Sheesh, I was expecting to hear that Koufax had died....

Really? Sorry - didn't mean to scare you.

Was the problem that you saw it on the sidebar first?

FYI, for anyone who needs the reference:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/hellolarry.html

No, I knew Alomar had been traded. But I spent part of the day at a cemetery.

I can't believe it! Trade Sandy Alomar?! I mean, isn't he the sort of guy who makes a team better just by showing up and working with younger players? Aren't we going to miss his presence in the clubhouse? We could lose the penant because of this! All those wins due to leadership are gone!

The Dodgers must lead the league in the number of Sandys who have played for them. Just off the top of my head, Amoros, Koufax, Vance, Alomar.

Stan fromTacoma

This is Alomar's 3rd stint with the White Sox.

Has there ever been a player thats played for the Dodgers three different times in their career?

Also

Sandy Burk (Brooklyn 1910-12)
Sandy McDougal (Brooklyn 1895)

7 I'm gonna guess yes - Gio Carrara?

This was a good trade, or at least amazing we got someone who may actually prove halfway decent - and maybe serves as a favor for Alomar, too. Sending him back to a team that he's played for before and has a chance at making the world series, even. I wish him well. But glad they made this move.

7
Like Gio Carrara?

Btw, that really was an obscure reference, Jon, but I enjoyed being reminded of what it was from. I actually remember that show from childhood! Poor MacLean Stevenson - he left M*A*S*H* thinking he could actually carry a show on his own. Whoops. Wasn't that on with Here's Boomer on a quality night on NBC? Back i n the Supertrain days.

All those wins due to leadership are gone!

I'll be looking for a harsh, Colletti-bashing column from Plaschke in the near future.

Dude, I thought that Koufax had died from reading the sidebar too. And somehow you had scooped all of the major sports news sites. I was at once devastated and excited. Don't do that to a brother.

With the recent spell of bad fortune, it was obvious Alomar wasn't holding his end of the leadership responsibility up.

14
At least we still have Lofton and Kent (and yes, we say "we" around here...)

True. Upon being injured, Kent's ability to lead was hindered. What was Alomar's excuse?

Lofton's terrible routes are clearly cancelled out by his ability to show other players "how to win". It's not his fault if the other players haven't taken his gudiance to heart.

can we start selling off all our crappy players now?

What if our crappy players are also scrappy?

Nate-When can we start the Alexander watch?

I thought Alomar did a great job of showing his younger teammates how not to do That Oakland Thing®.

Nate-When can we start the Alexander watch?

When he shows he can get PCL batters out.

But we can start the Kershaw watch right now.

The biggest sell move will be trading JD Drew. If that can be pulled off, that will open the shop, leading to the removal of Baez, Cruz and Ledee.

That's a classy move by the two GMs. Sandy clearly wasn't needed with the Dodgers and he will get a chance to contribute more for the White Sox. Alomar deserves to retire there. It's a bonus that Colletti got anyone decent for him.

That Oakland Thing®

I thought it was

That Oakland Thing™

Selling Drew would net us the most in return, but we might have to pay some of his remaining salary if we want to get a true impact prospect back.

I wouldn't imagine we'd get more than a B- prospect for guys like Lofton, Baez, or Cruz. Maybe Logan White's keen eye for talent will help out here.

24
I like to mix it up...

Lamura's splits

http://tinyurl.com/hq74v

He seems to be "effectively wild"

27-Brad Pennington would be proud

I like scoring runs, and since I don't want Jason Repko as the starting right fielder next year, I'm going to vote for keep J.D. Drew.

I like scoring runs, and since I don't want Jason Repko as the starting right fielder next year, I'm going to vote for keep J.D. Drew.

I think what makes this trade so even is the equal exchange of consonants. The question is, which vowel is more valuable, u or o?

By the way, William (BJ) Lamura is 25 and has never been above AA. He's doing well this year (53 innings, 67 strikeouts, 31 walks, 1.69 ERA), but he is old for the league.

I think Repko and Cruz in right field would not satisfy the angry masses in L.A.

While no one seems to like Drew (my good buddy Redbird fans cheered his HBP), I wonder who is going to be any better out there.

And what team would want him right now?

Glove in his hand
From Sandy Sr.
He gave us life
But didn't show us how to win
Show us how to win

Does anyone seriously think the Dodgers are going to trade Drew?

The Yankees could use JD Drew.

