So can we talk about Save by the Bell and Hot Sundae instead?

Things could be worse. We could be DBacks fans.

We could be DBacks fans and it could be raining.

Didn't Jim Tracy get swept by Kansas City about this time last year too?
vr, Xei

I realize I don't need to "get" everything to be a worthwhile person, but I didn't get Jon's 108 minutes reference closing down the last thread. Little help?

I'm with Jon. Not in the biblical sense, either.

The Dodgers were swept in KC last year June 14-16.

5 That was a "Lost" reference Sam. They need to reset the computer every 108 minutes.

If in fact DT is intended to be an "outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers," seems to me that discussion of Dodger pitching should be encouraged, not discouraged.

7. Are they selling "2nd Annual" t-shirts in KC? vr, Xei

9 - Sometimes, I find quiet contemplation to be healthy.

Thx Marty. I feel better already.

What had me wondering was that, if you counted back exactly 108 minutes from Jon's comment you got to one of mine.

[9] if we keep harping on the same points for several days in a row, that's more psychologically draining than therapeutic.

12 And yes, I really did that.

I can bring up traumatic year at Chaminade Prep again if we want some real psychological trauma.

I can bring in the stories about vomiting before school.

15 - I think I'd rather make up phony trade proposals to improve the pitching staff. :)

13
Possibly so, but the fact that we're tempted to keep harping on those points seems to suggest that we have not successfully "dealt" with them "psychologically."

Regarding Jon's interesting post on the defensive work of Furcal and Izturis:

Dewan is cool. Love his work. Quote him to others. Still, safe to say the consensus among major league personnel is that Izturis is decidely a better defender than Furcal (unless the TJ issue degrades him, which certainly is possible).

As for Furcal's defensive problems this year, Jon writes that they apparently are misleading or perplexing.

My belief is Furcal's problems are a bit more acute than they should be, so a bit of improvement is in order -- but they are fairly indicative of where his skill set is and where it's going to stay.

My prediction in the winter that Furcal, circa 2008, should go to CF, where he is better suited (LF is another option), was based in large part on the belief that his SS defense was headed down a slick slope.

Furcal's a max-effort thrower with dubious footwork and questionable anticipation and timing skills. For years, his quick feet and rocket arm allowed him to compensate, although his shortcomings showed up on the margin, often at critical times. The minute but crucial slippage in athleticism makes him more vulnerable to miscues that a fundamentally sound SS doesn't make.

If you want to see a skill set that holds up, check out Vizquez. Impeccable timing. Tremendous touch and feel as a thrower.
The Braves valued Furcal, but at nowhere near $13 million per year.

15
I'd prefer to pass on the cat drowning stories. I find absolutely no humor in that. Now, Baez blowing a save on the other hand, well, there's plenty of humor in that...

Sorry for the typo -- was referring to Omar Vizquel.

I think right now, the therapist has told us that our "hour" is up. You know, the 50-minute "hour" that mental health professionals use.

Dr. Melfi will see us at the next session.

19
The cat drowning stories weren't intended to be humorous. They were part of the trauma.

22
Yeah, that's my point: as traumatic as Dodger pitching can be, there's still humor to be found. If you can't laugh at Ned's pitching acquisitions (Baez, Carter, Seo, and Hamulack), you can't laugh at anything.

what the heck is chaminade anyway?

if life hands you chamins, make chaminade?

24 I didn't know whether or not to like that joke for about 45 seconds. I've decided that I like it. I like it a lot. Nice work.

So Papelbon has a .25 era eh? Thats pretty sexy. His K rate is under 9 though.

25
I liked it right away, without reservation.

I guess Kemp dons't have enough at bats to be on Baseball Analysts right?

hah, i'm glad someone liked it. i've just never heard the word before. it's probably pronounced shah-min-AHHD, anyway. it looks french.

26
K rate Schmray rate. Hamulack's is 10.95.

one cool thing I saw from Kemp yesterday is that he went the other way on a curve I think (very incouraging)

[28] kemp has 69, and they set their minimum at 100.

Kemp hasn't hit a homerun in a while. I think we should send him down.

29

It is indeed a French name. 6's writer graduated from there.

http://www.chaminade.org/

24. Ralph Sampson likes to drink Chaminade.
vr, Xei

34

The year I went to Chaminade, they charged non-Catholic students more for tuition. They don't seem to do that now.

They just seem to charge everybody a lot now!

While visiting Monster.Com and checking out their all-star game contest I came across this job posting.

"... as part of your responsibilities employee will throw first pitch strikes, keep runners off base and not allow inherited runners to score." Last part of the ad read, "benefits include a minimum salary of $300K, free pasta lunches and dinners and a great mountain view."

Looks like the Dodgers are hiring!
vr, Xei

Chaminade reminds me of my high school But I probably had a better time in high school then Bob.

36

military school Bob?

Any thoughts why Billingsley wasn't allowed to pitch the 6th inning? Was it because he was near 100 pitches? You cannot tell me that a starter cannot throw 120 pitches. With that bullpen they need as many innings out of the starters that they can get.

Why is Papelbon not in the rotation? Especially when Kyle Snyder/Jason Johnson are in it. Granted, the rest of the bullpen has been pretty mediocre, but someone else could probably handle the 3 run leads in the 9th if it meant using Papelbon three times more often than he's currently used.

37

the way the Dodgers are going I'd negotiote for 500k

24 - I LOLed.

42

Chaminade Prep is pretty far removed from being a military school.

44

what is it then?

40 - He was at right around 100 pitches ... I applaud the fact that Grady is babying him right now. He was also due to lead off in a game the Dodgers trailed. Whether using Cruz (what did I read: The Puerto Rican God of Walks?! Damn to hell, Youkilis!) to lead off there was the best decision is what I question. Though I don't know that we've anyone better ...

45

Basically a Catholic High School.

45
It's an expensive Catholic college prep school. Lots of kids getting driven to school in Escalades I imagine is the case now.

40

I'm sure he could throw 120 pitches will be able too in his prime, but Chad's 21 yrs old. Do you really want to trot 21 yr olds for 120 pitches each time out?

Just looked it up: Cruz has a .448 obp vs. LHP ..... ok, that's pretty good.

i'd be okay with billingsley throwing 110-120 pitches over say, 7 or 8 innings if he was cruising and in a good rhythm. but last night he was clearly laboring and didn't have his best stuff. it took him 47 pitches to get through the 3rd and 4th. those 97 pitches he threw were very high-stress. there were runners on all night. i think he put in a good night's work just to get through five innings.

Beyond Billingsley's pitch count, look at how hard he had to work. Some of those innings were quite strenuous. Long, high-stress innings are more significant that the overall pitch total.

Taking Bills out was a no-brainer.

So Nate, Kelly Kapowski over Buffy?

(BTW, this guy --which is where google took me to figure out who Kelly Kapowksi was -- seems to have a bunch of kelly video clips up on his site. http://tinyurl.com/qsxk7)

The Padres have five hits and two walks in three innings in Texas.

And have not scored.

48

like the school Nomar went too right.

