Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
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TV and more ...
1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with
Before Juan Pierre, before J.D. Drew, before Hee Seop Choi, before Jim Tracy, before Paul DePodesta, there was Frank McCourt. The Dodger owner was the original hot-button issue on Dodger Thoughts after reader comments were instituted. From the beginnings of his serious interest in purchasing the team, through the subsequent mass employee turnover below him, McCourt's actions inspired the kind of outcry that ultimately made me avoid writing about him as much as possible, just so I wouldn't have to worry about putting out the flames.
So when McCourt walked into the executive conference room at Dodger Stadium to join senior vice president of communications Camille Johnston and director of public relations Josh Rawitch in meeting the Dodger Thoughts Traveling Players on Saturday, what struck me most was the placidity of the occasion. Certainly, many of us had to be cowed by meeting Dodger authority in the flesh, and cognizant of the fact that we were guests in their home, but it certainly didn't seem as if too many people were still nursing heavy grudges or biting their tongues. Even Rob McMillin, whose motivation for creating his expert blog, 6-4-2, can be traced in part to grave concerns over McCourt, found himself rolling his eyes and biting his tongue, but not exactly spitting bile.
It's a measure of McCourt's success at this particular moment that in a contemporary sports world that seems to seek out controversy, no controversy currently dogs him. At a minimum, the crisis of the new Dodger Stadium parking system has reached a sort of equilibrium (more on that later). The revolving door of employees has stopped spinning. Financial losses under previous ownership have been curtailed. The team is in first place. Of course, there are still goals unattained, but there are no troops marching on Elysian Park.
McCourt has a good amount to be proud of, but how proud should he feel?
McCourt seems to have achieved an appropriate delegation of authority where he leaves personnel decisions to general manager Ned Colletti and other high-level executives, and focuses on the business of the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium as much as anything else. McCourt likes talking baseball, but he has placed his faith in his baseball people to make baseball decisions. He said Saturday that his proudest personnel decision was his hiring of Colletti. Every player transaction passes McCourt's desk for approval – but every transaction gets it.
Further, in contrast to my pronounced initial fears that McCourt was purchasing the Dodgers as an excuse to exploit the stadium property in a massive real-estate deal, he has shown a real commitment to the team and to the ballpark. That commitment to Dodger Stadium has a limit: McCourt himself said 25 years (dating from 2004, I presumed). In 2029, Dodger Stadium will be 67 years old; asking him to commit now to playing in the stadium beyond that would be unreasonable.
In the meantime, McCourt has backed the commitment he has made with actions – real investments in ballpark improvements in a multiphase plan encompassing seating, parking, concessions and amenities. And player payroll does not appear to have been an issue either. If Vladimir Guerrero had been a free agent last winter, the Dodgers would have been in the running to sign him, if not the favorites.
Over the past 3 1/2 years, McCourt has taught me patience. What initially looks grim might not turn out that way. Some screwups can be resolved. Others just don't seem to matter as much as people get used to them.
McCourt, for example, proclaimed the new seating at Dodger Stadium a success, glossing over the poor sightlines in the new field-level seats after they were put in. Still, it's true that after a re-do, few complain now.
He proclaimed the new parking system at Dodger Stadium a success. And it's true that for a non-sellout game, you get in and out of the stadium as fast as or faster than you did a year ago, though at a higher cost - and even McCourt conceded Saturday that at a sellout, there's still no avoiding traffic. Nevertheless, that's another crisis off the radar.
It's all something I will keep in mind as I contemplate the inevitable problems that will accompany the next phase of stadium improvements: food concessions and restrooms.
The Dodgers are literally digging into the Chavez Ravine hillside to make more room for their food operations, thus allowing, for example, every level to cook its own hot dogs, rather than rely on an elevator shuttle system. There's no reason to believe that the food setup won't look better and have all the potential for functioning better.
But after McCourt left us, when I asked Johnston whether anything would be done to spur the concessionaires to move faster, the answer was essentially that it was out of the Dodgers' hands. The food workers are not Dodger Stadium employees, and the Dodgers don't control them.