Also, if the Dodgers had 11mils extra dollars this off-season, what would Ned buy with it? Do you trust him to use 11mils on someone better than JD Drew?

35 - No. I'm throwing out a hypothetical, given that we have a couple minor league options in the outfield.

35 If they do trade him, they better get either Carlos Lee or Soriano in the offseason.

I'm looking for new irons. The golf people here should help me. What do you recommend?

Also, if the Dodgers had 11mils extra dollars this off-season, what would Ned buy with it?

I want a pitcher, not a belly itcher.

I saw Alexander pitch the other night in Tacoma. Since I had seen his name mentioned on this site, I went to the seats behind the plate when he entered the game. He did not look like anything other than a Triple A reliever to me. On the other hand, Eric Stull was outstanding. All most all fastballs with lots of life. Threw a couple of breaking pitches, but mostly fastballs. I would be interested to know where he stands among Dodger prospects. His is not a name I have heard mentioned here, but at least for one night he looked like a legit major league relief pitcher.

Stan from Tacoma

Chad Billingsley
8 starts
44.1 IP
6 Hrs
33 BBs
23 K's

Thoughts?

42 He's 21.

35 No. I don't think so. I don't think it's even a consideration. But because he's been power-less for awhile, and makes a lot of money, he's become symbolic of the team's offensive struggles of late and the #1 persona non grata in some people's minds even though just about everyone's been struggling. But he's more high profile, and hasn't been driving in runs during this drought.
a) he's not going anywhere (and the Yankees, despite their needs, wouldn't be able to tempt the dodgers to think about it unless they're throwing in Philip Hughes and another player)
b) he will start to come around again.

44. What if you thought there was a good chance JD Drew would opt out at the end of the season? Would you be more willing to deal him?

42 He's got great stuff. He's going to be a very good starter. He doesn't yet have the stamina or consistency to work deep into games. But he will. He looked good today until losing it in the 5th. He's got some things to learn but looks like the real deal to me.

Compare the stats of some other top pitchers in their first couple of months and you may find a lot of mediocre numbers. He'll be fine.

45 Maybe. Dunno what sort of conversations they've had with him about the future, but I'm sure if they really thought they'd lose him after this year then they'd be more serious about dealing him. But it seems they aren't that worried. He's not really at his peak value right now either.

I agree with 43. Hes 21, turns 22 this week. He'll be fine. This is a great developmental opportunity for him.

But seriously re: golf irons, lets talk.

41 Eric Stull seems to be a hybridization of Eric Stults and Eric Hull, both Vegas pitchers, both the same age (they were born 6 days apart). Stults is a left hander who generally starts, and Eric Hull is a righty and was converted to a reliever this year. Hull has the better chance at making the majors I would think, but he's short (5'11") and rather old (26). Stults is more of a soft tossing lefty who might be a LOOGY if he's lucky. I don't know much about Hull's stuff, but he was successful at Jacksonville and the AFL last year, and is doing fairly well in Vegas, but has control issues.

2

I've mentioned this a couple of times but I just can't help to mentioned that Sandy was souch a cool nice guy to me & my girlfriend when I met him in the elevator of Dodger stadium, I'll miss him that's for sure

39 I have a set of 7 or 8 year old Cleveland irons I've always liked. If I were buying irons now, I'd probably go Calloway. I have friends who have some fairly new ones and love them. They felt good when I hit them.

What's your handicap Nate?

3

Jon you're in the business why is there always a fat guy in a sitcome.

39- Golf clubs are a very individual thing. And there are clubs that are right for different levels. Are you just starting out? Cleveland has a really nice line and a good set at every level. The people at the store should be able to give you choices but a big part of it will be what looks and feels good in your hands. And once you find the right clubs... buy them on ebay!

Not in his current condition. Isn't it a catch-22, if he was hitting he'd be tradeable but we wouldn't want to trade him, but since he isn't hitting who would want him at his salary? Even the Yankee's wouldn't trade for a 11 million RF with no apparent power anymore. Doesn't everyone wonder how he's doing in batting practice? If the power is still showing up in BP, I'd expect him to bounce back from the slump, if it's not then why do we continue to bat him cleanup?

If I was Ned I'd do everything in my power to bring Arod to LA while he is in the dumper in NY. If would be the Frank Robinson 1965 trade all over again. Those things should happen once every 40 years. Do we have a Milt Pappas? Everyone says his contract makes him untradeable but since Texas is paying part of his deal I disagree. I think the key would be to acquire Soriano from the Nats and make him the centerpiece in the trade to the Yanks.