I was in favor of hitting for Billingsley. He was lucky to get through five - the play that Saenz made in the first to save him was so beyond what I would have thought Saenz was capable of, it was amazing.

That's not to say I'm not impressed that Billingsley got through five allowing only two runs, but I don't think the Dodgers had much to gain by having him pitch a sixth inning after batting.

Down go the DBacks again, 4-1 to the DRays.

Lederer writes Aybar was recently sent back to Las Vegas "despite hitting .274/.364/.443."

How about, Aybar was sent back "because he was OPSing about .650 in June" and was unreliable at 3B.

How about, Aybar was sent back "because the Dodgers are carrying 2,000 pitchers, none of whom can throw a strike without having it end up 500 feet away."

So Nate, Kelly Kapowski over Buffy?

I was not really a buffy or Sarah Michelle Gellar fan. Tiffany Amber Thiessen over her anytime. Although I do have to say I think I subconsciously had a thing for Jennifer Love Hewitt because my longest tenure girlfriend in my life (8months maybe) looked exactly like her.

Willy Aybar's defense is not as poor as some people would think. I do not watch every single Dodger game, but he has seemed solid and his numbers seem to be adequate as a defender.

Steve loathes middle relievers and shortstops.

58 - "OPSing about .650 in June and was unreliable at 3B."

I'm rooting for him, but I can't say my expectations for Cesar Izturis are much higher than this.

Lots of teams carry 12 pitchers. Someday, they'll probably expand the rosters so they can carry 13 of them.

55 Nomar attended Saint John Bosco, if I am correct.

[58] furcal is OPSing .672 for the past month (.664 for the season) and is unreliable at short, but he gets $13 million per.

aybar may have been OPSing .650 for the past few weeks, but i don't see why he shouldn't be given the chance to work his way out of it, especially considering our lack of other promising alternatives.

64

I remember when carrying 11 pitchers was out of the ordinary, and I'm not that old.

63 The Cesar situation is an interesting one and highlights the signing of Rafael Furcal. I want to see how the Dodgers resolve this issue. My guess would be that the Dodgers try to trade Izzy, but teams will not be offering much due to the injury and the Dodgers necessity to move him. Should be interest to watch.

65
You are correct.

St. John Bosco is a lot different from Chaminade.

The hues of the student body are a bit different.

66I wonder if the Dodgers would have called up LaRoche, if he was not recently injured?

65

Yea Nomar went to Bosco, but the big difference between Nomar's Catholic High School and Charminade is that Bosco is an all boys school whereas Chaminade has both genders (or at least from what I can tell from the photos on the website).

[60] i'm not a kelly fan OR a buffy fan either. jennifer love is a looker, though, so nice work with the girlfriend.

speaking of buffy, who know who's gorgeous? alyson hannigan. i also have a thing for laura prepon from that 70's show too. i'm a sucker for pretty redheads.

69 I remember playing against St. John Bosco in high school (I played for Bishop Montgomery in Torrance). Nomar was playing there back then, man you just see his ability was soooooo much beyond anything we had ever seen as high school players, it was sick.

Lots of teams paid Neifi Perez. I'm not sure where the "lots of teams" argument is going.

oops.

Charminade, Chaminade... I was so close.

58 Prior to this, Aybar strung together about 200 quality plate appearances. I think he earned the right to work his way out of a slump.

72

I thought she was hotter when she dyed her hair blonde. But shes cute. She's kind of tall though. That's kind of scary.

76 I think the return of Cesar Izturis pushed the Dodgers'to send down Aybar. Lucky for them Aybar was slumping and they could use that as their rationale. I think it really highlights what a poor signing Furcal was in relation to the system's strengths and deficits.

Every role I've seen her in, alyson hannigan plays a weird girl. I think if it wasn't for that, I might be more attracted to her.

I thought Lindsey Lohan was pretty cute until she decided to have a little white powder fun and look like trash.

I agree that Bilingsley was laboring and did not have his best stuff. Maybe he was out of gas and couldn't go any longer. I don't know. I'm not on the bench. But, I tired of the 100 pitch count for starters. They need build up their stamina to throw more pitches.

Where are the dodgers going with this starting staff? Hum, Billingsley <100 pitches. Penny, 100-110 or when he feels he's done after 5 innings. Lowe, is the only one who will pitch as long as he can go. ?, till he gets bombed. ?, till he gets bombed.

Speaking of white powder fun, has anyone else heard the story that came out of the 80s MLB coke scandal where Tim Raines would allegedly only slide headfirst so as to not crush the glass vial he kept in his back pocket?

76 - I agree. But I have yet to be convinced this isn't a temporary arrangement.

I do suspect that Izturis was rushed back faster than he needed to be, for no real good reason other than to soothe his anxiousness.

Oh, and by the way, I am not about to see Buffy dissed on this site without a fight.

I trust this should spark some interesting conversation..

You are the Dodger's G.M., you have Cesar Izturis, what would be an acceptable trade propisition from another team?

83 I'll be right there with you, Jon. Though I will defend the show, rather than the looks of the young women on it.

But if we're just talking looks, I'll take Charisma Carpenter.

[82] buffy the show or sarah michelle gellar?

76, others

It's not a fait accompli that Aybar would have worked his way out of the slump, which seems to be a premise of some calling for him to stay.
It's a realistic point of view that he was cratering. If he was cratering, keeping him around would hurt the team and him.
It's also realistic that Martinez/Saenz would outproduce him, both with the bat and the glove.
Again, I like Aybar, but this seemed a sensible evaluation. Teams had figured out that he knows a ball from a strike. They came after him. He was unable to counter. He was degrading quite a bit.

As for the suggestion that Izzy will be OPSing .650, as Abyar did in 16 games this months --maybe he will. And maybe he'll stink at 3B, where he's never played.

But it seems reasonable that Izzy has to be on the roster for a variety of reasons, including potential trade value. The real question was, how to make room for Izzy? Aybar was a logical choice, the best choice.

And as bad as Aybar has been defensively (it pains me to say it, because he should be better), I suspect that if he were at 3B last night, young Chad would've had a very ugly first inning.

All this love for Aybar is interesting. He wasn't on many top-10 prospects last winter and many were dismissing him as a fringe guy. My views at the time were quite a bit more favorable. I'm still long-term bullish, but you don't stop evalauting because you like someone or are predisposed for youth or against veterans such as Martinez. I truly believe this will be good for Aybar -- provided he has the right approach to applying lessons, etc.

I call two years into the future dibs on the girl who played Ruthie in 7th Heaven, unless we happen to be in one of the many parts of the world where 16 is the legal age of consent, in which case I'll go ahead and take her now.

[86] nobody is arguing with any certainty that he would work his way out of it. we're just saying he should've been given a chance to. you, on the other hand, seem convinced that he is finished being a productive player.

I would be happy with the Mom from Gilmore Girls, call me crazy, but that chick is hot!!!!!

87

those are good dibs. Ruthie is going to be hot. Ashleigh Simpson use to be on the show. I saw her last year maybe at the Key Club. It might have been before her nose surgery because up close, she wasn't anything special.

7th Heaven sure has graduated many hotties.

