In Their Infancy

With the Dodgers set to play their 51st season of baseball in Los Angeles let us reflect with a fan that was around during their 1st season in town. Thanks to my Dad for taking the time to answer these questions, and for opening the scrapbook and sharing the mementos.

The Dodgers moved to Southern California for the start of the 1958 season from Brooklyn, New York. What was the general consensus of a new baseball team in Los Angeles?

Being only 11 at the time, I am unable to answer such an adult question. I do however remember that Roy Campanella, the All Star catcher, was in a car wreck during the winter and was paralyzed and wheelchair bound the rest of his life. This was a big loss to Dodgers and to the fans of the new team. It was big news at the time.

Were you fortunate enough to attend any games during the first season?

I probaby went to 4 or 5 games. Again, as an 11 year old, the Coliseum was the biggest place I had ever been in. The left field, like 204' with a 60' fence, was really short. Right field, at like 405', was really long and I remember that the field out there was sorta of in a dark area. The fence made Wally Moon and his "moonshots' famous and the right field distance ruined the home run career of Duke Snider.

(Note: In looking at Duke Snider's stats you can see the noticeable drop off. Following seasons of 42, 40, 42, 40, and 43 in Brooklyn, he notched only 15, 23, 14, and 16 in his first four season in Los Angeles. Despite playing in substantially less games his numbers would still fall short of his Brooklyn glory if spread out over an entire season.)

(Note: In looking at Wally Moon's home/ away splits you see how his "moonshots" only applied to the Coliseum. While notching 37 dingers at home, he only recorded 12 on the road during 1959 - 1961.)

Obviously the Los Angeles Coliseum wasn't build for baseball games. What was it like watching a baseball game in a football stadium?

Because it was where the Dodgers played, I don't recall anyone thinking of it as a football field. It was the LA Coliseum, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. I do remember going to Fan Appreciation Day and getting to stand along the outfield fence and take pictures of the players.

(Wally Moon, Dodgers OF 1959 -1965)



(Jim Gilliam, Dodgers IF from 1953 - 1966)

In 1959, Los Angeles hosted the MLB All Star Game. You attended and had an interaction with the players. Please elaborate.

Well, I didn't actually meet any players. My dad and I went to the players tunnel and waited. I don't recall more than 10 or so other fans being there. He left for awhile to get a ball to have signed. While he was gone, a bus pulled up and Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra walked right past me. I could have touched them but I was so in awe that I just sat there and watched them go by. In 1958, there was only one baseball game (in black and white) on TV each week on Saturday, called "the game of the week" and most weeks the Yankees were playing so the players were instantly recognizable to me.

(Yup, he was there. And for only $6!)

After four seasons in the Coliseum, the Dodgers finally moved to Dodger Stadium. What have been some of your favorite Dodger Stadium memories?

Off the top of my head, in no particular order:

1. In 1963, I got to see Sandy Koufax win game 4, a series sweep, and Mickey Mantle hit a home run. I still have the ticket stub and program here. I also kept score in the program as I was taught to by listening to Vin Scully over the radio.

(That's cool!)


(50 cents! Incredible!)

2. Vin Scully. When you went to a game, EVERYONE had transistor radios and listened to him. The stadium echoed with his voice. To people who listened to the Dodger games on the radio, Vin Scully was Dodger baseball.

3. Kurt Gibson home run...enough said.

4. Taking my aging dad and my two young sons to a game in the early 90's. Three generations of Dodger fans together.

5. Da Da Da Dat Da Da "CHARGE" It started as a chant early and was fun to participate in because everyone in the stadium was yelling the rallying call also.

6. "GO, GO, GO, GO." The yell every time Maury Wills got on base the year he stole 104 and broke Ty Cobb's record. Everybody in the stadium knew he was going to steal, including the pitcher and catcher, and he still did it.

7. Walt Alston, the "Skipper." Over the years the players changed, but not the manager. He was cool.

8. Willie Davis, Wes Parker, John Roseboro, Junior Gilliam were some of my early favorites.

You've been fortunate to have seen every Los Angeles Dodger championship, the great players such as Koufax, Snider, and Drysdale and have been able to listen to Vin Scully your entire life. Looking forward, what are you most excited about as a Dodger fan?

Simply going to more games is something I look forward to. The place hasn't changed all that much since 1962. It’s kinda like Disneyland. You know where places are, you know how to get around, and you know that you are going to have a good time.


I'm guessing a lot of us weren't around during the first few seasons of Dodger baseball in Los Angeles. In the coming weeks I'll be pouring through my Dad's scrapbook, pulling pieces of history and sharing them with you. If you have any old pictures/ articles feel free to send them over to reflectionsofblue@yahoo.com.

Let's Get Serious

As we all continue to refresh links on our favorite Dodger sites/blogs/wires, waiting to hear about the next signing, i'd like to take a break and get everyone up to speed on an exciting new development.

