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About Jon
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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
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Prediction: Pierre Will Replace Jones
2008-07-22 07:19
by Jon Weisman

Out since June 29, Juan Pierre is reportedly about 10 days away from a rehab assignment, which I would guess would be short. And then, Joe Torre will have four outfielders for three spots again, Delwyn Young notwithstanding.

Here are their numbers since June 30:

Andre Ethier: .379 on-base percentage, .584 slugging percentage

Matt Kemp: .365 on-base percentage, .519 slugging percentage

Andruw Jones: .255 on-base percentage, .167 slugging percentage

Season totals in EQA:
.281 Ethier
.276 Kemp
.249 Pierre
.175 Jones

I was a long-leash guy for Jones. But that leash reaches its limit in two weeks as far as I'm concerned. And I predict that it will for Dodger manager Joe Torre as well. I know it's hard not to be cynical and believe that the younger players aren't vulnerable, but in August of a pennant race, I think the evidence will be too much for anyone to ignore. Jones has until Pierre's return to show us anything. If not, he becomes the fourth outfielder.

* * *

Meanwhile, there's rampant speculation that Andy LaRoche, who reached base in his first three at-bats Monday, is being showcased for a trade. My advice to the Dodgers, as always: Make sure you know how to value what you have. My advice to readers, as always: Don't overreact to rumors.

Comments (399)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-07-22 07:40:49
1.   Eric Stephen
BTW, today is Kershaw's 9th start. The 9th Bond movie was "The Man With the Golden Gun."

I think we have our future thread subtitle!

2008-07-22 07:45:31
2.   Howard Fox
Jon, you have more faith than I.

I see Pierre in left, Jones in center, and a platoon in right.

Torre can't help himself.

2008-07-22 07:51:49
3.   Jon Weisman
2 - I don't think Torre will be able to stomach Jones like this after seeing what Kemp and Ethier can do. He is human.
2008-07-22 07:57:25
4.   larry slimfast
Torre will be murdered in the press if he sits Ethier and Kemp. No matter what he says, Torre doesn't like to make the press mad. That's why they love him.

Also... the "LaRoche Showcase" is likely for all parties involved. It's a showcase for the Dodgers brass, Torre and Andy's likely suitors. I hope he impresses the right people. Ned strikes me as someone who doesn't understand the value of youth but he hasn't traded anyone we REALLY miss yet... yet.

2008-07-22 07:59:31
5.   bluegold
I really hope Jones+Schmidt+Pierre=End of Ned, and the start of the Kim Ng era.
2008-07-22 08:04:31
6.   MC Safety
From last thread:

62 If Tony Jackson listens to Husker Du, I'll bring an acoustic to the picnic and play "Silent Lucidity".

2008-07-22 08:07:58
7.   D4P
Torre will be murdered in the press if he sits Ethier and Kemp

The same press that has bashed The Kids non-stop for the last two years...?

2008-07-22 08:14:59
8.   larry slimfast
I think 'the press' have realized those two kids particularly have taken their lumps and risen above what holds the Dodgers back... as evidenced in Simers' recent columns. I ain't saying it's not frustrating. It's just happening.
2008-07-22 08:16:46
9.   Disabled List
Torre will be murdered in the press if he sits Ethier and Kemp.

Torre is the Teflon Manager. He's still on his extended honeymoon with the press. The only place he catches any heat is Dodger Thoughts.

2008-07-22 08:19:24
10.   D4P
If/when Torre finally allows The Kids to take over, the press will expound upon his genius for working them in slowly and teaching them how to win.
2008-07-22 08:26:41
11.   Jonny6
Obviously, Kershaw is getting activated today, but who is going down? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere. Since Johnson has been discussed as the available long reliever tonight, he's sticking around for a bit longer, so who does that leave?

Pierre's imminent return could spell the end of the Jones' 2008 debacle. The press may not love the kids, but one thing they dislike much more fervently is overpaid, underprepared veterans having exceptionally poor seasons. Unless Jones shows significant signs of progess in the next week, which I doubt anyone expects, they will come up with some phantom ailment, ricketts or leishmaniasis or botched knee surgery, and dump Jones back on the DL and try it all over again in 2009. I'm not sure if that's what I believe will happen or just what I hope will happen.

2008-07-22 08:27:29
12.   Howard Fox
Torre will use the old adage that someone (Pierre) cannot lose his position due to injury, even tho that is what he did to LaRoche. The kid platoon will live to see another day!

The press will hop on whatever they think will sell, they have no loyalty.

2008-07-22 08:27:36
13.   D4P
Unless Jones shows significant signs of progess in the next week, which I doubt anyone expects

You'd be surprised.

2008-07-22 08:29:30
14.   Howard Fox
Torre will talk about what Jones brings defensively, and about Pierre's speed atop the lineup. Get ready for the spin, it's coming.
2008-07-22 08:31:02
15.   D4P
14
And if he doesn't talk about those things, someone in the press should hold him accountable and call him on it.
2008-07-22 08:32:24
16.   Howard Fox
15 like that would happen...the press has total access to Torre...they bash him, they lose that
2008-07-22 08:34:19
17.   D4P
16
Thank Ch-i for Bloggers™.
2008-07-22 08:34:56
18.   surfing slug
I think the reason Sweeney is on the holding pattern - there will be a trade and a roster spot will be open for him. Otherwise, he would have been DFA'd by now.
2008-07-22 08:35:20
19.   Howard Fox
the jews for baseball website lives on!
2008-07-22 08:41:21
20.   underdog
1 I like it, though I like a similar movie title even better: The Man With the Golden Arm.

(Er, but that's kind of a depressing movie. Maybe shouldn't go there.)

2008-07-22 08:41:47
21.   underdog
18 Why do I have this feeling you live in Santa Cruz? ;-)
2008-07-22 08:43:06
22.   Bumsrap
12 - But LaRoche did get his position back after he recovered from injury. Playing time in Spring Training is not the same as playing time in the regular season. Torre would have ridden Nomar at third for as long as he was healthy and hitting at least as well as Jones.
2008-07-22 08:43:47
23.   Eric Stephen
20
I was considering "You Only Win Twice" but I didn't want to jinx the kid.
2008-07-22 08:45:00
24.   Howard Fox
22 if he got his spot back, why DeWitt?
2008-07-22 08:46:45
25.   Bumsrap
If LaRoche plays really well they trade him.?
If LaRoche plays darn good they keep him?
If LaRoche plays so so they move Nomar back to third?
2008-07-22 08:48:51
26.   Howard Fox
25 LaRoche = toast
2008-07-22 08:49:53
27.   fiddlestick
The whole concept of some 3 day showcase makes no sense to me. What is LaRoche going to show over the period of a series that a team interested in him doesn't already know? If you're interested in LaRoche, you're going off his track record, not what he's shown in sporadic playing time thusfar.
2008-07-22 08:50:56
28.   D4P
Even if Torre changed his mind and wanted to give LaRoche a chance, there's still the issue of Ned wanting to make a trade and needing trading chips to do so.
2008-07-22 08:51:21
29.   Bumsrap
24 - LaRoche's previous spot was AAA or bench and he got it back. What does that have to do with DeWitt? DeWitt basically took Nomar's spot and not LaRoche's. Had Nomar been injured and not LaRoche, then, and probably only then, would LaRoche have played third as a regular until Nomar returned.
2008-07-22 08:52:29
30.   nme
Jon, agree 100%. Slappy should replace Jones and play LF. However, considering that this team is now 11-5 with Kemp in the lead off spot, I'm not ready to give JP back the top of the lineup. I say when he comes back, he bats 8th where he can do minimal damage.
2008-07-22 08:53:39
31.   regfairfield
30 The Dodgers winning streak has much more to do with Kemp not sucking than it does with him batting leadoff.
2008-07-22 08:55:19
32.   Terry A
LaRoche should make the most of this. It's like his own little reality show. Work in some jazz hands in his pre-swing warmup. Maybe hope there's a rain delay so he can work up some Rick Dempsey magic. It's a showcase, Andy -- America is watching!
2008-07-22 08:56:15
33.   Howard Fox
27 if LaRoche doesn't hit big in 3 days in Coors, it will reinforce the league view that the Dodgers overvalue their prospects
2008-07-22 08:56:18
34.   underdog
27 And where is the actual evidence or confirmation that LaRoche is being showcased in a trade btw? I know there's rumors about Beltre and so on, but there were some unrelated reasons given as to why he's getting some starts this week. Now for most of us it seems about a month later than we would've wanted, but it's also possible Torre's giving him a look for himself, and a chance to prove himself. Until there's more proof he's on the trading block I'm not going to feel much about it.
2008-07-22 08:57:37
35.   underdog
32 - Hah hah. Jazz hands... love it.
Add some sparkle, Andy, some glitter to your uniform, and maybe get Chuck Workman to produce your intro video.
2008-07-22 08:59:14
36.   fiddlestick
33 That's why it makes no sense. 3 good days and another team says "Ned, it's Coors, you expect me to be impressed?" He stinks for 3 days and it's "Ned, see? Can't hack it in the bigs." Either way, it's a pointless excercise which is why I think it's bull honkey.
2008-07-22 08:59:31
37.   regfairfield
33 I'd like to think that the league wouldn't evaluate LaRoche any differently based on 12 at bats.
2008-07-22 08:59:55
38.   underdog
Susan Slusser in the Chron reports that the Dodgers were scouting the A's. Which may mean Street, or Crosby. I do like Street, actually, but -- okay now I'm allowing myself a moment of paranoia -- a LaRoche for Street trade would be upsetting.

Who would you trade for Street? Beane only wants prospects these days...

