Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
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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
Some rose as he walked off the mound, while others waited until he approached the top step of the dugout at Dodger Stadium.
But by the time Ismael Valdes reached his destination, they had come together to thank him.
After all, it may have been the fans' final opportunity.
The pitcher received a standing ovation Sunday afternoon from a crowd of 41,306 when he was removed in the eighth inning of a 6-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
Now, the clock starts for Valdes.
He is among the players the Dodgers are attempting to trade for Seattle Mariner pitcher Randy Johnson, and Valdes' career in Los Angeles may have ended because of his strong effort against the Reds. ...
- Ross Newhan in the Times, June 1, 1998
* * *
Yep, Randy Johnson-to-the-Dodgers talk is more than 10 years old now. Pre-Y2K, pre-RJ4K (in Ks). But not since that time has the talk had more weight than it does now, with Johnson having parted ways with Arizona and become a free agent.
Johnson offered to take a 50-percent paycut in order to stay with the team that he has spent eight of his 21 seasons with, but not even that was enough to persuade the Diamondbacks. While this might send up Jason Schmidt-like warning signals (if Arizona doesn't want him, maybe there's something wrong with him), a Los Angeles homecoming for the USC graduate still seems sensible enough.
Though his career seemed all but over - if not in 2007, when he made only 10 starts, then midway through 2008, when his ERA was 5.23 - he recovered to end 2008 with 184 innings, a 117 ERA+ and 173 strikeouts. His ERA in the second half of the season was 2.41. A short-term deal for Johnson could be just right for the Dodgers. Even if he doesn't pitch a full season, he would allow someone like Eric Stults to be a spot starter instead of a full-fledged member of the rotation.
What would it take to sign Johnson? According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, Johnson earned $10 million in base salary in 2008, though Arizona owes him $8.5 million in bonus payments. Johnson won't offer the Dodgers the same discount that he offered Arizona, but he could slot in probably for no more than the $9 million Brad Penny would have earned had he stayed in town, and perhaps a good deal less.
Johnson's days of exceptional pitching are over - he's no substitute for CC Sabathia - but it seems reasonable that he could replace the retired Greg Maddux. Of course, Johnson still is just one option.
Meanwhile, Dave Cameron looks at Sabathia's value at Fangraphs. (Link via Baseball Musings.)
* * *
Josh Wilker has a great piece on ex-Dodger Billy North at Cardboard Gods. Here's the opening:
It must have seemed like it was going to be a blooping basehit, beyond the reach of infielder and outfielder alike. Dick Allen, in the midst of the last of his many MVP-caliber seasons, had been running from second base on the play, and from what I've read Dick Allen was not just a one-dimensional mangler of pitches but an intelligent player who knew the whole game well. He must have sized up the fluttering wounded quail off the bat of White Sox teammate Brian Downing and been convinced that it would touch down safely in the outfield grass. He must have set his mind on roaring across home plate with the tying run.
Is there anything more exciting than speed? As the ball arced down toward the outfield grass, Oakland A's centerfielder Billy North suddenly appeared like a flash of heat lightning. This is how I imagine it happened. One moment no one is there and an eyeblink later Billy North is a green and yellow bolt catching the ball off his white shoetops. His momentum carries him forward, toward the second base bag, and I imagine that he thought about making the throw to the infielder waiting there to double off Dick Allen. Maybe North even cocked his arm to throw. But then North must have seen that Dick Allen had no chance to beat the centerfielder to the bag. (A sign of Allen's lack of fleetness came later in the game, when he was pinch run for by Tony Muser, who stole all of 14 bases in his nine-year career.) Billy North hung onto the ball and kept running. With speed like that, speed so transcendent it must have felt exactly like joy, why stop? The outfielder transformed himself into an infielder and stomped on the bag, ending the inning and preserving the lead with what has to be one of the more unusual unassisted double plays ever recorded.
Must have felt pretty good to be Billy North that day. ...
* * *
"Dodgers" and "monorail" in the same sentence? Tell me more ....
Wow, why would Arizona not bring back Johnson for $5-7?
There are various reports that the D-Backs have some real credit/money issues, and are really up against their budget. They basically have $10m to spend on free agents, and they still need to find a starting 2B plus some various bench/bullpen guys.
Their rotation will still be good with Webb, Haren, Scherzer, Davis, and Petit.
Keith Law: (2:01 PM ET ) 4/$80, Dodgers.
For Colon and The Eldest Drew, Montreal GM Omar Minaya sent the following to Cleveland:
Cliff Lee: 2008 AL Cy Young winner & All-Star
Grady Sizemore: 3-time All-Star & 2008 Silver Slugger & Gold Glove winner
Brandon Phillips: 2008 Gold Glove winner (with Cincinnati)
Lee Stevens' corpse
What if the talent available this year is far superior to the 2010 crop? There is no one as good as CC that will be available next winter.
If they want to get creative, they can backload the contract to save some money in 2009.
With Philips being the centerpiece of the deal as a young studly shortstop. Instead they give up on him and the Reds benefit, but that is one of the great returns in my memory.
They interrupted 30 Rock with the Santa Barbara fires which was fine with me. 30 Rock has really blown this year after ending last year on such a high note. I wonder if Tina Fey peaked with Palin and the rest of the career will just be living off the good stuff of the past.
Hope all you SB people are doing okay, the first picture I saw reminded me of the Laguna fires.
A monorail would have been so cool but I don't know how those things work out when 50,000 people leave at once instead of a few at a time all day long.
LOL
It will be interesting to see if Texas gets a similar return from the players received in the Teixeira trade.
1) infrared heating for seats? In Los Angeles, California?
2) putting seats on rollers to accommodate football? That didn't work at all for Aloha Stadium out here, and the technology tried was 20 years newer than it would have been for Dodger Stadium.
Phew. Dodged bullets.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3702821
I don't think Tina Fey has peaked, but perhaps for you she has. Once your fondness for a performer starts to decline, it's hard to get it back.
I sure hope we sign CC and I sure hope Frank has some money left.
When I retire, I'm going to retire as a student of Collier Street Elementary.