In case you missed it, the Dodgers have a new AA affiliate...The Chattanooga LookOuts. If you already knew that, i'm sure you didn't know they just premiered their new website which is said to show their committment to "ushering in a new and exciting era with a fresh design and increased functionality to further meet the demands of fans."

I, for one, was too entrenched in the Dodgers division race to notice that they had announced the LookOuts as their new affiliate back in September.

Now for the real motivation behind this effort. I simply had to spread the word that the LookOuts boast not one, but three mascots. Looie, Trash Monster, and Slider. This is worth checking out. And hey, whatever it takes to develop our minor-leaguers.

Like Setting Money On Fire

While browsing the Dodgers online store recently I came across this item, and could hardly contain my excitement.



Seriously, how dumb do the Dodgers and Steiner Sports think we are? A Jason Schmidt, 2008 "game-used" jersey? For $225? C'mon guys, we all know Schmidt didn't appear in any games in 2008. And if anyone can prove he was taking cuts in BP then I'll shut this site down. Hard to believe it's been on the auction block for two weeks and has failed to gather any interest.

What's the next item up for bid, Andruw Jones' 2007 off-season workout equipment?

And Then There Were Two?

It appears Jon Garland is very close to signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Also noted in the report is that Randy Wolf was offered a contract by Arizona but declined the offer. Is Dodgertown next?

[UPDATE: Garland has indeed signed with Arizona for 1 year, $6.25 million with a mutual option for 2010. This could have been a great signing for the Dodgers, and I'm very bummed out it didn't happen. One of the issues with signing Garland was thought to be his higher salary demands ($10 million range), but I bet the Dodgers will end up paying more for Randy Wolf than Garland's deal with Arizona.]

Blink Already, Ned!

Generally I tend to avoid ESPN columnists; however, Bill Simmons has always been an enjoyable source of sports discussion for me. In an upcoming article for ESPN The Magazine, Simmons breaks down two underrated players in sports today. One being Kevin Durant, the other Manny Ramirez.

Forget the sheer entertainment value that comes from following Manny on a daily basis. Just look at the stats. He's three quality seasons away—90 HRs, 300 RBIs, 550 hits and a .900 OPS—from becoming the greatest righthanded hitter ever. Add those to his career numbers, and he's sitting in the top 10 in career OPS and slugging, the top three in RBIs, the top seven in homers and closing in on 3,000 hits. And no one who saw him in all his Ruthian glory with the Dodgers last summer or reach base 24 of 36 times in October can honestly say he's washed up. Say he tanked it in Boston, but only after you concede that he played 22 of 24 games for them in July and had the best offensive month of anyone on a team he was allegedly quitting on.

Whatever. The guy was created to hit baseballs. Even at 36, he can perform this task at an abnormally high level, make any decent team good and any good team great. And yet nobody wants him after his messy divorce with Boston—a divorce that, by the way, the Red Sox cannot escape without blame. Manny gave them seven quality years and two titles, and they yanked him around in Year 8. No, he didn't handle it well; I'm not sure I would have handled it well either.

So he's spent the winter sitting on the open market like a sofa on Craigslist. The Angels, who need him more than anyone, claim they're fine with Juan Rivera. Really? Juan Rivera? That's what you're telling your fans? I don't get it.

All I can tell you is this: Manny is immensely fun to watch day in and day out. He's a monster offensive force, a historic one, even. And he is exceedingly, incredibly available. He will draw fans to any ballpark, and nobody is interested. You can say it's because he's a cancer; I say it's because he's unequivocally underrated.

While Ned Colletti may be content to play cat and mouse with Scott Boras, I'm about ready to toss Ramirez the cheese. Pay the guy already! If McCourt can afford a new Spring Training facility, houses all over Los Angeles and 40-50 little league fields he can certainly cough over $65 million for the next three years.

Bank of the West-ern Double Cheeseburger Field

For as long as I can remember I've been a golfer. Like the Dodgers, it's another fine pastime my father introduced me to. So I definitely took note this weekend when watching the Bob Hope [Chrysler] Classic and noticed that "Chrysler" was nowhere to be found. Apparently, I wasn't the only one.

As the Dodgers look to sell off naming rights to certain parts of the ballpark one must wonder if it's financially justifiable in today's present economy. Would a companies dollars be better spent developing new products or sponsoring the Loge Level bar area? Is it ok for DHL to sponsor the bullpen, but then have to layoff 8,000 workers in a small Ohio town?

I've always enjoyed Dodger Stadium for it's timeless beauty, and would hate for my favorite place on earth to become a blank canvas for companies to paint their logos on. I already HATE the Ad Banner as it blocks my view of the scoreboard from the seats I sometimes sit in. I understand that advertisements keep ticket costs down and help fund the salaries of the players; however, let's not whore out our stadium for a few extra dollars. One thing's for certain, the Dodgers better not be selling naming rights to the field. That belongs to Vin Scully.

