Ok, is the post title a play on Carson Daly?

(I gotta be sure my pop culture references are up to date.)

1. maybe a play on former NBA player Bison Dele?

I was thinking #2 myself

multi-talented Jon Weisman showing of his skills.

Continuing from the last thread, I'm proud of my alma mater too.

http://tinyurl.com/qjxs5

You gotta love that school nickname though.

Dear me, I had no idea my school had actually been merged with the hated Annandale HS before its successor opened in the same buildings.

Dave Grohl attended, and Scott Norwood (Wide Right!) graduated from there (10 years after me).

http://tinyurl.com/ptzt9

Does anyone know which general parking lot to use if you want to make the quick exit to 110 North (heading toward Pasadena)? It seems that the lots are assigned to certain exits.

It was 2.

Jon - During the weekend, as I was awake due to the stifling heat, I thought about reviewing other past Dodger debuts but then I must have succumbed to heat exhaustion but thanks to Retrosheet, here are some elementary comparisons:
Kemp's 3rd homerun in his 20th at bat.
Mondesi's 3rd homerun in his 75th at bat.
Piazza's 3rd homerun in his 106th at bat.
Karros's 3rd homerun in his 53rd at bat.
Garvey's 3rd homerun in his 116th at bat.
P. Guerrero's 3rd homerun in his 89th at bat.

What does any of this mean, who knows, by the way Ethier hit his 3rd in his 48th at bat and Martin just hit his in his 85th at bat.

does anybody know what happened to Jorge Cantu? (Devil Rays) I went to there web site but he's not in the active roster.

9 Well, apparently I'm better on pop culture than I am on NBA players; I've never heard of Bison Dele.

If anyone asks, there's proof that DT is edumacational.

12 - He played at Arizona (as Brian Williams) - that's why you're repressing him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bison_Dele

Jorge Cantu fouled a ball off his ankle and broke it early in the season.

nevermind I just saw on the 40 man roster that he's hurt, I wonder what happened to him?

12. Probably because he was called Brian Williams during most of his playing career.

I wouldn't let Doug Eddings wash my car. I wouldn't clean my shoes on Doug Eddings. I wouldn't wish Doug Eddings on Danys Baez.

14

that's a shame the guy can really play.

11 - He is on the disabled list, has been playing for their AA team, should be back up soon.

15. Also due to come off the DL early this week....

cr

I remember when I first saw him, playing in the world games, he hit a monster HR.

Cantu barada nikto!

(Sorry, sometimes can't resist film references...)

Btw, speaking of Kemp's 3rd hr compared to other Dodgers, the flip side (devil's advocate side) of it is the # of players who got off to similarly hot starts, made 3 hrs in 3 games, and then didn't have much of a career. But I'm not expecting Kemp to fall into obscurity, I expect him to be pretty damned good.

13 Oh, yeah -- that mysterious death. I'd forgotten about that story; I might have remembered his original name, but certainly not the one he died with.

any of you have him on your fantasy team?

22. Kemp's presence on that list is significant not only because he hit his 3rd homer in the smallest number of AB's, but because he is the youngest to do so.

24. lol! Yes, I did. Cantu right?

Sanchez has a great point. Age for level of competition is HUGE.

An aside to my earlier comment, Garvey was playing in his third season with the Dodgers, he had two cups of coffee before sticking with the team. Piazza and Karros were both in their Rookie of the Year of the Year seasons, and Mondesi was in the midst of a great September before his Rookie of the Year campaign.

I believe that some of these players will have to do this for another month or two before we start comparing to other great rookie years. But it sure is fun and Kemp is becoming a player whose at bat you do not want to miss.

26

yeah Cantu, I gotta be honest I never even heard of him until the world baseball classic.

27

agreed, but notice what he did with the bases loaded.

25 Oh definitely. I was just thinking of the note in the LA Times today about the players who hit more home runs than Kemp's in the first week of their career. And most of them (Dave Kingman's one exception) ended up fairly obscure. But I didn't look up their ages and it's pretty obvious to me that Kemp is no fluke. He could still end up being sent down (to AAA) but should be back up soon and if he stays healthy could hope for a long career.

31. I read that same LA Times article. Everyone of those players on that list was older than Kemp as well. I dont think Kemp will be back up before Repko is healthy and has a rehab assignment, which could be a month or more way.

25-27, I was surprised to see that Garvey was 22 when he hit his 3rd. Kemp is the youngest in that group but Mondesi and Garvey are right there.

I forgot Adrian Beltre, who were it not for the Konerko trade might have played a few more years in the minors, anyway he came up at 19 and hit his 3rd HR in his 139th at bat.

Nikto! I don't have any fear that Matt Kemp will join the club of Cody Ross, Franklin Stubbs, and even the unfortunate Hee Sop Choi and others who hit homers in clusters.
He has too many other tools.

Mean while boston is getting smaked around in NY it's 13-3 right now. yikes

30 - I can't imagine what it is like for these guys, Matt Kemp was playing in front 3000-6000 fans in ballparks across the South and now he is playing in front of 45,000 fans in the Show.

Let's remember these are rookies, they will make mistakes like not running out pop ups or missing a cutoff man (BTW Aaron Rowland maybe a good CF but he made 3 horrible throws this weekend sailing to the backstop). I hope Matt Kemp learned from that at bat and will do something different the next time.

33. Beltre didn't hit his 3rd home run of the 2006 season until his 208th AB.

37. that makes me happy and sad at the same time

38. Two in his last 12 AB tho!

Seattle is turning out to be a nightmare for Beltre.

Now, Jered, the Weaver Late-Inning Meltdown(TM) and the Weaver Face(TM) are both trademarked, so you are going to have to figure out some other way to distinguish yourself.

who do you see coming up to help our pitching staff?, I say Billingsley but I heard & saw (during the FWY series) that he is really wild.

But I keep forgeting (there really young) I think Billingsley is 21 as well no?

Edmonton about to take a penalty shop in the Stanley Cup Final Game 1.

And Pronger converts it to give Edmonton a 2-0 lead in the 2nd.

The penalty shot was awarded when a Carolina player closed his hand on the puck in the Carolina goal crease.

logan white on dodgers live when they come back from break!

Has anyone ever tried Baez as a starter? He's no rocket scientist but knowing that he has to pace himself over 6 innings and that one walk or even a run or two won't get him pulled out of the game, might settle him down a lot. He does seem to pitch better when he starts an inning. Final argument: Can he be worse than Seo, Perez, and Tomko are on all too frequent occaisons?

46

yeah that's gonna be cool.

47

Cleveland tride that experiment a while back I believe.

47

when he was with the indians, he started. thats the reason why they moved him to the bullpen heh.

47. Cleveland tried that and it backfired. It would be funny if Grady tried it just to make Steve's head explode.

If Ned's people skills are good enough to keep Logan White around for the indefinite future, he's the right GM for the job.

I hear Terry Collins now on, did Logan White already speak?

Baez' numbers as a starter in 2002 look relatively more useful than his numbers as a reliever in 2006. At the very least, Baez 2002 is comparable to Tomko, and better than Seo.

Pronger? That's an interesting name...

50

nah I think he was a bullpen guy & then they tride him as a starter.

kevin kennedy made a jok about if Logan White has signed a 5 yr extension yet or something.