If Drew's coming off a season of playing at least 140 games, and he doesnt totally tank ( he ends with an .850-.900) OPS, i think he's gone. I just cant see him passing up the chance to be a free agent again, given that there's hardly anything good in the free agent market. The Yankees are the one team that could afford him, and really use him in his best role possible- that is an above average player not counted on to be a sole superstar. Drew right now is seen as the top slugger on the Dodgers (rightly or wrongly), and maybe he doesnt like being the only threat in the lineup.

#48, You are right it was Eric Hull. Hope the Dodgers give him a call up.

Stan from Tacoma

but since he isn't hitting who would want him at his salary?

Its all in the perception.
The Yankees might see a guy hitting .283/.378/.456. for the season.
A player that in July is hitting .290/.400/.403.

Would you rather have Drew, or keep playing Melky Cabrera and Bernie Williams?

Salary isnt a concern for George.

What's your handicap Nate?

I haven't really figured that out. I shoot anywhere between 90-100 and now that I work at a country club, I play for free so I am playing as much as possible. I have a set I've had for about 5-6 years so I'm ready for a new one. What are some good club review sites or something? I don't really need clubs that promote distance really, its more about consistency and accuracy, and ball spin; especially with the longer irons.

The Adams Idea a2 look nice. And of course, ebay is always the way to go.

58. Adams are okay. But you might want a set that you can grow with and they don't really fit that bill. Callaway's are very good but often overpriced. At your level, you'll want to just make sure they have a cavity back (as opposed to blades). I'd look at Taylor Made, Cleveland and Callaway. Again, whichever one has a cavity back and looks good to you, that's the one to go with.

But you might want a set that you can grow with and they don't really fit that bill

What do you mean by that?

60 They may be forgiving but they are not very "workable". Meaning that when you reach the level of being able to move the ball left to right or right to left, these won't be very good for that. You won't see a lot of really good golfers hitting Adams (unless they're being paid to do so) but you will see high handicappers hitting the brands I named. That's just my 2 cents. If you love the Adams, jump on them and make them yours. Much more important is practice. A lesson or two can also go a LONG way in golf. OH... also, make sure to have a shop test your swing speed and recommend the correct flex for your clubs. That's also more importnat than the brand.

But you might want a set that you can grow with and they don't really fit that bill

What do you mean by that?

But you might want a set that you can grow with and they don't really fit that bill

What do you mean by that?

okay that wasn't me, I swear.

Nate is falling prey to server problems. We hope to restore normal service....

Thanks Greg. I'm probably going to go to the golf shop tomorrow and do what you mentioned. By the way, didn't you say you live in Tucson??

66 I live in LA most of the time but have a home in Tucson and go out there about 1 week of of every month. Is that where you are working? Let me know if you want to play golf sometime!

67
Actually I am back home in orange county right now. I work at Coto De Caza country club. The courses are pretty nice. I go to school at UofA so I'll be there in mid to late August. Cheap golf in Tucson is awesome.

68 Awesome. I've seen Coto but haven't played it. Nice track! I live right on a golf course in Tucson. E-mail me if you want to play, here or there. world3d@mac.com

Drew is not being traded, his option was never an issue except to bludgeon DePodesta with for no apparent reason, and I'd rather have JD Drew dead than Rafael Fur-kel alive.

I live in the border of east l.a./monterey park

54 If I was Ned I'd do everything in my power to bring Arod to LA while he is in the dumper in NY. ...I think the key would be to acquire Soriano from the Nats and make him the centerpiece in the trade to the Yanks.

Wow. Now THAT's thinking big. I love it. Can you imagine ARod being traded for Soriano - twice?!

But - I doubt Cashman and Steinbrenner are as down on ARod as the media. And wouldn't reversing the trade that got them ARod be a mite embarrassing?

Also, I can't imagine Colletti thinking that big. DePodesta did (though not always successfully) but Colletti seems to like the small deal. Maybe that's only because Colletti can only make small deals unless he's willing to trade some top prospects.

So, what do you think it would take to get Soriano from Washington, and then who else would have to be packaged with Alf to net A-Rod? In the end, A-Rod would probably cost at least 3 top prospects (2 for Alf, one more with Alf for ARod).