Attendance In Doubt

The arm of resession has quite a reach, notes TJ Simers. Already visible in free-agent salaries the uncertainty remains in regards to fan attendance for the '09 season. According to Dodgers Chief Operating Officer, Dennis Mannion, the Dodgers are on pace to exceed last year's season ticket sales. While not confirmed, there's reason to believe that those who can afford season tickets aren't in any financial hardship in the first place. However, what about those who call Reserve Level home?

Personally, I attended thirteen games last season with six of those coming from a friend with season tickets. Of the times I attended on my own dime I spent (roughly) as follows per game:

2 seats in field box or loge level: $50 total (courtesy of buy one, get one free promotion package)
1 Parking Pass: $15 total
Standard Dinner for Self: $35 (2 beers, Camacho Nacho, Louisiana Hot Sausage)
Standard Dinner for Fiancee: $20 (Margarita, Dodger Dog, Nacho)

Total per game: $120

That equates to $840 spent on the Dodgers for the seven games I attended at my own expense. While not exactly breaking the bank, that's no small amount. For families of 4 it's reasonable to assume that attending seven games would set them back $1,500 - $2,000 per season.

In these tough economic times will families continue to attend at the pace of previous seasons? How often did you, fellow readers, attend games last season? Will you maintain that rate this year? Vote in the poll in the top right sidebar.

Three's Company

All indications report that the Dodgers have narrowed down their search to the following three pitchers:

Randy Wolf
Jon Garland
Braden Looper

We have already discussed Randy Wolf and Jon Garland; however, with the Dodgers set to "sign one of them in the next few days" we thought we'd break them all down again.


Randy Wolf

It was Game 1 of the NLCS against the Phillies. The Dodgers were leading 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Rafael Furcal had just made a throwing error and suddenly Shane Victorino was standing on second base. Up came Chase Utley. I turned to my fiancee and said, "please let Chase Utley get a base hit." Why would I openly root for the Phillies to score a run, you ask? Because I KNEW Utley was going to hit one out of the park. Before I could even stand up to pace around nervously it was 2-2.

Do you ever get that feeling while watching your favorite team that something good, or bad, is going to happen? Like having ESP that only applies to sports? I get it all the time. And with Wolf my ESP has shifted into levels not seen since right before Chase Utley put the screws to Derek Lowe in Game 1.

Wolf has been injured quite a bit, has been on four teams in the past three years, hasn't had an ERA of less than 4.20 in seven years, and suddenly he's turning down 3 years and $28 million from the Houston Astros? I'm not saying he's going to be awful, but something is not right here. The Dodgers need to be very careful and thorough in their pursuit of Wolf. If he gets anything more than a one year deal for 5-7 million dollars I'm going to blow a gasket.

Jon Garland

A friend of mine recently purchased a pure-bred lab from a pet store and has been trying to teach it simple tricks over the past few weeks. However, during a recent visit with my friend he confided in me that things are not going as planned.

"He doesn't sit, he doesn't roll over, he doesn't shake," my friend explained. "I don't think there are any tricks in that dog."

Upon expressing my sympathy my friend shot back, "at least he doesn't make much noise."

Ladies and gentlemen your quiet, trick impaired dog, Jon Garland. The above example may be a bit rough, but is there anything about Jon Garland that wows? He won't strike anyone out (90 K's in 200 innings last year), doesn't boast the best ERA (4.9 last season) and like my friend's pure-bred lab will probably cost a pretty penny.

The only thing Garland has going for him is his stability. He's never been on the DL, and has appeared in at least 32 games for the past eight seasons. Every rotation needs stability, so signing Garland wouldn't be awful; however, if it's more than 3 years and $30 million dollars I won't ever listen to McCourt complain about money again.

Braden Looper

Due to lack of knowledge about Mr. Looper you'll have to live without a clever analogical introduction. Spending eight seasons as a reliever, he made the crossover to starting for the 2007 season. Statistically, he finds himself with similar numbers to Jon Garland.

Jon Garland .544 winning percentage, .52 K's per inning, 4.47 career ERA
Braden Looper .500 winning percentage, .58 K's per inning, 3.93 career ERA

However, Looper can be had for quite a bit cheaper ($12 million for Garland last year, $5.5 million for Looper) and has thrown 600+ less innings over the course of his career than Mr. Garland. Additionally, he is equally stable having appeared in 30+ games his only two seasons as a starter.

A 3 year, $15-18 million dollar deal would fit nicely into the Dodgers payroll cutting plans, and would theoretically provide a cheaper alternative for the same product. Just like Garland, he won't wow anyone but would help in keeping the payroll lean.

It will be interesting to see which direction the Dodgers decide to go. Whether it be short term, long term, or simply the cheapest option the decision they make won't go without criticism. None of the pitchers listed above are going to hurl the Dodgers into the playoffs, but each would provide a viable option assuming the numbers are right.

Jeff Kent's Career in a Nutshell

Jeff had quite a career and bounced around early on. He would have won a world series in his rookie year with the Blue Jays but he was traded to the Mets midseason for David Cone in 1992.
After 3 and a half tough years with the media in New York, Jeff was again traded midseason, this time to Cleveland in a 4-player deal for Carlos Baerga in 1996. A few months later he was traded to the Giants for fan-favorite Matt Williams.