What that leaves you with is a 2008 automobile … that is being driven by my grandmother. Now, my grandmother was a fine driver in her day, but now, thankfully, she knows she doesn't belong behind the wheel. No set of facility improvements is going to make up for the fact that if people aren't doing their job in an expert manner, if they can't even fake enthusiasm for their work, if they aren't capable of acting with speed, there isn't going to be sufficient progress. We'll have to wait.
Similarly, the next Dodger radio contract might present something of a no-win situation – either stay with KFWB, which is limited in how much Dodger programming it can provide, or go to another station where the Dodgers might not be top priority either. We'll have to make do.
If it sounds as if I've surrendered to the McCourt charms, however, I wouldn't go that far.
If the overriding lesson I've learned during the McCourt ownership is that even though he breaks a lot of eggs, he ends up with a decent omelet – well, there are still all those broken eggs to consider. As McCourt talked about how he felt he had all the right people working under him, I couldn't help but think about former announcer Ross Porter and the many other valuable employees who were cast aside gracelessly. As McCourt praised the on-field product, I couldn't help but wonder about how the franchise today assesses its strengths and weakness.
Clearly, a full-scale fan outcry isn't lost on McCourt, whether in regards to stadium parking or another incident in which he delivered his biggest mea culpa Saturday: taking the names off the back of Dodger uniforms before the 2005 season. But questions remain about how well McCourt can see problems on the horizon and whether he is any better at preventing them from snowballing than he was in the fall of 2005, when the Tracy-DePodesta conflicts sullied the franchise on the field and off.
For example: Whether it's due to Colletti, assistant general manager/scouting Logan White or underrated vice president/assistant general manager Kim Ng, the Dodgers have a pennant contender. That doesn't mean that the team hasn't made mistakes in the personnel department. Every team makes mistakes, of course, and no one expects perfection. But what kind of system do the Dodgers have in place to evaluate their personnel decisions and determine which transactions went south because of bad luck and which because of faulty - but improvable - reasoning?
This is a question I wanted to ask at the session, but unfortunately, I held off. Even if I had asked it, however, I don't know how meaningful an answer I would have gotten, because McCourt is not the type to do a lot of public introspection when things are going well.
Wins and losses are what matter in the end for a baseball team, but wins and losses aren't the best indicator of whether a general manager is doing the best job possible. When McCourt tells me that he has complete faith in Colletti, does that imply he believes Colletti will know how to improve his performance from the B or whatever grade he merits? Or does it imply that he thinks Colletti deserves an A? This is all immediately pertinent with Tuesday's trading deadline testing Colletti's judgment anew.
I no longer worry that the Dodgers are a franchise in peril, and that's important. I believe that McCourt has the best intentions, and that's important too. The next steps for me are to see whether the Dodgers can achieve their goals with more efficiency, and how McCourt will react when the next Dodger crisis comes. Having McCourt meet with us was personally gratifying, but it shed little light on those remaining questions. We'll have to see what comes next.
And now, I guess, the flames have been fanned.
Old post down bottom:
Who is the more valuable commodity today, Braun or Kemp? LaRoche has now compiled the same # of minor league ab's as Kemp (granted a year older at each level).
.294/.374/.521 LaRoche (29 HR per 550 ab)
.310/.358/.518 Kemp (21 HR per 550 ab)
Even if LaRoche projects a 25-28 HR guy and Kemp is a 32-35 HR guy, LaRoche should be more valuable. And Kemp is the better sell high candidate. Heresy I know.
I would add only that while McCourt was candid about focusing on making the team profitable rather than losing money, he must have used the word "fans" in every answer he gave us and usually multiple times (even when discussing statues) and in that regard you are right about his good intentions. He also may best be served by letting the baseball people do the baseball stuff. Regardless of what anybody thinks of Colletti, there are a good amount of good baseball people in the Dodger organization at the moment. (Ng, Logan White, etc.)
Meanwhile, the 2007 Dodgers are facing 2005 type injuries, lets hope it works out better this time.
