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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
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Grady Little Interview Transcript
2006-12-06 16:03
by Jon Weisman

The Dodgers circulated this transcript of Dodger manager Grady Little's meeting with the media at the Winter Meetings.

Q. Where you've been, Grady?
GL: We had a late lunch.

Q. Anything on the signing of Jason Schmidt, what it means to the ballclub and how big a deal that is to your rotation?
GL: I just came from a meeting with Ned Colletti upstairs and there is not a deal with Jason Schmidt yet.

Q. There isn't any?
GL: No.

Q. What is lacking in there being a deal? Is it just a physical or more?
GL: Let him know.

Q. What does it mean to have somebody like that considering he averages over 200 innings every year and a good anchor to almost any pitching staff?
GL: He's a good pitcher. But there is no deal out.

Q. Could you comment on both Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew and how you think they will fit in with Boston?
GL: Yeah, I think that the year that J.D. Drew had last year in L.A. speaks for itself. It was an outstanding year that he had there for us. He's a very talented player. He's got the ability to hit the ball out of the park. He plays good defense. He runs well. He is a good person.

Julio Lugo played very well for us when he first joined our club last year. He was put into a situation where he arrived on the scene at the time when Nomar Garciaparra and Jeff Kent were both placed on the DL. He played every day for us for two weeks or so, was a very good player for us during that time and then was placed in a situation when they came back off the DL where he didn't play every day and that was totally out of position for Julio, and it in a way was unfair for him, but that's the way the situation was on our ballclub at that time. And it's unfair for me to sit here and judge his play from that point on because he had never been a part time player before in his career.

Q. Do you find him to be a very good shortstop, everyday shortstop?
GL: He is a very talented player. I think he showed that when he played every day at Tampa Bay. He plays with a lot of excitement. He can make a lot of things happen and with that porch in left field in Fenway, I'm sure he will hit a few balls over that thing.

Q. You are obviously very aware of the high pressure environment of the Red Sox.
GL: No, I'm not aware of that.

Q. Do you think they will react well to that? How do you think they will handle that?
GL: They are just like fans everywhere else, they want to win the games and they need players to perform, be productive to do that and their reaction will be based on that.

Q. Are you starting to lose hope on acquiring Manny Ramirez?
GL: Lose hope? You know, that conversation takes place every winter, doesn't it, around these meetings. I think it is usually the topic of conversation and what makes you think this one is any different?

Q. Grady, you were reuniting with some of your players, the Dodgers with Nomar and Derek Lowe, what if you are reunited with Manny and obviously this is "what if" speculation kind of situation.
GL: Manny's a good player. Manny's a good player and I like to be surrounded by good players. It takes those to make me look good. But Nomar, these kind of guys are good players and we like to surround ourselves with as many players like that as we can.

Q. You got Lieberthal today. Do you see him catching with the confidence last year and how many starts can you get out of him?
GL: I think if he catches as much as last year something before September gets here but he's gonna need a little bit more time off than I gave him last year and I talked to Mike, he knows the situation that we're in there in L.A. He knows what we think about Russell Martin and he is ready to do whatever we need him to do, whether it's catch one day a week, one day over ten days, whatever it is. But Mike Lieberthal is a local kid, a local man there from L.A. and we are glad to have him on the club.

Q. What kind of bounce back do you think that Eric Gagne could have for whatever team he pitches for this year?
GL: Eric Gagne has had an outstanding career there in L.A. and that's all speculation whatever I said about what I thought could bounce back and go would just be speculation. He's gone through some difficult injury situations lately but he is out there ready to go right now.

Q. Are you sort of going forward with plans right now that he is not going to be with the club?
GL: At this point in time, he is a free agent and we're talking to a lot of free agents and about a lot of free agents.

Q. Can you afford to go into next season with two outfielders? Do you need to add someone?
GL: We like our players. We like our team. And any way that we can figure out that we could do something to make it better we will do it but I like our players, I like the team that we have right now as we speak. Anything we can do to help it, we will.

Q. Who would start in left and right, right now, if these are your options?
GL: We're not playing today.

Q. No, but soon.
GL: Well, I tell you what, we went into the playoffs last year with seven rookies on a 25 man roster and we played Marlon Anderson in left field every day. Still have him on our team. Still have Andre there. We have got a little fellow we just signed to play center field, which he is going to be in there for a lot of games as far as this year. We like our ballclub.

Who is going to play left field? Still haven't answered your question.

Q. Or right field. Do you have an answer to either one?
GL: I can't tell you that. I can't tell you that.

Q. Were you able to forge a pretty good relationship with Gagne last year considering he was hurt and missed most of the entire year?
GL: You know, throughout the course of the season, it's hard to forge much of a relationship with a player when he's not playing and he was trying to get himself back ready to pitch last year. We thought we had him to that point at one time and then it didn't happen, but through the course of the season, it's hard to have very much time to forge any kind of relationships like that. You've got your hands full with 25 active players.

Q. What are you going to do with your leadoff man?
GL: You know, we'll try some things in spring training, we have some ideas going into spring training with the Juan and Rafael Furcal, but I can't sit here and tell you right now how we will end up on opening day. It could be one way, we will try some things and if something's not working, we'll change it. If it's working, we'll leave it the same, but we got the luxury of two big leadoff hitters there and whatever we do, I'm sure both guys will be hitting in the first inning. In what order, I don't know.