Hey again everyone,
So far so good in SB. I am still pondering whether I should leave work early to check on my home. I haven't received any updates to the evacuation area. What that means is, no additional homes have received evacuation warnings as far as I know. Seems like good news to me.
The air around UCSB appears to be clearer, but I don't know what it means. I noticed we get have a little more wind at the moment.
So for now, I'm here at work. I hope conditions are still reasonable to return and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, tonight, and Sunday I'll be spending most of my time away from the apartment.
Second note: another vegetation fire broke out in San Luis Obispo about 11:30 am today. I just knew one fire statewide was too good to be true.
Lackey will probably be the best free agent pitcher next offseason. He's closer that we may think to the CC-level, but he's not quite CC.
Never had seen that before.
That was a great haul. I specifically remember Jim Rome making fun of the Seattle GM at the time for the "pathetic" return, even going so far as to re-enact a mock phone call between him and Astros' owner Drayton McClane, in which he kept frantically calling him "Dayton" (because he was so stupid).
My fear was confirmed that a close friend lost his home last night. Also, it looks like 14 faculty homes were destroyed on the Westmont campus, along with 4 sectional dorms.
I'd rather have an injured Lackey than a healthy Burnett*. :)
*Only slightly exaggerated.
Offense looked ridiculously stagnant. Too much of players just letting Collison and Shipp try to do stuff on their own.
Also extremely sloppy with the double teams.
And Collison's lack of court vision really hurts. Hopefully Jrue starts to control the point more.
After my initial comment yesterday, I have decided I can talk myself into liking an AJB signing.
Yea, Goleta should be fine unless we get some copycats (not saying this one was on purpose, but the ones that follow...)
XM used to have very hip, cool, and creative niche music channels. I loved it. We had lots of eclectic channels with enthusiastic on air talent. For the first time ever, I heard a concrete Punk Rock Channel (Fungus on 53). Even seemingly basic channels like the 80s and 50s channels played a few songs that I literally said "I haven't heard this in years!"
XM and Sirius merged in earnest a few months ago, with Sirius handling operations. When the merger took place, I feared XM radio would turn into Sirius: overplayed songs I already hear on FM, plus big name DJ retreads (apologies to Stern and Cousin Brucie fans).
Two days ago, Sirius/XM merged most of their music channels, canning all the niche formats and narrowing the playlists to "compilation albums" at best (Fungus turned into an all AC/DC channel... lovely). I do not like this homogenization of my satellite radio. It's not the same!
---
I usually don't read Simmons, but this was the quote of the day:
Q: Watching the end of the Jets-Chiefs game, you know what I hate most about the obligatory "number of game-winning drives in Favre's career" graphic? The fact that if he didn't suck so much for the first 50 minutes of the game he wouldn't need those game-winning drives. Really? You're putting a last-minute game-winning drive against Kansas City on your résumé? Does that negate the three INTs you already threw?
-- Aaron, Montpelier, Vt.
This was written before last night's game.
Let's face it, running multiple offensive sets is not Howland's style, it has always been one player dominating the ball for long stretches of the clock.
It will help if Jrue can play good defense, that will keep him on the floor but I think he can't just float on the perimeter and shoot threes.
Sorry for 45 , I read that comment completely wrong, I imagined a word that wasn't really there.
Certainly both have injury concerns, but when healthy Sheets has been the far superior pitcher. That's what I'm clinging to. Plus, Sheets is younger.
You have no idea how many times I've resisted typing "Mannyrail" in the past few weeks. :)
I'm at school in Dallas and when I went to Arlington I was so overwhelmed by the massive advertising and gimmicky stuff going on inside the park. I hope to never see any that in Dodger Stadium
this young kings team has been exciting to watch since Ersberg has been in goal.
A big public housing project. We could have someone who was a student of Richard Neutra design it.
You can still have the picnics areas for the families on the weekends, but lets also build some affordable housing for people who actually need it.
the Padres stopped paying Greene's $4.5 million salary, a response to the shortstop fracturing his left hand by slamming a storage chest. The players' union intervened, and the Padres paid Greene's salary, but the club since has filed a grievance in attempt to regain up to $1.47 million from Greene
http://tinyurl.com/5pns6s
Is this a length-of-contract issue? I think I like Hu better than this option.
Maybe I'm underrating Cabrera?
Maybe this has already been vetted?
I was in Palm Springs last weekend for a wedding about a block from the Neutra-designed Kaufman House.
Although it seems he likes DeJesus enough to mention him at the end of the article.
Shameful that I left off the 2nd n in Kaufmann, especially in a response to Mr. Timmermann.
I think the OC was brought up on DT sometime last week.
I agree, cargill, YUCK!
Per Keith Law:
"The success of teams with good defenses this season -- particularly Boston, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia -- helps players like Cabrera whose value is largely locked up in their gloves. Cabrera still has excellent range at shortstop, moving well in both directions and coming in on the ball, and has good hands and an above-average arm. At the plate, however, he's below-average and slipping, as he can't catch up to good fastballs and has to start his bat early, bailing out if the pitcher fakes him out with a breaking ball or changeup.
He's an average runner at best and is also showing signs of decline in his speed. He'll turn 34 in November, and he's into his decline phase, so while he'd be a significant upgrade for most teams at shortstop on defense, a long-term deal will probably take the team into his years as a backup."
I'm finally going to try Philipe's when I'm home this Xmas.
Worth the trip? Any order recommendations?
I like the lamb sandwich, but it costs more than the others. I also found that the small bowl of chili as a side is quite tasty.
Be sure to bring cash. Phillipe's doesn't take credit cards. Or debit cards.
Can't go wrong with the classic beef dip, but the turkey dip is great too.
Also, don't forget to buy a jar of Philippe's mustard to take home!
A jar of that mustard should last a long time. Unless you chronic sinus congestion and want to clear yourself out. It is quite powerful
Ridiculous.
Some would say quaint. :)
I don't think they are comparable dining experiences.
Well, that's to their credit. But I'm guessing there's some kind of "convenience" fee associated with using it...
The only Canter's I have had was at Dodger Stadium, so I can't comment other than that, but I liked Philippe's better. I guess it depends what kind of sandwich you are in the mood for.
i miss cheerleaders.