2008-07-22 09:00:43
39.   blue22
Torre benched Pierre when he was 0-for-March and Ethier was white hot. I don't think Torre will be afraid to bench Jones when he's hitting like this.
2008-07-22 09:01:42
40.   MC Safety
31 Not this again. You really do get a kick out of defending Pierre, huh?
2008-07-22 09:02:26
41.   regfairfield
38 DeJesus plus some lesser guys seems fair, but I think that would get outbid by some other teams.
2008-07-22 09:02:41
42.   KAYVMON
If the Dodgers trade LaRoche or any of the prospects, it needs to be to get rid of Pierre. The Dodgers just can't afford to have Pierre starting in left field next year with the uncertainty in the infield.
2008-07-22 09:03:20
43.   regfairfield
40 Is it so wrong that I don't blame Pierre for all of our problems?
2008-07-22 09:04:10
44.   underdog
41 - You'd give up DeJesus over Hu? (I'm not sure myself, just wondering.) I'd guess it be harder to trade Hu right now, anyway.
2008-07-22 09:07:35
45.   regfairfield
44 Yep. Until DeJesus shows some pop (which I don't think anyone projects out of him but I could be wrong) he's going to fall somewhere between Reggie Willits and Oscar Robles offensively. Hu's got the better glove and more offensive potential.
2008-07-22 09:07:59
46.   MC Safety
33 You mean Ken Rosenthal's view? You have no idea what the rest of the league thinks of LaRoche. We get it, you hate LaRoche's guts.
2008-07-22 09:09:08
47.   GoBears
from the last thread:

112. Ken Noe
Old news from Gurnick, but perhaps worth repeating: Torre said Kershaw's promotion was decided before the All-Star break, which will fuel speculation that it could pave the way for the trade of a pitcher. In a big deal, that could mean Lowe. He, like Penny, could be a free agent after this season. In a smaller deal, it could mean Eric Stults, who started Monday night and figures to get bumped by Penny if no starting pitcher is dealt.

This might be a reach, but if Stults is possible trade bait, that could explain why Torre pulled him somewhat early. If he just didn't have it yesterday, then whether or not it would affect the outcome of the game, Torre might have wanted to prevent him from giving up 6 runs in 5 innings.

Yeah, probably didn't matter. But since we're speculatin'...

2008-07-22 09:11:08
48.   cargill06
Dodgers runs per game;

When Pierre plays- 3.68 RPG
When Pierre doesn't- 5.88 RPG

Just as long as it's Pierre, Kemp, and Dre I'm fine with is, espically if Pierre is hitting 8th or 9th.

2008-07-22 09:12:51
49.   underdog
It's hard to imagine they'd get much in trade for Stults but I guess you never know.
2008-07-22 09:13:15
50.   unlazy4sports
31.. you don't think an improvement of OBP of .300 to .380 from the leadoff spot contributed to the Dodgers recent success?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-07-22 09:13:19
51.   CodyS
Padres & Dodgers have exact same .703 OPS on the season. Dodgers have scored 50 more runs. Why? Dodgers have 60 more SB.
Without Juan Pierre, we're the Padres.
2008-07-22 09:14:25
52.   GoBears
I don't know why, but if I had to bet, I'd bet that Colletti does nothing of interest before the trade deadline. I could see another Pablo Ozuna / Angela Berroa level pointless junk-for-junk deal. But I don't think he can pull the trigger on anything big, and I get the feeling that he's now afraid to trade any of the top kids. He could send DeWitt or LaRoche down if he really needs to get all his PVL in the lineup.

Young is the only guy I'd be worried about losing, since he's out of options, and hasn't played enough to develop a fan following. I could see a deal along the lines of Young/MacDonald for Street happening (if that would make sense for Oakland).

Just my guess.

2008-07-22 09:15:11
53.   MC Safety
43 He didn't blame all of the Dodgers problems on Pierre, though. He simply said we've been more successful with Matt leading off. What's wrong with that?
2008-07-22 09:15:22
54.   D4P
51 is just screaming to be debunked. I'll get back to you.
2008-07-22 09:16:19
55.   GoBears
49 It's hard to imagine they'd get much in8* trade for Stults but I guess you never know.*

Oh, I agree. But the "not much for not much" deal is Colletti's trademark.

2008-07-22 09:17:54
56.   unlazy4sports
51. Please explain why Dodgers score more runs when Pierre's not in the lineup then? What's the Dodgers' OPS without Pierre?
2008-07-22 09:19:30
57.   scareduck
3 - He is human.

But Kemp is a robot made outta nails. No wonder it's so tough for him to get playing time, 'cause it's hard to warm up to a robot.

2008-07-22 09:19:32
58.   silverwidow
33 it will reinforce the league view that the Dodgers overvalue their prospects

They certainly overvalue DeWitt. LaRoche is the definition of undervalued.

2008-07-22 09:21:20
59.   D4P
51

1. Dodgers have a 7 point OBP advantage, which puts them 9 spots ahead of the Padres in the MLB. That's relevant because OBP is generally considered more important for scoring runs than SLG.

2. A counter-example.

Pittsburgh: 478 runs, 25 SBs
Tampa Bay: 449 runs, 106 SBs

2008-07-22 09:21:53
60.   underdog
55 - But... but... we already have Berrozuna!

54 - Have at it.

52 - I agree, I could see a trade like that. And btw, I would give up McDonald in a trade that made sense. But if they give up Young, their already weak bench is severely weakened further. I don't know if they'd want to do that. DY's proven he can hit off the bench.

2008-07-22 09:23:34
61.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers have done much better than the Padres in hitting with 2 outs and runners on.
2008-07-22 09:24:28
62.   Neal Pollack
Torre can't platoon Kemp and Ethier, who have arguably fueled what passes for a run lately, in favor of Jones. Can he?

I think LaRoche is being showcased for Torre, and nothing more. We don't NEED to make a deal, for anything.

2008-07-22 09:25:31
63.   blue22
59 - I think there's a park factor influence there too.

56 - Pierre went out of the lineup on June 29th.

Matt Kemp in June: .250/.287/.438
Matt Kemp in July: .292/.354/.500

I don't think that has to do with Pierre being hurt or Kemp in the leadoff spot. Kemp is simply playing better now. If Pierre had been playing the last 2 weeks instead of Jones, they'd be scoring even more runs.

2008-07-22 09:25:43
64.   D4P
59cont.

To clarify, Tampa Bay leads the league in SBs but has scored fewer runs than Pittsburgh, which is tied for last in SBs.

2008-07-22 09:26:58
65.   Disabled List
I'm predicting right now that Chin Lung Hu will never be a regular starting infielder for the LA Dodgers. The Dodger brass, especially Torre and Ned, let their first impressions of a player harden like concrete. Once their perception of a player has been established, it's nearly impossible to change.

That's why Ned acquired guys like Schmidt and Jones: they were once good, so they must still be good. That's also why DeWitt has been allowed to play regularly for two months despite hitting below .200: Torre remembers him being good for the first two months of the season. It's also why LaRoche's sudden burst of playing time must be a "showcase." I think they've already made up their minds about Andy, he's just getting a pre-trade workout at the MLB combine.

In the eyes of Ned and Joe, Hu now has the stench of his horrible May stuck to him. It's never gonna wash off.

2008-07-22 09:27:26
66.   Bleacher Seats
August 1, 2008 Starting Lineup

Suzuki .301/ 123 hits / 34 SB
Kemp
Beltre .264 / 16 HR
Kent
Martin
Eithier
Garciaparra
Loney
SP

Pierre - Pinch Runner
Dru - DFA
LaRoche - Seattle
Stult or McDonald or Meloan or Miller or a combo of two - Seattle

2008-07-22 09:29:28
67.   blue22
63 - I think there's a park factor influence there too.

Oops, that would produce the opposite effect. Nevermind.

2008-07-22 09:31:03
68.   blue22
66 - Ichiro and Beltre is going to take a lot more than that. That's probably the asking price for just Beltre right now. Probably won't require that much to get Beltre eventually, but Ichiro is the franchise. He's staying put.
2008-07-22 09:36:14
69.   Jon Weisman
65 - The first impression of Hu on the big-league level came last September.
2008-07-22 09:41:00
70.   old dodger fan
51 If you plot a scattergram of OPS and Runs Scored and draw a regression line you will find OPS and runs scored have a very high correlation, but it is not perfect.
It's better than BA (which has the lowest correlation) or OBP or SLG.

I drew the 2006 and 2007 NL graphs (using Excel) and was surprised at how well OPS and runs scored correlate. I am by no means a mathematician but if you can graph in Excel it's pretty easy. Try it.

2008-07-22 09:42:12
71.   Eric Stephen
66
Unless Ichiro absolutely demands to be traded, he'll never leave Seattle. The Dodgers are more likely to trade for David Wright or Evan Longoria.
2008-07-22 09:44:59
72.   old dodger fan
71 I know the Mets need pitching but I will be shocked if they trade David Wright.
2008-07-22 09:46:38
73.   Eric Stephen
72
That's what I meant, Ichiro is so untouchable they are more likely to get fellow untouchables Wright, Longoria, et al.
2008-07-22 09:47:00
74.   blue22
71 - There's a rumor in Seattle that the Japanese ownership may be looking to get out. If that happens, Ichiro may look to go elsewhere.
2008-07-22 09:47:49
75.   silverwidow
66 Ichiro will NEVER be traded by Seattle's Japanese ownership.
2008-07-22 09:48:09
76.   Bumsrap
66 - Might have to include Kuroda to get Ichiro. It would be interesting for me if Pierre, Lowe, LaRoche, and McDonald would net Beltre and Ichiro.
2008-07-22 09:49:54
77.   D4P
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Dodgers are interested in Huston Street following Takashi Saito's injury. The newspaper notes that the Dodgers have been scouting the A's recently and may also be interested in Bobby Crosby as a replacement for Rafael Furcal. Along with news that Los Angeles may be showcasing Andy LaRoche for a trade, it sounds like something could be in the works.

-Rotoworld

2008-07-22 09:50:25
78.   Eric L
Maybe this whole LaRoche thing isn't a showcase. I know Joe isn't a popular fellow in these parts, but can it be as simple as this is a nice way to sort of gently bring about the end of the DeWitt era?
2008-07-22 09:53:11
79.   sporky
78 I want to believe this oh, so badly.
2008-07-22 09:53:14
80.   Eric Stephen
77
Sheesh, I forgot how long Eric Chavez's contract was. He's due $11m in 2009, $12m in 2010, plus a $12.5m club option in 2011 ($3m buyout).
2008-07-22 09:54:25
81.   fanerman
77 LA LA LA I'M NOT LISTENING!

Well, there are worse places for Andy LaRoche to go than the A's. I could still cheer him on without hesitation, anyway. Not that he's traded yet.

2008-07-22 09:54:59
82.   BlueCorona
52 - I think people are underestimating Ned's ability to pull the trigger. Reading between the lines of McCourts comments the other day, Neds job is in jeopardy, and I'm sure Ned senses it. I wouldnt say any of the current Dodgers...on the big league club or in the minors.. (with the exception of Billingsley and Kershaw) are untouchable in Neds eyes.