Well, I wasnt laughing. Because its not a joke. he needs to be signed and never allowed to leave. ever.

52

agreed, Logan White once wrote me directly on my personal email, man I tell ya things like that you never forget.

Oops, I forgot you guys were talking about the TV broadcast, now come on and give me the summary and leave out the Kevin Kennedy jokes.

Baez as a starter could be useful. Just about anybody as a starter could be useful. Middle relievers are not useful.

Larry King has Mary Joe Letourneau and her victim/husband on right now. How sad for him, them, and all of us.

I don't know what to make of Michelle Wie. I heard some talk radio types shredding her today. Seems ridiculous and obnoxious to me for people to argue she's doing something bad or wrong. That said, I don't really get her focus on getting into men's tournaments -- she hasn't been winning scads of women's tourneys, right? In some sports, I can see how getting against tougher competition can accelarate your own game; seems like a stretch in golf, though I don't really know.

Seems like The Bison has stuck, not M. Bison?

hahaha broxton

"yea back in 2002, after i got draftin, logan, he come down, we went fishin and talkin"

he sounds like grady little.

apparently the bull has pop in his bat (they showed him taking batting practice)

Gigantor throwing in a key spot in Atl. Nationals up 1 in the bottom of the 8th, runners on 1st and 2d, 1 out.

59. he didnt say anything really pertinent. After Steve Lyon's went a tirade on Luke Hochevar and pronounced Orenduff "orendorf", White detailed some advantages/disadvantages of HS players, and mentioned Billingsley, DeWitt, and LaRoche.

60. I'll take the con - see: Perez, Carlos

61
My wife is watching Larry King in the other room. I don't know much about the story, but you have to wonder if it makes sense to keep someone like Mary Joe in jail for 7+ years as if she's some kind of dangerous criminal. Not only is it expensive to do so, but all they really accomplished was keeping two people apart who were in love.

Regarding Michelle Wie: She has not won a single LPGA event, though she has some very high finishes in LPGA majors. The thing about her is that she is very good for her age, regardless of her gender. At 15, she came within a stroke of making the cut at a PGA event. That's impressive. Conventional wisdom appears to be that she should "learn how to win" on the LPGA tour before focusing so much on the PGA tour, but she envisions herself being a dominant force on the men's tour.

dons't that guy throw out the first pitch today? I remember some guy came on DT & said he was gonna throw out the first pitch today.

That should be our own coachjpark throwing out the first pitch.

65 - So he didn't say who the Dodgers were drafting at No. 7.

60 - I understand the sentiment but I think quality middle relief is something that is lacking on almost every team and Grady has been searching for that combination since Day 1. Today we may get to see his Broxton to Saito to Gagne combo.

Jeff Weaver has pitched better over his past few starts but his strike outs are almost non-existent and he demands solid fielding behind him and he did not get that today.

We'll see how Jered does when the Angels offense doesn't put up a whole bunch of crooked numbers for him.

61 Well, it's called the US Open for a reason. It's open to everyone, no gender specified. She's been in the last three Ladies' Opens, so why shouldn't she try? 3 bogies in a row on the back nine of the second round today or she would have made it, too.

Baez was a starter in Cuba and during his minor league career until he reached AAA and then he pitched out of the bullpen in 2001 for Buffalo and the Indians. The Indians put him into the rotation at the beginning of 2002 for 26 starts. His 2002 season ended with a 4.42 ERA but I don't have the split for starting and relieving. From late in 2002 to the present he has been a closer. At the age of 23 in 2001 he looked like a very promising pitcher with a solid dominance(9.30) and an excellent WHIP.

Fine weather in Houston tonight.

wow, reyes isnt a slap hitter anymore.

Tomko Alert goes to full RED

Isn't it more of a factor that Tomko brings out the inner power hitter in everyone?

The Mets radio guys (I'm in Manhattan) were as surprised about that HR as anyone. They were calling it as an fly ball and then sorta were like "hey, it's going out!"

Laroche up for Atlanta, bases loaded, down by 1, 2 outs, bottom ninth . . .

The Mets fans of America thank Brett Tomko for helping Delgado out of his 5-50 funk.

Mary Kay Letourneau. I suspect both of you knew that, but were trying to flush out anybody who could prove that he did too.

OT: Wow. Well, at least it wasn't Reyes, again, this time.

paging Chad, paging Chad Billingsley, your need in Los Angeles

Too funny.

The Mets fans of America thank Brett Tomko for helping Delgado out of his 5-50 funk.

I don't like the pitches inside both HR'S were inside pitches.

Alas, a cloud appeared in Houston.

Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out.
Welcome back to that same old place that you laughed about.
Well the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.

Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (Who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
Back here where we need ya (Here where we need ya)

Yeah we tease him a lot cause we've got him on the spot,
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.

fantastic

79.Chad Cordero, CSUF alumni right?

crap - sorry about that double post

87
That's my song to Lance.

I guess we can mark that All-Star invitation "Return to Sender"

tomko has reverted back to being bombko. or should we say the clock has sturck midnight, and he has turned back into a bombkin?

Laroche grounds out to end the game in ATL (but hey, it wasn't our Laroche).

3-0 Mets with the seats not even worm.

At least he hasn't pulled a Becket yet:)

Yet

er, *struck

We gotta rock this Met pitcher.

The DBacks are up 2-0 on the Phillies with Webb pitching against Lidle.

Old friend Shawn Green with a big triple.

wtf? why are our veteran leadoff hitters not working the count against this cuban rookie?

The seats are brand new! Shea may have wormy seats, but not Dodger Stadium.

Matt Kemp should be playing second.

russell martins dad is black!

100

yeah, Furcal swang at the 2nd pitch & 'ol man Lofton poped it up.

(81) And her father was the head of the John Burch Society in Orange County if I remember correctly. (Note the 'if'.) And I'll bet none of you know who John Burch was, but I'm sure Bob will look it up and relieve your curiosity. Worthless trivia...

103

that's news to me too.

103. really, thats interesting

John Schmitz.

Just got in
Tomko's not exactly shuting them down is he?

(103) You know, I suspected that from the LA Times story, and if you look hard you can maybe see a trace of it in Russ, but who the Hell cares? Good men come in all colors and so do the bad ones.

has everyone submitted their draft guesses at the dodgers blog yet?

Reyes has six home runs and is OPSing .732. A certain shortstop with a larger bank account and a name similar to a famous television character has two and is OPSing .667, with a whole .329 coming from his slugging.

109

can you believe he game up a HR to Reyes? I heard Vinnie say he had 6 dingers though, So I guess he's got a little pop in his bat.

110. Agree, I also noticed "traces" when I looked closely, but eh, what does it matter.

I don't know who John Burch was, but if he was anything like John Birch, I don't like him.

re 110

of course it doesnt make a difference, it was just interesting because he doesnt look black. can we call him white chocolate?

Birch.

100 Not a big deal, but I'm pretty sure Jon's preference is that we skip those "we all know what it stands for" abbreviations like wtf.

Mariana Rivera back from the DL pitching in a 13-5 game. No save situation?