Also, Philippe's does a lot of business and it doesn't seem that it's hurting for customers from people who don't want to carry cash with them.
I usually order the lamb sandwich. I have never ordered the ham sandwich.
At least 2-3 times a year when I am at Dodger Stadium, their credit/debit card machines go out and it becomes cash only.
77 Completely different, Canters would be the kind of place you would go to after a night of drinking (see "Swingers"). Phillipes is the place to go for breakfast if you have an early court appearance or to pick up lunch or dinner for the game.
But what if I have to go to night court?
Court? At night? I'm already laughing.
My French Dip experience comprises BJ's, Arby's and some "Home of Beef Dipped Sandwiches" in Fort Smith, Ark., so my questions continue:
Does the bread come pre-soaked or is it a dipping affair?
Is cheese part of the equation?
Will I be hazed, a la Chipotle, if I take a couple of seconds to peruse the menu?
Is this mustard a sweet mustard, hot mustard or Pouponesque?
Paula Kelly or Ellen Foley?
Go figure: I can't stand Notre Dame, but I love the movie Rudy.
I believe the bread is pre-soaked. Cheese is not standard, at least from what I remembered.
Does the bread come pre-soaked or is it a dipping affair?
To go, they dip the bread before prepping the sandwich, you can get some au jus to go too. Eat in, I believe you have similar options.
Is cheese part of the equation?
You can order it as an extra but most don't from what I have observed.
Will I be hazed, a la Chipotle, if I take a couple of seconds to peruse the menu?
No, but you usually have many minutes to do nothing but look at the menu so I don't think that will be an issue.
Is this mustard a sweet mustard, hot mustard or Pouponesque?
Hot but pleasant.
Thanks all. This trip is partially made to convince the wife that SoCal is an acceptable place to live.
You would think it would be easy to break a Midwesterner, alas.
-If we sign Manny, lock up Cabrera at SS. He said if we sign offense at one position we can than look at defense at others.
-Derek Lowe really never had any interest in playing in LA beyond 2008
-Not sure how much money they have to spend this off-season. Asked if they'd be able to afford both CC and Manny, he said that'd be really tough. What would both those guys cost in annual salary? $50?
Ned says that the Dodgers are not pursuing Derek Lowe as he believes Lowe is interested in other options. Still interested in Furcal.
Today was the first time I heard the Dodgers express any interest in CC.
Canters Dodger Stadium really even shouldn't be called Canters. The reuben at the original there is best anywhere..better than Max's in San Fran. Make sure you bring someone to split it with though as finishing it yourself basically guarantees you a coronary. Gosh I'm hungry.
I await Marty's outrage.
If there are Ohio State fans coming to town, you can find me in Pasadena following them around taunting them and throwing rocks and garbage at them for getting into the BCS championship game two straight years.
vr, Xei
http://tinyurl.com/5fvq33
None of which is a fair comparison to Philleppe's, and should be filed in a different category from Fred 62, Swingers and The 101 Coffee Shop. The latter two being equals for me, and have not eaten at Fred 62. Home is always squeezed in there.
My late night diner shenanigans have mostly ended since graduating to the much-less-often-more-expensive foodie scene, but that seems to be how I called the shots.
and The Randy Johnson Trade(?) part two was the follow up to The Trade, with the report being Penny + Werth thrown into the finley deal for RJ, if I remember right.
Do no deal with Boras just yet. Work with CC and his agent and come out with
Year 1: 17 mil
Year 2: 24 mil
Player Option
Year 3: 25 mil
Year 4: 21 mil
Player Option
Year 5: 24 mil
Year 6: 22 mil
6 years/133 million w/ 2 player options
Those player options will be very valuable to CC. Sign him +/- 5 million of that, then go straight to Boras.
OK SCOTT....3 years/75 million
Year 1: 20 mil
Year 2: 25 mil
Year 3: 30 mil
FINAL OFFER...if McCourt has to for cash he can offer a nice chunk with a deferred payment tag on it.
Thats $37 million in 2009 for Manny/CC and $49 mil for them in 2010 (Jones and Schmidt of the hook)
If they both sign, you do not need to sign anybody else. WIth Manny in the lineup and improvement from the young guys...your offense will be good enough. With the pitching, you fill in the holes with defense.
C- Martin
1B-Loney
2B-Abreu
SS-Hu
3B-Dewitt
LF-Manny
CF-Kemp
RF-Ethier
CC
Bills
Kuroda
Kershaw
Randy Johnson
MacDonald
The first 1.5 months of the season...you can even go with a 6 man rotation to give these guys plenty of rest and limit their innings to begin with..
Broxton
Saito
Kuo
Wade
Tron
McDonald (if not starting)
Elbert
Gentlemen,
Here are your World Series Champs....
Though that middle infield is kind of weak at the moment! Haven't thought long enough about what to do there yet.
I wonder Xei, have you heard any rumblings of Sabr-types using the Big-Table based elastic databases for SABR things? Seems like a few cases where it could really add some power. It just sort of befuddles me that the big draw for Big Table et al. is it's ability to handle big loads cross-server, but it also adds a lot of power to the flexibility of a basic database.
Now what was that dumpling place everyone was raving about earlier?
Wouldn't we rather front-load deals since that is when the player is more likely to be good?
When talking about LA diners, the argument should really be Canter's and Langer's, with Mel's thrown in if you wanted to include Nor-Cal rebirths. I also think the hipster diners are worth talking in a general approach, but they're not places I'm looking to take my Aunt when she visits.
Speaking of downtown eating, I just ate at a new place on Main street between fifth and sixth called The Nickel. Terrific place in a skid-rowish area that's turning around. It's diner food for breakfast and lunch. But they make their own bread, jelly, salsa and cookies. They have a pulled pork hash and eggs dish that's really good. The burgers looked great too.
Marty, are you a home-but-amazing type expert or do you deal in the higher foodie places as well? I'm hosting two big-ish holiday dinners, one at an old favorite (AOC or Angelini Osteria) and one at a place I haven't been to, but am not sure where to turn for sure-fire advice.
Kings are basically the Rays of the NHL.
While the Sharks can hopefully be the Phillies this year.