85 - both, though I don't think anyone was talking about the show today.

What's Ruthie's real name? I vaguely recall the little girl being named Ruthie?

88

You mistate my first comment, then infer falsehood.

I stated that I am long term bullish on Aybar. What about that comment makes it seem I am convinced that he is finished beding a productive player?

87
I remember thinking during the Horse Whisperer that "This Scarlett girl is gonna be pretty cute someday." Turns out, I can't stand her now.

I think we may have stumbled onto a way to avoid stressing out over the bullpen.

In related hot chick news, John Patterson is dating Miss District of Columbia. on the baseball front, Patterson comes off the infinite DL tomorrow to pitch against Baltimore.

[90] you want dibs? i remember seeing and noticing elisha cuthbert when she was the 16-year old host of Popular Mechanics for Kids on saturday mornings. when i saw her i thought "she's going to be hot when she grows up". boy was i ever right.

89

Agreed. Remember when Jerry Seinfeld was on her speed dial?

90

It's funny that one of the most overtly Christian TV shows in the past decade has been a virtual harem of hot young starlets. Lots of men thinking lots of dirty thoughts during those sermons, to be sure.

In 84, obviously, I was referring to 82.

Sarah looked much better at the beginning of Buffy than at the end. She lost a bunch of weight during those years, and she didn't have it to lose.

89 Agree about Lauren Graham. Of course, since I'm much older than all of the women we're talking about, my tastes may be different than you young 'uns.

Wall Street axiom: "Don't fall in love with your stocks."

Apply that to baseball players on your team, too; it saves you immeasurable frustration.

If Mueller had remained healthy or looked to be coming back soon the whole Aybar/Izturis discussion would be immaterial, I suspect. If his career is over, which seemed to be intimated in that column from yesterday (Gurnick?), it's a sad thing.

92

Mackenzie Rosman.

I did have to look it up.

96 - I saw a rerun of that recently flipping through channels. Yeah, you could tell she'd grow up hot.

86 - I think the question is more why you assume that Martinez will continue at his current levels. Admittedly, I'm befuddled by his performance this year. Unlike Aybar, Martinez has a long track record - and it is nothing like what he has shown in 2006. If anyone is due for a collapse, if anyone should be gotten out while the getting out is good, it's Ramon Martinez.

I understand the roster move with Aybar. Izturis, for all we know, could be off the team or on the DL on any given day, and so I understand the Dodgers wanting to stash Aybar temporarily, while simultaneously allowing him to relax against AAA pitching for a while. But just because Martinez is hitting .340 doesn't mean he isn't expendable. The Dodgers have no shortage of backup infielders, and there's no way Martinez is a long-term solution as a starter.

I am fighting being won over by Martinez. What has happened to Tomko, what has begun happening to Sele, should happen to Martinez. Their careers should catch up with them.

Aybar, at least, is mostly tabula rasa.

I should have done this as a blog post.

Its not going to happen but what if the Dodgers traded Furcal and kept Izturis. Think of the money that would be saved for a starting pitcher.

Its not going to happen but what if the Dodgers traded Furcal and kept Izturis. Think of the money that would be saved for a starting pitcher.

And to think this is the Uggla thread.

94

I also thought that about Scarlett when I saw The Horse Whisperer.

And I can still stand her to this day!

It's funny that one of the most overtly Christian TV shows in the past decade has been a virtual harem of hot young starlets.

It's funny you mention that. I had typed up a post a few weeks ago here on how sexy supposedly "family-oriented" channels such as ABC Family and the Disney Channel have become, but I ended up not posting it. I don't watch those channels, but I'm always struck when I'm flipping by them at how many young girls there are dressed in very sexy clothing.

104 People have mentioned in the media that Furcal's contract, by some, is seen as a bargain for a prime-aged shortstop. Maybe some GM out there might bite for Furcal, but I highly doubt it.

Also, as Jon mentioned, we still do not know if Izzy is out of the woods health wise.

For people my age ... the girl I had a crush on when I was a teenager was Sydney Penny, the new Gidget. Anyone remember her?

Wanda Plenn, anyone?

104 - Maybe not a bargain, but not that bad of a deal if he was producing like he was in Atlanta.

5-run fifth (and still going) for Texas and the Rangers lead San Diego 5-2.

Trade furkel yes, but how? His contract is backloaded and I think we still owe 30ish million of it.

Vishal, Redheads have their pros and cons like everyone else!

As for Buffy vs. Kelly etc, I'm more of a Shohreh Aghdashloo fan.

I think I am biased on Aybar, because the few games that I saw him in person he looked tremendous, and even looked like he might gain some power in the near future. That play by Saenz was great, and the response from the Dogder dugout and then his response. I wish I could have seen Furcal's reaction to the play Izturis made. I think everyone knows Izturis is there to show what he has in order to get a good trade (both for him and the Dodgers hopefully). I scared the cat when he made that play (remember the wife and kid are gone, so the cat follows me everywhere at night).

I like the addition of Furcal, but I'd trade him straight up for Johan Santana or somebody like that without a second thought, oops, I meant to leave out pitchers.

My Dad got to see a lot of Uggla and he gets alot of press around here (Nashville), since this is his hometown area.

107

Was "Lizzie McGuire" Disney or Nickelodeon?

I always thought the producers for that show were intentionally going for the 13-year-old-Jenna Jameson look with Hilary Duff.

90
Bringing things full circle, Beverly Mitchell (not the cream of the crop) went to Chaminade. :)

And of course today was the day I showed DT to my wife who was curious who I'd be spending Friday night with:)

I'm jumping into this discussion late but...

Something really needs to be done. I'm not advocating panic trades but something needs to be done. How many games is our bullpen going to blow? It's just ridiculous. Some are saying Baez shouldn't catch as much flack as he does but for someone who whines and complains about wanting to close so bad he sure isn't showing anything to help his cause.

http://www.sydneypenny.net/

Michelle Johnson for me (sad, I know).

If nothing else good came out of last night's game, at least we have discovered The Cuban Missle Crisis as the definitive nickname for Mr. Baez.

Nice work, Steve.

117
Memo to ToyCannon's wife: we've all been screened for prior felonies. Jon would have it no other way.

114 - You wouldn't trade Furcal for Johan Santana if you had the chance? Are you mad?

117 LOLOL.

117 - Uh oh.

119 - You and Matt Williams.

103 - The Red Sox did that with Renteria, and you'd have to call it a disaster. They paid big bucks for a decent offensive performer who's value was overinflated due to his shortstop position. He had a dreadful year, the Red Sox panicked and traded him to Atlanta along with a bucket of cash, and Renteria has rebounded strongly this year (back in line with his career).

Now the Red Sox are paying a third of Renteria's contract (~11M over 3 years), and have the Alex's (Gonzalez/Cora) at shortstop and Coco Crisp in center to show for the deal.

Best to ride it out, and hope that Furcal bounces back to his career numbers.

Brian Meadows who was released by us during ST finished the game as TB swept away the Diamonbacks. After an awful April due to one horrific Baez like 6/21 type game he has been very effective in May and June. This is just an FYI and this post holds no opinion on anything.