At 29, Jeff was in his prime. Finally settled and playing full-time. He posted career-highs with 29 HR and 112 RBI in his 1st year in SF. And at 30, his career really took off. Winning the MVP award in 2000 and losing to the Angels in the World Series in 2002.

Kent would eventually wear out his welcome in the bay area. Mostly because of the famous broken wrist incident...initially claiming he broke his wrist while washing his truck. Soon after he declared he violated his contract and suffered the injury while wrecking his dirt bike.

Jeff headed to Houston on a 2-year deal in 2003. Had some pretty big playoff moments but in the end came up short of his quest for a world series title.

In 2004, former Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta surprised a lot of people when he signed a 37-year old Kent to a 3-year contract. Jeff cried with glee to reunite with his parents in LA.

In 2005, we all learned that Jeff Kent and Milton Bradley weren't the best mix of people in the same clubhouse. All in all, Jeff proved to be a solid contributor in his time with the Dodgers. In 4 seasons he reached the playoffs twice. Jeff was involved in one of the worst plays in Dodger postseason history in his 1st playoff game as a Dodger. With Jeff Kent at 2nd base and JD Drew at 1st base in the top of the 1st in Game 1 of the 2006 NLDS....Russell Martin double to right field. Mets rightfielder (former Dodger) Shawn Green played the carom perfectly and quickly threw the ball into 2nd basemen (former Dodger) Jose Valentin who relayed to catcher (former Dodger) Paul Lo Duca in time to get Jeff Kent AND JD Drew at the plate. The Mets went on to sweep the series.

Jeff Kent never won a world series but he experienced just about everything else. Career highlights:

1. Won an MVP award
2. 5-Time All-Star
3. 4-Time Silver Slugger
4. Hit for the cycle in 1999
5. A part of 3 blockbuster trades

My final Jeff Kent note is that he has to be the only cowboy to have graduated from Berkeley in the last 30 years.

Jeff Kent will be in the Hall-of-Fame. I wouldn't be surprised if the baseball writers kept him from getting in on the 1st ballot though. He never had much of a relationship with the media and baseball writers have been known for holding grudges.

Looking Back

Jeff Kent tearfully announced his retirement today at a press conference at Dodger Stadium. While not having the opportunity to watch him play elsewhere, it was nice to listen to him speak today and reflect on his journey with several different clubs and his commitment to the game.

"About 20 years ago, I started as a college player, probably a guy who was a fringe player," Kent said as he announced his retirement on Thursday. "For the kids who want to be a baseball player someday, there's a chance that you can play this great game. If you're not the biggest guy, if you're not the fastest guy, even if you're not the smartest guy, you can still play this game.

I believe I've played this game right and I believe I'm leaving this game right."

From '92 through '96, he was the definition of a fringe player. However, in 1997 something clicked and he proceed to rip off 100+ RBI's in 8 of the 9 next seasons, win the 2000 NL MVP and gain the statistical respect of his peers and fans alike. Though his relationship with his teammates and the media was cordial at best, none of that stuff will be written on his Cooperstown bust. In fifty years when the baseball world looks back at Jeff Kent they will see, in the words of Ned Colletti, "a great baseball player who finds himself to be the best offensive second baseman in the HISTORY of baseball."

Ausmus to back-up Martin

MLB.com is reporting that the Dodgers have signed Brad Ausmus to a 1 year deal worth $1 million. Cross back-up catcher off the list...

Kent Calls It Quits

Various media outlets are reporting that Jeff Kent has decided to retire despite claims from his agent that several teams inquired about his services for the upcoming season.

The 40-year-old Kent will retire with a resume worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. His 351 home runs hit as a second baseman are 74 more than the next closest second baseman, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.

The 2000 National League MVP, Kent was a five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger. He drove in more than 100 runs eight times (a record at the position), scored at least 100 runs three times and had at least 20 home runs 12 times. In 2008, he passed Ralph Kiner, Gil Hodges and Carlton Fisk on the all-time home-run list and passed Billy Williams, Dave Parker and Mickey Mantle on the all-time RBIs list. He's tied with Eddie Murray for 20th on the all-time doubles list with 560.

Kent took a long time to make a decision so one would have to believe he's pretty committed to walking away. I don't see him pulling a Roger Clemens and signing with a contending team in mid June. Regardless of personal opinions on the guy, he provided the Dodgers with their biggest offensive threat during the seasons he roamed the Ravine. Take a look at the stats I have pulled from a recent post from True Blue LA.

