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
Saturday, Manny Ramirez got out in his first two at-bats ... and hit a three-run homer in his third at-bat. Monday, Ramirez went 0 for 4.
Sunday, first baseman Nomar Garciaparra made a huge catch of a liner to right. Monday, Casey Blake lined to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez for an unassisted double play.
Last week, the Dodgers made Cha Seung Baek look worse than he is, forcing him to give up seven runs. Monday, they made him look better than he is, letting him go seven innings.
So many different things happen in a baseball game that can influence the outcome. The Dodgers have been better of late, but they never stopped being vulnerable. Nor have they stopped being capable.
Back at it tonight.
* * *
Here's Tony Jackson's assessment of Baek in the Daily News today:
Cha Seung Baek, who came in with a career record of 18-27 and whom the Dodgers had torched for seven runs in less than four innings just six days earlier, brought his best stuff to this one. His changeup, which wasn't working then, was working now. His mid-90s fastball, which had nothing to balance it out then, had something to balance it out now. His pitch count, which was grossly inflated then, was remarkably efficient now.
* * *
I'm not a fantasy baseball player, but since this piece by Paul Singman of The Hardball Times involves Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, I thought I'd pass it along.
* * *
One thing that I haven't seen remarked lately upon is this. Recently, the Dodgers offered season-ticket holders who renewed by last week a chance to lock in a 2008 rate for 2009. Implicit in this offer is that the Dodgers will raise ticket prices in 2009. While this is no shock, it's by far the earliest I've seen this news come out. I've found it disconcerting that a ticket-price increase, given the current economy, is something we essentially must take for granted.
Of course, everyone has their problems. At True Blue L.A., ToyCannon wonders about the Dodgers' financial situation. He admits he's speculating in some parts, but he raises some noteworthy issues. His last paragraph particularly resonates.
... Hopefully this is but a blip, but the Dodgers don't draft low enough in the draft and don't spend enough money in the international market to get away with selling prospects as a long term plan.
In all the years as a Dodger fan I can never remember the team trading(selling) a prospect as highly regarded as Carlos Santana to avoid paying salary. Some think that Santana was a fungible asset but from I've read, he is either going to be ranked number 1 or 2 when BA lists the Indian prospects. Pablo Sandoval is tearing up the NL at the moment. For most of the year he did his act in the same league as Carlos Santana, and Carlos Santana was the better hitter. As Andrew said Carlos Santana probably had a better year then the ballyhooed Matt LaPorta.
The best way to nip this in the bud would be for the Dodgers to go deep into the playoffs. They then not only get the TV revenue, they get to keep the playoff revenue for the 2009 season. When bloggers and fans lambast the Dodgers for trading the future for now, I don't think the McCourts have any choice. They need this team to get into the playoffs. And I think if you are a fan you need them to do the same, or you might just see more Carlos Santana deals in your future.
Many of you claim to be thinking long term when you say you hope the Dodgers don't make the playoffs so that Ned gets canned. To me that is short term thinking. If we don't make the playoffs who knows what we may be looking at in the future.
* * *
Variety has posted its second annual Season Pass group chart reviewing the new Fall 2008 TV series on the broadcast networks. (If you scroll over the thumb icons on the chart, you can see our comments.) Because of last winter's Writers Guild of America strike, it's a smaller group than in years past - and it also is a lower-quality group, I'd say. None of the new shows earned must-see status from me, and only three have even tempted me to watch a second time.
The CW's Privilged, featuring Freaks and Geeks alum JoAnna Garcia, was the best of the lot - but still not as good as, for example, 2007-08 CW freshman Aliens in America, which was canceled. I'm stunned that I was the only 90210 detractor among my colleagues.
As for cable, I've seen the first 2 3/4 episodes of HBO's True Blood and may stop there. It has its appeal, but I'm not sure it's worth the time. More enjoyable so far have been the screeners of the upcoming Little Britain USA, which brings characters from Little Britain to Stateside locales. BBC America's Gavin and Stacey (new to us in the U.S.) wasn't bad either, though I'm not going to stick with it.