Jon I really liked the thread below on the defensive issues. Stuff like that is why I read your blog.

117

Could've been worse. Today's only a code orange or code yellow content rating.

GAH!

(sorry, wrong thread)

126
Of course the only Alex Gonzales left playing baseball just set the Boston franchise record for most games played at SS in a row without making an error. Again this is just an FYI and does not offer an opinion on the abilities or usefullness of Alex Gonzales.

128 - code orange or code yellow content rating

A bunch of middle aged men stewing about when Nickelodean stars turn legal age only gets to this level?

The aforementioned Mackenzie Rosman was 3 days away from being born in the 90s, people!

121
Come on, most of you are posting from prison, how else to explain the huge number of posts during working hours this blog gets.

130 - Okay, now I'm curious...

133 Yes, I am definitely in prison. I was just at the 35th "anniversary" of one of my fellow co-workers (I mean inmate) and we were all making elaborate escape plans.

[134] that was supposed to go in bob's world cup thread over on the griddle. brazil tied japan in the final seconds of the first half, and i'm rooting for japan.

135
Exactly, LOL

131 - Just as a point of reference:

Renteria - .856 OPS, 8 errors in '06.
Gonzalez - .657 OPS, 1 error in '06.

Boston is paying $2.6M for Gonzalez plus effectively $3.6M for Renteria this year.

Jon,

No one seems to be pushing Ramon Martinez as a long-term option, least of all me, or saying he's not expendable. My evaluation is he's got more going for him right now than Willy does. Don't discount the defensive comfort he's showing. Willy was out of sorts at 3B (no small thing for a team whose run-suppression skills are under seige). Not that you advocated it, but jettisoning Martinez now to keep Aybar would've been a highly questionable move, one that I believe would've hurt the team and Aybar.

132

Of the posters discussing less than legal ladies, I think I'm the oldest at 30, so middle-aged might not be entirely accurate.

Disturbing to some, sure, but not as dirty as presented.

138
But they also have a young CF under their control for a number of years. He is part of the equation and I think most RS fans will tell you that even with Renteria's resurgance they would rather have Crisp and Gonzo then Renteria and a hole in CF as wide as the the Dodger middle relief corp.

139 - I don't agree that Martinez has more going forward than Aybar. I think Aybar's defensive shortcomings are being overrated to a minor extent. It's the typical discussion about the handful of plays he doesn't make (and yes, I've seen 'em) while ignoring the plays he does make. I'm not saying Aybar is a better fielder than X, but just that people are treating him like Butch Hobson, when he's not.

Offensively, Aybar's a fairly disciplined hitter, the kind who seems likely to be able to work out of his slump, while Martinez is in line to have one. Do you think Martinez can keep up this level of performance?

Ultimately, as I keep saying, I don't think optioning Aybar this week is a big deal, but I don't see how trading Martinez while he's at peak value would hurt the team or Aybar. Everything Martinez has going for him is what he's already done. In the end, he is still Ramon Martinez.

118 - I couldn't agree with you more regarding Baez! If you want the closer role sans Gagne, you got to show the goods! What have we seen from him though is some spectacular blowups in San Diego helping to lose a 5-0 lead in the 9th, a 5-2 lead in SF in the 9th, the 0 outs 5 runs fiasco allowed against Philly in the first homestand in June and last night's debacle just to name a few. He doesn't just lose, it's a monumental fireworks blowout. I cringe and close my eyes when he comes in the game, afraid for another spectacular bullpen collapse! To be fair, Broxton was no help in the 7th either last night allowing Seattle to gather momentum that was lost to them in the bottom of the 6th. This game was for the Dodgers taking until the bullpen frittered it away again!! I'm sure it is also attributed to the fact that our starters rarely go more than 6 innings, taxing an already overburdened bullpen.

Jon - Ah ... a Sydney Penny call-out. Always liked her, too.

My #1 has always been Leann Hunley -- older, but wow! I think she'd still be on my "freebie list."

141 - This is very true. Before they picked up Crisp, they were looking at either Adam Stern or Dustin Mohr as their CF.

142 - I agree that trading Martinez now would be a good way to go, but some were saying that we should just DFA him to keep Aybar.

122 I think you mis-read that. I would trade Furcal for a real starter (would that one become available!) even though I am not advocating trading him.

Look, I don't think it has to be I like Furcal or Izturis: They are different. I am confident Furcal will bounce back, and when and if he does I'm sure he'll be offensively superior to Izturis and likely defensively inferior.

Also, if we can get something for Martinez, I'm all for it. One problem is that I don't see an organization wanting a Martinez and Izturis. And none of our "extra" outfielders are likely to be in much demand, either.

The last time we had this type of discussion, I got in trouble for complaining about people calling Mary Louise Parker middel-aged.

But give me Scarlett Johansen any day...

141 - Guess that depends on how highly you think of Crisp. Assuming Crisp and Renteria are more or less equivalent offensively, I'll take the guy that plays shortstop. I'd rather fill an OF hole than a SS hole.

middle-aged

Where's Christina, anyhow? She usually shows up to throw some gasoline on these types of threads . . . .

When I was growing up it was Melissa Sue Anderson, Valerie Bertinelli and for the "older woman" Jaclyn Smith made me "wet my whistle". In music, The "Let's get Physical" Olivia and then Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles or Jane Weidlin of the GoGo's helped my fertile imagination as well!!

151
Mmmmm...Susanna Hoffs...

What no love for Melissa Gilbert?!

Man, I'm bad.

Mrs. Buck Rogers in her spacesuits

The Royals and Pirates are just comedy. Jim Tracy belongs in this game. Forever.

Jon, in 102 you say that I assume Martinez will continue at his 2006 pace. Frankly, that's a puzzling inference. My only assumption for Martinez is declined performance from its present lofty level. There's little danger that anyone out there assumes he'll continue as this pace, even Martinez himself.
You've been pretty consistent in saying one shouldn't assume Martinez should keep producing as he has. My guess is you're preaching to the choir. My evaluation of Aybar/Martinez took into account the likelihood of Martnez's decline.
Most of my evaulation centered on Aybar -- there's plenty there in several posts. (As part of the Martinez evaulation, my view is that the defensive versatility and solidity advantages are more than you state --because Willy was so erratic. Aybar showed no consistent skills at third. Bad news when the feet, glove and arm are unreliable.)

Trading at peaks certainly has its merits, but Martinez's trade value, I suspect, is weak. I suspect he's of more help, or perhaps more to the point, less harm than Willy for the short term and the sensible move for a team that was a sensible move by a team that's 1-2 games out of first place. Of course, I believe it realistic that Aybar was cratering and will benefit from his time in Triple-A.

Alyssa Milano from the Who's the Boss days? Anyone?

Maybe the New York Mets would take Furcal. They could use a 2B. I don't think they expect Jose Valentin to keep up at his current pace. I'd take back Duaner Sanchez in a minute.

Speaking of New York, the Knicks fired Larry Brown today and Isiah Thomas is taking over as the head coach. What a pathetic organization.