Normally, but they might have to back load at least a year since they have Schmidt/Jones coming off the books in 2009. 2009 would be a tight squeeze but after that it gets easier.
Shall be a dart board decision between Grace, Providence and Wilshire then.
That was slightly cheating--I have been to Wilshire once. Food was good and certainly worth the price (especially the sides), but it wasn't AOC-good. The pear martini I had, on the other hand, was magnificent.
The first real date I had with the current lady was at Angelini, and it was her demands (on her check--it was my birthday) that doubled my normal bill. Perhaps my favorite night of dining every. I think the waiter, who noted it was a ton of food, was expecting us to dine and dash (we were the youngest people there by about 15-20 years).
http://tinyurl.com/6dy29k
Ok-- gotta chime in for foodthoughts. First off Langers for pastrami. No question. To me, it ranks with anywhere in the world (by which I mean NYC and LA). Phillipes before Canters. Get cole slaw on the side and put it in the sandwich with some spicy mustard (I usually get the beef but the lamb is also delicious).
For upscale: If the party is for people who know their food, I agree with Howard-- Providence is as good as it gets. If there are picky eaters in the bunch, I would try for Mozza, since there are less expiremental, less out there options. I don't know how many people it's for, but Hatfields is also amazing. My company had their holiday party at Grace a few years ago and honestly I wasn't that impressed with the food, but some people swear by it.
The current list of top pitching contracts:
Johan - 6 yrs/$137M
Zito - 7 yrs/$126M
Hampton - 8 yrs/$121M (I think this is finally up???)
special consideration:
Clemens - 1 yr/$28M (pro-rated)
Just a thought...
Baseball HQ recently did the AL Central prospect update after doing the AL East last week.
1. Carlos Santana came in number four, for Cleveland, ahead of 2007 number one pick Beau Mills. Expected ETA of 2010
2. Jon Meloan placed 9th.
3. None of the players we have traded to KC are in the top 15 but Plummer and Pimental did get honorable mention.
4. None of the players traded to the Rays are in the top 15 but Pedroza did get honorable mention.
Last years Ethier should have been worth a Sonnanstine but this years Ethier should be worth Sonnanstine, Wade Davis, and tell them to throw in Desmond Jennings while they are at it.
118 Wouldn't that just make CC's contract a 2 year deal than? He can make his 2 years $41 and as long as he's not hurt opt out at get 7-180 from someone after that.
The Yankees have approx. $135M guaranteed for 2009 (for 13 players)
""We've notified the Padres that we're moving on to pursue other opportunities and players," Wren said. "We're no longer actively pursuing Jake Peavy. We have other options out there."
If it were to be Ethier, do you see Pierre staying and it being Manny-Pierre-Kemp? That seems like a horrible OF to me.
If these reports are true, the Yanks are guaranteeing him $25M per year for 6 or 7 years. I don't think salaries are going to escalate in the next 2 years where that $25M will seem like a bargain for CC.
I think that the Padres will regret that if it is true.
The Cubs just won't put together a package that is comparable to what the Braves were offering. It would have to look like Marmol/Vitters/Marshall and I don't think that they will do that.
San Diego fans got told that they needed a new stadium to compete financially and now they see a team cutting its payroll. If they traded Peavy for the package discussed in the papers, it would have probably guaranteed another drop in attendance.
I actually see them going in with a Manny/Jones/Kemp outfield with Kemp ready to slide over and Xavier Paul stepping in if the 2008 Jones returns. They could flip Pierre and about $14 million for a bullpen piece and then justify the potential lack of offense from Jones and trade Ethier for infield help.
Lots of conjecture there, but Jones isn't going anywhere unless we non-tender him.
The non-tender candidates:
Brazoban, Broxton, Proctor, Saito, Martin, Berroa, and Ethier.
I think it's a bad deal, but what infield help would really be out there?
What you said...
and Repko.
He'll probably get some Coach of the Year votes anyway.
Sure, just as soon as we swing for a Grady Sizemore for Juan Pierre trade.
Is Bobby Crosby just out-and-out done? You could get him for a song.
What we need is a legit third baseman (with a legit bat) so that DeWitt can play second where his bat will be much more serviceable.
I will not stand for Bobby Crosby suggestions!!!
You take that back!
I have a Calphalon set that cost me about 2/3 what a decent Henkels set would cost. I've had them for about 4 years and they are still great.
I've searched and searched with no success. Can Mr. Eric or company point me to a reliable Winter League Dominican site?
Because his bat plays better at 2nd. I'd like them to be flexible myself. If Abreu is healthy I'd like to see him at 2nd and DeWitt at 3rd. If Abreu is not healthy, then for one year I'd rather see DeWitt at 2nd and Crede/Blake or 3rd. I would not give Blake or Crede anymore then a one year deal. By 2010 either Abreu or DeJesus will be our 2nd baseman with DeWitt sliding to 3rd. Hopefully anyway.
If defense is a priority and we can sign Manny, a DeWitt/Hu/Hudson/Loney infield sounds pretty good to me...
Someone get Omar Vizquel on the horn...!
181 - Thanks. A nice variety of Calphalon knives on Amazon at good prices.
You really just need 4, chefs, paring, bread and maybe a utility (thin blade) knives.
But I did have one crazy thought -- sorry if this was raised earlier, and please don't laugh at me -- but what do you think about Kerry Wood? I know I'm a hypocrite because I was worried about the idea of Ben Sheets, given we already have Schmidt wasting payroll, but Wood would be cheaper than Sheets, as a reliever who can also start (I assume?) I've always liked his upside. His downside is... how often he was on the DL.
Just a thought.
Mucho Gracias - No Abreu yet, I need to climb off that bandwagon.
Feels like it, anyway.
Dodgers and monorail in the same sentence.
Oh, man, I just crossed the line into corporate shillism.
http://www.truebluela.com/2008/11/14/661528/prospect-number-eleven
>> Colletti explained that it's typical to withdraw specific offers without closing the door on signing a player.