Also, regarding concessions, didn't Dodger Stadium use to have a "buffet" type of food line? I recall walking thru and grabbing my hot dog of choice, other bits, and sodas, then at the end, getting rung up at the cashier. I realize that alchohol has to be poured by someone, but for the food part, this would seem a fast way to go - grab your own from a bin, rather than having a slow, slow server getting all the pieces for you.
vr, Xei
What would absolutely fly would be self-ordering and electronic payment via kiosk. Then you go watch the game from the white line zone waiting for your number to be called.
I have got to believe that, when the almighty dollar is involved, there will be improvements to the food line situation next year.
The Dodgers and Aramark have to opportunity to make a lot more money in concessions if the design is correct. I arrive early for games, stand in line 15-20 minutes for my dog and then I do not venture out again until the 6th inning. I would spend a lot more money if I was assured of 5 minutes or less in line.
Fixed.
11 - How about installing an electronic ordering system with credit card swipe in every seat. When your order is ready, Alyssa Milano brings it to you.
vr, Xei
He's great at retail politics, and stinks at wholesale politics.
The size of the payroll only matters as it pertains to signing free agents and retaining your own talent. Last year, the Dodgers were players in the FA market, signing big-money talent like Jason Schmidt and, uh, Juan Pierre. In a few years, when Martin and Loney and the rest of the kids become eligible for their big paydays, and then we'll see how committed McCourt really is, especially after Arte Moreno opens up his checkbook for A-Rod this coming offseason.
It still doesn't take the sting out of losing Vladimir Guerrero. I really think that non-signing is the difference right now between the Dodgers being a good team, and an elite team. McCourt is a work in progress; I'm content with what I've seen so far, but the jury's still out.
Come on Greg, we can take being skewered. If you wrote it, it has to be funny.
vr, Xei
It's that it was just stream of consciousness blather. And not very good.
Dodgers catcher Russell Martin insisted the lower back discomfort that has plagued him for the past few days and knocked him out of Tuesday night's game in the eighth inning is nothing more than the usual wear and tear that catchers deal with during a long season. But Little admitted on Wednesday that it has limited Martin's lateral movement behind the plate, something that might have contributed to a wild pitch by Mark Hendrickson earlier in that game on a ball Martin normally would have blocked.
"It is (affecting him) a little bit, but he is a battler," Little said. <<<
http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_6465476
Because I do think that he tried to be out front early on, some because he was trying to introduce himself to the Southern California area and second perhaps part of that "brand" thing.
Now, he tends to limit his public appearances to being on-air with Vinny, Dodger Foundation events and probably events like the one he did on Saturday. You don't hear him interviewed very often anymore and I think it was part of the appeal of Ned, Ned is out there more often, you can probably hear him on local radio at least once a month. And as I have said before, Grady just cracks me up.
Anyways, good write up Jon, I think you capture the feelings well, lets hope his kids don't grow up to be Busses.
But forget resting him, because that would just be insane, even though Martin is struggling badly at the plate.
I'm guessing one-on-one is where he shines.
25 - It was good - you're making too big a deal out of it - but it's up to you.
1.A limit of three cashiers (often less) who don't seem to be in any particular rush
2.The people in line who seem confused when trying to decide what to get when they get to the counter (plus the fact that they often bring all there kids with them who also need to discuss their options)
3.The long wait for beer to be poured
4.The people waiting for items that are not ready (i.e. nachos, or a particular type of dodger dog).
Just improving the cashiers and removing the beer would make a big difference.
dtday.blogspot.com
Off to the beach.
http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments.pl?IDLink=2948450
Greg, guitar from like 8-22, Piano strewn in there but never proficient. Read music pretty well in Jazz band. Really can't play at all now. Also, whenever I hear that new Real Men of Genius commercial, where the guy falsetto's "That's 10,000 dimes!" I laugh and think of you and the other rapiers of wit around DT.
Thanks to Jon for the McCourt writeup, also. Wow, when you started DT did you ever imagine it would grow to such a level that it would garner an audience with Dodger brass? Amazingly cool.
