ahead of Juan Pierre or trade him. "[Ethier's] a very good player,'' said the GM of a competing team."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/03/17/heyman.hamilton/1.html

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you to hear that Pierre has grounded out again!

BTW, thank's mucho for the play by play Alex - always appreciated!!!

Slappy MCDribbler has a special ring to it.

I second kevb above.

You don't need ST, Ethier was better, but not great, last year. Ethier has earned a shot at LF. Ethier is more valuable, except in contract.

Bottom 6: Marlins Batting: Takashi Saito Pitching:
De Aza lines to Loney

Ramirez grounds to short

Uggla pops to Abreu

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 6 1-0 Marlins

You know, my corgi can run fast and retrieve a ball too, but that doesn't make her a LFer.

Colletti: Sign her up!

Ned - That'll be two cans of Alpo a week with an option for a bag of Purina.

enchanted,

Will she show up early and leave late from the park?

It would not be as frustrating if it was not obvious....

Yeah, she can retrieve, but can she bunt?

She'll play ball like Lasorda eats pasta - all day long baby!!

Hey, that's cute. Let's call him Corgi Pierre!

Bunting is worth at least $9 million.

enchanted, does she roll the ball down the foul lines first, before retrieving them?

No shep, but she'll growl if she can't have her way!

I agree that you don't need ST to see that Ethier is the better player. But Coletti made it crucial in his Q and A right here a week or two back.
By the way, with Hiroka tossing today, will we get that kid lefty again?

2-1 Dodgers, Sweeney with a 2 run HR!

No fogey, but she is was she is.

Top 7: Dodgers Batting: Burke Badenhop Pitching:
Martin grounds to short

Ethier walks

Sweeney HOMERS to the opposite field on a hit and run, Ethier scores, 2-1 Dodgers

Abreu lines to center

DeWitt grounds to first

2 Runs 1 Hit 0 LOB End of 6 1/2 2-1 Dodgers

Man, that play is just hilarious. Without words being spoken, "You got pushed to LF. I'm trying to take that job from you. I'm playing your old, more important position, patrolling the stomping grounds that have been taken from you. I'm cutting in front of you to demonstrate one of my clear strengths over you."

I know JP took the money and with it goes the territory, but I do feel bad for him because, by all accounts, he is a quality guy. But he shouldn't be starting.

Kershaw is in!

The contract is what makes Ethier more valuable. If we can eat half of Pierre's contract and send him off, we will save 4 mil a year and will only have to pay Ethier his lower salary. Pierre has to be a fit for some team at only 4.5 mil a year, we just need a B level prospect in return.

Note that is a two-run homer by Sweeney only because of the preceding "Ethier walks".

Outside of one weird game where Nuke LaLoosh must have been pitching for the Nats, JP has one walk this spring. (33 all of last year.)

"B level prospects"? A pallet of rosin bags is enough if Ned only has to send 50% of the salary.

Kershaw just stuck out Gonzo...awesome.

Kershaw is in. Is that bad or good?

It's good. This is ST. Exposure to the coaches and to major-league hitters in a low-pressure environment (other than he's a kid facing players he watched as a kid) is good.

Gonzo's spreading his special warmth and cheer to the youngsters of the Marlins this year...

Will Kershaw start the season in the minors or the majors?

jegiboney,

See the message just before yours. Kershaw is the most exciting prospect not already on the MLB roster. He's 19 years old, but he has a curveball that strikes out MLB players. He throws about 95-mph fastball.

Scoreless 7th, 2 strikouts. I say pretty good.

Bottom 7: Marlins Batting: Clayton Kershaw Pitching:
Gonzalez strikes out looking on "Public Enemy #1"

Willingham fists a base hit to the opposite field, Alexis Gomez runs for Willingham

Jacobs strikes out swinging on the fastball

Gomez to second on a balk, Lasorda is not happy whatsoever

Castillo grounds to Maza who makes a diving stop

0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 7 2-1 Dodgers

Any indication why Ethier was pinch run for?

That kid is exciting. I hope they don't rush him up, but Gooden, Vida Blue and Fernando were pretty young when they made the show.

Soft single for Pierre! lol

Since he's 20 tomorrow and has all of 25 IP in AA, he probably starts in the minors, but he's obviously on a fast track.

scott, because Ethier has WON THE JOB! ;)

Single for Slappy McHotDogArm. I guess that means he wins the starting job.

Top 8: Dodgers Batting: Badenhop Pitching:
Young flies out to left center

Pierre bloops a single to left center

Ivan De Jesus grounds to short, Pierre to second

Loney walks

Martin forces Loney

0 Runs 1 Hit 2 LOB End of 7 1/2 2-1 Dodgers

alex - thanks so much for the half-inning summaries. We really appreciate it.

I appreciate it, too.

Bottom 8: Marlins Batting: Kershaw Pitching:
Baker flies to left, first pitch

Carroll grounds to second, first pitch

De Aza strikes out swinging

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 8 2-1 Dodgers

yeah Kershaw! way to K LuGo.

Question for Ned (or any other Dodger employee in the know):

Will Clayton Kershaw be traveling to the Southern California exhibition games in late March (before his likely minor league assignement)?

Top 9: Dodgers Batting: Kevin Gregg Pitching:
Yovanny Rosario (who pinch ran for Ethier in the 7th) grounds to the pitcher

Sweeney lines to short

Maza strikes out looking

0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 8 1/2 2-1 Dodgers

So far we are error free. That's good. Considering how our defense has been playing lately.

Bottom 9: Marlins Batting: Kershaw Pitching:
Ramirez singles right past the head of Kershaw

Uggla 5-4-3 Double Play, first pitch (What Resilience!)

Gonzalez lines to left

0 Runs 1 Hit 0 LOB

Dodgers

2 5 0

Marlins

1 5 1

WP: Takashi Saito

LP: Burke Badenhop

SV: Clayton Kershaw (3 Inning Save)

Time of Game: 2:14

Kershaw with the three-inning save. 2 H, 3 K, 0 BB, 3 ground outs, 2 fly outs.

Congrats to Lasorda. Thanks for the memories.

thanks Alex - terrific as usual!!

2 hours 14 min. Just what the doctor ordered for getaway day. Now we get to see what Arizona brings.

So long Florida.

I have a mancrush on Clayton Kershaw.

thanks alex!

Momo, thank you for sharing.

shepherd, you are quite welcome. It's fun when your favorite team has the next big star in the sport.

Is it just me or does Kershaw look like Orel Hershiser?

Yeah, but you guys are going to have to share him with me! :)

Any true dodger fan will know that d lowe got fuokkked in a lot of games. like the cubs game where he left leading 5-1 or the bluejays where he lost 1-0 or even the marlins complete game loss. so for all those that hate on lowe and his 12-14 record dont let that decieve you. he was a lot better than that if you count those games that i just mentioned he can easily have a winning record of 15-12. got a no decision in the cubs game. if lowe has a solid year i would resign him for a 2 yr contract no more no less. 09 rotation penny,lowe,bills,kuroda,kershaw

i tohught it was ridiculous for a fan on the latime blog to say..."how many times will joe give lowe the ball tp pitch 500?" wowww know the game not just the numbers!!

Tony Jackson on Kershaw:
"He'll stay with the team through Arizona and California before returning to Double-A Jacksonville, which means Honeycutt and Torre have to get him enough innings to get him properly stretched out for the start of the minor-league season."