"If you don't set deadlines with offers and they are left open-ended, the player can come back any time he wants and say, 'OK, we'll do that,' even if the club's situation has changed, perhaps by signing another player or something else occurring," Colletti said. "You've got to attach deadlines." <<
http://tinyurl.com/5hnjd6
It kept letting me re-vote, so Strange-Gordon can thank me for couple of votes and Eovaldi for one.
>> The Yankees made the first move Friday in what they hope will be a winter pitching spree by offering star lefty CC Sabathia a contract believed to be worth $140 million over six years, according to multiple baseball officials.
If Sabathia ultimately signs for that much or more, it'd be the biggest deal for a pitcher in baseball history. Johan Santana inked a six-year, $137.5 million contract with the Mets last winter. The Yankee offer is "slightly better" than Santana's deal, according to one official. <<
## The Yankees aren't stopping there, either. In the next day or so, sources said, they will make first-strike offers to AJ Burnett and Derek Lowe, as well, in an effort to solidify their starting rotation. ##
http://tinyurl.com/5ottaz
The OTA broadcasts are sharper than what I had with Dish...of course I only get like 10HD channels as opposed to 150, but it is free :)
http://www.westmont.edu/teafire/pictures.html
Must me nice to print your own money..
On a lighter subject, thanks for the HDTV thoughts, folks. I may email or ping you later fanerman. The price at CC on that Bravia is pretty hard to pass up... I was leaning toward LCD and had heard mixed things about plasmas, though sounds like fiddlestick likes his. I will check out some more in person.
216 Westmont is far from State St, deep into Montecito, brushy area up towards a canyon, not far from botanic garden. One of my favorite hiking spots, Rattlesnake Canyon, also burned :-(
http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1215&tid=1394&art=15169
It's true you only need like 4 knives, although it's helpful to have a steele as well to keep the edges straight.
Best value for cheap knives are Forschners. They keep a really nice edge and have a comfortable grip and the price is really right.
I like Japanese knives better and have Shuns (also known as Kershaws) which are absolutely amazing. But they aren't cheap. But they stay so sharp.
Not very close. It's more up in the foothills northeast of downtown. Beautiful campus, liberal arts christian school (I, on the other hand, went to UCSB, the anti-Westmont)..
Right now is the time of the day the sundowner winds start coming in off the canyons. Hopefully they are much more tame than last night..
Also, do not use any surface to cut on except plastic or wood.
Anything else will dull the blade in a hurry.
Seriously, a couple hundred concerts later, my top ten include many there. Marshall Tucker/Little Feat, Allman Bros/Point Blank, great rock and roll.
Point Blank played a driving version of `Bad Bees' that night. I didn't know the name of the song at the time, and when my buddy started yelling Bad Bees at the top of his lungs, I thought he was referring to an incident earlier in the day (he stumbled into a beehive laden bush earlier in the day
at a campground up on Los Osos rd, and had been bitten multiple times). I couldn't figure out why he was mad at the band for it.
Nice way to phrase "Party School!!!"
Cargill -
Would you be upset if we signed CC to a 2 year deal this off season for only $41 million???
I think everybody here would piss their pants. The reason why I put in the player options is because it gives CC more power in his contract instead of additional dollars (dollars we can't compete with vs. the Yanks).
What year were you?
I must learn to preview.
My first fearless prediction of the hot stove season: AJ Burnett will eventually sign with the Braves, now that they're over Peavy.
My wife got me the Spyderco tri-stones for my Wusthofs...although it takes a lot longer to get a double bevel, I noticed a HUGE difference in quality than the ordinary pull-through sharpeners.
I was on the standard Gaucho 5 year/4 major plan..Graduated in 2001.
I totally screwed up graduating on time. A big regret of mine. I was 2006.
Seriously reads like some World of Warcraft game or something.
My chefs knife and my signed Koufax ball are 2 of my favorite things...dunno what that says about me though. Hmmm.
And every time I ask to see it, he whines that he `would have to dig it out'. He is kind of a crazed packrat, though, so his point is somewhat valid.
I remember seeing Beastie Boys (with Jon Spencer and the Roots) at the SB Bowl in 1995 - it was quite an introduction to concerts... hahah
https://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedImages/ceo/oes/EvacAreasWeb_111408_11x17_updatev2.jpg
Fortunately my folks' place is so far down near the beach that it's not even on this map. They just get to enjoy tons of ash on their driveway.
He has a house in Montecito near the beach..sorta lauched his career there.
"I was eatin lunch at the DLG.." - refers to the De la Guerra dining commons on campus..
He went to UCSB.
It is even worse if you are in the film department, because that was his major. My teachers would talk about him as a student and he even wrote a song about one of my classes.
But yeah, there are some restaurants that just play his DVD 24/7.
Also, NOFX is playing at the Canyon Club in Agoura if anyone is interested..Feb 20-22.
I did not go see Cypress Hill perform. I did see Andre Nickatina perform at Storke and that was sweet.
My old band played at the Living Room a few times..opened for a really good band called Sick Shift. We, on the other hand, were terrible. Fun place to play though..
As for the fire, I drove home last night at around 9 P.M. I didn't realize there was a fire until I saw an orange glow in the distance. It didn't seem to be much of a problem at first glance, but as I drove past, the whole hill where a bunch of houses were looked like a volcano. I could literally see the flames as I drove past on the 101. It's a shock that they weren't able to contain something like that considering that it was right in the middle of a residential are. I hope no one got hurt.
Cool, I'll be sure to avoid those.
I think anything you do with CC which can get him here for 2-4 years makes a lot of sense. The average I think would have to be higher to make him not want to do the Yankees for 6 years. The way I see it the Yanks have now set the bar for length and annual salary. If the Dodgers want to really be players they have two basic choices a longer contract, which I think would be a mistake or a shorter contract with either a significant annual increase over the Yankee contract or some major opt out clause. I don't think 41 over two years with an opt out is large enough.
There was one in the shopping plaza that has Home Depot in it (Storke Plaza?). It is called Kahuna Burger or something like that. Good chicken sandwiches and always have cute girls working there, but if you hate Jack Johnson, do not actually eat your food there.
Noise/experimental band ayyy. I would love to hear some of your stuff if that is possible.