That thread is so awesome.
http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/baseball/dodgers/
Nice write up, by the way. I had Philippe's for the first time ever last September, one day before 4+1. I'm still kicking myself for not purchasing some horseradish mustard.
I'm heading out to wine country and then into Mordor itself (SF) so I'll have limited access to DT and the games this weekend. Keep an eye on things for me, okay? Make sure Ned doesn't trade Hu (et al).
I'm heading out to wine country and then into Mordor itself (SF)
That's too funny!
Make sure he doesn't trade Watt.
Rio Seco Winery (east of 101) is owned by a Major League scout who is just great. I forget his name right now, but he works for the Brewers, I think. Last time up, I sat there and discussed sabermetrics vs. traditional scouting with him for more than an hour. Great wine, too.
vr, Xei
The Dodgers are 16-4 in Penny's 20 starts this season, and Penny has given up 0 or 1 run in 14 of the 20 starts. Tall Chris Young (tip o' the cap to Bob) has given up one run or fewer in 13 starts this season. Peavy and Hudson have done so in 10 games, and Lowe and some others have done so in 9 games.
that's pretty funny.
54 - I don't know? THIRD BASE!!
Charlie Brown. Jon Weisman. Good men.
http://sportsblogs.latimes.com/sports_baseball_dodgers/2007/07/talking-with-ja.html
Red Sox signed outfielder Brady Clark to a minor league contract.
Clark will report to Triple-A Pawtucket for now and join the Red Sox if Wily Mo Pena is traded.
(from rotowire)
If anyone wants to win Laker FJ Cruiser here is your chance.
http://www.nba.com/media/lakers/socaltoyotaraffle.pdf
[a "window" shows Homer's heart, beating fast]
Burns: Relax, Simpson. I just brought you in here for a friendly hello...
Homer: Whew...[heart slows down]
Burns: ...and goodbye! You're fired!
Homer: [gags] [heart speeds up]
Burns: But, wait. Perhaps I'm being too hasty. You are highly skilled...
Homer: Whew...[heart slows down]
Burns: ...at goofing off!
Homer: Aaargh! [heart beats faster]
Burns: Now don't worry, Homer. You're the kind of guy I could really dig...
Homer: Whew...[heart slows down]
Burns: ...a grave for
Homer: Aarrggghh! [heart goes crazy] [collapses]
Smithers: [examines Homer's dead body]
Mr. Burns, I think he's dead.
Burns: Oh dear. Send a ham to his widow.
Classic, can't wait for Simpson Talk.
http://daily.greencine.com/archives/004139.html
I just got back from The Simpsons Movie. It was extremely funny. The first 10 minutes are as funny as anything as I've seen in a long time. After that, I laughed consistently, but it lacked the big belly laughs of the beginning. The plot was negligible, but it kept moving for the duration. Make sure you stay through the credits for some added jokes
http://tinyurl.com/yrydgc
The occasional sitings of gross mis-info and/or contradictions are not surprising.
Jon: Nice opener, as customary.
There's a disturbing trend in all American letters these days, sports-writing in particular, Daily Racing Form the worst, to keep naming the subject, and naming the subject, and naming the subject....with innocent, unemployed pronouns and synonyms left in the begging line.
69 Still surprised the Mets didn't sign Brady Clark.
http://www.dudeism.com/index.html
79 - Ooooh, and didn't another #25 who hit a few homers in his day, start off playing 3B?
I'm not trying to say Teixeira is a figment of The Ballpark at Arlington -- after all, players should perform better at home just based on familiarity -- but it seems the difference between his home numbers (.302/.378/.576 career) and road numbers are large.
55
Don't forget Anderson Valley wine country. A very large percentage of the wines made in Napa and Sonoma counties come from the Anderson Valley, which remains fairly uncrowded (probably not a word).
completely agree. He's definitely a good player, but whatever team gives him 100 mill is really going to regret it.