Wasn't the actual John Birch innocuous? A missionary or something. He didn't have anything to do with the group that borrowed his name, right? If I'm wrong about that, then I have to stop calling the JBS, Ellen Jamsians. But I think I'm right.

Ummm.... if you mean the John BIRCH society you should make sure you have the name right before you assume everyone ELSE's lack of knowledge. ;-)

Not a fun group of people those Birchers.

116

LOL!

116 Well, I don't know him well enough to call him that.

Wikipedia agrees with me, but it's possible that that's where I picked it up in the first place. . .

http://tinyurl.com/pepux

I have to admit I sang the Welcome Back Kotter theme song out loud...twice.

Cbill wasn't wild during the freeway series. he shut down the angels in the freeway series.

They have, or had a very nice building in San Marino though. I'm sure the Birchers are not too happy with how the San Marino neighborhood has been looking in the last decade or so.

122
Does anyone else hate the words "Wiki" and "Wikipedia"?

Since we're in the mood tonight, Andrew, on my (ahem) ballot for tomorrow, I noticed that our old friend Dick Mountjoy has listed as his occupation "Immigration Control Consultant." What could that possibly mean?

Are you guys as nervous as I am about wanting Russell to get a hit.

Is that a scab moustache on Martin's lip?

[128] yes, yes it is.

oh well, you get 'um next time Ruseell.

124 -- I think Rousselot was from around there.

Dick Mountjoy, a fine Monrovia product. His cousin was a friend of mine in high school. He was fun at a party.

I'm afraid that last pitch to Martin was a strike.

105 As an ex-cpusa member, I'm talkin' John Birch paranoid blues.

108 Rather impressive to pull a link between Mary Kay and John Birch. http://tinyurl.com/e5a4t

The L.A. Times also had a big Birch tradition until Otis Chandler broke from the family.

This game is a bit of a snoozer, isn't it?

Wow, quite a Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Final. Carolina won 5-4 on a giveaway in the last minute by Edmonton's backup goalie (Roloson got hurt.) Ward made some incredible saves.

Too bad that only about seven people in the U.S. can watch.

The heated rivalry between the cities of Raleigh and Edmonton grows a bit more tonight.

dear baseball gods,

can andy laroche be just 75% of david wright?

sincerely, dodger thoughts community

137

we'll figure Soler out, but I hope Tomko holds the Mets at bay.

I'm old enough to remember when the John Birch Society was run off the profits from "Welches" brands.

136 According to Wikipedia, the John Birch Society was founded in 1958. Otis Chandler took over the Times in 1960. Couldn't have been that big a tradition.

Although the Times (and the Chandler family) were very, very conservative until Otis came along.

soler is getting lucky right now. all the line drives are at the defense.

The Schmitz/LaTourneau relationship is sort of the Springer version of the Wally George/Rebecca DeMornay relationship

143

let's just hope Tomko holds his end of the bargain.

I once gave a damn about hockey, but I don't know anyone back east here who does anymore. Actually I still know a few Rangers fans in the N.Y. area.

Ah consultancy, the last refuge of a scoundrel. Maybe he advised the Minutemen on what color to make their bumper stickers. Or, perhaps he got the consultant credit from sitting around telling the story of how he bravely introduced prop 187.

In the NY Times article the Griddle linked to about how racist soccer fans are, an Antiracism Expert was quoted, which I thought was fantastic. Maybe there's a test for how antiracism any one is. That would be awesome. And there should be a sticker on your driver's license if you pass. Like a Hazmat certification for truckers.

That's interesting about it being founded in 1958. Some of the Chanlers must have been charter members. I know the Chandlers were very upset when the Times did a big multi-part series on the Birch society in the early 60's.

145 Maybe lets hope Tomko doesn't uphold any bargain and is totally contrary.

I simply can't believe Furcal's glove is that big. He out play the outfield with that glove.

149

I hear ya.

Meanwhile Pat Burrell ends Webb's run at the Bulldog, standing O in Arizona for the now-ended streak. The runner who scored:

Chase Utley!

Between him and Honorary Board of Equalization Staff Member Michelle Steel, I'm just so, so proud.

3-run homer in the 9th puts Cincinnati ahead of St. Louis 8-7.

153 -- Mike Lieberthal made a little girl cry. Haven't the Phillies done enough?

That would be 152 -- only Dick Mountjoy makes me want to cry.

I see that Aybar's OPS is down to .867. That was a quick decline.

Did Lieberthal hit the girl, or did he just scare her? I couldn't tell from the angle, at the time. I was more worried about the way the woman (presumably her mother), yanked her out of the seat, right after. Was she hurt?

Eric Show was a Bircher. I wonder if a reporter looked through his locker and found None Dare Call It Treason

154. Griffey's second homer of game. Nice!

soler is horrible, this shouldnt be happening.

In watching Lasting Milledge tonight I'm reminded of the Expos when they had two young stars in Marquiss Grissom a smallish speedster with pop(Milledge) and Andre Dawson a powerfull slugger with speed and a gun(Kemp).

Lieberthal can't hit anything.

So Gregg died? I wonder if Livan sent flowers.

164

was there some kind of fude between them or something?

man it's so freaking hot, I have the fan on & I still can't stand it, yesterday was worse though.

If the DBacks win tonight, they will tie St. Louis for the best record in the NL.

Nate - can you send me an e-mail? Quick question for you re: the draft.

A Time Magazine article (from back when that meant anything) about Birch. Doesn't sound like a fun guy, but people who die young shouldn't be judged too harshly.

http://tinyurl.com/m2adf

138 - Yeah Bob, when we turned off that game after 2 periods it was 3-1 Edmonton and then we saw on the local news that the Whalercanes had gone up 4-3.

Right after they told us that Eric Gregg died :(

169- Don't worry, Birch can't be judged too harshly.

Steiner: "Ned Colletti knew what he was doing" when he acquired Lucille II.

Vinny just called Pedro, Ramon Martinez

Gameday and Yahoo have two vastly different line scores for the reds-cardinals game.

Apparently Roman Martinez is 3-4 career against the Dodgers.

This guy's looking like Koufax.

That was a strike, no doubt about it, great appurtunity gone to waste.

I thought the dbacks were loosing, I just checked the gameday thing & they were winning 3-2.

174. Yeah what happend there? I'm so confused because im sure it was the 9th inning and the Reds were down, then Griffey hit the home run to go up by a run if I remember. Wow, nevermind, the Gameday for that game is totally fuc**d up, now it has it as 2-2 the final score without the final 7 innings played!?

The Mets usually don't fold. I hope Sanchez isn't available.
As much as I like Vin-I don't feel its appropriate we are playing the Mets. I'm afraid they might bring us back to reality.

178. Nope, it's tied up 3-3, according to Gameday.

Uh-oh, he's about to blow his Quality Start.

171- That is impressive grudge bearing, especially considering you could only have been a communist for, what, four years? Anyway, I like your style.

How come "old friend" Jose Valentin was never good for us?

166- where do you live? It's in the 60's in the south bay.

This is really embarrassing watching this mediocre rookie dominate the Dodgers.

Tomko is about as mediocre as they come. Weren't a few people praising Ned last week for signing Tomko. His ERA is now creeping closer to his career numbers. And this isn't surprising at all. He's an extremely inconsistent pitcher. I'd be willing to swap him for Jeff Weaver. At least Weaver only signed a 1 year deal.