Wow, I go to bed early one night this season (taking 30 7-to-13-year-olds to a bowling alley today will do that to ya) and Nate carries the night! I suspect he is about two days away from creating a GaryGaetti.com-like tribute to Sal.

Best line of that interview:

Q - How 'bout your family's reaction to this whole thing?

A - My mom and dad? My mom's happy and my dad can't understand it!

And Jon, Dan Uggla is somewhere between the next Luis Castillo and the next Chase Utley. Take that for what it's worth.

It's been a long day at work so I think, what the heck, it's the end of the day let's tune into the DT scene and see how Baez is getting pummeled by the good people here for his "fireman" role last night. So Jon puts a (mild) kibosh on the pile-on and the boys are rating the female celebs. Wow. I've had to consult IMDB a few times to see just who some of these people are.

Scalett Johannsen...I hear you Marty. We and Woody Allen (via "Match Point") have that much in common. I've been a fan of her's since "Ghost World".

How coincidental (that's "ironic" to Gen-Xers and younger) is it that "Rapture" by Blondie is playing on my computer right now? Deborah Harry back in the day, wow.

157 - Maybe Brad Penny did.

154 - Erin Grey. Yowza!

72, i also have a thing for laura prepon from that 70's show too. i'm a sucker for pretty redheads.

agreed, she's smokin!

160
Does anyone remember the miniature music album covers that had album-shaped gum in them back in the late 70s/early 80s? I had a mini-Blondie album around the time that "Tide's Gettin' High" was popular.

162
put me in the pile who ogle the hot redheads. unfortunately for them, a redhead's already got me signed to a long-term deal, 6 years in and counting.

156 - Fair enough.

Redheads are "Two True Outcomes". Hot, and ouch.

164 Same here; same tour of duty length, too!

166 ditto.

have any of you taken the bus to the Stadium?

Speaking of Hotties... like Uggla, who do people like on other teams? I'm really impressed with Jojima. I'd like to know youngsters that others have really enjoyed seeing.

is there a bus I can take in union station that drops me off near DS?

157
that will get you in trouble...

i remember a friend of mine passing out a final four type bracket about 9 or 10 years ago. it was in excel, and had 64 women going against each other with links to pictures. i think my final two at the time were jennifer aniston (early friends) and heather graham, even though i have an aversion to bad teeth.

[166] as a self-styled connoisseur, i agree with your assessment. they're pretty much a binary system. but man, when they're hot, look out.

Gomes from TB is a good hitter (great swing)

Utley & Cantu are great to watch

Catching would have to go to my boy Russell Martin

The shortstop from the Cubbies has a cannon but I don't know if he's a good fielder.

[169] grady sizemore. chris burke, when he's healthy. josh johnson. heck, most of the florida team.

171 - If you're referring to my 157, I meant back in the day, not now. I don't watch Who's the Boss reruns like that now. Ick. I was about 11-13 when the show was in full swing. She was something special.

Rollergirl, Yes! Heather Graham is underappreciated. Maybe because she's older than you think she should be (36).

i like watching liriano. he's done wonders for my fantasy team.

170 www.mta.net is your friend.

According to MTA, the only bus is the 2. Pick it up at Cesar Chavez and Broadway (about 2 blocks from Union Station) and take it to Sunset and Innes. You'll then need to walk up the hill to the stadium. Note, Cesar Chavez changes its name to Sunset at Figueora.

177

thanks Marty I wrote it down on a post it. Once I'm around the stadium I'll know were to go.

If you are walking to the bus anyway, if you have time, stop at Phillipes for a beef or lamb-dip sandwich. Try it with the hot mustard on the table. They also have beer and wine. It's just a block north off your path.

169
the only good thing about watching baseball in the metrodome is that i get to see joe mauer hit. it looks like the dodgers will face liriano on tuesday, so that will be the first time i get to see him live.

166 Truer words were never spoken.

I say this as someone who is just ending things with a hot redhead. The "ouch" is particularly appropriate.

Jon Papelbon has been great this year

Never really had a crush on a girl who was on TV. Saved my crushes for girls at school that I could actually talk to and get to know. Call me a realist. vr, Xei

183 Realist.

Maybe this has been discussed to death (I've been AWOL from lurking here for a few days) but: I can't help but think that Izzy is being showcased for trade purposes. Of course SS is his best position but Rafi is not going to be moved, even for a short while. If Izzy can play a decent 3rd for a while and demonstrate that he is healthy and can "hit" (OPS >= .625-.650 or so) then someone will really want him for SS.

Is he worth yet another 3rd starter?

179

thanks for the recomendation, I hope I find it, I'll ask around.

So xei wants no TV talk and no TV girl talk :-)

[183] oh, i agree with you 100%. i've never understood celebrity "crushes"... i only feel strongly about women i know. with celebrities it doesn't extend beyond acknowledgement and appreciation of their beauty.

It's a big blue sign, you can't miss it. They tend to have long lines. They also claim to have invented the french-dip sandwich. That is disputed by P.E. Coles, which is about a mile south of there. They also lay claim to inventing it.

[185] i still want to package izzy and a prospect for john patterson.

184. Thanks. :)
185. Agree, but with pitching as thin as it is and Izzy as mediocre as he is you won't get much for him, or much of an improvement over our #4-#6 starters. If in fact Izzy is being showcased for a trade, it will likely have to include one of our prospects if you want anything worthwhile. I think the Dodgers are trying to kill two birds (no cats) with one stone. There aren't any options much better (emphasis on MUCH better) than Izzy at 3B on the team currently so he fills a hole there and if he does well and the Dodgers can fetch something worthwhile in a package that includes him then double good.
vr, Xei

187. Hey! I'm an anti-TV-ite. Live with it!
:) vr, Xei

183
I used to have crushes on TV girls all the time until I started seeing them in LA and realized that I could line up ten beach beauties anyday of the week and they would dominate the TV world of girls.

If anyone ever saw Lucy Liu up close you'd realize that she is just an average girl much like most of Hollywood's not so hot hotties.

188 I take it you don't want to hear about my Rue Mclanahan fascination then?

193
Then again, about 10-12 years ago, I was sitting in a restaurant in Woodland Hills and Kim Basinger was at the table next to me.

There was much discreet gawking on my part.

190, 191 -- What level prospect are we talking about? Hopefully not a hottie.

The Royals are up 15-7 on the Pirates and have scored in 7 of the 8 innings.

This means that the Dodgers will get three hits Friday night against the Bucs.

193
Given that celebrities are able to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to make themselves look attractive, I tend to assume that they have something to hide.

197. 3 hits? There's going to be alot of bobbleheads on the field if that's the case.
vr, Xei

196. Guzman, Navarro, LaRoche??? Depends who you want in return. I'm not an expert on trades and with the onset of the wild-card teams are less reluctant to trade good pitching. But this year in the AL the wild-card is getting pretty lofty. vr, Xei

195 -- "discreet gawking" = oxymoron. Sorry Bob. Furtive gawking, now that I can believe.

Why is it the best I can say is that I saw John McCain in an airport? I miss LA.