If he stands pat and the Dodgers miss the playoffs, he'll be fired for Jones/Schmidt/Pierre. If he makes a noteworthy trade and the Dodgers make the playoffs he might save his job. If he dismantles the young kids and fails miserably...well he had it comin anyways.

It might be a case of the last desperate kicks of a dying horse...I certainly hope not.

2008-07-22 09:55:09
83.   D4P
80
I once fingered Chavez as a possible Ned target for a trade involving Andy. It's not out of the question.
2008-07-22 09:56:08
84.   D4P
If he dismantles the young kids and fails miserably...

...then he returns to the Giants, mission accomplished.

2008-07-22 09:56:35
85.   sporky
I hope Logan White has his copy of "Molecular Biology of the Cell" handy.
2008-07-22 09:57:30
86.   fanerman
82 I wish owners fired GM's whenever they made a trade for the sole purpose of "saving their job."
2008-07-22 09:58:12
87.   LogikReader
Conversely, the Dodgers appear to be well on track to making a postseason run, and a trade could bring it all crashing down. It certainly did last year, albeit not directly.

The last thing we need is a closer. Broxton is doing just fine in the role so far. The bullpen is deep enough as it is. Ned ought to stop thinking like a computer and just recognize that the team can overcome a weakness (SS) and string runs together anyway.

Yes, the last legs theory is very accurate. Man oh man, I wish it were DeWitt that were on the trading block.

2008-07-22 10:00:05
88.   blue22
83 - Taking on Chavez and Street is a heckuva lot of money. I think you'd be pushing $20M/year in salaries between those two, since Street is about to hit arbitration. And it doesn't figure that Oakland would pick up a great deal of salary. Is all that baggage worth a guy like LaRoche?

Crosby looks like he's a free agent after 2009. He'll make $5M next year.

2008-07-22 10:00:09
89.   BlueCorona
86 - Or better yet..I wish the Dodgers had some stability in their front office where the GM's wouldnt have to make those types of moves.

I can dream cant I

2008-07-22 10:00:13
90.   sporky
I GOT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING!

(sorry)

2008-07-22 10:00:20
91.   Doctor
Im expecting Torre to do the right thing here and send Jones to the 51s to work out his problems. Let the guy mash the ball down there for a few weeks and get his swing back. Its insane that this didn't happen after his injury. If he isnt mashing down there then theres no point in having him in LA.
2008-07-22 10:00:40
92.   nme
82- that's where Frank's supposed "payroll-neutral" provision comes into play. Ned seems handcuffed from making any BIG move...the writing is on the wall.

Can we fire this guy yet?

2008-07-22 10:02:02
93.   Bob Timmermann
90
For the fine institution of higher learning near the big veterans cemetery off Sepulveda?
2008-07-22 10:02:10
94.   fanerman
90 Cool! Where?
2008-07-22 10:02:46
95.   silverwidow
I'm sure this was mentioned, but Ozuna's 2nd AB last night was horrendous.
2008-07-22 10:04:16
96.   regfairfield
Kemp from post Furcal to the end of the Pierre era: .259/.323/.388
Post Pierre: .288/.352/.500

Ethier in the same time frame: .257/.299/.405
Post Pierre: .300/.374/.563

2008-07-22 10:06:23
97.   Bumsrap
I would like to see Hu and Abreu at ss and 2b next year so if changes are made, I would like to see good bats at third and outfield added. One could be LaRoche if and only if he finishes strong this year. Jones and Pierre are not the bats I want added or included in the outfield.
2008-07-22 10:06:30
98.   fanerman
Is the Pierre era really over?
2008-07-22 10:06:45
99.   D4P
Taking on Chavez and Street is a heckuva lot of money

Thus demonstrating Management's Commitment to Winning™.

2008-07-22 10:08:49
100.   regfairfield
98 I'm incredibly caffinne high right now, English isn't my strong suit.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-07-22 10:08:58
101.   JoeyP
Crosby/Street for LaRoche/McDonald/Hu??

That has Ned written all over it.

2008-07-22 10:10:19
102.   D4P
101
It also has Beane written all over it, though he'd probably want a few more players.
2008-07-22 10:10:27
103.   sporky
93 Yes!
2008-07-22 10:11:14
104.   bigcpa
77 If Beane called Erubiel Durazo his Moby Dick quest, then LaRoche's 17% career BB rate must keep him up all night.

FWIW Matt LaPorta was BP's #31 rated prospect in January and fetched CC. LaRoche was #14 and he was 8th if you isolate major-league ready guys. I would think 3-4 saber-type GM's would be speed-dialing Ned this week.

2008-07-22 10:11:21
105.   sporky
103 Kevin Love's alma mater. Is it his alma mater even if he didn't graduate?
2008-07-22 10:11:23
106.   Jon Weisman
Um, I don't know if anyone remembers, but the one thing we confirmed this month is that Ned isn't operating solo on trades. So if trade X happens, it won't all be Ned's responsibility.

Perhaps Chase Carey is waiting in the wings to make a move.

2008-07-22 10:12:07
107.   Eric Stephen
88
I don't think the Dodgers would take on Chavez, I just came across his contract when looking at the A's payroll. It would be curious for the A's to add LaRoche when they already are committed to Chavez for 2 more years, unless of course Chavez is done (which he might be).
2008-07-22 10:12:56
108.   Disabled List
101 That has Ned written all over it.

You sure got that right. Two unnecessary PVLs to block the younger, better, cheaper players we already have in the system. That's the Ned Special, right there.

2008-07-22 10:14:27
109.   fanerman
The sky is falling in...
2008-07-22 10:14:39
110.   Bob Timmermann
105
If you read the UCLA magazine, athletes who didn't graduate don't get a year written after their name.

I would appear as "Bob Timmermann ('87)", but the new star of Minnesota would just be "Kevin Love."

2008-07-22 10:15:01
111.   Eric Stephen
108
The term PVL has reached it's saturation point if its being used on a 24-year old Huston Street.
2008-07-22 10:15:24
112.   Jon Weisman
I thought this was a pretty funny post from Tom Hoffarth on ESPN's new college football blog network.
2008-07-22 10:15:56
113.   Jon Weisman
http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2008/07/if-the-words-fo.html
2008-07-22 10:16:14
114.   MC Safety
84 I hope Bob is in the Bat Cave playing the role of Lucius Fox right now.
2008-07-22 10:17:14
115.   fanerman
Holy underaged veteran! Huston Street is only 24? Why has his strikeout rate dropped and his home run rate increased?
2008-07-22 10:18:44
116.   regfairfield
115 Home run rate is probably a fluke since his ground ball to fly ball is unchanged, don't know about strikeouts.
2008-07-22 10:18:53
117.   JoeyP
Street wouldnt be bad but I'm always leery of dealing quality position prospects for relievers.

Bobby Crosby just overall sucks.

2008-07-22 10:20:18
118.   Bob Timmermann
113
Graham Watson is a Reggie Cleveland all-star in two ways.
2008-07-22 10:21:07
119.   Doctor
Do we know why De Jesus hasnt played since the 18th?
2008-07-22 10:21:08
120.   blue22
115 - His K-rate is perfectly in-line with his career numbers. It's about 1/inning, with about a 3.5:1 BB:K rate too.

He's actually a pretty good pitcher, and not really worthy of the ironic tag of PVL.

2008-07-22 10:21:55
121.   Eric Stephen
115
Excellent use of Robin-speak!

Street's K/9
2005: 8.27
2006: 8.53
2007: 12.78
2008: 8.79

Looks like last year was the outlier, and Street's K-rate is normal.

2008-07-22 10:22:29
122.   JoeyP
Ned probably hasnt read the "Selling the Closer" chapter in Moneyball.
2008-07-22 10:24:24
123.   Lexinthedena
Bobby Crosby is a PVD.
2008-07-22 10:26:00
124.   fanerman
120 Oops he had a spike in his K/G (using THT stats so it's K/G and not K/9) last year, so this year he's back in line with his career numbers. His FIP is still a whole run worse this year than previous years. Is that solely due to his home run rate?
2008-07-22 10:27:36
125.   D4P
I don't like GMs who think that Closer is a position.
2008-07-22 10:28:13
126.   Disabled List
115 LOL. I didn't realize Street was only 24. Seems like he's been around long enough to be a PVL though.
2008-07-22 10:30:16
127.   GoBears
Welcome, sporky.

It makes me feel old to know that you're just starting college. On the other hand, if more people your age knew what you know about baseball, the world would be in good hands.

The revolution will be televised. Unfortunately, Joe Buck and Tim McCarver will be calling the action.

2008-07-22 10:30:27
128.   bigcpa
125 Same guys who equate "leadoff hitter" with "point guard."
2008-07-22 10:30:48
129.   Jon Weisman
Farewell, Estelle Getty
2008-07-22 10:31:00
130.   Disabled List
Tom Verducci lists the five best seasons by a closer in baseball history, but purposely leaves Eric Gagne's 2003 season off the list because of "his inclusion in the Mitchell Report, and his freefall in The Testing Era."

Sigh.

2008-07-22 10:31:06
131.   Jon Weisman
127 - I thought it was grad school.
2008-07-22 10:31:47
132.   Jon Weisman
John Sickels looks back at his December 2007 Dodger prospect list

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2008/7/22/576581/los-angeles-dodgers-top-20

2008-07-22 10:33:03
133.   sporky
131 It is. I'm a quarter-century old.
2008-07-22 10:33:05
134.   cargill06
We've been rumored to talking to Baltimore about George Sherrill also.
2008-07-22 10:34:30
135.   blue22
Wow. Huston Street is about 10 months older than Jon Broxton, has only year of service time on him, and has thrown less than 30 more career innings than Broxton.
2008-07-22 10:35:32
136.   fanerman
133 You're older than that PVL Huston Street!
2008-07-22 10:35:53
137.   CajunDodger
47
Been reading the posts, but not the threads lately:

What about a D-Young/Pierre platoon in Left with Kemp and Dre playing everyday. If we really want to put the best outfield out there, Young's bat plays better than Pierre's and his defense can't be so bad that he can't catch a ball.

Jones would develop "complications" to his knee and be stashed on the DL again after "rushing back". He would then "find his swing" in the offseason just in time for Spring Training next year.