Hmm - I'd only go for that if the prospects dealt were backed up by others at the same position (3rd base and 2nd base, maybe?).

Just got back from Arizona.

Looks like the Dodgers are going into collapse mode early this year. I really hope that Ned doesn't trade prospects for rentals.

73

Did you go to UofA? Whatd you think?

I doubt Cashman and Steinbrenner are as down on ARod as the media.

I think the fact that a guy they're paying $15 million a year constantly gets booed at Yankee Stadium enters into the equation. Laroche and Aybar would be expendible if A-Rod were landed (A-Rod's eventual replacement may be Mattingly). Add Guzman as that third prospect necessary (or Drew, in a fantasy scenario), and it just might fly. Then, not only would we have A-Rod, but we'd also still have Ethier, Repko and Kemp.

What would then be the implications of A-Rod and Nomar on the same team, but neither of them playing third base? We could ship off Furcal in the process (likely with cash), while keeping Izturis at short.

Eventually, we'd have this fantasy lineup:

Repko - RF
Ethier - LF
Nomar - 1b
ARod - 3b
Kent - 2b
Kemp - CF
Martin - C
Izturis - ss

Sending Soriano back would also almost guarantee Sheffield's retirement, unless someone else took him on.

I have no idea what's going to happen in the next week. It doesn't matter what I say.

here's my prediction:

udfrehuewaUHeWAUHhuee

74- I went to ASU and U of A.

First night I get there, it's 106 degrees at 11 pm. The next day, I go to Tempe to check out ASU and it's 117.

ASU
Since it was the summer, both campuses were pretty empty. ASU has huge buildings and the campus is pretty modern. I really liked how the campus isn't too spread out for such a big school. The dorms are pretty nice. The business school is excellent and has very tough admission standards.

UofA
It was a little cooler in Tucson, "only" 110. UofA is a really nice campus. Almost all of the buildings are brick. It actually is more spread out than ASU, even though it's a smaller school. I really liked the campus. It kind of reminded me of UCLA.

Both schools have excellent business programs and I liked both campuses. I'll go into more detail tomorrow because right now I have a blazing headache from the heat. While UofA is a better school, the business programs are comparable. I'd have a difficult time deciding between the two if I was admitted right now.

Miltie, just to let you know, don't let the heat make your decision. Trust me, from November to end of April, the weather is GREAT. 60-75 breezy, low humidity and high clouds.

78- i'm not. I made that mistake coming out of high school. Weather is one of my last priorities (but I'm staying on the west coast). I'll go into more detail tomorrow.

Error No. 20 today for Rafael Furcal. This is not all bad. Increases the chances he moves to CF, where he belongs, in 2007 or 2008.

How refreshing it would be if Colletti got really progressive here and packaged Lofton and Ledee in July and Kent in August, assuming Kent comes back healthy. When Nomar's swoon is near its nadir, offer him one year, an option and plenty of PA goodies.

78. What's more, Miltie, it wasn't any nice in Southern California while you were gone. Temps as high as 116-117 in the various Valleys. You picked a bad week not to be in Arizona, but to be outside in America.

I'm headed to New Zealand in a few weeks. It's in the 40s on the South Island. Niccccccccce.

er, that should be "any nicer"

Love to see Pat Jordan do a real story on Kim Ng and Roy Smith.
Smith came from that developmental powerhouse, the Pirates.
Near as I can tell, Ng was big on giving $24 million to the great Odalis.
Ned's cabinet appears flimsy, save perhaps White, assuming he doesn't get consumed by his ego. Would also like to more about Lajoie, the supposed sage from Boston who is mentioned as Ned's "special" assistant

I'm always one here to shoot down ridiculous trade ideas.

Trading J.D. Drew is ridiculous to talk about, because it won't happen.

But my ridiculousness meter is somehow not functioning with respect to the A-Rod talk. I've had a sixth sense all week that Colletti might be trying to do this.

But, let's get real. A-Rod will cost us a lot more than Aybar and LaRoche. A lot. But it might be worth it.

What if we sent the Yanks: Kent, LaRoche, Baez and Billingsley? Then Furcal would move to second and Izturis to third. (Actually, the four infielders could each play a different position every day.)

It would be painful to lose Billingsley. But I figure they would demand a young starting pitcher, and he's the only brand name we've got.