There are still some new shows that remain to be seen - perhaps there will be some pleasant surprises.
This is why I would resign him if he wanted to stay. I know he wants to go back east, but if we make it to the playoffs, maybe it will change his mind.
Thanks
"I know he wants to go back east"
Has Lowe really said this?
http://tinyurl.com/5pwdnv
That's not necessarily true. If the Dodgers were to make a deep playoff run after Colletti's discount prospect sale might only convince the brain trust [sic] that selling prospects for rental players is sound strategy, and would encourage them to do it again in future years. Not only that, but it might keep Colletti from getting the pink slip he richly deserves.
I'm not saying I don't want to see a deep playoff run, of course, but each silver lining has its cloud.
The Dodgers have raised ticket prices each of the last two years; my tickets have doubled since the 2006 season. There is a group of 5 families that sit adjacent to me and only 1 has locked in for next season. Of the remaining 4, 1 is a definite "no" to renew, 1 is a "probably not", and 2 say "maybe". I am a "probably not" unless I can find a few people to split the season with me.
I come from Riverside and for a few years I was attending 65+ games a year. With the increase in gas, parking, tickets, etc. this year I have made 30ish. The games that I don't make it to I try to sell, usually on eBay, but I have been only getting back about half of what I pay. I understand the Dodgers will charge what the market will bare, but they are doing a good job at pricing out loyal fans.
It probably seems like more but the Dodgers have had 8 losing steaks 3 games or longer (3 three games, 2 four games, 2 five games and 1 eight game) and on the positive side, 7 winning streaks 3 games or longer (3 three game, 1 four game, 1 five game and 1 eight game).
And yes, most of these steaks can be viewed through road/home splits.
What would be the incentive to lock in now if they aren't raising prices next year?
I was surprised at how many season ticket holders did not buy the post season package. About 50% of the ones I surveyed around me. The World Series price was the same as 2004 which came as a surprise since the tickets themselves have gone up 50% since then.
9
Can't agree with that assessment. They would have the same players for the deep run, but they would still have the farm assets if they added payroll instead of selling assets.
Yes.
2. Would Ned's replacement necessarily be better?
No.
The parking to me is outrageous, and I will seriously re-consider my 09 tix if that is increased again.
$15 looks pretty good.
Metro is great for a single fan. Once you take a family the cost and inconvenience far outweigh parking at the game. I would expect this to be the same anywhere where a car needs to involved in the activity.
That would be based on several things. One not letting Evans keep the job where he had proven to be a competent GM. Two firing a perfectly competent GM. Three hiring a lousy GM.
I don't see why the majority should not question the ability of McCourt to pick the right person. Don't forget many baseball people didn't want anything to do with McCourt and Ned was far from his 1st choice.
Maybe the bus system but I find the Orange Busway, light rail and subway to be excellent at getting around the city.
Have you actually tried using it before condemning it?
Elbert on the other hand is very interesting to me. Maybe it is the southpaw thing where everything from a hard throwing lefty seems electric.
I've used city busses in Asian countries and found them great once I learned to read the route map.
http://thesuperficial.com/2008/09/ashton_kutcher_coaching_high_s.php
with a HW logo on cap and shirt.
22 Though I doubt you have yearly figures, do you know off hand when you experienced the biggest jump in price? After the World Series win? After Fox took over? My tickets have increased 100% in two seasons, is there a precedent for this?
Hiroki Kuroda vs. Wade LeBlanc
If only we could score some runs on the road. I think a 5-5 road trip would be great here considering the Dodgers are killing teams at home (13-3 over last 16 home games) and they are going to play poor teams at home. Even if the Dodgers come back home after this road trip tied with the DBacks, I'll take it.
I'm sure it sticks in McCourt's craw how much money has been foolishly wasted on Schmidt, Jones and Pierre. Not to mention Loaiza.