Pierre, CF
Martin, C
Gonzo, LF
Nomar, 3B
Loney, 1B
Betemit, 2B
Kemp, RF
In his rookie year of 2003, here are Tex's splits:
Home - .298/.358/.607
Road - .217/.303/.343
Everyone said that about Soriano when he was in Arlington but yet he went to a much harder park and smoked his Texas numbers.
vr, Xei
89 Just posted over there...
vr, Xei
Furcal, SS
Martin, C
Loney, 1B
Dunn, LF
Kemp, RF
Betemit, 2B
LaRoche, 3B
Pierre, CF
http://tinyurl.com/2ah2lz
With A-Rod at SS.
Can't accuse Grady of being conventional on this one.
It fits though. Dodgers are off Monday, just as they were when they acquired Betemit last year.
Signing Dmitri Young to a 2 year extension for $4 million - fine. But I can't fathom the rumors that he'd get $10 to $12 mil.
it ain't gonna happen right.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-pac10media27jul27,1,3353814.story?
He was converted to catcher this offseason. he's always had power but he strikes out alot and doesn't walk enough.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/stats/player.php?id=461315
Future starter, reliever or closer???
I wish the Dodgers would decide. His stats at Jacksonville thus far are pretty impressive except for his walk totals. I can't remeber where, but I read that he's throwing the ball quite well again as far as velocity goes, but has had issues controlling some off his off-speed stuff along with some eratic fastballs that "slip" out from time to time. I hope he gets back into pre-injury form.
And for everybody else: Is it too late to start any Burrell-for-Betemit rumors? Maybe Michael Bourn, who is Juan Pierre but with one homer on the year and some $40m cheaper?
If you really want a fantastic Sunday brunch, go to the Mission Ranch near, natch, the Carmel Mission, and sit out on the patio (unless it is cold and dripping). It's not cheap, but you won't need to eat again for hours.
Greg Brock, well captured write up on DT day from the perpective of the expert commentor. Worth the read, and it brought back the recent pleasant memories - thanks.
Dodgers: The Dodgers received bad news regarding their already decimated pitching staff Wednesday, and it looks like GM Ned Colletti will have to make a move come July 31. Starting pitcher Randy Wolf will probably need two more rehab starts after struggling Wednesday at Class A, ... and now, workhorse Derek Lowe appears to be headed to the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin, which forced him out of Wednesday's start.
http://tinyurl.com/2f4mvs
agreed, it was a nice right up he's also a very nice guy i arrived late but happened to be sitting right next to him, really nice guy.
Now that you mention it, I've been to Knuckles, but years ago and had forgotten it.
I'll try to make it to Anderson Valley - I love the off-the-beaten-path destinations. Good info.
Unfortunately, work kept me from leaving today as planned. I'm with ya one more day.
There was about a one beat pause, then, "Ned." followed by a lengthy explanation.
sounds like something is gonna go down reading that fan 4 40 plus. It's weird how something like a strained groin will affect the life/future of others, i hope i'm interpreting that wrong though.
Los Angeles, who needs to add depth to their Democratic hopefuls, is looking to acquire Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, who is thought to be a top prospect to succeed Mayor Michael Bloomberg. New York is said to be willing to pick up the entirety of Antonio Villaraigosa's second term.
12-32, 5 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 1 K, .375 / .429 / .781 / 1.210
yup. If someone like, say, Bedard was available then fine. But why trade for someone like Contreras when Stults and Tomko and Houlton are probably equal or better?
The problem with parking at Dodger Stadium is not the amount of cars. It's the complete lack of awareness possessed by a single one of the new workers (you know, the ones we pay $5 extra for each game). They stand around at the end of the game while massive traffic jams occur everywhere (four lanes trying to condense into one, hundreds of cars exiting out the Sunset exit while one or two get out of Lot 1, which is right next to the Sunset exit, every few minutes, etc.).
Perhaps I wouldn't feel so bad about the new situation if I felt like someone was actually out there working to improve it. Instead, I watch all the men and women in yellow vests stand around in groups of five, chatting with each other.
What does Frank McCourt say about that?
www.bluethoughts.com (I swear I named my blog before I'd ever heard about your site, Jon. Sorry for the similarity)
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