2005 - 2008

Games
1) Jeff Kent, 521
2) Russell Martin, 427
3) Andre Ethier, 420
4) Rafael Furcal, 333
5t) Matt Kemp, 305
5t) James Loney, 305

Runs
1) Jeff Kent, 281
2) Russell Martin, 239
3) Rafael Furcal, 234
4) Andre Ethier, 190
5) Matt Kemp, 170

RBI
1) Jeff Kent, 311
2) Russell Martin, 221
3) Andre Ethier, 196
4) Nomar Garciaparra, 180
5) James Loney, 175

Batting Average (min 1,000 PA)
1) James Loney, .303
2) Matt Kemp, .2994
3) Andre Ethier, .2990
4) Rafael Furcal, .293
5) Jeff Kent, .291

On-Base Percentage (min 1,000 PA)
1) Russell Martin, .373
2) Jeff Kent, .367
3) Andre Ethier, .364
4) Rafael Furcal, .362
5) James Loney, .353

Slugging Percentage (min 1,000 PA)
1) Andre Ethier, .482
2) James Loney, .480
3) Jeff Kent, .479
4) Matt Kemp, .474
5) Nomar Garciaparra, .445

OPS+ (min 1,000 PA)
1) Jeff Kent, 118
2) Andre Ethier, 116
3) James Loney, 114
4) Matt Kemp, 109
5) Russell Martin, 108

Enjoy the family, the ranch, the motorcycles and the rest. Congratulations on a Hall of Fame career.

And Then There Was One

Andre Ethier is the lone remaining player with whom the Dodgers have outstanding arbitration issues with. Rather than attempt to craft my thoughts I'll pass the baton to True Blue LA and their excellent report on the subject.

Russell Martin gets paid

From Ken Rosenthal

The Dodgers have avoided salary arbitration with catcher Russell Martin, signing him to a one-year, $3.9 million contract, according to a major-league source.
The deal is the largest ever awarded to a catcher in his first year of arbitration.
Martin, who turns 26 on Feb. 15, batted .280 with 13 homers and 69 RBIs last season, appearing in 155 games.
Martin was an All-Star each of the last two seasons for the Dodgers.

My Fellow Dodger Fans

A slight modification from Barrack Obama's inauguration speech:

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, [Dodger fans] — they will be met.

[Dodger fans], in the face of our common dangers, in this [off-season] of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the [NL West], and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth [several World Series championships] and delivered them safely to future generations.

Let's hope Ned Colletti is listening.

Dodgers/ Repko Agree

The Dodgers and Jason Repko have come to an agreement in terms of salary. Repko will earn $500,000 (slightly above the league minimum) in 2009 with $90,000 of incentives on the table.

Other than his pre-season collision with Furcal, and destroying his ankle while scaling the outfield wall, can anyone remember a play this guy has been involved in?

I hope he stays healthy, but I'm not optimistic for an above average season.

Just To Be Clear

Scott Boras said in a recent interview that eight teams called about Andruw Jones upon his release from the Dodgers. They probably called Boras to tell him they want no part of that fat sack of crap, and don't even think about mentioning their club as the mystery team.

Quick Notes

It's now clear why the Dodgers passed on CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe and AJ Burnett. They've got Ramon Troncoso! Ken Gurnick reports that the Dodgers might opt to keep James McDonald in the bullpen and groom Troncoso for a starting spot this season. With the signings of Mota, Estes, and Vargas the Dodgers are clearly just trying to get lucky. Kinda makes you wonder who they're going to find next?

Gurnick also reports that Jonathan Broxton, Russell Martin, Andre Ethier, and Jason Repko filled for arbitration. The end of the article notes that the "Dodgers are 14-6 in cases decided with a hearing and haven't lost one since 2001." That's Kim Ng working hard for the McCourts. Personally, I hope Ethier gets the payday he deserves.

Martin seeks extension

Russell Martin seems to be hinting at wanting a long-term deal with the Dodgers. From Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm always interested in a long-term deal," Martin said. "Who wouldn't be?"

On the day the Dodgers formally released Andruw Jones, owners Frank and Jamie McCourt invited Martin to a private lunch here [Camelback Ranch]. Martin, an All-Star in each of the last two years, then joined the McCourts on a media tour of the Dodgers' new spring home. Martin said the lunch was informal, and his contract status did not come up. He officially filed for salary arbitration Thursday -- as did Jonathan Broxton, Andre Ethier and Jason Repko -- and General Manager Ned Colletti said the Dodgers are "concentrating on a one-year [contract] at the moment." But Martin, who has changed agents this winter, said he hoped to discuss a long-term extension as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess the real question is not whether or not to sign Martin to a multi-year deal, but as to how long. If he's the Dodgers starting catcher for the next 3-4 seasons, his health will be a concern. If he's given a start at third base once a week or so, combined with the occasional day off, Martin has a chance to stay away from the DL. Coletti had to be thinking that Martin was the long-term catching solution when he sent the Dodgers best catching prospect to the Indians in the Casey Blake trade last season.