Don't ya know, they're talking 'bout a revolution (sounds like a whisper):

"Soriano, now hitting .288 and with a .955 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, has been increasingly clear over the last two weeks that his 'first choice' is to remain in Washington. But several conversations with him and those close to him reveal that his greatest desire is stability, a quality of which he has had little in a career that began in Japan and included tenures with three major league teams."

From today's game story in the Washington Post.

Between the time when the oceans drank Atlantis, and the rise of the sons of Aryas, there was an age undreamed of. And onto this, Conan, destined to wear the jeweled crown of Aquilonia upon a troubled brow. It is I, his chronicler, who alone can tell thee of his saga. Let me tell you of the days of high adventure!

RIP Mako

86
I guess SWAGGER and stability just don't mix.

87 - Yeah, I saw that. I remember him from M*A*S*H mostly.

4

are you like me, were you start reading the other plaques?

Don't forget Mako's guest spot on an episode of "F Troop" which for me is still the greatest James Hampton series ever.

Mako and Steve McQueen were a good team in The Sand Pebbles.

92

Sure, bring up a "real" movie...

Candice Bergen was in the "Sand Pebbles". That was back when she was incredibly wooden as an actress. She didn't seem to develop any emotions as an actress until she hit 50.

Ahh! Sounds like a good trade for everybody involved. But when I first saw the word trade, of course my heart stuttered.
7 days!

39 Sorry Nate, I'm a little late into the discussion, but I'm a huge Hogan irons fan. Sure the sweet spot is fairly small (and by fairly small, I mean really small), but you'll become a better player if you can hit them. Don't grab mallets like Callaway. Almost anybody can hit those axes.

93 Bob, why blame her for woodenness when her step-brother was Charlie McCarthy?

96 -- Excellent!

95. Oh man, I thought I had managed to miss all of the golf club talk. My feelings about golf are similar to Frank DeFord's feelings about soccer.

I think I failed to mention that the Nationals won each of the their three games this weekend by scoring seven runs. 7-7-7. Maybe they can move the upcoming Giants series to Atlantic City?

After losing five out of six this season to the Padres, hopefully, the Nationals can give the Dodgers some help against the Giants this week. Of course, if past is prologue, they'll roll over for the Giants than take two out of three at Dodger Stadium next weekend.

Wonder which team Soriano will be playing for Friday night?

99

you think he'll land with the Yanks?

Sandy, the aurora is risin' behind us
The pier lights our carnival life forever
Love me tonight, for I may never see you again...

101 Oooh, love that.

100 It's really impossible to know, but I don't really think NY because they know they're really got to hold on to the prospects they have. And in the end, if they don't make the playoffs this year with Sheff and Matsui out, no one is going to lose their job.

My guesses:

1. Detroit/Minn -- both have such strong pitching right now and it makes sense for them to take a big plunge on a Soriano rental and try and win it all now. Those young rotations could disintegrate anytime.

2. St. Louis -- They're not much rumored about, but I think they too really owe it to their fans to take a run right now, esp. after coming so close the last two years. Edmonds, Eckstein, Rolen starting to get old. And they have room in both left and second base.

3. Dodgers - I hate to say it, but it is very easy for me to imagine Soriano ending up in LA. I read a smart guy pointing out how Colletti appears to view moves through the lens of "salability." While, DC also has a serious huckster as GM, and for both thise move would be hugely salable. What better commitment to the fans of LA than bringing in the hottest player available in the trade market. And what better commitment to the future could Bowden show than bringing in a couple of those big name LA prospects.

I think an Anaheim deal may get hung up on PR issues -- Bowden can only call it a success if he gets Kendrick, since that name has been splashed around so much; but Stoneman can only call it a success if he keeps Kendrick. My guess is neither side will budge.

So to recap, I think Detroit Minn and St. Louis are the teams that should trade for Soriano; I think the Dodgers may be the most likely team actually to make the trade.

But it's pure guessing.

Why not trade our most tradeable chip. A guy who we have a legit replacement for already. If I was a contender, I'd want Nomar.

Does Nomar have a no-trade clause?

OK, it doesn't really matter because there is less than zero chance they'll actually trade him, even though it would kind of make sense.

Sandy traded= step 1

Now for steps 2, 3, and 5. Trading Ledee, Lofton, Baez, and Izturis. Oh yeah, and step 6, calling up Andy LaRoche already.

What happened to Step 4.

You're a step skipper!
Step skipper!
Step skipper!