Pull Bomko.
He's done.

WOAH, Pat Burrell just let loose with some of his inner Bowa. Although with a strike zone that low it's no wonder Webb was able to run that streak as long as he did...

176 - Hasn't Koufax been known to make appearances to help out some of the Met starters (= Big AL) the last few years?

Uh-oh, he's about to blow his Quality Start.

Yep. He was a mere 3 outs from a Quality Start, but one run later and it's now a Very Poor Start.

184. He tore up his knee the first month he was here.

185-

In his defense, I don't think anyone thought Tomko was going to be anything better than league average.

He was signed to be an "innings eater." Although, I don't know why anyone would want to have one of those if Tomko is one.

189 - Sliding in to home...

183 I'm wondering why you would say only four years.

I live near Monterey Park (it's really hot over hear)

In his defense, I don't think anyone thought Tomko was going to be anything better than league average.

New here, huh?

192- Aren't you 22? I don't, now, remember why I thought that.

Reyes looked over matched.

Heart and Soul just kept Reyes from getting tossed.

Steinday are talking about what a "stud" Jose Reyes is. I'm trying to find some stats that support such a conclusion, but I haven't had much luck yet.

atta boy, kuo!

Loduca only has 15 RBI's all year.
Good job Kuo.

Tomko, another start closer to hopeuflly the DL or the bullpen.

190 You can't eat innings from the bench after you've been pulled...

o.k. this is the inning I can feel it.

is Soler gonna be one of those guys that gives you a conthroble (sp?) o'fer.

195- 24, actually, though I'm surprised I've said it here. I'm glad someone's paying attention. I was educated by Communists from the time I was 14, I haven't paid dues to a party club since 2004, but even then it was just out of habit. Now I'm learning how to think from ancient historians. I go from margin to margin.

201-

He's going to eat the bench instead.

This Soler guy isn't very good. His outs are loud.

WILLY!!

WILLY!!

wow Aybar got all of that one.

JAHRFA

208. lol!

nice job Willy, i was afaid Soler was throwing a shutout

hopefully this will wake up our team. COME ON BLUE!!

206 - You know... when they do hit the ball.

Way to go Willy!!

And with that, Aybar's OPS is back over .900

Maybe Duaner will give it up. I cant see the Wagner choking it.

215 The way it should be. I've still got Aybar pegged as the one of our big 5 who will have the best career. I also think he's the most likely to do most of his damage after he leaves the Dodgers.

I think Baez is The Manchurian Candidate

207-

I am your evil clone. I will seek you out and destroy you.

I know he's young, but I just feel much better with Kuo on the mound rather than Tomko, and I might be Tomko's biggest supporters around here.

Kou is only throwing 91 but I bet he hides the ball really really well.

219. HA! I keep looking at it and can't help but laugh!

Go, Go, Kuo!

I think Baez is The Manchurian Candidate

And Ned is Angela Lansbury.

Nate - can you send me an e-mail? Quick question for you re: the draft.

sorry, i was away from the computer. I just emailed you.

When is the MLB draft, BTW?

None Dare Call It Middle Relief

when kuo strikes out delgado and wright on 90-92 mph fastballs, thats when you know you have a deceptive delivery.

Kuo's has struck out Reyes, Delgado, and Wright. Excellent.

man Kou is making these guys look really bad.

One more to Kuo to strike out the side.

When is the MLB draft, BTW?

tomorrow, 10PT

204- It's possible you didn't say it, and that I just made something up; that happens. I was educated by communists, too, at least, according to my dad. We had a dinner table rule (when I was growing up) against any mention of the name McCarthy, because my mom was worried my dad would turn us in to Birchers. But this was all after the wall fell (I'm 26), so it always seemed like a settled fight, without any much blood left to be extracted.

Just out of curriosity how much were dues? Was there an actual card that you could carry? You can ignore me if you don't want to talk about it.

228

an making them look really bad too. wow!

Ps & don't forget he's lefty (even better)

Nate, do you think interest in the MLB draft is growing (besides the obvious internet factor)? It will never be near what the NFL or NBA draft is, but it seems like there is more being written about it than ever.

I was educated by communists, too

And so was Baez. So there you go.

215- 10 years from now, we'll be saying "Just another .900 OPS season for Aybar"
.440 OBP, .460 SLG

233 Hey Andrew, I don't mind talking about it at all, but why don't you email me that we may not bother everyone else? pellam.1@osu.edu

235 I've never really been interested before, but starting with this year's rookie class of Dodgers, I've suddenly become very interested.

GAHHHHH!! Red Alert! Red Alert! (quite literally, I suppose)

Perhaps Baez should pass the time playing a game of solitaire

235

I think it could if MLB really want it too. If you think about it, wouldnt it work the best out of all the sports' drafts? Unlike football or basketball, you dont have to wait 10-15 mins for every first round pick. But the thing is, it's all about instant gratification with most sports fans and players in the baseball draft arent going to be playing for the big league team the following year (in 98% of the cases).

Cruz! Cruz! What!?

Uh-oh, looks like Vinnie is a closet JBS member.

Why do we ever let Cruz hit against right-handers?

Cruz against RHP isnt the best plan.

241

was an answer to "could it be nationally televised?"

I wonder if there's a picture of Sandy Koufax in a Fidel beard, glasses and revolutionary hat.

Sounds like if Vinny had such a picture, he burned it.

I remember listening to the draft on XM satellite radio last year, totally unedited, no commentary as I remember. Kinda interesting.

248

speaking of that. XM radio is on direct tv. anyone know what channel the baseball channel is?

Rhodes strikes out Clark with the bases loaded to keep the Phillies ahead in Phoenix, 4-3.

The Dbax had the bases loaded and two outs.
Melvin pinch hits Tony Clark (2-18) vs LHP Arthur Rhodes.
Clark strikes out.

Bad managing is prevalent.

Okay, I've rationalized this night. This guy Soler will shut down the Dodgers, and tomorrow Pedro will get hammered and knocked out in the third, and we'll get to hear Vin marvel about how strange and wonderful this game of baseball is.

"How did they do it? Was it the Cubans?"
Figures emerges from the shadows, looking like Ned Colletti
"Impossible, our Cubans are better than their Cubans...."

Too bad Baez couldn't make that nifty play back in April vs. the Cubs... we'd have another win and one less loss.

Milledge vs Baez, great bat speed vs a guy with only a fastball. What are the chances that this turns out well?

I'm sure someone will have a problem with my mentioning it but oh well...
Hearing the names Russel Martin, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, I always pictured their ethnicity as white, white, black.
Wrong, wrong, half right. Hope this doesn't need the precursor of "doesn't matter but". Just funny how you can't pre-judge anything by anything.

252

LOL!

If we're going to make a run, this would be the inning.

Baez hoses down the bottom of the Mets order, including Endy Chavez. Clearly, he's back.

256

Ethier is half black?

Duaner Sanchez will face the heart of the Dodgers order.

260

Nah, I think Kemp is half black no?

Okay, half right, wrong, wrong.

Forget that.
I guess the Mets need a Loogy.
Interesting.....