2008-07-22 10:36:28
138.   Lexinthedena
Bizarre. It really feels like Street has been around for a long time.
2008-07-22 10:36:47
139.   sporky
136 Noooo!
2008-07-22 10:36:47
140.   Eric Stephen
129
The first Golden Girl to go? And wasn't she the youngest actor of the four women despite playing the oldest character on the show?
2008-07-22 10:36:47
141.   cargill06
130 what was Gagne's FIP in 2003, using todays factor it would've been 0.85
2008-07-22 10:36:50
142.   Bob Timmermann
133
I remember when I was a quarter century old. Sporky was eight and likely crying in disbelief that the upstart young Braves could actually beat out the Darryl Strawberry-Hubie Brooks Dodgers to win the NL West.

If I ever adopt a stray animal I don't like, I'm going to name it "Trevor Wilson."

2008-07-22 10:37:06
143.   D4P
135
It's almost as if...no...could Broxton actually be our Closer...???
2008-07-22 10:38:10
144.   Lexinthedena
142 I will name mine "Mark Guthrie."
2008-07-22 10:38:21
145.   Bob Timmermann
145
Kyra Sedgwick is ... The Closer.
2008-07-22 10:38:37
146.   sporky
I would only adopt stray animals I liked.
2008-07-22 10:39:03
147.   fanerman
139 Sorry! I'm nearly a quarter century old myself.
2008-07-22 10:39:49
148.   LogikReader
By the way, I think Huston Street is an injury waiting to happen. Any kind of trade for a reliever at this stage is well... not necessary?
2008-07-22 10:40:24
149.   Lexinthedena
I have a cat named Sascha Vujacic.
2008-07-22 10:40:35
150.   Bob Timmermann
Dodger Thoughts in 1991:

"How can a laughingstock organization like the Braves get to be so good so fast? Glavine and Smoltz were terrible last year! And Terry Pendleton! Gimme a break!

Look at the Dodgers offense! Except for shortstop, it's great! If only Lasorda would use Steve Wilson in high leverage situations."

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-07-22 10:41:39
151.   fanerman
I wonder if NedCo also thinks that Huston Street is nearly 30 years old.
2008-07-22 10:44:24
152.   cargill06
Dan ( Boston): HEY BUSTER!!! How about taking a Red Sox question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Huston Street rumors are floating around boston, but do we really want to trade with Beane- seems like everyone who does loses, is Bowden gonna be part of any deal- or will someone take Delcarmen or Hansen off our hands? Thanks Buster!!

Buster Olney: (1:30 PM ET ) Dan: Street scared a lot of evaluators last Saturday with his outing in Yankee Stadium -- diminished velocity, lowered arm angle, and that will make it tough for him against lefties. It'll be interesting to see if somebody gets aggressive and overlooks his recent outings, or if Oakland decides to hang onto him and put him out on the market this winter, which they are very comfortable doing...

2008-07-22 10:45:09
153.   Xeifrank
134. Sherrill is pretty good. He's a Guo-lite reliever.
vr, Xei
2008-07-22 10:45:20
154.   sporky
If Ozuna was the last acquisition this month, I'll name my future adopted stray animal Colletti.
2008-07-22 10:45:23
155.   GoBears
133. Ah. My apologies. But, in my own defense, you look so much younger in the comments. (I think it's the "squee").

I musta missed the clarification. Oh - and they have on-campus housing for grad students?

What field?

2008-07-22 10:45:29
156.   cargill06
one more...

Mike (Albany, NY): Hi Buster, It sounds like Andy LaRoche is on his way out of L.A. Any idea if the Dodgers are in on Beltre? Or another SS/3B?

Buster Olney: (1:34 PM ET ) Mike: There are a bunch of teams who've talked about LaRoche, but they've gotten very frustrated in dealing with the Dodgers. He is the one guy among the many L.A. prospects that rival execs say is clearly, absolutely available. So yes, I think he'll be traded. To whom, I'm not yet sure.

2008-07-22 10:45:36
157.   jasonungar07
Furcal was "taking grounders" so when Pierre is actually back given our medical staff then i'll believe it and worry. For now I like what I see from the top of the order. Kemp has extra base hits (9 in 15 games or so vs 5 in 50 games or so for JP) to go along with higher avg and OB. Pitchers can't miss with Kemp and get away with even though if they try as hard as they can and they can and execute their pitches they can probably get him out. It's not the same with JP. They pitch to solid contact with him. I hope Kemp goes on a tear and maybe the reason they put Pierre in leadoff is to hit Kemp 4th. Otherwise keep it.
2008-07-22 10:46:57
158.   KingKopitar
I think people see that the Dodgers just lost their closer and are linking them to closers that available. I really doubt the Dodgers are going to give up anything good for a closer.
2008-07-22 10:47:10
159.   sporky
Diamond joins in:

The Dodgers are currently scouting the A's, though interest in closer Huston Street and shortstop Bobby Crosby appears lukewarm at this time. What's interesting is that the team also continues to scout the Blue Jays, and they've been doing so since May. The Blue Jays have infielders David Eckstein, John McDonald and Marco Scutaro to offer and maybe even pitcher A.J. Burnett. Reportedly, the Blue Jays have scouted Class A Great Lakes.

2008-07-22 10:47:19
160.   LogikReader
152

Mr. Lippman is not pleased with Dan in Boston's punctuation.

2008-07-22 10:47:39
161.   blue22
157 - I'd be just fine with leaving Kemp in the leadoff spot, if it meant him taking over centerfield from a benched Jones and putting Pierre in LF/8th.
2008-07-22 10:47:57
162.   fanerman
156 (sigh) Buster. Most of them aren't prospects. They're major leaguers. Does everybody (ie, the media) still think we're fielding a team of prospects?
2008-07-22 10:48:18
163.   sporky
155 Yep. I won the housing lottery!

Public health.

2008-07-22 10:48:26
164.   KingKopitar
There's supposed to be an "are" somewhere in there.
2008-07-22 10:49:43
165.   ginocimoli
The Dodgers are in need of a third baseman. They have one in Andy LaRoche, the 16th ranked prospect in all of baseball. What is the problem?

If Colletti trades Matt Kemp, he'll live in baseball infamy. This kid is gifted-- just let him play. In centerfield.

2008-07-22 10:52:55
166.   jasonungar07
I'm with ya Blue22. I'm more with CajunDodger though. I'd rather see DY get AB's than Pierre.
2008-07-22 10:53:25
167.   sporky
Against my better judgment, I'm quoting Rosenthal:

>>The Phillies, frustrated by their offense over the past month, are actively looking for a hitter as well as a reliever. They discussed the Rockies' Matt Holliday, inquired about the Pirates' Xavier Nady and even made a call about the Dodgers' Matt Kemp — thus far, all to no avail.<<

2008-07-22 10:53:41
168.   blue22
165 - I'm quite comfortable that Ned won't trade Kemp, Billz, Martin, Loney, Broxton, Kershaw or even Ethier at this point. Everyone else under the age of 25 should be on notice though.
2008-07-22 10:53:42
169.   GoBears
163. Well, best of luck! Let me know if you need to take any political science courses. Wouldn't be one of mine, I'm sure, but I know people.
2008-07-22 10:54:17
170.   sporky
167

>>Here's quite a statement on the decline of Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones: A rival evaluator, noting that the Dodgers have recently played Jones, shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and second baseman Jeff Kent in their up-the-middle positions, said that Jones was the worst defender of the three.<<

2008-07-22 10:55:33
171.   still bevens
Yes! More shortstops! Lets get Lugo too!
2008-07-22 10:57:09
172.   blue22
170 - That seems...incorrect.
2008-07-22 10:57:14
173.   Eric Stephen
150
Also from 1991: "I don't want to jinx Ron Walden, who technically doesn't exist yet. From now on, let's use a fictional being to describe him, as to not get our hopes up."

Also, commenter C4L&C was quick to note that he predicted free agent signee Darryl Strawberry -- only 10 HR, 36 RBI, .238/.354/.426 on July 22-- would be a bust.

2008-07-22 10:58:46
174.   cargill06
Roger (Pasadena, CA): Do you think the Dodgers need to make a move? I'm tired of seeing Coletti give away our young talent for the likes of Hendrickson and Proctor. In fact, I'm wracking my brain trying to figure a single big money move colletti has made that hasn't sucked (oh wait, Furcal has been a good move).

Rob Neyer: Not a great track record to this point, but of course he does love his veterans ... The Dodgers were my preseason pick, but I didn't anticipate the injuries or Andruw Jones' further decline. I think they probably need to make a move. Or give LaRoche the job at third base, which would be sort of like making a trade for a real third baseman.

2008-07-22 11:01:36
175.   CajunDodger
168
I tend to think that unless we can come up with something imminently fair, we can do just fine by sending Jones to the bench, sticking with LaRoche, and just going the rest of the season knowing that if we go 1-4 out of the SS position, it is a good game. No sense in really overpaying for anyting.

That said, I can see Ned getting Jack Wilson for some package that includes Hu, DeJesus/Paul, and a Loons pitcher.

2008-07-22 11:01:51
176.   Disabled List
C4L&C...

I feel like this is something I should know, but my brain's not working today.

2008-07-22 11:01:58
177.   jasonungar07
Toronto has no players with an OPS over 796. Wow.
2008-07-22 11:02:05
178.   Lexinthedena
174 And then one day, I'll be a real third baseman!
2008-07-22 11:02:13
179.   Paul S
Why specifically are other teams frustrated in dealing with the Dodgers? Please elaborate...
2008-07-22 11:03:46
180.   blue22
179 - The fractured front office. Between McCourt, Colletti, Ng/White, and maybe even Torre, teams apparently don't know what the Dodgers want to do or who they're willing to trade.

Mostly outside speculation from unnamed sources.

2008-07-22 11:03:52
181.   Ken Noe
179 Supposedly because Ned makes deals and Frank cancels them after consulting with Logan White.
2008-07-22 11:04:01
182.   Eric Stephen
176
Think of an animal associated with men's formal wear.
2008-07-22 11:04:10
183.   LogikReader
177

But at least they like baseball a lot!

2008-07-22 11:04:25
184.   Neal Pollack
Please just let the trading deadline pass without a major move...why can't Colletti see that he's got a winning team here? Look at how they've been playing!
2008-07-22 11:04:38
185.   fanerman
179 We hypothesize:

Random GM: "I'll trade you Jack Wilson for Matt Kemp."
NedCo and Ng/White: "Um, no."
Random GM, to reporter: "The Dodgers won't trade any of their prospects."

2008-07-22 11:05:15
186.   Scanman33
179-Because they released all their players over the age of 40, making trade discussions with Ned futile.
2008-07-22 11:05:25
187.   bigcpa
To me all signs point to LaRoche for Jack Wilson. Nomar slides to 3B. DeWitt spells Kent the rest of the year.
2008-07-22 11:05:46
188.   fordprefect
90
Kudos!