I remember seeing Minnie Driver at the Rose Bowl flea market and noticing that she had freckles from head to toe. You never see that in her movies.

She was also about 6 feet tall.

i'd give up izzy and guzman for patterson.

200 - I pitched Ethier and Izturis for Maddux on another board, and Nate wanted my head on a plate.

204 "...Nate wanted my head on a plate."

You mean, in addition to Maddux? I hardly see how that makes the deal any better.

205 - Well, to be fair, you've never seen me. I'm an attractive man.

204
Probably because you shouldn't have to give up anything to get an overpaid veteran like Maddox. The Cubs just need to get him off their payroll, if anyone gives them anything for the honor of paying him they are crazy.

203
So would I but be beware your getting a pitcher whose had one healthy year in his career and again just came off the DL. Some of his great numbers last year were enhanced by the magic that is RFK. Still 2 spare parts for a possible ace is worth a gamble but I expect Bowman can do much better elsewhere.

Is the pitching talk moratorium over?

You know, as I look at possible free pitchers I don't see that much happening. I mean if Patterson is availble fine, but like Willis, I don't think that's going to happen. It's more likely to be Livan and Armas, which for the Dodger's may just be more of the same. Or as Steve might say one tub of a goo for another... well Hernandez is better, even much better, but not sure the Dodgers want to go down that road. Then there will be people like Greinke and Ponson and Weaver. Blech. Maddux will stay where he is and so, most likely will Smoltz.

I can't think of a team that might really want Izturis.

Just ran today's Dodger Sim. Hopefully it will be as accurate as yesterday's game.
Seattle: 0
Dodgers: 6
The Dodgers pound out 15 hits, 13 of which were singles. Izturis and Ethier both hit home runs in the win. Lowe scattered 6 hits in pitching the CG. The Dodgers OPSed 1.07 for the game, while Seattle OPSed .385
Good luck Dodgers.
vr, Xei

Minnie Driver! I thought she was cute and then I saw her on David Letterman and she cut him to ribbons, only then did I think she was "hot" so to speak.

208 - There was never a moratorium. I just was explaining why I wasn't going to do it, even though it's the story of the day.

207 - It was part of the "win this year without mortgaging too much of the future" plan.

Maddux for Ethier and Izturis.
Smoltz for Guzman and Miller.

Probably too much to give up, but I think its better than a) overpaying for Dontrelle by giving up Kemp or CBillz, or b) hoping Seo, Tomko, and Odalis all turn it around.

A 5 man rotation of Penny, Lowe, Smoltz, Maddux and CBillz wins the division going away, and makes for a very interesting playoffs.

If I were Colletti, I would just stick Odalis and Tomko in the rotation behind Penny, Lowe and Billingsley, and just ride them wherever they take us. I'd keep Sele around for mop-up, spot starts and in case of injury. I'd name Saito the closer until/if Gagne returns, and Broxton as set-up man. I'd use Baez as a fill-in for Saito and Broxton if they're gassed. I'd also consider trading Baez -- he has value, believe it or not.

I don't see a smart trade out there for a pitcher at almost any price. Our prospects almost work against us. GMs will feel like impotent weenies if they don't bag a Guzman or a Broxton in return for their overpriced star.

Maybe we just need more offense. Bobby Abreau. Carl Crawford. Travis Lee. Or someone else -- I'm not a statistician. The point is, if our pitchers are going to allow 6 runs, we need to score 7, and right now that's chancy.

Livan can't pitch but he might improve the offense:)

For all of our consternation over our pitching how would you like to be a Cardinal fan right now after having seen Mulder give up 9 runs and Marquis 13 runs in back to back games. Those are the number 2 and 3 guys. YIKES

208 -- "I can't think of a team that might really want Izturis."

Didn't you get the memo? He's an ALL STAR! Who would NOT want him?

213
Abreu, Crawford, Travis Lee

One of those is not like the others. Was that a test to see if we were listening?

209 Hey Xeifrank, what do you use to simulate the games?

Not really. I knew Crawford lives in a circle of hell for some DT commenters. I'm not so dogmatic, but I realize Lee and Abreu more closely fit the profile of what many here would like to see. I'm just thinking of offensive difference-makers who might be available -- from an ecumenical standpoint.

214. When you got Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen...no one really cares that much about pitching. It might be a benefit for Marquis to get bombed bc the Cards would be better with Anthony Reyes or Wainright in the rotation anyways.

Getting clobbered by the White Sox for two games isnt a shame. They have a ton of power.

218 I am pretty sure that he meant that Lee is the one unlike the others. The other two have a lot of talent, Travis Lee, not so much.

Is this irony?

from dodgers blog

Congrats are in order for Stan Johnston, our trainer, who is headed to the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh.

So our trainer gets invited to the all star game I guess for being a good trainer? But over the last year, it seems our medical staff couldn't do anything right with our players.

Its like Izturis being an all star when he couldn't hit.

Maybe he meant Abreu is not like the others?
Do tell ToyCannon...

but I realize Lee and Abreu more closely fit the profile of what many here would like to see.

Someone here wants Travis Lee.... Maybe you mean Derrek Lee.

All the girl crush comments are funny....I guess i'll have to chime in.

I digged Blair from facts of life. Jo wasnt bad either...

I was a big fan of Tatum O'Neal.

I was a big fan of Winnie from the Wonder Years

I loved the waitress on "Wings"

Mallory from family ties

The chick from Chalres in Charge that went on to do Baywatch

Whoever went with the Buck Rodgers chick, props. Loved her.

I also totally fell for Jenifer Aniston when she was on the TV Version of Ferris Bueller

And number one: Linda Carter as Wonder Woman.

Maddux for Ethier and Izturis.

Maddux is a fan favorite. The Cubs arent going to trade him. With as much money as the Tribune makes, I dont think they care what he takes up in payroll. I know the Cubs have had an awful season, but if they trade Maddux (who I think most Cubs fans would want to retire a Cub), they'd get so much bad press in Chicago it wouldnt be worth it. Adding Izturis/Ethier isnt gonna make a difference between the Cubs losing 100 games or 95 games. However, the bad press from trading Maddux for another team's spare parts make the deal undoable.

Smoltz for Guzman and Miller
That would be a heist by the Dodgers unless Vegas makes Greg Miller a starter. I think it'll take more to get Smoltz, unless the Braves just want to move his contract. Is he signed for 2007?

but I realize Lee and Abreu more closely fit the profile of what many here would like to see.

I dont think anyone here wants Travis Lee. Slap hitting 1st basemen isnt a preferred cup of tea.

Has CanuckFan compared Loney to Travis Lee? THere's another comp.

Travis Lee.

[lights self on fire, throws self out window]

225 I wouldn't be so fast about the "bad press" the Cubs will get. Some of the Chicago press can't wait to shove him off the team plane...in flight:

http://www.celsius1414.com/node/557

And at least one other guy feels sorry for Maddux, and would rather he be traded to a good team:

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/rozner.asp?id=192832

Yeah, I want Travis Lee. I also want Randall Pujols and Domingo Bonds. No thanks.

My optimism hit a wall last night and hasn't recovered.