1998-99ish...I've heard of The Mothras. I was in Rad (yes, after the 80's BMX movie). We had a studio behind Bubbles n Beans in IV..{wistfully stares off in space}. Nerf Herder played at our house in 98...ahh, the good old days.
LOL. You named yourself after Rad, that is awesome!
But I do wish all concerned best wishes with what is happening out there with the fires.
Today's Dodger Thoughts comes to you by a grant from the Brian Shaw Foundation.
Naw, I have not been back down since summer. By my senior year, Halloween was a shell of itself.
No way you heard of us! hahaha thats hilarious/awesome!! Nerf Herder is still one of my fav bands ever (even if the last two albums werent that great...).
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if you dare, you are more than welcome to check out some of the random videos i had of us that i put on youtube. it varies in quality thou...
http://tinyurl.com/6xddmt
Was it good this year?
That will not stop fans for pleaing for him tomorrow night.
Not this year. Apparently over 45,000 people showed up. I've never had to push my way through a crowd that much before in my life, and I've been to numerous sellouts at Dodger Stadium and this year's Coliseum game.
Pleading for Chris Forcier is akin to saying the Dodgers would have been better last year with David Ross on the team. Or Jason Repko getting more at bats.
Kevin Craft is UCLA's Angel Berroa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-yZ2BWPts
Caution, a there are a few Rule 1 violations.
I immediately recognized that cruddy public access background.
Zeros and Ones was sick and how can you beat incorporating "Get Into the Groove". Did you guys ever hand out CDs on campus?
I used to get a bunch of random experimental groups handing me free CDs, because I wore a lot of Mr. Bungle T-Shirts.
Sweet, it was like that when I lived on DP. That is how it should be.
What classifies power pop?
I like your style...
Or lack thereof.
That is dying for a D4P joke about Andruw's hunt for 300. :)
If you need a bad novice harmonica player, I'm your man.
hahaha, zeroes and ones was from a jam session before our second time performing on KCSB! haha
We never handed out CDs or anything, but we did play a few shows in IV, most recently with DJ Crabhat. More recently we have leaned away from the making experimental music and instead just screamed into microphones karaoke-style. i would hate my band if i wasnt in it ;D
I don't get the "no hit" part, but I can believe Hudson will be too pricey for Ned and Frank's liking.
Do you know Melt Banana or the Locust?
Man, THAT is the essence.
yeah, not a huge fan of either. My band is partly me venting my frustration in not being able to meld Mr. Bungle with European dance music. And having musical talent. hahah
lol
"Tall and formidable on the mound, Don is hoping that 1962 is going to be the year he hits the 20 victory mark. The righthander, on the brink of greatness, won 17 games in 1957 and again in 1959. Don won a game in the 1959 World Series and pitched in both All-Star games." (emphasis mine)
I thought this was interesting for two reasons:
1) Don did end up reaching "greatness" in 1962, winning the CYA with a 25-9 record and a 127 ERA+
2) In Don's previous six seasons, the only pitcher in MLB with a higher ERA+ was Whitey Ford (http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/hEjJ). He already was great!
Still, I love the card.
have you checked out Patton's recent work with an orchestra where he covers 60's italian pop tunes? it's pretty incredible... check youtube, i think it's named Mondo Cane.
Yeah, it is incredible. I love L'Urlo Negro.
Naw, what are they like?
Just checked out a few songs. I have heard Bruises on the IPod commercial, but not into that song. I liked some of the other songs I listened to.
Are you into baseball cards, or just that particular one?
I stopped collecting in about 1991 (I was 15) but have rejoined the fray in the last year or so.
I went to high school in Walnut Creek called Northgate.
oh ok, for some reason i had a feeling all this time i might have knew you from HS, but alas, i got mixed up. SBHS in the hizzie! Don't burn down!
Man, the Red Barn is way before my time. RKL is the most definitive "north side" band ever to me hahah
Stanford 75, Yale 67
Howard 47, Oregon State 45
Mississippi Valley State is at Arizona State and Northern Colorado is playing at Oregon.
Hopefully the Pistons will stop making those pesky 3s.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2008/11/greatest-americ.html
Yes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6BcNdWhwX0
Although he seems to have made peace with it.
For those not scoring at home, the opponent is Blair High.
Would he go to arbitration if they don't agree to terms?
They would technically have to tender him a contract, but yes he's arbitration eligible.
Lakers defense, 1st 7 games:
1st half: 45.6 pts
2nd half: 41.1 pts
326 - He has over four years of service time - that was why I asked.
Of course, it doesn't have a "The" in its name officially. And because some writers in an LA Times Sunday magazine section used it, the course of journalism in Los Angeles changed dramatically.
By my count, Berroa accumulated 114 days of service with the big club, putting him into the 5+ year service time classification (172 days makes a full year).
*I checked the "2009 Arbitration" page on Cot's, and Berroa's service time is updated there. He has Berroa at 5 years, 14 days.
Tajuan Porter was 0 for 10 and 0 for 7 on 3s in the first half against Northern Colorado.
Tajuan Porter was amazingly worse as a sophomore than as a freshman.
Because Richard Pryor and George Carlin are dead?
I know, but since Oregon State already took my hope for an undefeated season away I was hoping the Lakers could fill that void. :)
Stephen's Statute: First to 94 wins!
The band at Staples shouldn't have played "Tusk" at halftime.
It's the only song that the USC band plays that I really dislike. I think it's because I dislike Fleetwood Mac more than USC.
I figured the Pistons would get worse exchanging Billups for Iverson, but not so.
Lakers have gotten completely outplayed tonight.
And its not like the Lakers are fully rested, they are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights with two nights getting to bed after 1:00 a.m.
Funny you should mention that. I'm researching Lawler's Law while watching the Laker game.
I vote for the 2nd phrase.
The Pistons have done their best to keep a strong hold on 2nd place on my "most hated NBA teams" list.
Today I took a spill on my bike coming home from work, scraped my knee but otherwise fine. But lost my cell phone when I fell. Didn't realize it til I got home. Called and called it til someone answered - a semi-sketchy guy had found it and then demanded 20 dollars in exchange for it. Fine by me, so I headed back into town to give the sketchy guy money for my phone (after he'd stupidly said "Call me when you get here and I'll come out for you." "You have my phone!" I said.) Then had to hear about a family friend's home burning down in SB today. So I needed a laugh. Thank you, Jason Siegel.