--sorry, was away for awhile,
your predicament wasn't encouraging.

Glad to hear you surmounted it.

2008-07-22 11:06:21
189.   Scanman33
185-The part of "Reporter" is being played by Ken Rosenthal in this scene.
2008-07-22 11:07:02
190.   Scanman33
187-I think Ozuna was brought on board to spell Kent.
2008-07-22 11:07:03
191.   Lexinthedena
189 I'd rather have Troy McClure.
2008-07-22 11:07:54
192.   Disabled List
182 Cey for Lovelace & Cataline. Nice.

I would've gone with T4P, myself.

2008-07-22 11:08:37
193.   blue22
179 - The only thing I've seen that has a bit of substance to it was the proposed Sabathia deal. My interpretation of what happened:

Ned was told it would take Kemp to get Sabathia.

Ned went to McCourt and said here's what we need to do in order to get the best pitcher in baseball to play for our team.

McCourt said no, Ned agreed.

Kemp is still a Dodger.

2008-07-22 11:09:36
194.   Ken Noe
185 189 Random GM: "I'll trade you Jack Wilson for Matt Kemp."
NedCo and Ng/White: "Um, no."
Random GM, to Pittsburgh hot dog vendor: "No go on Kemp."
Vendor to Rosenthal: "No go on Kemp."
Rosenthal: "The Dodgers won't trade any of their prospects."
2008-07-22 11:10:39
195.   Louis in SF
I hate to quote Olney but actually find him a bit more reliable than some of the other baseball talking heads, but he made the point last night that Street's velocity has been down and he has not looked impressive in his last few outings. If he came to the Dodgers he should set up Broxton.

I don't think Penny will be traded since alot has to happen by Aug 1 for his rehab, and I don't think he would clear waivers after August 1. If the Dodgers are going to go for it, Lowe even though he has the expiring contract might be more valuable because he could also be in the bullpen as a closer if Broxton got shakey.

2008-07-22 11:11:46
196.   Scanman33
194-Random GM was actually talking about Steve Kemp being elected to the Pirate Hall of Fame.
2008-07-22 11:12:40
197.   Jon Weisman
190 - I can spell Kent. K-E-N-T.
2008-07-22 11:13:09
198.   underdog
189/191 - "Hi, I'm Ken Rosenthal. You might remember me from such false, groundless rumors as "Matt Kemp for Adrian Beltre" "Brad Penny for Buster Olney" and "Everyone Loves Chlamydia ."
2008-07-22 11:13:17
199.   ginocimoli
Martin, Kemp, Loney, Ethier, LaRoche, Billingsley, Kershaw, Broxton, Kuo--who else has a core of stellar talent like that? Leave it alone. Just let it ripen.

Jones, Pierre, Schmidt--who else has that much expensive dead weight? Just let it go.

Ned: Please don't screw this up at the trading deadline. It's a once in a generation kind of thing. This team could go to the top and stay there for years.

2008-07-22 11:13:28
200.   CajunDodger
185
I actually hope we hear more of these stories. The more we hear about how hard the Dodgers are to deal with, it probably just means that we are less likely to make a deal like Seattle made for Bedard.

There simply is not an impact player to be had in the position of need (SS) for anything less than a stupid sum of prospects. Ozuna is a Marlon Anderson type that we can throw against the wall to see if he sticks. Maza, no; Hu, not yet; Berroa, no; Ozuna, who knows?

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-07-22 11:13:30
201.   cargill06
I've heard from multiple sources now that Rosenthal gets his sources from concession vendors.
2008-07-22 11:14:48
202.   D4P
197
But not as well as this person:

http://tinyurl.com/magicfingers

2008-07-22 11:16:23
203.   KingKopitar
199 The Kings!
2008-07-22 11:16:52
204.   Scanman33
197-I heard that was one of the prerequisites for joining Kent's Finer Things Veterans Club.
2008-07-22 11:17:09
205.   sporky
169 Thanks!
2008-07-22 11:17:49
206.   goofus
176 I took it to mean "D4P", but what do I know?
2008-07-22 11:18:23
207.   JJ42
Hey Sporky, what department of public health will you be in? I was in CHS.
2008-07-22 11:19:15
208.   sporky
My boss: "So I hear the Dodgers are looking to get Crosby for LaRoche."

He's getting back at me for the grape Jolly Ranchers.

2008-07-22 11:20:10
209.   sporky
207 Epidemiology
2008-07-22 11:21:06
210.   Bob Timmermann
You can now go to Yankee Stadium without fear of getting skin cancer.

http://tinyurl.com/6z2cs8

2008-07-22 11:23:46
211.   Jon Weisman
202 - Ah, who could forget her?
2008-07-22 11:24:12
212.   D4P
210
But watch out for exploding sunscreen containers.
2008-07-22 11:24:50
213.   Louis in SF
On other thought is their anyone on the Tampa Bay roster we could get they need pitching, but off hand don't see any fits.
2008-07-22 11:25:03
214.   D4P
211
My wife has seen her twice (2 times!) at WholeFoods here in Durham, but I've missed her both times.
2008-07-22 11:25:10
215.   Jon Weisman
209 - My best friend from college went to grad school in that.
2008-07-22 11:26:57
216.   Scanman33
210-This just in: Since 1995, ESPN has seen a 475% spike in skin cancer diagnoses among its employees.
2008-07-22 11:33:02
217.   Xeifrank
213. Brignac or Bartlett is all I can think of. vr, Xei
2008-07-22 11:37:43
218.   cargill06
Xei, just curious did your simulator have any 16-10 finals for last night?
2008-07-22 11:41:41
219.   Brent Knapp
51 Has anyone ever determined what a SB is worth in runs? Does it vary team by team or era by era? I can't imagine it's worth 5/6 of a run like Dodgers vs. Padres this year.
2008-07-22 11:51:20
220.   Xeifrank
218. A couple runs of the upcoming USC/Ohio State game had that score. :) I don't track all the individual game scores. I could, but there really isn't much usage for me to have that info. If I had to guess, most of the scores would probably come up 5-4 and 6-5. vr, Xei
2008-07-22 11:52:22
221.   Xeifrank
219. Google "linear weights". SB has a run value and so does a time caught stealing.
vr, Xei
2008-07-22 11:53:16
222.   sporky
There's a hint of a rumor that the Rockies want Clay Buchholz for Fuentes. I don't know if any of these Holliday/Fuentes demands are true, but dang, Mr. O'Dowd.
2008-07-22 11:54:27
223.   Mike De Leon
34. The proof is in what torre has said before and is saying now. In the last post devoted to the LaRoche/DeWitt debate torre said:

A lot of the young guys, if they're not hitting well, will let it affect the other side," Torre said. "He (DeWitt) is pretty grounded.

"It's not affecting his defense. And he's going to give you an honest at-bat." ...

Torre said he was going by "feel" in choosing DeWitt to play the majority of the time.

"It probably worked against LaRoche that I've seen so much of DeWitt," Torre said. "It's not anything against LaRoche. Blake is filling the bill, so to speak."

So all of a sudden DeWitt's not 'filling the bill', so much that he's benched the next 3 games in favor of Andy? It doesn't make any sense, especially when you factor in that DeWitt started against the last LH they faced, the only logical conclusion is that torre's been told to show case him for a possible deal.

2008-07-22 11:54:42
224.   Xeifrank
221. Which would be...
Stolen base .175 runs
CS = -.467 runs
Source: Tabe 7, The Book, page 28.
vr, Xei
2008-07-22 11:57:49
225.   Bob Timmermann
222
I guess the Rockies want to corner the Buchholz market. I think Bucchholz is too young, too impulsive. I wouldn't want him on my team until he could prove he could catch fish out of a stream with his bare hands.
2008-07-22 11:58:22
226.   Xeifrank
Juan Pierre
Stolen base linear weights, run value.
(35 .175) - (7 .467) = 2.856 runs
= 0.272 wins.

Another way to evaluate it would be to look at the WPA of each stolen base and caught stealing, as all stolen bases and times caught stealing are not equal (See: Dave Roberts W.S.).
vr, Xei

2008-07-22 11:59:10
227.   Eric Stephen
220
I hope The Ohio State had the 10!

USC has scored at least 20 points in 76 of its last 78 games, and have averaged 37.9 points per game during that 6-year span.

2008-07-22 11:59:48
228.   Xeifrank
226. ha, it reformatted my multiplication asterisk. Try this. vr, Xei
Juan Pierre
Stolen base linear weights, run value.
(35 x .175) - (7 x .467) = 2.856 runs
= 0.272 wins.
2008-07-22 12:00:43
229.   jasonungar07
the only other logical conclusion is that DeWitt has hit .182 in June and .217 in July and they want to see what LaRoache will do
2008-07-22 12:01:00
230.   Bob Timmermann
227
Which really made the 2006 UCLA-USC game seem really, really, really, really, (x10) weird.

I spent the whole game saying, "Who are these guys out there? And what have they done with the USC defense?"

And Lane Kiffin parlayed that performance into an NFL head coaching job!

How do you do!

2008-07-22 12:01:04
231.   Xeifrank
227. They did, they dominated the game but all those turnovers in the "red zone" killed them. vr, Xei
2008-07-22 12:01:25
232.   Bob Timmermann
230
"And what have they done with the USC OFFENSE?"
2008-07-22 12:01:39
233.   sporky
Torre: I need a power-hitting 3B.
Logan: You have one.

(Andy waves excitedly)

2008-07-22 12:03:03
234.   sporky
225 They would still have another Buchholz left to acquire.

http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=36315

2008-07-22 12:03:35
235.   Xeifrank
I'm not too worried about a LaRoche trade at the moment. As long as all trades are being ran by either White or Ng, I think we are ok. Exploring trade options is part PR and part due dillegence, all the rumors just come with the territory this time of year.
vr, Xei
2008-07-22 12:05:24
236.   Eric Stephen
230
If I remember correctly, my brother and I spent most of that game yelling at the TV (amazingly, Kiffin & Pete Carroll couldn't hear us from Yorba Linda) to get the ball to Jarrett and Smith, but to no avail.
2008-07-22 12:09:52
237.   Bob Timmermann
236
That game was so unusual for USC in the Pete Carroll Era because USC was outcoached in a game.

By a Karl Dorrell-led staff!