Felix Hernandez is going to cut through our lineup like a sharpened scythe cuts through a forest of hay leaving the younglings and veterans alike laid out helplessly adrift in the meadow known as Dodger Stadium.

224
Yes on Blair, Winnie, and Mallory

Is it off the table that Nomar plays 3rd for a while? It might help Colletti with flexability in terms of trading prospects.

I would hate to see Guzman go. I got to see him last year with the Suns when they played the Mudcats -- he hit a ball so far it was a thing of beauty -- of course it was foul. But perhaps he is overhyped and the Ds could cash in on the over-value.

With the way our offense has not been hitting lately, I am pretty skpetical against King Felix tonight as well. His 2 seam fastball sits at 95.

230
really? i mean, he's going to be an ace, but he's not there yet. at least not in my estimation.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7487

that said, the way we're swinging the bats, he could get a CG/SHO.

With as much money as the Tribune makes

I don't hear that often enough where I work :)

Felix has pretty good periperals.
The HRs are whats killing him.
However, out lineup tonite will be the most powerless its been in a quite sometime, so not sure if we'll able to take advantage of that shortcoming.

Lowe should pitch a good game. The Ms dont have a very good offense. They are due for a bad game.

However, if the Dodgers lose. That would be 6 straight losses vs Pirates 7 straight losses. Something has to give this weekend.

tonight's lineup:

Furcal, SS
Lofton, CF
Nomar, 1B
Drew, RF
Kent, 2B
Ethier, LF
Izturis, 3B
Martin, C
Lowe, P

Yep, thats about as powerless as it gets (as to what the Dodgers could throw out there).

Felix has given up 14HRs in only 84IP.
But we dont have the power in there tonite.

Hmmmm....

233 If it was earlier in the season I wouldnt be as intimidated as Felix as I am now. But even as it stands now I dont think it would be unreasonable to expect a win tonight.

237
Only 3 shortstops in the lineup tonight...?

"domingo bonds" is just about my favorite fake name ever.

of course several of us dug winnie cooper. danica mckellar is probably the most oft-mentioned female on dodger thoughts.

mallory from family ties was hot. mallory is such a hot name.

say, does anyone else buy into the "hot name" theory? that some names just have a higher percentage of attractive people than others?

I know a Mallory but I wouldn't call her hot... or attractive.

ah, i've only met one, and she was hot.

So, at the screening of Chinatown I went to last night, Hugh Hefner was the featured sponser. I never got a glimpse of Hef, but I did see some of his entourage. It was bizarre seeing them all march onto a bus waiting on Broadway after the movie.

Mallory was great in her one-episode stint on Arrested Development as well. She's still hot...

243 small sample size.

hey, what do you guys think of this analogy between the bay area and new york: http://www.canon-salute.com/bayarea.jpg

246
marty, you slay me.

Quasi-celebrity sighting:

I walked next to, behind, and in front of Elin Nordgren (aka Mrs. Tiger Woods) in Tiger's gallery for 5-6 holes at the US Open last week. I was surprised to see her without any kind of obvious security cadre. She was just like any other gallery member.

Xuxa. That is all.

Wow, I had no idea how old she is. Or that she'd done some work in the, ahem, adult realm. It makes sense, but it's still a little surprising. If D4P et al. are right about the Disney Channel, they're just copycats. Brazil was way out in front of them.

251
Wow, I had no idea how old she is

To whom are you referring, Andrew?

As I said, I'm not a statistician. For some reason, I'd gotten a positive impression of Travis Lee's batsmanship, maybe based on the Brewers' doing surprisingly well in 2005. But I'm glad if my malapropisms led to the birth of Domingo Bonds. It would make all the sense in the world for this character to appear as a surprise witness at Bonds' upcoming perjury trial. An evil twin. A disinherited son of Bobby. "Yes! I admit it! I secretly injected my brother with the clear AND the cream! I wanted to make his head explode. Bwa ha ha ha ha!"

Who I'd really like on the Dodgers is an old friend (of DT): Adam Dunn. But that ship's sailed, I guess.

Hey Marty, why did you go to a premiere of "Chinatown?" Is there some big DVD package coming out?

252- Xuxa.

http://tinyurl.com/l39pn

Didn't think about it, but it is a little cryptic if you didn't know that was a name.

Now we understand the confusion. Your talking about Carlos Lee a total different beast who'd I be more then happy to spend Mr. McCourts money on this year and in the future.

That solves the mystery. Our friend is thinking of current Brewer and future Angel Carlos Lee.

No one should ever be compared to Travis Lee. I don't care who they are or what they've done.

253 Not a premier, but a screening as part of a series hosted by the L.A. Conservancy. It was at the Orpheum theater on Broadway between 8th and 9th. I've seen the movie a number of times, but not on the big screen since it came out in 1974. It was fun. The theater has been restored (built in 1926 as a vaudeville/live theater venue) and really looks good on the inside. They are really trying to spruce up the neighborhood, but have a long way to go. There is a new bar next door called, surprisingly enough, the Broadway Bar that seems to be a hip hangout.

I have not seen anyone discuss this:

Is there something the matter with JD Drew? He looks terrible at the plate. He hasn't hit the ball hard since that day in Colorado when he was banged up sliding into second.

Has anyone else noticed this?

You're not going to believe this, but Jim Tracy is an All-Star. Just like his buddy Cesar.

Would Carlos Lee be a good option to go after this offseason? He's probably going to hit the jackpot and he just turned 30 on june 20th so it seems he might have 3-4 pretty good years left in him.

254

she's main stream in the hispanic community, she was alot more popular a couple of years ago.

260 - I love Carlos Lee. He'd be expensive (10-12MM per), but I think worth it. Outfield would be Drew, Kemp, and Lee (with Ethier as the #4).

Outfield of Drew,Kemp,Lee,Ethier, and Repko would work...if we had unlimited money.

263. That's not that much money considering 3 of the 5 will make close to minimum.

264

I forgot to put the 30 or so million going to tomko, odalis, izturis, mueller and furcal.

261- I was much more in the market for t.v. crushes a few years ago. The only women I end up seeing on t.v. these days are reporters who are too irritating to be attractive. And Pam Beasley. So, there you go. Xuxa and Jenna Fischer.

I don't know if it's been mentioned but Albert Pujols returns to the line-up today.

I'm sure everybody knows of ESPN 24hr coverage of Roger Clemens.

265 - don't forget Kent. I still have a problem giving him an extension for next year.

255 Actually, I was thinking of Peggy Lee, but Carlos will do. :}

Today was my experiment with posting to DT on the fly, rather than first spending 10 minutes looking up numbers to prove or disprove whatever point I wanted to make. You need to do your homework to post here.

257
I've been to the broadway bar and it's great. I ran into the ying yang twins there, which was weird, but everyone had fun getting crunked.

Stat of the day

HR's in 2006

Puljos: 25

Kent, Drew, Nomar: 23

I would LOVE to have Carlos Lee here, but not to rent for the season at the cost of our pups. I would prefer to overpay for him as a FA.