Oh, and mintx, I went to SBHS, maybe you were thinking of me. But I'm guessing quite a few years before you.
#2. Superbad
#3. 40yr old Virgin
#4. Pineapple Express
The only one I havent liked was Knocked Up.
Hot Stove Interview: Dodgers GM Ned Colletti
http://tinyurl.com/6g8gv6
Read the whole thing. Just an excerpt:
>>On Furcal and Blake
We'd like to have both of them back. Rafael had a bit of a tough year with the surgery that kept him out most of the season. We'd love to have him back if we can come to an agreement, same with Casey Blake who played very well for us. Both want to explore their options, and we respect that, so we'll let them see what's going on and they promised to stay in touch and so will we if we change direction, so we'll see.
On whether he was active in making calls on the first day of open free agency
We've made a lot of calls last week to our own free agents and other clubs to express interest. I think these days, most guys survey the landscape for a while before they make a determination (on where to sign). So we'll make calls in the next few days, but the process takes a while. Those players we're interested in are well aware of it.<<
1.40 Year Old Virgin
2.Sarah Marshall
3.Knocked Up
3.(tie) Superbad
5. Pineapple Express
Freaks and Geeks would be ahead of #1 if a movie. ;-)
I think there are a few other Dons here, and i can't keep any of them straight!
If you are in need of a good laugh, you should watch some Mystery Science Theater 3000. That's what I'm doing!
Lakers ended up with 95. At least I got my math right. :)
1) 40-Year
2) Knocked Up on first viewing
3) Superbad
4) Knocked Up on second viewing
5) Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Lawler's Law states that the first team to score 100 points wins.
There have been 131 games through tonight. 78 of those have been "Lawler Games" (at least one team scores 100).
Lawler's Law has held true in 75 of 78 contests (96.2%). One of the three came tonight courtesy of Dallas, who lost to Orlando tonight despite taking a 100-99 lead.
Here are some numbers looking at the score of the team behind when the first team reached 100:
95 or more points
21-2 (91.3%)
90 or more points
43-3 (93.5%)
22-1 (95.7%) from 90-94 points
85 or more points
54-3 (94.7%)
11-0 from 85-89 points
84 or fewer points
21-0
What's good about Sarah Marshall: Paul Rudd, as always ("I think he once knocked a guy out with a star fish"); Jonah Hill, imho much easier to take than he was in Superbad (though he was often hysterical in that one); the British comic guy; Jason Siegel's ability to bring the forlorn pain; the Dracula rock opera. It's also overlong, like all Apatow produced films in need of more editing. All those films are a matter of personal taste. Each are so squirm-inducing.
http://tinyurl.com/67x92r
And now, time to watch Foot Fist Way, as Comedy Escape Night continues!
Btw, I have some script issues with Sarah Marshall that I didn't pick up on as much the first time, especially regarding its third act. But I still like it.
I watched Pod People the other day, loved it and the song Idiot Control. IT STINKS!
Pumaman, Gamera vs Guiron, Manos, and Time Chasers are some of my favs
It would have to be collectively bargained. The City of L.A. doesn't have separate Lincoln and Washington holidays.
I get
1) New Year's
2) MLK
3) Presidents'
4) Cesar Chavez
5) Memorial
6) Independence
7) Labor
8) Columbus
9) Veterans
10) Thanksgiving
11) Day after Thanksgiving
12) Christmas
Tommy Lasorda is a big fan of Columbus Day.
1. New Year's;
2. MLK
3. Presidents'
4. Memorial
5. Fourth of July
6. Labor
7. Veterans (closest Monday to Veterans)
8. Thanksgiving
9. Day after Thanksgiving
10. Christmas
Plus two floating holidays usually around Fourth of July, Christmas or New Years.
Idiot control now!
And yes, Red Zone Cuba was interminable, they tried to save it but couldn't. I love some of the Sci-Fi ones, like Hobgoblins (which makes Critters look like Blade Runner).
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Man, will the fires never cease!
I've actually worked at L.A's longest running card store for the last 7 years (I started when I was 14). If you're interested in vintage stuff at all, it would be a cool place to visit. Really, its a cool place for anyone interested in sports at all. I've actually put together a pretty nice collection (thats what happens when you work for cards for 2 full years), and it is something that i find really fun and interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98pXPuWhk5Q&feature=related
It stinks!
G'night everybody.
I sure hope the Dodgers make a strong run at this kid, according to some stuff I have read the White Sox are all over him. But one thing about Cuban defectors is a new talent pool could open with a new administration. I have heard a few commentators say that Obama is going to look at ending the blockade, wouldn't the free flow of baseball players from Cuba be great and maybe some major league clubs barnstorming in Cuba again. If the Dodgers were smart they could go back to their trailblazing roots and take the lead!
Even though I know very little about him, I want the Cuban in the Dodgers org. With the more quality 3b prospects we can add, one is bound is stick and take over the position.
Prediction: Greg Miller will get traded for a utility infielder or something before the year ends.
Cuban
Rat Face
Sheets
Raffy
I don't know if Miller has any trade value. I bet he gets a chance in spring training to either make the club or be cut.
I fell asleep so I missed the game last night, but...
I caught up by reading the recap. Let's face it, the Pistons are GOOD. I saw them play the Warriors and picked a few highlights against other teams post-Iverson.
I also thought Iverson on the team didn't make sense, but the fact the Pistons don't run as much works in Iverson's favor. Doesn't make any difference, because the trade was just a way to clear cap room at the end of the year.
Above all else, the Pistons defense is still remarkable. I'm not surprised the Lakers lost last night.
GEEZ, 30 shots from Kobe? Thats ridiculous. Seems like Kobe panics when the team is in trouble and shoots too much. It reminds me of Ben Roethlisberger when the Steelers lose, heck, it reminds me of the game last week vs Indy!
I hope Kobe tones it down... long season, no need to try to take over the game. but again, this loss doesn't bother me, other than it had to be an Eastern Conference team. Here comes the "Eastern Conference is way better than the West" talk again!