Martin deserves a legitimate back-up catcher this season. The likes of Mike Lieberthal, Gary Bennett, and Danny Ardoin are not enough to spell Martin's defensive skills and/or replace his bat in the lineup. Brad Ausmus, Henry Blanco, and Ivan Rodriguez are among the free-agent catchers this off-season that the Dodgers should be looking at. Pudge would undoubtedly have the biggest price-tag of the three, considering that he calls Scott Boras his agent. Ausmus and Blanco don't swing a big bat, but their defense and game-calling abilities would suffice.

The Dodgers have made their goals for this offseason pretty clear, but they need to add a back-up catcher to that list....and then give Martin his due.

Franky, You Got Some 'Splaining To Do

Other Dodger blogs have already expressed their thoughts on the recent article by Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times. However, enough cannot be said about the outright disgrace Frank and Jamie McCourt have cast upon the Dodgers with their handling of the Derek Lowe situation. Take it away Dylan:

Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said many times this off-season that Lowe made it clear to the club that he intended to sign elsewhere.

Lowe's agent, Scott Boras, said the pitcher never told him anything of that nature.

"Derek told me he enjoyed pitching for [Dodgers Manager] Joe [Torre] and would have considered L.A.," Boras said. "But early in the process when I was collecting information from teams, I spoke to the Dodgers and they indicated they were going in a different direction."

Torre and his coaching staff wanted Lowe back but that sentiment wasn't shared by owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, with whom the pitcher had personality conflicts. Lowe's relationship with a Fox Sports West anchor who covered the team -- which resulted in the dissolution of their respective marriages -- did not help in the eyes of ownership.

Is that supposed to make us feel better about our most reliable pitcher of the past four years going south? Given who's left (Wolf, Pettitte, Sheets) why did McCourt suddenly decide to take the high road and spurn non-positive image players? Isn't this the same owner that signed Rafael Furcal to TWO deals after his multiple DUI's? Isn't this the same owner that signed Joe Beimel after he broke curfew and lied to his employers about his whereabouts during a playoff trip in New York?

Unless a player has a reputation for having one too many run ins with the law, his off-field behavior should not play a role in deciding whether to sign him or not. While it's certainly frowned upon by this website, cheating on your wife isn't against the law.

If you think Derek Lowe's unfaithfulness is an isolated incident then it's time to take your blinders off. After all, what do you think they talk about in those "players only" meetings at the beginning of each season? Why do you think certain road trips are deemed "family friendly" and others aren't?

This one hurts because Lowe would have gone a long way to ensure more playing time in October. Frank and Jamie McCourt should be embarrassed.

Rumblings

• The Dodgers have expressed interest in starting pitcher Kris Benson.

• The Guillermo Mota deal is not done, reports Tony Jackson.

• Fire Ned Colletti Now has an excellent report on Dodgers players and their winter league progress.

• True Blue LA, and Sons of Steve Garvey share opinions on lack of excitement this off-season, and wonder when/what the Dodgers are going to do.

In a final thought, we know the Dodgers are playing it patient this off-season. Kim Ng confirmed this when she dropped the date of February 14th as a semi deadline, and said it may be weeks before anything is done with Manny. Assuming the Dodgers do sign Ramirez, when do you think it will be? Lets set the over/under for February 11th, two weeks before spring training. I'll take the over.

Mota Rejoins Dodgers

Assuming he passes his physical Guillermo Mota will be serving a second tour of duty at the Ravine. From dodgers.com:

The Dodgers have agreed to terms with free-agent reliever Guillermo Mota, pending a physical on Tuesday, according to a baseball source.

The signing of Mota would bolster an otherwise youthful bullpen after the losses of veterans Takashi Saito, Joe Beimel, Chan Ho Park and Scott Proctor. The current bullpen consists of closer Jonathan Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo, Cory Wade, James McDonald, Ramon Troncoso, Eric Stults and possibly Claudio Vargas.

Mota was acquired by the Dodgers from Montreal during Spring Training of 2002 and traded away with Paul Lo Duca and Juan Encarnacion to Florida for Brad Penny and Hee-Seop Choi on July 30, 2004. While with the Dodgers, Mota emerged as the ideal setup man during Eric Gagne's remarkable run as the top closer in the game.

The right-hander hasn't been the same pitcher since being traded away. He had a 2.60 ERA while with the Dodgers, a 4.79 ERA since. He's also served a 50-day suspension for violating MLB's drug policy and bounced from the Marlins to the Indians to the Mets and spent 2008 pitching for Milwaukee.

He was 5-6 for the Brewers, pitching in 58 games with a 4.11 ERA, his lowest ERA since he left the Dodgers. He earned $3.2 million last year.

I miss Joe Beimel already. Let's hope some of that Giovanni Carrara magic rubs off onto Mota.

Waiting Is The Hardest Part

If anyone knows anything about being patient and waiting for the right opportunity it has got to be Dodgers Assistant GM, Kim Ng. Below, from a recent interview on XM Radio, she offers her thoughts on the slow developments this off-season. Thanks to Diamond Leung for the information.