241 - thanks Nate. Another factor is we've never seen any of these players, unlike college hoops or football. I wonder if the format of the College World Series needs to be looked at to make it more popular, heck, really college baseball in general. That's not to mention that a large percentage of the draftees are out of high school anyway.

261

Feliciano is coming in right now, this is our inning come on BLUE!!

Nomars second hit of the game is due up right now.

Lofton haters!
Serously, what is your problem??

Is Duaner not the set up man anymore?
Feliciano vs Nomar?

I wonder if the format of the College World Series needs to be looked at to make it more popular, heck, really college baseball in general.

ESPN doesnt put an emphasis on college baseball until the CWS. I think if they had college baseball saturday or something that is similar to college hoops and college football, you would probably see a national increase in the mlb draft.

Jose Feliciano? Who is this? Come on, Nomar.

of all people, feliciano strikes out nomar.

Until last week I always thought Lastings Milledge was white. His name belongs up there with the Montgomery C. Burns All Star team.

No one hates Lofton.
Its just that some of us prefer seeing Kemp, Drew, and Cruz vs LHP/Ethier vs RHP in the OF.

So my wife just asked -- why does Nomar have gloves in his back pocket when he is already wearing a pair while he is batting?

Aybar really needs to work on his right handed swing.

273
Me too! I'm all messed up.

I think college baseball gets a lot more exposure now than it ever did. There's a lot of TV coverage for people who want to seek it out. I think college baseball is going to have a ceiling on its popularity because the College World Series has to compete with the NBA Finals and the MLB regular season.

And college baseball isn't a very big deal in some big BCS conferences like the Big 10 and the Big East. There are no teams north of the Mason-Dixon line left in the 16 teams still playing. Since Oregon State is on the West Coast, the Mason-Dixon line rule doesn't apply.

275- He holds them while running, after getting on base. Why he does that, I couldn't tell you.

Thoroughly professional gets the nod over The Natural.

275
Out of the mouths of babes...

275

You're married to Lindsay Soto?

Who cares if they change into a righty, just give Saenz a nice fat juicy fastball right down the middle.

Bad Grady. Bad. No treats for you!!! Now you have to use 3 players.

260- I think Martin is half black. His dad looks black to me.

Please pinch hit for Old Maid Grits!

Bradford is going to make Old Maid look like Mike Edwards.

Moneyball'er Chad Bradford in to face Saenz.

282

hahahah!

I've watched MLB for a long time but it wasn't until this season that I was went out of my way to find out how the college playoff format works (my alma mater was in -- and out very quickly, UC Irvine).

And does anybody get ESPN U?

274 That's not how it has sounded here. Lots of people with nothing good to say about him and jumping all over him when the slightest thing goes wrong. I guess leading the league it hitting since last August and leading the team in SBs and playing very strong defense just isn't enough to get any love.

juicy fastball would be greatly appreciate here Met pitcher.

Nice weak groundball Old Maid.

oh well, hopefully next inning we'll have better luck.

Chad Bradford: Bowling's loss is baseball's gain.

So uh... Double switch? Kemp into the pitcher's spot, pitcher into Ethier's?

playing very strong defense

Ya lost me.
Were you talking about Kenny Lofton?

274

Cruz Jr. I'd only like to see against lefties.

Lofton's main purpose on this team was to light a fire under Drew. Unless he holds some talisman keeping Drew healthy, he has failed so far.

288
They've changed the College World Series format a few times in the last few years. It went from strict double elimination. Then to two division with double elimination play and then winners having a one game playoff and now there is double elimination within each division and then a best of three final between the winners of each division.

And in 2002, the tournament went from 48 to 64. Unlike basketball, they don't use neutral sites until you get to the CWS in Omaha.

The super-regional sites have all been set and I've got them posted on the Griddle. If you want to see some action locally, you need to go to Fullerton. The Titans will be hosting Missouri June 9, 10 and 11 (if necessary). Fullerton should be a big favorite.

295
Yes. Do you seriously think he's a weak outfielder? I don't believe you will get much support in that belief.

289- He got razzed over a CS. If Hee Seop Choi had been caught stealing, he'd have got the same (well, it would have been funnier, so maybe the razzing would have seemed less nasty) treatment. Also, I'm not sure what leading the league in hitting since last August means.

298- Thanks, Bob.

297
Seriously people? His only reason to be on the team is to motivate? REALLY? I repeat, leading the league in hitting since last August isn't good enough for you?

I don't know about you guys but I love watching Saito pitch.

302 -- Please address that question to bplaschke@latimes.com

Wow, Arizona actually lost. I'm shocked, shocked! And relieved.

What does leading the league hitting since last August mean?
Lofton wasnt even playing for the Dodgers then.

positive from tonight:

Kuo looked very sexy. Especially with the knee high socks. I think little should make it mandatory that everyone on the team wears knee high socks.

And beards. everyone needs beards.

299 I think most people here will point to his 97 rate2 and say he's not a great outfielder.

Just anecdotely, it looks like he needs a roadmap out there.

Doesn't Willie believe in Save Situations for Wagner?

279 baserunners hold the gloves so that they don't extend their fingers when sliding head first. Cuts down on the mangled digits that way.

Lofton's Rate2, this year, is 97. It's the first time, of the last seven years, that he's been under 100. But he's never topped 108. So, he's probably about average with the glove; still, no mean feat for a 39 year old CF.

All of the NL West lost except the Giants.

is there something wrong with Wagner?

I like Kenny Lofton, and he does have several gold gloves to his credit in addition to being a good hitter. He's also got a weak throwing arm and certainly isn't a perfect player (not to mention that he's 38 - but, hey, I'm 37, so I shan't call him "old"). Still, he's always hit pretty much everywhere he's gone. Given the Dodgers young 'uns, and Lofton's vagabond history, I doubt we'll see him on LA next year, tho.

300-
Not trying to be sarcastic but I don't know what part isn't clear. According to Vinny on tonights broadcast, Lofton has the highest BA in the NL since last August.

Oh right, he's 39 now. Still, I... just... can't... call him... old. But I guess athlete years are like a variation of dog years, outside of typical human reality.

Man, this is some weak offense here.

If you sign a guy who hits home runs and he hits none you say that was a bad signing. If you likewise sign a someone who is a good clubhouse guy whose strong character is supposed to improve his team mates and he fails to motivate, can you not likewise call it a bad signing?

Sigh.

312 What, you don't think the Marlins can come back and score 13 in the 9th?

andrew dawson pops up to marquis grissom to end the game.

atleast we didn't loose any ground, But at the same time we could have gaind ground.

Well, that was weak. I'm sure they'll pick up the offense against Pedro Martinez though. :-/

No Wagner or Sanchez tonite.
Maybe they just wanted the nite off, although with Pedro/Glavine going they may get even more time to rest.

310- Thanks.

315- I've been in and out, and must have missed it. Vinnie or no, I don't understand the point, what it's meant to prove. Also, I think it may be wrong. Lofton had a fairly ugly August. It's probably starting with his tremendous September, which, while nice, doesn't mean that much, either.