Jeff Van Gundy and others raise the point that the Western Conference is weaker this year, and the Eastern Conference is a much better conference. Do you agree?
---
I agree that the East is improved, but are you about to tell me the Blazers, Rockets, and Suns can't dominate the Heat, Magic, and Knicks? I'd be very surprised to see the East win those matchups.
I think this is okay. It probably means the Dodgers will make another, bigger offer to retain Manny's services. It also means they'll let Manny test the market and see if anybody jumps to sign Manny for a CC-esque 5 or 6 year deal.
-- which renders my complaint two days ago moot. Now to see if anyone else will be dumb enough to sign Manny for 5-6 years. This is good strategy for the blue. If nobody else bites, it gives the Dodgers great leverage!
Sorry for assuming Ned was going to let the 2/45 deal stand. I should give Ned and Co. more credit.
I may take an excursion, either north or south today, but my feeling is I should be ok to hang around town if needed. Goleta appears to be ok for now, as well.
It's windy out there and there is a wildfire in Sylmar that may head west over the same parts of the Valley that burned just last month.
It's a wish list that is plausible. I don't think we can match bids for CC.
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Logik, I heard this morning the fire is 40% controlled, which is great, but that they were still doing aerial water drops because of the danger of flare ups and wind today.
"Let me just say I'm not a fan of teases going into commercial breaks of things to come."
I detest those with a vengeance. As noted by Eric, Kitchen Nightmares is one of those, and the worst. The BBC America version was even worse. I think they must have used those to expand a 30-minute UK BBC program into a 60-minute US program. Not only do you get teases before the commercials, you get replays after the commercials! You have to watch the same scenes three times over. Who the hell wants to see the same thing three times? Imagine if normal drama TV programs did that. All the while with annoying background - more like foreground - repetitive music. Just fluff. They could be showing more detail - once - instead.
I now watch all these programs only on taped DVR, and cut out all that repeated and tease stuff as well as the commercials via fast-forward. Much, much better (while reducing the 60-minute program to something closer to 35 minutes). So it's appreciated when people don't give away the winners here - thanks. I just watched the entire season 5 of Top Chef this way - Wednesday Bravo ran it as a marathon before beginning the new season. Quite enthralling without all the repeated crap.
Excuse my ignorance, Nate, but who is Rat Face
In this case, it's Randy Johnson (who apparently took the title from Gary Gaetti).
If this were the NFL, it would be ex-Raider coach Mike Shanahan. :)
Coming up on Dodger Thoughts, watch Eric say "DVR is king."
DVR is king
Previously on Dodger Thoughts, Eric said "DVR is king."
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are exploring the possibility of signing Randy Johnson to a one-year contract. Lou Piniella managed the Big Unit in Seattle, which prompted Johnson's agent, Alen Nero, to call the Cubs a "perfect fit." The organization appears focused on re-signing Ryan Dempster at the moment, but it's worth noting that Johnson is 4-0 lifetime at Wrigley field and wants to remain in the National League. This deal could quickly gain some legs.
but it's worth noting that Johnson is 4-0 lifetime at Wrigley field
Gotta love small sample sizes.
I live in Santa Barbara. I'm not quite as close to the fire as LogikReader, but close enough (near Cottage Hospital). If the fire spread(s) from upper to Riviera to lower Riviera (where LR lives), I'd be next. It probably won't happen now (though the helicopters are still active overhead as a write), but it could have happened in an hour or two Thursday night. So I couldn't just go to sleep. On the other hand, real news was naturally sporadic, with cameramen having a hard time getting around the area, firefighters too busy fighting fires to talk to TV, and so on. So the local TV (until midnight) and then radio only had to keep repeating the same stuff and (on radio) chat away until the next bit of hard news came along.
So I filled out the time watching Top Chef marathon on DVR. It really was quite surreal: 10 minutes of fire updates as the smell of burning in the air got worse and worse, 10 minutes of preparing a whole pig in Puerto Rico as angry competitors sulked. By 1:30 AM, the radio was saying that visible fires had disappeared from the Santa Barbara-side view (I would have had to go a few minutes from my house to get the same view). Finally by 3 AM I felt OK (and tired enough) for a few hours sleep and had made it up the the second-to-last episode. (Saw the conclusion last night).
I had a big valise ready, just in case, but didn't quite get to the point of stuffing it - probaby a mistake, though I think I could have done it in about 10 minutes if needed. I left my dog's collar on instead of removing it for the night, just in case I needed to grab her in the dark. (So far, electric power has stayed on, unlike during the Gap fires in the summer.)
I was supposed to go into LA this evening, but I don't feel easy about doing so, and would have to bring my dog somewhere. The winds (which stayed very low last night) could still whip it all up again - apparently they haven't even started containing the fire, or at least aren't claiming to have done so. Friends in the mandatory evacuation area - just three quarters of a mile away or so - are still not allowed back to their houses. I've run out of saved "reality" (hah!) programs to watch now, though. The sun is shining, everything seems normal just here, and I'm off to the farmers' market (with my dog). Still surreal...
I hear ya, Berkowitz... I don't think anyone can sleep with helicopters flying over your home all night, especially ones that come so close you can feel the floor vibrate.
I have some very good news for all of us fellow SBbians: An update at sbcfire.com says the fire is now 40% contained. This is excellent news!
I hope everyone who lives in town is safe, and most of all, still with a home.
Know several family friends who lost their homes. Could've been worse, too. The fast moving 1990 fire didn't give anyone time to go back for anything or prepare, that was terrifying.
Okay, on to a day of housecleaning and just generally sweating a lot.
The question: What Arizona players who Arizona no longer wanted that signed with the Dodgers should the Dodgers not have signed?
Note: Johnson is projected.
Lesson: If Arizona no longer wants them, don't sign them.
You're under stress.
It happens.
Oops! I'm sorry, underdog. I could have saved so much time if I had paid more attention upthread.
I remember the comment about "rat face" though.
Likewise, I hope for better luck to those of you out in the SF Valley and around Sylmar. I hate to see anyone lose their home and have to evacuate. I'm really pulling for the firefighters to tackle the Sylmar fire.
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