The most important thing is to just keep talking. I don't think we've drawn our line in the sand at all (at two years or two years plus an option year). I do think it's going to take a lot of discussion. I do think Scott is out there looking at his other options, and Manny is looking at his other options. I think a lot of other clubs are a little slow progressing as well, which is probably adding to our situation because obviously Manny's going to find the place for him. So it's all intertwined.

I wouldn't be surprised to see us do some things in the next couple weeks. Maybe a little flurry here and there. Hopefully we can get some things done. We're definitely working the phones. We've got a lot of people that we're talking to, both relievers and starters, and obviously Manny. We're just going to have to wait and see.

I would ask the fans to be patient. We still got a month to go. We're not at Feb. 14 yet. Even when we do get to Feb. 14, that's not the same as opening day. There's still a lot of time to go, so just be patient.

Fair enough.

Pinch Hitting

Tony Jackson has an article in today's Daily News that discusses the Dodger's needs from this point forward. While much has been made of our dread-locked hero and the starting rotation, there hasn't been much news on pinch hitting. From the article:

It isn't clear where Colletti will turn for that additional bat off the bench he is looking for. Dodgers officials still haven't completely closed the door on re-signing Nomar Garciaparra, who fits what they are looking for despite the fact he did six stints on the disabled list in his three seasons with the club.

"We would also like to address the bench and maybe add one more player, somebody who can come off the bench with some versatility. There are a lot of different ways we could do that. But I think having a veteran bat off the bench would be a plus."

There haven't been any rumors regarding this player, and he still might choose to retire, but the Dodgers should take a serious look at Jeff Kent.

You'll say he's old, but the role of pinch hitter allows that.

You'll say he's slow, but once he gets on base he could be replaced by speedster Juan Pierre.

You'll say he has limited fielding range, but he won't be doing much fielding in 2009.

You'll say he has lost his power, but clutch hits and doubles have been his MO all along.

You'll say he's a club house cancer, but lets not forget that the sheriff of Dodgertown is none other than Joe Torre. Who better to manage an aging, grizzled veteran?

Last season when Torre wrote in Blake DeWitt as his starting second basemen during the playoffs nary a word was heard from Kent. Had it have been Jim Tracy or Grady Little running the ship, Jeff Kent would have raised holy hell. However, the respect for each other transcended that situation. Kent has been known to view his baseball stature above others, but how can you view yourself above Joe Torre? Even Kent knows to stay clear of that one.

Jeff Kent would provide the Dodgers with a veteran clutch bat, spot starts and a professional approach to the game. Is it in him to accept a lesser role and subsequently lesser pay for one more shot at a championship? Will he be willing to come off the bench only to go right back on it?

Some of you don't think he will, and frankly I don't disagree.

But remember, that 92 times last year, when the Dodgers really needed someone to come to the plate and deliver a late innings hit they turned to Mark Sweeney and his .130 batting average. Need I say more?

Not Everyone Is Greg Maddux

Since Trevor Hoffman signed with the Brewers earlier today this direct example might not be relative; however, it still illustrates the thoughts we've heard on several players. The following paragraphs were taken from Bill Plaschke's recent article in the Los Angeles Times:

Oh, and in any case, they need to complete the signing of Trevor Hoffman.

Yes, he's aging and erratic, but he still had 30 saves in 34 opportunities for a dreadful San Diego Padres team last year, he still pitched strong at the end of the season, and he still has the sort of work ethic that can help the Dodgers in more places than the mound.

Think Greg Maddux, but in the bullpen. Think of one of the best closers in history grooming Jonathan Broxton for that job.

However, as Nat pointed out during our Hoffman discussions last night, what if Hoffman doesn't want to teach other people? What if Trevor Hoffman is a recluse who chooses not to pass on his trade secrets? Further more, what makes you think ANYONE could throw a change-up like Trevor Hoffman? Sandy Koufax has been mentoring young pitchers in spring training for decades and we've yet to see anything like him.

The Dodgers got a player/mentor in Greg Maddux for sure, but who's to say similar players would be willing to mentor the kids. I'm pretty sure Blake DeWitt wasn't knocking on Jeff Kent's door last season seeking sage advice. I don't recall Barry Bonds breaking down a teammate's swing during his record setting seasons. Just because a player has a storied past doesn't mean he's going to pass it on to future generations.

Plan B?

There should be another slugger on Ned Coletti's radar for the 2009 season. This outfielder was an NL MVP candidate back in '07, and if not for a nagging hamstring, might have seen his name mentioned for the honor in '08. It's likely he won't be moved until the July 31st trade deadline this year, but he would be well worth the wait. Oddly, his trade to the Oakland A's back in November did not draw much media attention.

This former NL West resident will be eligible for free agency at the end of the '09 campaign, and barring a complete meltdown this season, would command a large and lengthy contract. Ironically enough, he plays the same position as Manny Ramirez.

Knowing how Oakland GM Billy Beane operates, there's good reason to believe that if the A's are sellers at the deadline, Matt Holliday will be finishing his season with another team. If Coletti fails to sign Manny this off-season, Dodger fans should realize that there is always motive behind a GM's moves. He would not be doing his homework if he thrust all hopes of a 2nd straight playoff appearance in the signing of Manny. That's why there's good reason to believe in a Plan B.