Hey, I'm more or less on your side. I think he's done very well. I'd rather he didn't start against lefties, and, since Cruz is sitting there ready and able, there doesn't seem like a good reason for him to. I don't think Ethier can keep up what he's got going, so it doesn't bother me for Lofton to take his time. That said, he got caught stealing, and took some virtual ribbing over it. I don't understand how that got to be a bee in anybody's bonnet. The only other problem with him I've seen stated is that he's old. Which he is. And that he has a crummy arm. Which he does.

Do Pedro or Glavine go past the 7th much anymore? I think we may just see Wagner and Duaner in the next couple days.

320 The great baseball paradox.

DRAFT NEWS!

Reports out of KC reporting that Brad Lincoln, not Andrew Miller or Luke Hochevar, will be the #1 pick tomorrow.

323
He is old, he does have a crummy arm.
He has a higher batting average than anyone else in the NL going back to last August, according to Vin Scully. Why is this so hard to understand or accept?
I'm not suggesting we sign him to a 5 year contract and build a statue. But look at the comments here and you will see that nobody has anything but bad things to say about him and what he's done. Post 317 inexplicably suggests he's a failure (despite batting .324 with speed) because he was brought into do something in the clubhouse??? Who says he hasn't done that too? Who cares when he's hitting .324?
He has been nothing short of an unequivocal success in what he was brought here to do.because he was brought into do something in the clubhouse??? Who says he hasn't done that too? Who cares when he's hitting .324? Of course I would rather see the rookies in there whenever possible (but not Cruz).
But he has been nothing short of an unequivical success in what he was brought here to do.

The prospect love has made Lofton public enemy number 1 around here, and while I'm as excited about the kids as anyone, I take some offense to the hatred. His defense is merely average, but isn't Kemp himself only projected to be a corner outfielder himself? He may not have much power, but he gets on base at a very good clip and has an impact on the bases.

He's not part of the future, but it's not like the future is being held up by him. None of the prospects are old enough that their progress has stalled, so why not let them work out their kinks in AAA for another half year or so?

326- the Royals are a cheap and stupid organization. Looks like nothing has changed.

329

I wouldnt say that. Lincoln is damn good. He has been the most consistent and best pitcher this spring. Compare the numbers of lincoln and miller and you will see they lean towards Lincoln.

While lincolns ceiling isnt as high as milllers, he is probably the best bet out of anyone in this draft to contribute at the major league level.

Who is Brad Lincoln and how does this get us Kershaw?

Who is Brad Lincoln and how does this get us Kershaw?

Brad lincoln is a short fire baller from Houston U. His stuff and stature reminds alot of scouts of Ben Sheets- mid 90s fb and nasty nasty curveball. Most consistent pitcher this spring, sporty a sexy 1.67ERA to go along with 141ks to 26bbs in 113 innings.

how does this get us Kershaw? I dont know. the top 3 will most likely not change, just the order has changed unless Drays throw a curveball and go linecume over longoria.

Kennedy talking about how he was the farm director for montreal at the time of the pedro deal and how he helped get pedro.

another reason to dislike him.

sorry nate, but I disagree. Miller is an absolute stud. A 6'6 lefty with a mid 90's fastball and an unbelievable slider with a huge break. The Royals are cheaping out (again). They'll do anything to save a buck. I'd love to see him drop to the D-rays, but I don't think that will happen. If Royals pass on him, the Rockies will likely snap him up.

miller doesnt really pitch in the mid 90s anymore, mostly 90-92 and touch 95 occasionally. he seems to use his 86-88 2 seamer more this year. he is much more of a polished pitcher then the flame thrower he was coming out of HS.

for the record, I would have picked miller over lincoln but the difference between the two isnt worth 3-6 million. reports say miller is asking for like 7 million to sign.

might be stating the obvious here, but I really don't see the Dodgers staying near the top of the standings or making the playoffs without calling up Chad Billingsley to replace one of their bottom tier starting pitchers. vr, Xei

It would be kind of funny if he went to the D-rays since they drafted him out of high school. I really hope that it wouldn't turn out like the Hochevar situation.

While Miller seems to have pretty high salary demands, his talent and production warrants it. He also seems to be a good character guy and the scouts love his presence of the mound.

What do you think of Kyle Drabek? I think he's going to be one of the best pitchers in draft, but the experts are knocking him for character issues. If we draft Kershaw at 7 and snatch up Drabek at 26, Logan White has a chance to surpass his 2003 draft. Well maybe not, because there isn't as much depth this year, but we could still have a hell of a draft.

327- Okay. The thing about, "lighting a fire under J.D. Drew," is a joke. I don't remember which commentator first suggested that that would be Lofton's function, but it's been the butt of a long-running, inside joke.

We still agree that he's done very well. He's a hired gun, so he doesn't engender the same sort of excitement that the kids who'll be around (it's to be hoped) for a long and glorious dynasty, do.

Maybe I've just not seen the comments where people, seriously, call him useless, but it seems like you (and I noticed ToyCannon said something like this, earlier) are irritated by the failure to praise him, rather than a torrent of serious criticism of him. Which doesn't seem fair. People get to like the players they like. They have to have some reason for disliking a player (if they expect it to be taken seriously), but they don't have any obligation to be fair about their liking players.

338

I love drabek's talent. If kershaw is gone at 7, i would seriously consider taking drabek. his fb/cb combo might be the best combo in the draft.

339 - It became a joke because Bill Plaschke wrote a column that specifically suggested Lofton would light a fire under Drew.

There are a few people here who have said things like, "I hate Lofton." I think that's what has been responded to. Beyond that, most of the talk has been split between thinking that Lofton is what he is, and that the Dodgers would be better playing someone with power ... and those who like what Lofton is doing.

https://dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/326277.html

Update: J.D. Drew's problem isn't health, but a downed pilot light, according to Bill Plaschke of the Times.

In one of his last acts on that team, (Kenny) Lofton reportedly called out the nonchalance of Sammy Sosa in the Wrigley Field clubhouse, which is sort of like calling out the President in the Oval Office.

Although no Dodger will publicly admit it, if Lofton can light the same fire under J.D. Drew this year, he will be worth every penny.

So the scenario is that the Dodgers' best offensive player hasn't been and/or won't be playing to his full potential, Lofton will say something, and because of what Lofton said, Drew will be more productive. After all these years, after playing with all-business guys like Jeff Kent, after playing almost every day in 2005 until a pitch broke his wrist, Drew would just need the touch of Lofton to push him over the top.

I don't think this tracks.

I think most people who are perceived to be Lofton haters really just want his role to be as a bench player. I really doubt that anyone here actually hates Lofton.

Poor Kenny Lofton.

The draft coverage is supposed to start at 9 PST, but what time does the draft actually start? I might wake up early to listen to it.

We are planning on drafting any one-inning pitchers are we?

I meant "aren't planning"

346

I dont think so. White usually drafts highest ceiling type players. If we do draft a college closer I will blame Colletti. Logan is infallible.

nate, what do you think of Longoria? Assuming Miller goes to Colorado, all the teams at #3-#5 seem to be leaning towards pitching so its possible that Longoria could be available at #7. If he's really just a 3B rather than a middle infielder, then its seems like a bad fit, but he is the best hitter in this draft. I think he's a bit underrated, his ballpark is tough for hitters and LB St. had one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

349

I lke Longoria. His bat is really nice and he could play 2b. He isnt dropping out of the top 5 though. Every team in front of us like Longoria.