That would like me losing a game of Trivial Pursuit where all the categories were based on TV shows to xeifrank.

2008-07-22 12:13:27
238.   Eric Stephen
237
I actually like to think the only reason Xeifrank eschews TV talk on DT is because he spends so much of his non-DT life as a TV critic.

He's actually Tim Goodman.

2008-07-22 12:13:50
239.   underdog
225 Too bad Horst passed away a few years ago.
2008-07-22 12:15:31
240.   trainwreck
At least Bob is pleasing me with the UCLA trash talk.

This Eckstein and Crosby stuff is scaring me.

2008-07-22 12:15:51
241.   Kevin Lewis
174

That post is hilarious. If we keep LaRoche at third, it is like we traded for a third baseman...I love it.

Now I need to work on breathing exercises because this thread is freaking me out.

2008-07-22 12:18:55
242.   Eric Stephen
More Golden Girls talk (or as I quickly, mistakenly, and embarrassingly answered on the Facebook 1980s sitcom trivia, "The Golden Years"), here are the birthdays of the 4 leads:

White - 1/17/22
Arthur - 5/13/22
Getty - 7/25/23
McClanahan - 5/21/34 (the baby of the group)

2008-07-22 12:20:00
243.   Tripon
So, are we trading Juan Pierre for a reliever yet, or what?
2008-07-22 12:20:20
244.   cargill06
242 those are some PVL's
2008-07-22 12:21:03
245.   trainwreck
I saw an episode of The Golden Palace only to be amazed that Don Cheadle was a regular on the show.

And of course Cheech.

2008-07-22 12:21:46
246.   cargill06
Wouldn't it be nice if the next time Kent saw Plashcke he gets in his face a yells, "Come after me! I'm a man! I'm 40!"
2008-07-22 12:33:15
247.   Tripon
Does Rosenthal dislike the Dodgers?
2008-07-22 12:35:02
248.   Jon Weisman
From the press notes:

"The Dodgers' eight first-inning runs last night made them the first team since the 2000 White Sox to score eight or more runs in the first inning twice in a season."

"Tonight, the Dodgers will play their 100th game of the season. Last year, the club was 56-44 after 100 contests, but went 26-36 the rest of the way to miss the playoffs. In 2006, Los Angeles was 47-53 at this point and then went 41-21 down the stretch, claiming the NL Wild Card."

2008-07-22 12:35:56
249.   trainwreck
247
It seems like someone with an agenda in our organization just feeds him garbage to rip on our young players.
2008-07-22 12:36:01
250.   underdog
Heh. Someone (perhaps one of you?) posted this on the MLBTraderumors Live Chat going on as we speak:

"[Comment From logan white]
if coletti trades andy la roche for eric chavez, i'm going to have to kill someone"

(Tim's response was "I see zero chance of that, I think Chavvy is on the DL.")

Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-07-22 12:36:13
251.   Gen3Blue
re 174 It is not at all rare that the Dodgers get chided for playing less than their best.

I think it was at BP today or yesterday, Joe Sheehan mentioned that if the Dodgers started Bills, Kershaw, Kou, Lowe and Kuroda, they would be harder to hit than a "78 year old nun".

It would be awful to trade for a third baseman with good power potential and a great knowledge of the strike zone that wasn't LaRoche. And maybe there is something I don't know, but Dewitt's size and reactions indicate to me he could be a wonderful 2nd baseman.

2008-07-22 12:39:40
252.   trainwreck
250
I don't think Ned is dumb enough to trade for a player that is incapable of playing.
2008-07-22 12:40:37
253.   Bob Timmermann
249
The only person in the organization with such an agenda would likely be Lasorda.
2008-07-22 12:41:26
254.   delias man
Now i know why Torre has always irritated me. vs. Drysdale in 100 PA 348/390/511.
2008-07-22 12:41:39
255.   Lexinthedena
251 DeWitt is bigger than people think. I agree though, that he would be a decent 2nd baseman. Only if he can hit major league pitching at an above average clip.
2008-07-22 12:44:34
256.   sporky
Ned Colletti's intellect is a rule 6 violation just waiting to happen.
2008-07-22 12:46:31
257.   Marty
I seem to remember Brock being very happy with the outcome of that 2006 game.
2008-07-22 12:46:37
258.   Tripon
252 I don't think Ned is dumb enough to trade for a player that is incapable of playing.

He just signs them as Free Agents.

2008-07-22 12:47:08
259.   Lexinthedena
253 That makes so much sense.
2008-07-22 12:49:19
260.   Marty
Last game I was at with bhsportsguy, we could see Lasorda sitting alone in his box. He reminded me of the old Don in Corleone from the Godfather II. I was waiting to see if DeNiro was going to walk up to him.
2008-07-22 12:50:09
261.   trainwreck
253
Him and a certain veteran player that was part of a group that complained to Plaschke about Matt Kemp.
2008-07-22 12:50:25
262.   dzzrtRatt
253 Well, there's Kent, who has been stepping out with Jamie McCourt and might be giving her talking points between bites of tofu. And Lowe, who wants another World Series on his jacket as he hits the market, and is involved with a woman with sports media connections.

It's interesting, all of a sudden, the Kemp-bashing has been replaced by "strange new respect" for him. I gather this means Kent, Lowe and Lasorda have decided he can help the Dodgers win. So now they're circling LaRoche.

The reason I don't think LaRoche gets traded is the "for whom?" question. There is nobody out there who's good enough to equate to LaRoche's real value. "Trade LaRoche" is a somewhat empty call to action, just as "trade Kemp" was.

2008-07-22 12:52:10
263.   dzzrtRatt
255 What DeWitt clearly needs is a stint in AAA. I'd feel a lot more confident giving up LaRoche if DeWitt was farther along. He might be good, it's just too soon to tell.
2008-07-22 12:52:12
264.   Bob Timmermann
262
Would anyone at Fox Sports now give Carolyn Hughes the time of day?
2008-07-22 12:52:17
265.   D4P
There is nobody out there who's good enough to equate to LaRoche's real value

Do you think Ned is aware of/appreciates said value?

2008-07-22 12:54:27
266.   underdog
Wow, there's been like 10 Andy LaRoche questions on that MLBTR chat. He's a hot topic, apparently.
2008-07-22 12:59:18
267.   cargill06
The Dodgers have suggested Kershaw has improved his off speed stuff since he's been sent down to AA.

Well, I offer actual hard evedience that he's improved. When he was demoted he sported an ERA+ of 99 and today stands at 100+. So, it is offical since demoted he's progressed from a below avergae pitcher to and average pitcher.

2008-07-22 13:00:11
268.   cargill06
267 When he was demoted he sported an ERA+ of 99 and today stands at 100. So, it is offical since demoted he's progressed from a below avergae pitcher to and average pitcher.
2008-07-22 13:07:03
269.   dzzrtRatt
264 A source is a source. And she probably left a lot of friends behind who realized she couldn't keep her job but didn't necessarily think she should be shunned. What did she ever do to alienate, oh, Ken Rosenthal? Were they dating?
2008-07-22 13:07:35
270.   GMac In The 909
Old friend Randy Wolf has been traded to the Astros, per MLBtraderumors.
2008-07-22 13:09:06
271.   underdog
270 - Heard that rumor for awhile, sounded pretty solid so not surprised. Though it's kind of weird that the Astros think they can make the playoffs this year.
2008-07-22 13:10:41
272.   Bluebleeder87
I never thought I'd say this but Pierre IS better than Jones at this point.
2008-07-22 13:11:00
273.   Bob Timmermann
The Astros are 10 games out of the wild card.

And the Reds have a better record too.

2008-07-22 13:13:47
274.   cargill06
Ned Colletti will be on 710 within the next half hour I belive.
2008-07-22 13:13:51
275.   trainwreck
271
Good old Ed Wade. Has no business anywhere near a GM's office.
2008-07-22 13:15:02
276.   underdog
274 Get your "Save Andy" questions/comments ready and then call in.

275 - Looks like the Pads got a decent pitching prospect in return, too. (Nothing stellar, but solid.)

2008-07-22 13:15:13
277.   Bluebleeder87
271 I heard an interview with the big boss over there & the dude still thinks they have a fighting chance over there.
2008-07-22 13:15:18
278.   Bob Timmermann
274
Is he going to Long Beach?
2008-07-22 13:15:49
279.   Neal Pollack
You think we've got a bad GM? I'd hate to be an Astros fan.
2008-07-22 13:16:17
280.   cargill06
278 Bell Gardens
2008-07-22 13:17:51
281.   Bob Timmermann
280
Who wouldn't want to spend a lovely summer day in Bell Gardens? Especially if you want to engage in some legal gambling.
2008-07-22 13:18:39
282.   Tripon
Ed Wade.

He makes grown men cry. Like Randy WOlf.

2008-07-22 13:19:18
283.   bigcpa
Evan Longoria started his career with 125 pa's of .210/.309/.381 and 31 k's. He gets a 6-year extension. Our guy gets "showcased." Lovely.
2008-07-22 13:22:26
284.   Jon Weisman
272 - I never thought I'd say that either.
2008-07-22 13:26:58
285.   Jon Weisman
Know Your Third-Base Coach

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=953

2008-07-22 13:28:54
286.   the count
265 - Sure, he got Dionner Navarro right. Right?
2008-07-22 13:28:57
287.   still bevens
I think the Astros main problem is that their owner is delusional. Wade leaves alot to be desired but I think this call is being made from up top.
2008-07-22 13:31:43
288.   68elcamino427
The return of Kershaw is very exciting.
If he can locate down and on the corners tonight at 92-98 ...

Something that I love to see is Kershaw painting that inside corner at 97 mph to the right handed hitter. SSSSSSTT, right by your knee caps if you're the batter.

Sometimes the umps don't give Kershaw and Broxton those calls - because the umps can't see those balls, they can only hear them.

Glad Kershaw isn't employing the slider yet.
At 20 he's still growing. Latter, when he's 23-24 and he combines that slider ala The Big Unit on the righty hitters ... Oh my

For today - Locating Fastball - (down in and away) (and four seamers up high on the letters) changing speeds from 92 to 97+.
Mix in the change-up. Public Enemy #1 will probably fall suspect to the mile-high altitude. That was contributing too some of Stults troubles last night.

The Minotaur Returns!