102 - It's really impossible to know, but I don't really think NY because they know they're really got to hold on to the prospects they have. And in the end, if they don't make the playoffs this year with Sheff and Matsui out, no one is going to lose their job.

These are the YANKEES. Steinbrenner guaranteed a championship this year. Do you think he's going to let this season end in the first failure to make the playoffs since the strike and let everyone keep their job?

105,106 If you count the names, step 4 could get used. It adds up.

thinkingblue says he won't lend me a sweater because my head is so big and it stretches out the neck too much.

"I'm not concerned with (him)," Colletti said. "There are far more accomplished pitchers who struggled in the big leagues and worked their way out of it than those who came up and figured it out as soon as they showed up. I think his confidence is strong. He'll get better as he goes on and next year be better for it than if he had spent the whole year in Triple-A."

Ned Colletti, LA Daily News

This is a good sign

110 - on Billingsley

Consider this my morning round-up column.

Trade of Sandy A = good. Now lets clear all the other dead weight. This has gone on too long.

I play a late 90s vintage set of MacGregors that I absolutely love, but I wouldn't recommmend current Mac's for a mid/high handicap players. They have great blades or hideous "game improvement" shovels, and nothing really in between. If I was shopping today, I'd look first at Mizuno - they just make classy irons. I also like the newer Titleists, which, if you work at a club, you can probably get at a good discount (they always have good inside deals with club pros).

I don't like Callaways.

Question re: J.D. Drew? If he were traded, he'd still have his opt out, correct? Moving to a new city, I'd guess he'd be more apt to use it. I'd rather keep J.D. than trade him.

1. Wouldn't it be likely that Drew has some sort of no-trade clause?

2. As a veteran being traded in the middle of a multi-year contract, Drew could request a trade at the end of the season from his new team anyway.

thinkingblue says he won't lend me a sweater because my head is so big and it stretches out the neck too much.

I have that problem, with sweaters and t-shirts.

112 I concur 100% with your iron recos. I'm strongly considering buying a set of Titleist irons after my summer job is done. Mizunos are cool, too; they're both very solid irons with crisp, simple design. My roommate played collegiately at West Point and on the All-Army team (+2 handicap at his peak) and swears by the Titleist irons whether they're the models for highly skilled players or the more mid-level sets.

I've played the last ten years with the set of knockoff Wilson Staff irons I got back in junior high. I like the long/mid irons quite a bit, but the set wedges and short irons are poor. Something else to consider.

For wedges, I don't think you can beat the Titleist Vokeys. If you can get them at close to cost, Nate, I would highly suggest an assortment of 52/56/60 degree with the chrome finish.

JD's not getting traded. Nomar's not getting traded. I'd save our breaths on talk about this. As for Cruz and Ledee and the like, and Perez, and other "dead weight" - while it might be nice to trade them, and the fact that we were able to trade Alomar for a decent prospect gives us some hope, I wonder if we'd get anything of value for any of those guys. Average minor leaguers I suppose. We don't really need to replenish our farm system, which is full of great prospects, mixed with "filler." But I guess if a team really wanted one of those guys and it was a team with a better shot of contending (a la, the WSox and Alomar), it could be nice for their sake to trade them. And it would clear up a roster spot for some of the other young 'uns, ready or not.

I'm just not sure which of the other prospects are actually ready to contribute at a major league level. If the Dodgers really felt they - LaRoche, Guzman, etc - were ready, they'd be more likely to cut bait with some of those guys.

From BA:

"LaMura, a fifth-round pick out of Clemson in 2002, has a 92-93 mph fastball that is a solid major league average to slightly above average pitch, but his command is below average, and his secondary stuff is also inconsistent. He profiles best as a middle reliever because of his lack of secondary stuff.

But Lamura has been very effective in that role this season. He was 5-0, 1.69 with three saves in 53 innings with 67 strikeouts and 31 walks allowed. He's held batters to a .180 average, and over his last 24 innings, he's allowed only three earned runs."

From John Manuel's weekend report in Baseball America:
"Best matchup of the weekend took place Sunday in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. In the third and fourth innings, the pitchers were both first-rounders: Nationals righty Colten Willems, who got the loss by giving up seven hits and three runs in four innings, and Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw, who threw five scoreless frames and fanned five to earn his first professional victory."

116. That silly trade talk sure beats this god awful golf club talk. Of all the days to not have a bunch of work that needs to be done.