Don't Hassle The Hoff

Rather than comment ourselves we'll let the fine post over at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness make the argument for/ against Trevor Hoffman.

Stockholm Syndrome

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times has authored a piece about the possibility of the Dodgers signing Trevor Hoffman. The article shifts into Manny talks before finally concluding on tickets sales. From the article:

The club projects to sell about 24,000 season tickets, the same as last year, he said. The sales pace is ahead of last year, he said, citing the Dodgers' first trip to the NL championship series in 20 years and the price freeze on season tickets.

Renewal payments are due Friday, and Mannion said he does not expect the uncertainty over Ramirez to impact most of the roughly 10% of accounts still outstanding.

"We've had plenty of 'Hope you sign Manny' but not 'You won't see a penny from me if you don't,' " Mannion said.

Still, he said, the Dodgers probably could sell another 2,000 season seats if they do sign Ramirez. At the average ticket price of $29.66, according to Team Marketing Report, plus the roughly $17 that each fan spends on food, drink and parking, those additional 2,000 seats would translate into about $7.5 million in gross revenue.

It appears the Dodgers are well on their way to once again selling 3+ million tickets. With 2008 being the glaring difference, the Dodgers haven't exactly been the poster boys of success during the past twenty years. Yet each season despite the failures, the injuries, the rising costs of going to a game, and Brett Tomko we still attend. We're being held captive and truly loving it.

Scott Boras=Giant Liar

The other day my father and I were having a conversation regarding the possibility of the Giants signing Manny Ramirez. While not quite sold on it, he certainly believed there was a chance that Ramirez might head north. I however, wasn't buying it.

As of this posting Manny Ramirez has received only ONE offer, and it comes courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For the Dodgers that's great. For Team Manny not so much. As Manny's demand is dropping Scott Boras is having to get more creative. I reasoned that by bringing other teams (falsely) into the mix he's essentially trying to get Ned to bid against himself.

And then today this comes out...

As hard as Scott Boras may be trying to portray the San Francisco Giants as serious bidders for Manny Ramirez , it's even harder to find executives in baseball who believe that.

According to one source familiar with the Giants' thinking, just about every recent rumor connecting the Giants with Manny is "unfounded" or "baloney."

"If a million things came together over the next few weeks, would it be possible? Maybe," the source told ESPN.com. "But for where [Boras] is right now and where the team is right now, it doesn't make sense economically and it doesn't make sense for how the team fits together."

Industry sources estimate that the Giants' payroll, with no other additions or subtractions, is already likely to be north of $85 million -- and would be more than $90 million if you include deferred money owed to Barry Bonds. That's already significantly higher than last year's payroll (about $77 million) and close to the highest in team history. So signing Ramirez would push them well beyond $100 million. And multiple sources indicate there is virtually no scenario that would allow them to maintain a payroll in that range.

Assuming this report is accurate then that would leave the Nationals and Orioles as the only other teams mentioned in the Ramirez sweepstakes. Judging by the non-existence of ANY offers I don't see either of those teams, or the Giants, stepping up.

Manny will be back in Los Angeles in 2009. For how much, and for how long, really depends on Ned Colletti.

Dodgers Shed Pounds

2009 just got a whole lot better, and all it took was two days. Andruw Jones has opted for deferred annual installments of his $22 million for the next six years, thus freeing up a significant amount of money for the upcoming season. In the era of greed and selfishness among players and agents, Jones should be commended for at least working with the Dodgers to ease the pain of the biggest free agent bust in recent memory.

Hopefully, the Dodgers will be able to trade him. For what? Who knows. But something along the lines of "Dodgers ship Jones to Mets, get 2 dozen baseballs in return" should suffice.

Strange But True

Jayson Stark at ESPN.com has an article with 2008's weirdest baseball stats/ plays/ box scores. His list is quite extensive; however, he fails to mention the fact that the Dodgers won a game without getting a hit. On the list however is this one...

"Rafael Furcal committed more errors in one crazy NLCS inning (three) than Omar Vizquel committed all season (two)."

Anybody remember that one, or just me? Ouch.

The Cupcake

I don’t remember the score, or even who the Dodgers played, but I certainly remember who I was with on the night of July 12, 2008. Turns out the Dodgers lost 5-3 in extra innings to the Florida Marlins. Andruw Jones even managed to get on base that night! Although in all fairness it was after a strikeout and bobble by the catcher.

Yet, the night belonged to the two of us.

Upon conclusion of the game the fans were allowed on the field to partake in the after game fireworks show. Having been to two other on-field fireworks shows this was nothing new to my lady friend and I; however, the magic of fireworks always seems to spark something inside a person. As fathers and sons played catch, and kids ran around joyously, we grabbed our spot and watched the sky light up with independence magic.

As I reflect, this will forever be remembered as my favorite Dodger memory of 2008.