His ballpark is a grand canyon and i think he will hit for more power then he has shown us this year. if he is available at 7 and kershaw is not, i would take longoria and worry about how our future lineup will look like later.

What are the chances Miller falls to the Dodgers? It probably means he has extremely high bonus demands (ive heard anywhere between $5.5m and $10m+), but he's closer than any other pick. I'd rather the Dodgers spend $10m on Miller than on another Tomko.

I dont really get this whole "Miller isnt worth big money", if he becomes a solid starter by 2008 he'll be worth more than $10 million. I think the draft serves to depress salaries of amatuer talent, which is why Boras' tactics generally work.

351. rather than "he's closer than any other pick.", it should say "he's closer to the majors than anyone else other than Lincecum and Lincoln."

I don't think MIller drops pass the Mariners and the Tigers; both teams that do spend money if they need to. I don't think Miiller is worth Prior money. There is just something that scares me about Miller. It might be his across the body delivery and his thin frame that screams out future shoulder injuries to me.

I agree, it seems like theyre are too many teams that would be happy to have Miller between KC and the Dodgers, unless Miller has crazy bonus demands in which case Logan White would probably pass on him as well. I really want to hear news that the Pirates have a predraft deal with some safe college pitcher (greg reynolds?) which could very likely push Kershaw or maybe Longoria to the Dodgers.

If the Royals really are going to take Lincoln, they are showing some sense. Logan White rates Lincoln over Miller, so how can the Royals be criticized for having come to the same conclusion that White did without any considerations about money? Lincoln is a lot like Billingsley, while Miller has a terrible delivery that makes him a pretty significant injury risk.

355. I dont think KC is paying attention, or even cares, what Logan White thinks. I think the main point of critisism centers aroung WHY KC chose Lincoln. If they really think Lincoln is the better player, then OK, but if theyre picking Lincoln simply because he's cheaper then thats a bad choice. This is KC after all. If the Yankees or Cubs or Seattle were making this choice, I think people would be more forgiving.

Logan White has done a pretty good job, but some of this stuff is going overboard. He's had 4 drafts and produced exactly 3 big league players so far (Martin, Broxton, Kemp)- ironically none of them were 1st rounders.

I guess comparing White's drafting to his predecessor, and he's a big improvement. But White against the major leagues as a whole, he's good but not great.

tomorrow is 6-6-06

its a sign that this draft class will be the worst ever.

Someone tell Blake Dewitt to start hitting like the 1st round bonus baby that he is.

He's playing at Vero Beach (VB with a large home run factor).

His line: .285/.337/.389
Thats not gonna cut it for a 1st rnder.

357

to be brief, the current ages of the first 3 picks from the 2002 draft are
22
21
21

It is misleading to say his draft has "produced exactly" 3 major league players. The kids he drafts are so young that their impact cannot be correctly measured 4 years away.

358 That's a bad omen.

no wait, the bad omen is playing in theaters this week.

Meanwhile, my fearless (and baseless) draft prediction remains that the Dodgers draft/get Kershaw.

Some interesting happening at Vegas last nite.

DJ Houlton threw 6.2/1run/9k's.. Good outing for him.
Izturis went 1-2 with 2bbs. He played SS.
Houlton, Osoria, Wunsch, and Carrara all pitched.

Loney has hit 1HR in 133ABs at Vegas. But his OPS is still passable due to his high batting average: .346/.403/.459

358. or maybe the antichrist will be a ballplayer

360. ditto

362 Also interesting, or fun: rehabbing Milton Bradley went 0-4 with 3K's.

Carrara's second save. He's done well. Wonder if he'll get a call up if anyone else in the bullpen struggles.

Bradley is 0-11 on his AAA rehab.
Izturis is 2-14 on his AAA rehab.

357 -- Comparing White's four drafts to what other individual scouting directors did with four drafts in the same time frame, White hasn't been good, he has been fantastic. Do you really KNOW what a normal talent haul is for four drafts? If you don't know, and I don't think you do, what business do you have judging White?

And this talk about how many major league players White has "produced" sounds like the same nonsense we were hearing all last year from Rob McMillan, who kept demanding to know why White's prodigies weren't in the majors already, with the distinct tone of somebody who was skeptical that they would ever arrive if they had not already shown up. (And of course, McMillan has not made any apologies either, now that Broxton, Martin, and Kemp have shown up). Talented baseball players exist, objectively, before they show up in the majors and prove they exist to people who can't be bothered to take scouting reports and performance records in the minors seriously. Just as Broxton, Martin, and Kemp were feathers in White's cap long before they ever set foot on a major league field, there is still a small army of White draftees in the minors who are tangible evidence of White's scouting acumen.

It's got to be a little impressive, also, that White's never had better than a 17 pick. Might explain why his picks tend to be younger and require more seasoning. I don't actually know anything about this, but all the draft stuff seems fun, and I want to play, too.

Yeah, it's like that routine in Monty Python's Life of Brian. "All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?"

Apart from Broxton, Kemp, Martin, Guzman and then still to come, Billingsley, Orenduff, Scott Elbert, Blake DeWitt, (maybe) Greg Miller, what has he ever done for us?

Patience is a virtue, too, and given that the Dodgers have the #2 ranked farm system it's hard to argue with but people expect results in the majors, it's understandable, and until these kids come in and take the team to the playoffs, basically, there will always be the doubting Thomases.

White hasn't been good, he has been fantastic.

I'd say you have low standards.
Just off the top of my head the Braves, Oakland, Boston, Arizona, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Texas could make the case that they've drafted better over a 5yr span than Logan White has.

269

are you talking about the last 5 years?

368. White had nothing to do with Aybar or Joel Guzman. They both were signed before he arrived. Maybe you meant LaRoche?

Dewitt, Loney, EJ, Miller (4 of his 1st rnders), dont look very good at this point.

371

white had nothing to do with edwin jackson. he wasnt even drafted by white (2001), and wasnt even drafted in the first round (5th or 6th).

370. Last 5 yrs. I probably shouldnt have included Cleveland bc Sabathia, Sizemore, werent in the last 5yrs. And Victor Martinez, Peralta werent drafted.

well. to be more fair to white, you should say last 4 years, since he first took over in 2002. Other teams would have an unfair advantage of 5 drafts to 4 :)

372 You're right.
Here are White's 1st/2nd Rd picks:
2002- Loney, Miller, Hammes, Broxton
2003- Billingsley, Tiffany
2004- Elbert, Dewitt, Orenduff, Johnson
2005- Hochevar, DeJesus

I'd say 2006 the most pressure is on bc its such a high pick.

I am very familiar with the draft records of the Braves, A's, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and Brewers during the period that White has been running our drafts (2002-2005), and NONE of those teams' draft records over the four year period is as good as White's, in quantity and quality of talent. The only thing you can say is that three out of the five teams got a few draftees to the majors SOONER than our guys arrived, but that is it (and that is going to happen with college players, like those selected by Oakland).

Anybody see how coachjpark's throw went, tonight?