I love the Callaway Irons I hit. (X-16's)

I don't play much anymore, but I hit the ball alot more consistent than I ever have. I shoot in the 80's. I agree that I don't draw or fade the ball like I could with other clubs, but I don't care cause the consistency I get with ball flight(height) and distance keeps me around the flag.

Before the Callaways I shot in the 90s and practiced alot more. Sure age helps (the mental game) but alot of it is the clubs, they are very forgiving.

The Weekend edition of the Financial Times had a swimsuit edition.

Not particularly salacious in its photos, but the concept of it seems very funny.

119 True. I can only hang with miniature golf conversation, but the real golf talk loses me.

I can start up soccer talk just to drive everyone else mad. What kind of cleats do people recommend? When should I throw my shin guards in the incinerator and buy a new pair?

My last word on the clubs, Mizunos and Titliests are awesome clubs for low handicappers but are probably not appropriate for someone currently at about 25.

from today's game preview:

If it's any incentive, manager Little heard that the Los Angeles front office gets ice cream every time the team makes it atop the NL West. Maybe the Dodgers will get a cool treat if they stop a sweltering bad spell too.

How 'bout them Dodgers?

121
Makes sense to me. First you get the money, then you get the women.

124 That tradition dates way back (at least 25 years-maybe much more). Glad to hear that some Dodger traditions haven't vanished.

126
I just looked at it. Just one cheesecake photo.

And there was a section about men's swimwear too.

128 Going to a couple of games this weekend, do you thing I will encounter many National fans?

I am also trying the new baseline box seats, didn't Nate and some others win those seats during the Draft contest, how were they?

BTW today's LA Times piece on Phil Anschultz didn't do him any favors but of course since he doesn't allow any interviews on the record for the last 30+ years, he suffers minimal collateral damage.

122. It makes me want to beat my head against my walls at the office, and now I have to deal with it here. As for cleats, I was always very cheap, even when my parents were buying and offered to spend more, I just always went with the cheapest pair that fit. As for shin guards, I stayed with a pair until the back padding wore out.

Since this is a subscription site, I will only insert a short summary, again Kevin Goldstein on Clayton Kershaw:

"That game lowered his ERA to 1.13 in 16 innings, while striking out 21 and walking just one. That lone free pass was issued to the second batter he faced as a pro–-he's faced 58 batters since without walking anyone. It's obviously very early, but it's hard to really define just how high the ceiling is of an 18-year-old lefty with a good body, clean mechanics and plus-plus command of a 91-93 mph fastball that can touch 95-96 already."

129
There are Nationals fans?

I can't imagine that there would be any Nats fans in L.A. in any great number. And I can't imagine they would approach St. Louis fans in their self-righteousness.

It's the Nats. They've only been around for two years. And they're not any good. Neither are the Dodgers though.

The annoying fans of any out of town teams are from teams that are somewhat established. I haven't even encountered any annoying Arizona fans yet.

133 I think Sam DC secretly roots for the Nats against the Dodgers...

If anyone played golf with me, I would hit the ball into places so remote that you would need two hobbits, an elf, a dwarf, and probably a wizard to have any chance of finding the ball most of the time.

I once spent a day in Ojai playing golf with three friends where I only spoke with them at the tee box and then again on the green. Even their bad shots weren't where my landed. I believe the scorecard I turned in that day was correct to within three standard deviations.

Mike's newest Baseball Rant is interesting for those of us who want to wallow in just how badly we got our butts kicked this weekend.

If Sam DC roots for the Nats when they play the Dodgers, he would have to be banned from this site. And then somehow be made a non-person like they did in Stalin's day.

Or perhaps he could be "disappeared" like in Pinochet's Chile.

137. Could Sam's mother then start posting here like in Argentina and then she would get a following and slowly become radicalized by the process?

133 My favorite opposing fan incident at Dodger Stadium occured on September 11, 1983, my mom had gotten tickets from her work and we were sitting in the field seat level behind the visitor's dugout. We were playing the Braves and from the first inning on, this Braves fan was merciless telling us that the Braves were going to win, Dodgers are losers, etc.

This game is remembered for a 4 run comeback in the bottom of ninth, capped off with a R.J. Reynolds squeeze bunt to score the winning run, when the runner crossed the plate, I turned to find the Braves fan, he was gone.

There is a Titleist fitting day in Fountain Valley this Saturday. I am probably going to stop by there.