Also, I think Logan White and Kim Ng may now have more influence than Colletti on what moves the Dodgers make. I really think McCourt no longer trusts Colletti to do anything on his own.
Anyway, is it just me or has Vin not mentioned Kent at all? :-) And has there been any mention of the fact that the Dodgers are 8-1 without Kent?
You know, I feel bad about his injury, I really do, but I'm considering it karmic revenge on ESPN's Bill Simmons for his trash talk on the Lakers during the NBA finals. Now he's weeping openly on ESPN.com. Boo hoo, is all I can say.
Okay, back to baseball.
Or maybe for that time Brady's Patriots cheated the Rams out of the Super Bowl.
I wouldn't put any credence in the Dodgers going 8-1 since Kent's injury. The schedule breaking the right way plus the tiredness of Webb and Haren plus three of those games were at home to SD were far bigger factors than Kent being there or not.
--
Btw, I hate to beat a dead horse -- or a dead catcher -- but I really hope Russ gets a day off either today or tomorrow.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=455847
>>Hershiser...will walk away with the "foot in mouth" award if the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their strong play in the stretch run and win the National League West.
Hershiser took indirect shots at Dodgers manager Joe Torre during an ESPN2 telecast in late August. Hershiser questioned the Dodgers' passion and team chemistry, leading to the inevitable conclusion that this team was dead in the water.<<
http://tinyurl.com/6l6ckx
Even Raiders fans have stopped crying about the tuck rule.. I think!
/end rant
/cue attack by Rams and Raiders fans
If I was the manager I wouldn't allow any music to be playing in the clubhouse at all except what I wanted. With 25 people from all over the world you are certain to piss off people with the choices in music. Better they be pissed at the manager then at each other.
That is what Ipods are for are they not?
I made a poll up on my blog. Most people are voting "undefeated."
Why are we the biggest losers in history? Because our owner drowned leaving us with his wife? Because she then moved the team away from Los Angeles which I expect was a first? Because we had one of the greatest teams ever to not a win a super bowl while in Los Angeles?
9 wins seems about right. I initially thought 6, but they still have a ton of offensive talent around them, and some lousy teams on the schedule. Certainly, their shot at a Super Bowl is shot, but they'll at least make the playoffs.
Won't they need more then 9 wins to at least make the playoffs? I'm saying 11 wins.
Yeah, I would say that you did not say that clearly.
The Patriots engaged in what I consider to be a major form of cheating, that might reasonably be considered to have affected multiple Super Bowls.
Their penalty was a proverbial slap on the wrist.
Last night, he went out of his way to relay what Andre Ethier told him was the cause of his hot hitting of late: "Manny Ramirez"
To me, that was a subtle jab at Kent by Vin.
That has to be the dumbest non-event ever. People at a public sporting event expecting not to be videotaped? Just how stupid is that?
Simers is pretty clearly dripping sarcasm, especially as this piece comes off a Dodgers loss.
Was it against the rules?
Sorry to open this can of worms again, but wasn't the main advantage of the cameras used by the Patriots to tape the opponent in the first half, then make halftime adjustments based on the tapes?
Wasn't the halftime score of said Super Bowl 17-0 Patriots?
In the NFL it is against the rules, they got caught and they were penalized.
I'm a big believer in the discovery of law rather than its imposition. This is an example of imposition failing, obviously (and hilariously) so.
Anyway!
I think Simers is a Broncos fan! :)
Yes, I am a petty, bitter man. I thought that was evident!
Anyone else going to be there tonight? Would be nice to have a mini DT gathering!
I will be attending tonight's festivities, but I'm buying a ticket at the park. I have your cell phone number, but I'll shoot you an email to give you mine.
What section are you in?
HBO's "Flight of the Conchords" has begun production in New York on its second season. The 10-episode season will premiere early next year.