2008-07-22 13:31:50
289.   trainwreck
287
Drayton McLane sure is terrible, which is why he would hire Ed Wade.
2008-07-22 13:32:09
290.   Tripon
Didn't DePo acquire Dionner Navarro and Ned traded away Navarro to the Rays to pick up Baez, and Seo? Not that I care much even if Navarro's an all star caliber catcher since by the time we traded Navarro, Russell Martin was on the fast track to the majors.
2008-07-22 13:34:47
291.   cargill06
290 Seo was aquired from the Mets for Duaner Sanchez
2008-07-22 13:35:53
292.   Eric Stephen
290
Navarro & Seo (& Ruggiano) were sent to fetch Hendrickson, and Toby Hall.

E-Jax & Tiffany were sent to acquire Baez & Carter.

2008-07-22 13:35:54
293.   blue22
290 - Seo/Navarro for Hall/Hendrickson? Was that it?
2008-07-22 13:36:15
294.   El Lay Dave
290 Navarro was traded with Seo and Justin Ruggiano for Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall. (You're right about the GMs.)
2008-07-22 13:36:16
295.   Andrew Shimmin
Navarro and Seo went to Tampa for Hendrickson and Toby Hall.
2008-07-22 13:36:27
296.   D4P
I think Ned traded Navarro for the 8th Best Lefthander In The American League.
2008-07-22 13:36:45
297.   Eric Stephen
291
Whither Steve Schmoll? :)
2008-07-22 13:36:45
298.   Andrew Shimmin
D'oh.
2008-07-22 13:43:42
299.   Fallout
For those with trading fears here is a little fuel...LaRoche for Maddux.
2008-07-22 13:44:47
300.   Marty
Anyone know who we got for Navarro?
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-07-22 13:44:59
301.   JoeyP
I doubt Ned would pay more for Maddux now, than he did 2 years ago.
2008-07-22 13:45:34
302.   Eric Stephen
299
I think Mike Maddux would be an improvement over current pitching coach and 1983 AL ERA champ Rick Honeycutt.
2008-07-22 13:45:43
303.   Marty
Ned liked Hendrickson because "he got people on base pretty good".
2008-07-22 13:46:01
304.   trainwreck
299
Trading LaRoche to a divisional opponent for nothing is burning effigy worthy.
2008-07-22 13:46:50
305.   Tripon
Toby Hall! ESPN shows that he's actually having a decent season as the White Sox's backup catcher.
2008-07-22 13:50:20
306.   Fallout
302 Eric Stephen
:)
2008-07-22 13:52:30
307.   JoeyP
The Wolf trade makes sense for the Astros in a couple ways:

#1. They can get draft picks for him if he signs elsewhere after offering arbitration.

#2. If he accepts arbitration, they'll get him for a rather reasonable 1yr deal. He's only making 4.5 mils this year. Given that Runny Hernandez had been starting for the Astros, they need all the help they can get.

Wolf's penchant for giving up homers, and the Astros ballpark, dont really seem like a good fit though.

Regardless, the 2 picks they get should be better than the non-prospect they gave up.

2008-07-22 13:53:23
308.   wronghanded
Those mlbtraderumor threads are hilarious. Several commenters stating that LaRoche is no longer a prospect and that his stock has plummeted dramatically (more than Brandon Wood). One commenter seemed convinced that the A's could get LaRoche and Kemp for Street, Crosby and Sweeney. If I actually had an account with the site, I'd pose this simple question: If Kemp and LaRoche's value are so low, why is just about every other team inquiring about them in trade talks?
2008-07-22 13:54:48
309.   68elcamino427
ON The Clock:

Only 226 hours remain (approx)

2008-07-22 13:56:30
310.   overkill94
307 Are you sure he's even a Type B free agent? His numbers the last three years are pretty poor and he hasn't pitched that many innings in that span either.
2008-07-22 13:58:30
311.   KingKopitar
262 It's weird, ever since the Dodgers came back against Arizona thanks to Kemp it's like he's off the hook. He "improved" his approach from one game to the next and "came through in the clutch," so now he's okay. It's weird but it seems like that's what happened.

I'm convinced Laroche will play well these next two games and will gradually take over at 3rd. Broxton will be fine and Hu will eventually prove he deserves to come up and take over at short until Furcal comes back. The cream rises to the top, people.

Any word on Abreu?

2008-07-22 13:59:25
312.   Tripon
307 Except they're shooting themselves in the foot on two fronts. say Wolf pitches fairly well, and wins 5 or 6 games for the Astros. That's five or six wins more than they should have gotten, and five or six wins away from a high draft pick.

And if Wolf stinks up the joint, you run the risk of him accepting arbitration, and suddenly paying for a $7 million pitcher that has a post 5.00 ERA.

2008-07-22 13:59:47
313.   overkill94
Real quick for the San Diego residents on here - are you getting the game tonight? I'm driving down tonight so that I can do work early tomorrow down there, but I don't want to miss the game. Using tvguide.com it doesn't look like you get Prime Ticket, but I just wanted to make sure.
2008-07-22 13:59:54
314.   delias man
Cargill is a punk for making me listen to 710 for this long already.
2008-07-22 14:01:10
315.   JoeyP
His deal is only 4.5 mils this year.
I doubt if he accepts arbitration, that his jump in salary would be that much.
2008-07-22 14:03:25
316.   wronghanded
313 San Diego makes it a point to blackout all Dodger games that aren't nationally televised.
2008-07-22 14:05:01
317.   Eric Stephen
307
Wolf is making more $$$, but I'm not sure what will be counted come arbitration time. His base salary is $4.75m, plus he gets the following bonuses:

$175k for starts 11-30 (he has made 21 so far)
$250k for 190 IP
$500k for 200 IP (he is currently at 119.2 IP)

So he's already made $1.925 in bonuses, and will likely make $1.575m more with Houston (9 more starts; I don't think he'll reach 190 IP).

I'm not sure if the Padres agreed to pay any to Houston to defer some of that cost.

2008-07-22 14:06:36
318.   Eric Stephen
313
I'll get the game, but only via Extra Innings; not cable.

I get FSN West, which has Angel games but I don't get those here (except via EI).

2008-07-22 14:07:27
319.   trainwreck
Not like the Padres are dumb and would rather take a bad prospect instead of two draft picks.
2008-07-22 14:09:19
320.   Tripon
San Diego still hates all things L.A.?
2008-07-22 14:09:48
321.   D4P
319
Maybe the Padres don't want to offer Wolf arbitration...
2008-07-22 14:10:18
322.   Eric Stephen
Also, Wolf was not a Type B last year (he was ranked 55th in the NL, and #42 was the lowest Type B), but the rankings are based on the trailing two seasons of data.

So he's replacing his '06 (56.2 IP, 5.56 ERA) with his '08 (119.2 IP, 4.74 ERA so far), and should move up the list but probably only to a Type B at best, meaning the Astros would only get a supplementary pick if they offer Wolf arbitration.

2008-07-22 14:13:18
323.   overkill94
322 Are you sure it's past two years? I thought it was past three...
2008-07-22 14:13:40
324.   blue22
322 - Do they adjust for park effects when compiling those rankings? Because that 4.74 era is going up.
2008-07-22 14:14:28
325.   whodat807
Dunno if anybody's posted this already, but the D-Backs recently acquired Jon Rauch from the Nationals. I live in DC, but find it impossible to stomach the Nats (who are, and will always be the Expos in my heart), and as such, know almost nothing about the guy.
2008-07-22 14:15:16
326.   overkill94
323 Okay, I was wrong, it is last two years so I guess Wolf could be a Type B, but definitely not a Type A
2008-07-22 14:16:34
327.   blue22
325 - I've seen something about Rauch for Bonafacio, but nothing confirmed.
2008-07-22 14:18:59
328.   overkill94
327 Apparently ESPN is reporting it
2008-07-22 14:19:07
329.   ToyCannon
According to BP one of the top 25 relief pitchers in baseball.
http://tinyurl.com/yv7ha4
in 2008.
In 2007 he was 35th.
http://tinyurl.com/6d6wc5

Nice having a free BP that you can link to so that everyone can read the link.

2008-07-22 14:19:50
330.   whodat807
327 It appears that Rauch has been a pretty solid reliever for a few years, and was the Nats' closer this year. Guess the Snakes are trying to toughen up their soft underbelly.
2008-07-22 14:20:35
331.   Eric Stephen
324
I think it's mostly counting stats, but Elias closely guards their information.
2008-07-22 14:22:51
332.   Tripon
Don't worry. The Dodgers will just invade from Normandy and then attack the D'Backs from the head down.
2008-07-22 14:26:20
333.   Eric Stephen
Depending on whom of Randy Johnson or Tall Chris Young is taller (both are listed at 6'10"), the D-Backs might have the two tallest players in MLB history.
2008-07-22 14:27:32
334.   Doctor
Rob Neyer BLOG takes a pretty good shot at NedCo over on ESPN
2008-07-22 14:28:07
335.   fordprefect
252
Sarcasm alert

cough
Andruw Jones
cough

2008-07-22 14:28:14
336.   Fallout
301 JoeyP
I doubt that LaRoche has much more value than Izturis did 2 yrs ago. Izturis was still (potentially) the next Vizquel when he was traded.
2008-07-22 14:28:33
337.   ToyCannon
333
When did the 2nd Chris Young join the Diamondbacks? I thought we were talking about Rauch?
2008-07-22 14:29:26
338.   ToyCannon
334
Who doesn't that writes on the web?
2008-07-22 14:30:15
339.   Alex41592
Rauch will be 30 in September. He's signed through 2009 with a club option for 2010.

08:$1.2M, 09:$2M, 10:$2.9M club option

44/7 K/BB

2.98 ERA 1.01 WHIP

2008-07-22 14:30:20
340.   D4P
338
bhsportsguy
2008-07-22 14:30:23
341.   Doctor
334

Tony Jackson?

2008-07-22 14:32:41
342.   ToyCannon
336
I'd disagree, he was coming off of surgery and his ability to even play SS was still in question. The bat had already been exposed.

If LaRoche is traded, I expect the haul to be significant but then I consider Beltre to be significant so I'm probably on a Georgia island waiting for global warming to swarm over me but to ignorant to do anything about it.

2008-07-22 14:34:10
343.   Eric Stephen
Chad Reineke, the reliever the Padres received for Wolf, was the Astros' #9 rated prospect heading into 2008 by Baseball America, and his slider was voted the best in the Astros' farm system.

Bonafacio was rated #6 in the D-Backs system (before the Haren trade - 2 prospects ahead of Bonafacio were dealt). Listed as a 2B/SS, Bonafacio was rated fastest baserunner and best defensive IF in the D-Backs' system.