139 If you buy Best of Dodger Thoughts (or check the archives for 9/11/03), Jon has a wonderful long-form piece about that game.

And I do not root for the Nationals against the Dodgers. Sheesh.

139. That reminds me of the one Northwestern game I've ever been to. My boss, who was an alum had us go as a group outing to tailgate for the game against Michigan. We were sitting right in front of a group of Michigan fans, which included this short girl who couldn't have been older than 20 who kept yapping all game. This was just an insanely high scoring game and with a minute and a half or so to go, Northwestern failed to score the go ahead touchdown near the goal-line and this girl went on and on about how that showed what a small time program Northwestern was and a big-time program would have won the game, thus showing the difference between the teams. Three plays later, Anthony Thomas fumbled the ball at the 15 yard line and everyone turned around to look for the girl who was now hiding behind 6 rows of Michigan fans and stayed there after Northwestern scored the winning touchdown.

On the off-chance that anyone is interested in baseball.... It would seem to me that it would be an almost seamless transition to third base for someone who has played shortstop all his life. Much easier than learning first base although the athletic requirements for first are much lower I call to mind Steve Bilko et al. We were late entrants in trying to sign Nomar. His main problem with signing with the other teams was their insistance that he play third or the outfield, be a utility player. Maybe money was a factor too. Here we had a lot of difficulty signing him because we wanted him to play somewhere other than shortstop. Since Mueller was a lock at third, he, and we, settled on firstbase with 'maybe' a trial in left field. I think he is now very settled playing first because it is easier than short or third and doesn't want to move. Superstition may be a factor too. The announcers on one of the televised games this year clearly laid out all his batting mannerisms and his little dance routine coming up the dugout steps. Silly to most of us but I'd bet their they're very big in his mind. Moving to third base would be a traumatic thing to him and I'd bet there is no way he'd do it unless not getting a contract was the alternative. Right now, and if we give him a contract extension, he's blocking a top prospect, Loney. If we give him an extension tied to his moving to third, then he's blocking LaRoche. We're not going anywhere this year; considering any difference in hits or RBIs between him and Loney is insignificant to our finish. Getting a power hitter for him now (only if we sign him for next year) or some high level prospects seems like a much better use of resources than simply keeping him around with his 'feel good numbers' to go down the tube with us.

139, 142 I've told this story before, but I got to attend the Rams-Steelers Superbowl at the Rose Bowl in 1980. My cousin from Pittsburgh got the tickets. So Ferragamo and the Rams jump out against a sluggish Pittsburgh team and I was talking all sorts of obnoxious "We Are The Champions" type nonsense to the giant steelworkers that surrounded us. Anyhow, the second half was very ugly for the Rams and I ended up getting a friendly swing upside down high through the air by one of said steelworkers.

Don't cry for me, Sam in DC,
The truth is I never watch them
I live in Utah
Near Salt Lake City
We have no baseball
Except the minors

I was there for Game 7 in 2001 in Arizona, sitting next to obnoxious Yankee fans (are there other types?). They were cursing throughout the game despite the fact that they had brought a girl who looked to be about 8 years old. When Rivera came in it was relentless "game is ^%#@ over!" (Sorry Jon, just quoting). When Gonzo got the bloop hit, I was reminded how sweet victory can be in baseball.

Re Golf Clubs:

I used to play regularly, low 80s. I agree with everthing Greg S. said. Cavity backs are far more forgiving. Blades are far more accurate and better spin but not at all forgiving which can get inside your head and kill you. I have an old set of Pings that I have enjoyed. If I were going with a new set it would be Calloway. (They are as forgiving as it gets. Unfortuantly they are also as expensive as it gets.) As Greg said, the flex and fitting are as important as any factor you consider, especially flex. Too stiff or too whippy can be really annoying after you dropped a bunch of cash on the clubs. Talk to the pros at the CC you are at. I'm sure the various club reps will be making the rounds with demos this summer.

I might be alittle late with my golf input, but.. There is solid, solid advice above. Titleists are the best and Mizunos are right there as well. I was a teaching pro for years and got that pro Acushnet deal on the Titleists. But I would recommend the Cleveland tour action wedges, but the Vokeys are indeed very good. Absolutley under no circumstances should you buy a set of Callaway irons. Woods and metals are for the individual to decide for them what works. Taylor Made has a solid offering for mid handicappers, and the thing is huge like a sofa so you won't have to worry about missing the sweet spot.