I'd be very curious how those teams have drafted better in the same drafts that Logan White has participated in. Especially Cleveland since the studs they have of Sizemore, Hafner, and C Lee came from trades and not drafts. The number 1 pick of Guthrie several years ago has been a complete bust. V Martinez and Peralta were pre 2000 so they don't count. I know what they have percolating in the minors and it doesn't come close to what White has percolating.

2005 sure blows. Hated the DeJesus pick.

I've been more impressed with how White fills out the whole draft not just the top picks. Martin, Kemp, and Laroche might be our top 3 prospects and none came in 1st or 2nd round.

Plus anyone who signs Carlos Santanna to play baseball for the Dodgers is tops with me.

373
Sorry, I was typing and didn't see your retract on the Indians.

I think 2003 was Logan White's best draft.
He got Billingsley-1st, Matt Kemp- 6th, Andy LaRoche- 39th.

Now collectively, will these players be better than Arizona (Connor Jackson/Carlos Quentin), Boston (Murton/Papelbon/Alvarez)? There's certainly a chance.

2002- White got (Miller-1st,Broxton-2nd,Martin-17th)...Compare that to Braves (Francoeur/McCann), Oakland (Swisher, Blanton, Teahen), Florida (Hermida, Josh Johnson, Olsen) DBax- (Cormier, Nippert), White Sox (Rupe, King,McCarthy, Reed).

2004/2005 its too early to tell on most everyone but other than Orenduff, not many if any in either class have distinguished themselves.

Kemp/Billingsley/Martin are the real jewels of his drafts. Three above average players in 4yrs of drafting, I'm not sure if thats enough to say he's been "fantastic". Its certainly good, but other teams have done just as well if not better.

I think a concern for the Dodgers is that they've seemed to abandon signing non-drafted caribbean and south american players. There's still quite a bit of talent down there. Maybe they dont want to pay the bonuses?

So, in the two years that you can really compare, the Dodgers drafts are nearly as good, if not better than the best that you can find to try to discredit and you don't think that is fantastic, especially considering that no team can really be comparable both years, afterall, Arizona in 2002 is really a reach to include in that group. And then to call Billingsley/Martin/Kemp merely above average players? I'm sorry, but you lose a lot of credibility with your opening paragraphs, which is too bad, because you do make a good point with your last one. I think a lot of that has to do with the Dodgers funding a lot less in their Latin American academy and scouting operations. I believe Jon had a posting about it sometime in the last year or so.

From the Times:
"With two off days in the next week, Manager Grady Little said Aaron Sele's next start would be pushed back."

Huh?

I actually compared 02/03 bc it presents White in the most favorable light. If were comparing 02/03/04/05 together, I think Arizona would come out ahead bc their drafts in 04/05 were stronger than the Dodgers. Upton/Drew have been better than anything the Dodgers have produced in 04/05.

Calling Kemp, Billingsley, Martin as being above average doesnt seem like a stretch. Martin doesnt have the offense to be considered anything more than that. Billingley hasnt made the majors yet, so calling him above average at this point seems generous I think. Its too early to call Kemp great. The potential is obviously there.

383 - It means they can delay Sele's next start without forcing another starter to pitch on three days' rest.

385 - Thanks Jon. I thought it meant they were skipping his start but obviously they would have written it that way. Too early.

Billingsley is the best pitching prospect in baseball, bar none. Martin is the best catching prospect in the game, whom scouts drool over and already call a man destined for multiple All-Star games. Kemp has made himself one of the best outfield prospects in the game. Broxton is looking like the second coming of Gagne and we probably haven't seen the best of him yet. Loney is raking in Vegas and looking more and more like John Olerud and Mark Grace. Miller is throwing the ball in the mid-90's from the left side and will apparently be eased back into starting, but if that fails he looks like he will be one excellent lefty out of the pen. Delwyn Young is going to be a major league player. James McDonald in Columbus is showing some ability to turn himself into a starting pitching prospect. Mike Megrew had very good stats before going down with an injury from which he is recovering, but he can't be written off yet. Eric Stults is pitching in Vegas's rotation and Rick Honeycutt thinks the lefty has a major league future. Chuck Tiffany had a very good record before going on the DL for Tampa Bay this year but he will be back and still profiles as one of Tampa Bay's better prospects. Xavier Paul is starting to really hit in high A while he still isn't too old for his league. Wesley Wright is a lefty reliever who throws in the mid-90's and is dominating in high A. Catcher Tony Harper and lefty pitcher David Pfeiffer are looking good in Columbus. Russell Mitchell isn't doing too bad there either. Scott Elbert is one of the best pitching prospects in the Florida State League and profiles as a #2 starter behind Billingsley. Blake DeWitt is doing about as well as he was doing at this time last year and scouts have no qualms about his future. Justin Orenduff is on track to be a mid-rotation big league starter, and so is Blake Johnson. Travis Denker is starting to perform after a brutal April. David Nicholson is performing well enough to turn himself into a utility infielder prospect. Justin Ruggiano is looking like he will reach the majors as an extra outfielder who will draw a good amount of walks. Mark Alexander, Brian Akin, and Kyle Wilson all look like they could make the majors as relievers. From the 2005 draft, Ivan De Jesus is doing very well and is becoming one of the best shortstops taken last year. Pedroza is looking like a Three True Outcomes hitter and sometimes those guys make it. Lefty Brent Leach has shown some potential and Jonathan Meloan is lights out in relief. Josh Wall, Josh Bell, Scott Van Slyke, Trayvon Robinson and Steve Johnson all have a lot of potential and we will see them in Ogden this month. This haul of talent in four years beats the hauls of any other team in the last four years, though our 2005 draft alone falls behind quite a few teams thanks to the Hochevar fiasco. I do not pay attention simply to Dodger prospects, I actively follow all minor league baseball and know what other teams have gotten out of their drafts since 2002. Our COMBINATION of quality and quantity of talent, over four drafts, beats elsebody else.

368 I actually did mean to write LaRoche, don't know why I didn't except sleepiness. Thanks.

Btw, this is an old column, but it's interesting to read BA's Jim Callis comparing the Dodgers and A's drafts of 02 and 03.

Martin isnt the best catching prospect in baseball. Kyle McCann and Saltamacchia are deemed better players. Considering Martin has little power, I dont think his offensive game will translate into the "best catcher" in baseball. He's above average, but not great.

Loney, we've been there and done that. You keep making comparisons to Grace and Olerud, but the bottomline is he hasnt developed. He's hitting in a hitters league and has 1HR in 133ABs. He's not going to make it as a 1st basemen in the majors.

Broxton is a relief pitcher. If the Dodgers change his role, maybe he'll gain more value. But right now he's just a good reliever. Thats it. No different than Huston Street.

Delwyn Young is a AAAA player. What of anything has distinguished his career? Nothing.

Blake Dewitt has been terrible at Vero Beach. Denker same thing. Pedroza in a league just a step from American Legion ball. Thse Single A'ers its useless to project. Xavier Paul isnt a prospect.

Billingsley might be the "best pitching prospect" in baseball, but that doesnt mean anything until he actually performs. Take a look at what Josh Johnson is doing for the Marlins. He's actually producing from that class.

Labeling players is fine, but I just look at production.

Delwyn Young is a AAAA player.

There it is. You made my dead-to-me list, too. Outrageous. Basically decent Singaporeans have been caned for much less than this.