2008-07-22 14:35:27
344.   ToyCannon
343
The 9th rated prospect for the Astro's would be like the Dodgers 25th. Seriously.
2008-07-22 14:36:01
345.   Eric Stephen
337
Rauch is 6'11", and he's the tallest player ever.

Johnson and TCY are 6'10" (along with Andrew Sisco and Eric Hillman), so if The Unit is the tallest among them then the D-Backs now have the two tallest players ever.

2008-07-22 14:38:17
346.   ToyCannon
333
I knew I was misreading your comment but until know I didn't know why.
2008-07-22 14:38:52
347.   silverwidow
James Adkins has been promoted to Jacksonville:

http://tinyurl.com/648po7

2008-07-22 14:39:43
348.   Andrew Shimmin
345- Eric Byrnes is nine feet tall. So, the three tallest players ever.
2008-07-22 14:41:09
349.   trainwreck
347
Hasn't he been really bad this year?
2008-07-22 14:41:12
350.   underdog
I think Rauch really belongs on the Marlins, though, and their tree-lined pitching staff.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-07-22 14:41:36
351.   Fallout
342 ToyCannon
Weren't the questions about Izturis' arm pretty much answered by the time he was traded?
2008-07-22 14:41:41
352.   Tripon
Is Adkins any good?
2008-07-22 14:42:01
353.   underdog
Maybe they think a change of scenery will help Adkins. I wonder if they're going to switch him back to reliever... Might be time to abandon the starter experiment.
2008-07-22 14:42:38
354.   Ken Noe
I don't know if Kemp is death to mangers, as Torre suggested, but I like to think he just got Rauch traded.
2008-07-22 14:42:43
355.   overkill94
Seems more likely that the D-Backs will try to re-sign the O-Dawg with this news. Bonifacio was supposed to take over if they let him walk.

Good trade for the D-Backs, Rauch is one of the better relievers out there and is signed for a reasonable price through 2010. Bonifacio is a decent player, but his main value comes from speed and hitting singles. Like, you know, someone else talked about here a lot.

2008-07-22 14:43:50
356.   underdog
This is what John Sickels wrote in that new revisit of his Dodgers Top 20 Prospects list, of Adkins:

"5.34, 75/38 K/BB in 88 innings for Inland Empire, 106 hits allowed. Disappointing performance from a polished college pitcher."

2008-07-22 14:44:42
357.   trainwreck
Nats gave Christian Guzman a two-year extension, so we don't have to worry about getting him.
2008-07-22 14:44:46
358.   overkill94
351 Izturis' shine had already been severely dimmed by the time of the trade. His moderate 3-year, $9M contract was already looking like an albatross due to his regression back to terrible status as a hitter.
2008-07-22 14:45:08
359.   underdog
It'll be even more fun if the Dbacks don't make the playoffs this year, because they'll have emptied out their farm system quite a bit for nothing.
2008-07-22 14:45:44
360.   sporky
Diamond:

Eric Stults has been optioned to Class AAA Las Vegas after a poor start last night. Meanwhile, Juan Pierre has left the team and will begin a rehabilitation assignment for Las Vegas tomorrow.

2008-07-22 14:46:36
361.   underdog
That said I think it's a good trade for the Dbacks because they had a dire need, and Jim Bowden probably could've gotten a bit more for him. Bowden is generally in Ed Wade's class when it comes to trades, though he's doing the right thing in acquiring good prospects.
2008-07-22 14:46:37
362.   Ken Noe
So does Ned counter Zona now by going after Street? Or is Jack Wilson still the next Pee Wee Reese?
2008-07-22 14:46:58
363.   silverwidow
360 I called it!
2008-07-22 14:47:11
364.   underdog
360 - Oh man, the first part of that second sentence had me excited for a second. (Sorry.)
2008-07-22 14:47:17
365.   D4P
Juan Pierre has left the team

Yes!

and will begin a rehabilitation assignment for Las Vegas tomorrow

Rats.

2008-07-22 14:48:24
366.   ToyCannon
351
He only played some 3rd base for us, not SS. I don't think a few innings would answer the question when it was quite an uncommon injury for an infielder.

356
Can't agree with that assessment. If he was crappy or average every game but he has just been crazy inconsistent. He has pitched some of the best games of the year by any Dodger prospect, but then followed those up with just terrible outings. Maybe he loses arm strength after the great games and doesn't have what it takes to be a rotational pitcher. I don't know but he's thrown enough gems that when he's on, he's very good.

2008-07-22 14:48:29
367.   whodat807
360 Sheesh, one bad start at Coors Field and he's shipped back to the minors?

Where does that leave the rotation? Kuroda, Lowe, Bills, Kershaw, Johnson?

2008-07-22 14:49:14
368.   Tripon
360 Makes sense. Don't think Torre has any more respect for him after yesterday's performance.
2008-07-22 14:49:23
369.   ToyCannon
363
What other option was there?
2008-07-22 14:49:23
370.   Xeifrank
362. Yeah, that's one of the first things that crossed my mind. vr, Xei
2008-07-22 14:49:39
371.   Ken Noe
367 They seem to be banking on having Penny back soon--no need for a fifth starter for a short bit, right?
2008-07-22 14:50:15
372.   cargill06
365 that's my vote for post of the day.
2008-07-22 14:51:55
373.   Ken Noe
370 Diamond gives me some hope that we'll just move lesser guys for one of Toronto's many underachieving shortstops, to back up Nomar. Short of Beltre, I don't move LaRoche. I might move Lowe but I'm guessing that's beyond Ned.
2008-07-22 14:52:11
374.   overkill94
367 Either Johnson or Park in that 5th spot. Park would seem to be the better choice, but Torre might want to try him in a setup role instead.

Plus, it's not so much an indictment against Stults but rather a numbers game since we need the extra relievers for the Colorado series.

2008-07-22 14:52:30
375.   trainwreck
362
I am not sure the D-Backs have the prospects left to give the A's what they want.
2008-07-22 14:53:14
376.   silverwidow
369 The beat writers hinted that it would be a reliever.
2008-07-22 14:55:21
377.   overkill94
Wouldn't this Rauch trade seem to indicate that Street's asking price won't be that high? Bonifacio is nothing more than a B/B- prospect and that was for a guy who's under contract for two more years. Considering Street has actually pitched worse than Rauch this year and will be a free agent, it shouldn't cost more than someone like Hu, right? Or should the difference between Beane and Bowden totally counter-balance that?
2008-07-22 14:55:59
378.   overkill94
375 I think he means us going after Street
2008-07-22 14:56:54
379.   whodat807
374 I like Park in the starting rotation too, but Torre sees him as more valuable in the bullpen (though he's been known to change his mind wildly from one extreme to the other before). I never bought that Park would be occasionally used as a closer, though.
2008-07-22 14:58:03
380.   trainwreck
378
My brain must have mentally blocked us trading for Street.
2008-07-22 14:58:26
381.   Tripon
I thought Houston Street had like 4 years left on his arbitration years?
2008-07-22 14:58:36
382.   cargill06
378 i think the term "loss of velocity" is the last thing ned wants to hear regarding a pitcher.

houston will not be pitching in a dodger uniform any time soon.

2008-07-22 15:00:54
383.   cargill06
382 my mistake huston.
2008-07-22 15:01:55
384.   trainwreck
381
The A's got arms like Santiago Casilla that could easily replace him. If Beane can get a lot for an overvalued closer, then he will do it. In addition, Street does not have dominating stuff. Saito throws harder than him. I think the A's realize that much like Zito, Street's stuff could completely drop off early in his career.
2008-07-22 15:02:48
385.   trainwreck
384
I should say relatively early in his career.
2008-07-22 15:02:51
386.   Eric Stephen
Street is under club control through 2010, and will be arbitration-eligible the next two seasons.
2008-07-22 15:04:00
387.   JoeyP
Trading position prospects for 1 inning relievers is generally not very smart, but I guess Bonafacilo isnt that much of a high ceiling prospect.

If the Dbax get Juan Cruz back, their bullpen may be much better with Cruz/Lyon - Pena - Rauch.

2008-07-22 15:04:39
388.   underdog
Street's stock should have dropped quite a bit now given the way he's been pitching. So if the Dodgers still want him for whatever reason, it shouldn't be for whatever ransom it is that Beane will ask for. He's just not as valuable as he was.
2008-07-22 15:06:07
389.   Fallout
373 Ken Noe
If the team is trying to win the division this year, why would you trade Lowe? Either you are working to win now or not. A Lowe trade would only be for a possible future improvement. I might move Lowe but I'm guessing that's beyond Ned. It's beyond me too.
2008-07-22 15:07:24
390.   Howard Fox
389 unless they feel we have an abundance of pitching and a bat is more important...
2008-07-22 15:08:16
391.   overkill94
386 My bad. I guess I just assumed that a guy who has been mentioned in so many trade rumors would be an impending free agent. I forgot to take into account that Beane is the only smart enough to get rid of relievers at their highest value.
2008-07-22 15:08:23
392.   trainwreck
388
It's funny that he has been pretty much like this his whole career, but it's not until he blows it against the Yankees that people noticed.
2008-07-22 15:08:33
393.   Xeifrank
710 radio is talking Dodgers now. More Kemp b.s. stuff. Talking about trading Kemp for Matt Holliday. haha!
vr, Xei
2008-07-22 15:09:47
394.   GMac In The 909
I hope Mason, Ireland and Co. are wearing clown outfits during this broadcast on 710. They are brutal.
2008-07-22 15:11:06
395.   Tripon
Matt Holiday can stay in CO, or out of the division.
2008-07-22 15:11:55
396.   Jon Weisman
NPUT
2008-07-22 15:12:01
397.   JoeyP
Matt Kemp could probably actually hit a few homers playing in Coors full time.
2008-07-22 15:15:02
398.   cargill06
Mason: Would you trade Holliday for Kemp straight up?

Ned: I can't speak about other players, that's tampereing

Rosenthal, after overhearing the vendor at the Grilled Dodger Dog stand talk about this interview, "The Dodgers continue to fresturate GM's as they continue to dangle prospects and won't deal any of them."

2008-07-22 15:38:41
399.   Ken Noe
389 Lowe will soon walk away. Why not emulate Beane and gets some good prospects in return now from a desperate contender--in the meantime LA could still have a solid rotation (Bills, Kershaw, Kuroda. Penny, Park/Stults/McDonald).

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