Mr. Clement and Mr. McKenzie told the New Zealand Herald that the upcoming season may be their last because of the difficulty of coming up with songs for the series.
http://tinyurl.com/6oj736
Good and bad news, I guess.
That's understandable actually. I'd rather them just do one more top flight season than try to stretch it out too much.
http://tinyurl.com/kobespinky
I guess they are saying their lyrics aren't in fact bottomless.
That's an...odd choice.
How will this affect people's fantasy teams?
Toronto Blue Jays XWL is 81-61.
Checking...I'm still 9th in an 11-team league.
1) McCourt already has a history of firing people with multiple years on his contract. He fired DePo, he fired Tracy, He fired Grady Little to hire Torre and gave Torre $3 million to coach the team.
2) NedCo doesn't make that much, Depo only made about $500,000 a year on his five year contract. I doubt Ned makes that much more Depo did on his contract. This is a team that's paying Schimdt, JP, Andruw Jones, and Furcal about $50 million for guys who's either on the DL or on the bench. Ned's salary is minuscule compared to everyone else. Heck, I doubt Ned makes more than a player in his first year who makes $390,000. Getting rid of Ned and paying his last year of salary shouldn't be an issue.
3) Both Kim Ng, and Logan White are going to be actively interviewing for GM positions in other cities. Losing both of them would be a big blow to the Dodgers, and imagining a Dodgers front office without Ng and White, and with Ned still at the helm is well, frightening. If its true McCourt doesn't trust Coletti with his money, and forces Coletti to okay his FA and trades with either White or Ng, then McCourt should just stop the charade and hire either White or Ng and be done with it.
Just my two cents.
Is Kobe out of his mind?
I fully respect Kobe's willingness to try and be a good team leader, but I'm afraid he could be out for much longer if his pinky gets aggravated.
So I amend my original comment.
That is scary.
http://tinyurl.com/5m5mrg
The demise of JtD is in the top ten of my Dodger disappointments. I'll never forget checking out his MLE and smiling when it gave him a slug% > 500 as a 19 year old in AA.
The "light tower power" he displayed during batting practice at the futures game, the fact he was still playing SS at 6'6. I knew he wouldn't be a SS and that he might always have plate discipline issues but I hoped he'd be the slugging RF we needed back then.
Oh well, at least Jose Lopez turned into a useful major league infielder.
Meanwhile, Ethier became that slugging RF we always needed.
{summon Bob}
The Dodgers acquired Eric Gagne....
Right now, the only open jobs are the Mariners and Phillies, Cashman's contract ends at the end of this season but odds are he will remain in NY, though Seattle (if Gillick takes president's job as rumored, is possible), Philadephia or LA are other rumored destinations for the NYY GM,
The only GM who could be fired right now and this would be more of not renewing his contract is Jim Bowden.
The only positions where interviews will take place at this time are for Seattle and Philadephia.
If Seattle sees themselves as a contender (why I don't know), then going the Gillick/Cashman route would make some sense, if they want to start fresh, some of the asst. GMs looking for their first GM job would be a good place to go.
In Philadelphia, Ruben Amaro has the inside track according to those who follow the team.
Washington is a mess but Bowden does have ownership in his corner according to press reports so who knows if they will let him go.
I think in the end, Cashman stays, Seattle hires an asst. GM from another organization, Phillies promote Amaro and Bowden is given one more year.
Astros – Ed Wade signed through 2010
Blue Jays – J.P. Ricciardi, signed through 2010
Dodgers – Ned Colletti, signed through 2009
Giants – Brian Sabean, signed through 2009 with team option for 2010
Mariners – Lee Pelekoudas, interim GM
Nationals – Jim Bowden, signed through the end of 2008 (team renews contract every 6 months)
Padres – Kevin Towers, signed through 2010
Phillies – Pat Gillick, signed through 2008
Rangers – Jon Daniels, signed through 2011
Reds – Walt Jocketty, signed through 2011
Yankees – Brian Cashman, signed through 2008
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