Here is my stab at a horrendous slogan.
Penny,Lowe, and Billings and pray for a pair of nine run innings.

272

is Pujols still leasing the league in HR's? even though he was gone for a while

Steve is right, the Angels match up well for the Brewers and they should go after him hard.

276

I dont see how they match up well. They have Garrett Anderson in left, vlad in right and a bunch of kids that should play dh/1b.

if anything, they need a CFer.

258 --

I noticed. Drew looked so good against the Rockis -- his swing, his timing. He even appeared to be running a bit better. Since he got banged up, he's looked totally different, i.e., awful, even after Little got him some rest.

278

Yea I have noticed that too. He had that 3-3 game against the Rockies and he looked to be perfectly in tune then he hurt his knee. Damn.

Marlins are on fire. 15 millon $ payroll and they are playing the best baseball in baseball. Our keystone combo makes more then the Marlins. Scott Boras and every agent in baseball must be rooting against them while every underdog fan in the world is rooting for them.
In 2 years this will be one of the best teams in baseball. Cabrera, Jacobs, Hermida, Ramirez, Willingham with Willis, Olsen, Vargas, Sanchez, Johnson, Pettit. That is a GM who knows how to blowup up a ballteam and start over. I'll stop drooling now. No I don't consider Uggla part of their future.

Overpay for Lee as a FA?

Resources are finite, even for the Dodgers. As it is, they'll owe about $50 million next year to the likes of O. Perez, Mueller, Furcal, Kent and JD Drew. True, it's not our money, but bad contracts eat away at a team's flexibility. They can also impact your options on the amateur market.

If I had Garrett Anderson and a billion dollars, I don't think that would stop me from signing Carlos Lee. It might convince me to send Garrett Anderson to a comfortable retirement on the South Seas island of his choice to facilitate my decision making process.

150 Sam DC, I'm in computer system transition hell at work and it will probably be a couple more weeks before I can actually post in real-time, instead of replying waaaaaay late...but, I did hugely enjoy this thread when I finally got a chance to catch up reading it.

And even though it's really too late, I'll go ahead and throw the gas on the fire that you were looking for - Milla Jovovich. Ultraviolet was a sucky, sucky movie but I didn't care because she was so hot in it. For TV, L Word's Rachel Shelley and Sarah Shahi. Alias's Mia Maestro and Lena Olin. Now I must go run...

277
Brewers have every position covered but starting pitching. Lee would simply move to LF and Anderson to DH. If you've watched GA play lately he ain't exactly healthy. All those DH/1st just aren't cutting it. They need some pop and Lee will provide it. Then they will trade A Kennedy for Hillenbrand then the lineup is all of the sudden:
Figgins
Cabrera
Vlady
Lee
GA
Hillenbrand
McPherson
Kendrick
Napoli

And that will get it done in the west.

280 Beinart was supposedly on McCourt's list of DePo replacements, but I don't think he ever got interviewed. Don't know who made that call, but it can't have been good for McCourt's ego if Beinart preferred to stay with Jeffrey Loria, working for the team most likely to be contracted, to coming to LA.

285

It's Larry Beinfest, pride of Chatsworth High!

280
Marlins once again are a great story. In 2003, they had no more than 1-2 players who were on multi=year contracts. Draw your own conclusions on whether there was a relationship between their 03' title and their lack of job security. I tend to think there's something to it.

The Marlins scouts are impressive. They find power arms who have aptitude. They profile pretty strongly for athleticism. There are some parallels between what they do and White's approach.

282

Carlos Lee's bat should entice the Angels but there's still a fair amount of risk to giving him a big deal. There were some questions about his knee not long ago and he's not getting any lighter. If the man loses incentive to train as hard as he has, he could become another liability, at some $12 million per year I suspect. In fact, given his age and weight and the greater demands as one gets holder, he probably needs to train harder in years ahead. Will he do that while getting those huge checks?

286 Jesus, I'm terrible with the names today. I hate screwing up Frederick Weisman's blog like this. I hope Ulf Timmermann will forgive me!

284

Offensively, that would be an interesting lineup. Defensively, the Angels would still have some major issues. Insurmountable issues? Maybe, maybe not. But for a team that's allowed more unearned runs than anyone, it's worth considering. Disclaimer: I tend to believe that defense gets overlooked in most baseball discussions.

The Pawtucket game is on cable here, and they've got the PawSox manager, Ron Johnson, wired so he can talk with the broadcasters as he stands in the 3B coach's box. They've been asking Johnson about each hitter as they come to the plate. He said a lot of nice things about Choi's power and plate discipline. Choi responded by walking to load the bases with one out, but the next two guys struck out.

Gotta stick up for guys from the SFV!

292
Yes we do. :) does that include conor jackson?

Game thread is open.

289- If you're refreshing TNR as much as I have been today, you should be excused for having Beinart on the brain.

Because of the Kos thing? I'll have to check on the latest.

But you're right. Peter Beinart is on my mind. I keep thinking I might get his book, except he's so ubiquitous promoting it, it feels like I've read it already.

296- Nothing new, actually, since early afternoon. I just keep willing something huge, and awful, and life affirming to happen. I'd be rooting in exactly the same way if it happened on the other side. I come for blood, whose blood is of little concern.

Right. I don't know who to root for exactly. I personally don't enjoy Kos' site, but give him credit for creating a space where that kind of hard-core liberal can find like minds. On the other hand, the New Republic seems to have a grudge.

298 I think it's jealousy.

Personally, I'd rather have Eric Boehlert's book "Lapdogs,", but I just bought Suskind's "One-Percent Doctrine," so the book budget for June is tapped out.

Would you do a deal like this with the Braves?

Dodgers Get: Smoltz, Chipper, Matt Diaz, $9 Million
Braves Get: Joel Guzman, Mark Alexander, Franquelis Osaria, Ledee, and Odalis Perez

We take on Chipper's HUGE salary in exchange for not much in the way of prospects and we get our ace in Smoltz.

299- My book budget has been tapped out for five years. I never buy anything anymore, unless it's used. This isn't too bad, actually, as, by the time I read the book, I already know how the story ends, even if the author didn't.

301 My shelf space has been tapped out for years, but it doesn't stop me from buying books, regrettably. I have piles of them. Borders just opened a store at the bottom of my hill, and it's like somebody opened a liquor store next to the AA meeting hall.

300 - Why would the Braves do that deal? They pay the Dodgers $9M and take on O.P.'s contract? I'm sorry but that trade is totally coming from the side of a Dodgers fan.

303. Well I was taking into account that Odalis is only signed for 1 more year after this and about $13 mill while Chipper just restructured his contract to where all his years are guaranteed with something like $11 mill/year until 2009 I believe. And for someone as unproductive as Chipper has been this past year and with his skills declining it might be a good idea to trade him off now while only paying $3 Mill of his contract for each of the next few years.

Not even taking into account the prorated contracts for this year the Braves would be taking on a total of $22 mill thru 2009 whereas the Dodgers would be taking on $41 mill thru 2009. That's with the Braves putting in $9 mill to the deal. Again, it's a stupid deal all around but just something I was tossing around in my head and thought I would tell others.