Q. Not necessarily 1 2?
GL: Not necessarily.

Q. I know you said you had not reached a deal yet with Schmidt but you played against him last year in the same division. What kind of skills make him such a dominant pitcher?
GL: Well, it seemed like every time we picked up the paper and saw that he was going to be pitching in our series, it wasn't really a pitcher we were looking forward to facing. You know that when you took the field against a guy like that, that he's going to be out there for a long time and you go into it in the frame of mind you want to try to keep the games close until he gets tired, try to get the next guy.

Q. Those are the kind of qualities you'd want in one of your own pitchers?
GL: The situation we were in last year in L.A., we liked starting pitchers any time they went beyond the fifth inning.

Q. Excited about the young guys you've got coming up, the Loneys, Kemp, Billingsleys, guys like that just on the cusp of something good?
GL: I think that goes without saying. We've got some good young players over there, right there a couple of them have an opportunity last year, some due to injuries, some for other reasons, when they got the opportunity, they made the best of it, and I think they showed the world that all everything we've been hearing about them is true.

These guys are close to being really good players in the major leagues for a long time.

Q. Anybody you saw that you particularly liked, just liked the way they played or liked something about them, those young guys?
GL: I like them all, I like them all and I think that the way we utilized them throughout the course of the season showed that.

Q. You had a new contract with Saito and are you happy to have him back to the Dodgers?
GL: I would say so. You know, he got an opportunity last year to come in. He joined our club I think in May and I don't know the exact numbers but I do know the exact number of saves that he had he blew a save and that was one out of all of his opportunities. He has good control. He has good stuff and we're certainly glad he's back.

But I still haven't been able to figure out why I see the catcher go to the mound or my pitching coach go to the mound or I go to the mound and he puts his glove over his mouth so no one can read his lips. I haven't really figured out why he does that yet. I think he's been watching too much TV.

Q. Do you think Broxton's got the potential to be a closer too, that he can fulfill that role someday?
GL: I think he certainly could. He certainly has the stuff and the makeup and the resiliency that it takes to be a good closer. Going into the season this year, we expect to use him in the same role we used him in last year, with the comfort of knowing that if something happened to Saito, we'll have him to fall back on and that's not that bad.

Q. Disappointed about Maddux going down the coast?
GL: Yeah, but that guy means so much to a ballclub, anyone would certainly love to have him on their staff. But I know they're proud they got him down there. He means a lot to everyone else in the clubhouse and not just what he does on the field that accounts around there. He meant a lot to our club last year and this year probably about six different series, he meant a lot to our club again when we face him.

Q. You are on a team that has the resources to participate in a pretty free market. Do you have worries about what happens when you sign a guy to a big contract, you overpay him and maybe he doesn't work out or do what you expect him, what kind of effect that has on your club?
GL: I think any time that a manager has some players that aren't performing up to their capability that they are underachieving, maybe some times you better start looking in the mirror because he might not be out there worrying about it that long but those thing does happen. You deal with them the best that you can and try to keep them from happening.

Q. Does it get more complicated when, you know, big money's at stake also?
GL: We never think about money, when your in that clubhouse and on that field, you're trying to win games and age and money is never a factor, in my eyes.

Q. It might be among the players, you know, like if you're a guy who's making a tenth of what somebody else is and, you know, feel like your skills are superior, your production is superior, that seems like that's where it could become a problem.
GL: If that is something that creates friction within a clubhouse, then you've got the wrong players.

Q. You talk to Joe Beimel?
GL: Yes I have.

Q. (Inaudible)?
GL: He meant a lot to our club last year, an unfortunate circumstance that he got into there going into the playoffs but and it's something I think he learned a lot from. It is unfortunate but we are looking forward to having him back on our club.

Q. Who's your opening day starters?
GL: Call me.

Q. Back to Beimel for a minute you say you've talked to him and Ned's talked to him, there's some comments made during the playoffs, how sure are you that that's not going to be an issue inside that room?
GL: We'll deal with that, if there's something that needs to be dealt with, we don't shy away from anything like that we will face it.

Q. Can you talk about the addition of Mike Lieberthal, a veteran, and what he provides the team.
GL: Mike, we have a lot of respect for what Mike could bring to our ballclub. He's been around for a long time. He's been a very productive player and for the role he will take on our ballclub, we think he's perfect. We look forward to having him. I've talked to him a couple of times. He is excited about being there in that role at this point in his career and we are certainly glad to have him.

FastScripts by www.ASAPSports.com

Comments (134)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-12-06 16:14:41
1.   Dark Horse
"A little fellow we just signed to play centerfield."

Man, I love Grady.

2006-12-06 16:27:45
2.   Sushirabbit
I laughed pretty hard at the bit about Saito covering his face when he was talking.

You know I don't understand the lack of love for Either and Betemit. I think both of those guys have a chance to turn in to really good players (maybe not great like Cabrera or Howard, but really good nonetheless and we have 'em cheap.)

Also, the thing about Schmidt and Maddux and maybe even ditching Penny is that, it does make sense (to me) to jettison pitchers than can only go 5-6 innings and pick up ones that can go 7-8-9. Can Kuo go 8? I think so. Same with Billingsley.

Anyway, I think I've spent more time reading DT than working today....

2006-12-06 16:29:19
3.   Greg Brock
Grady, as always, is excitement personified.

It's like having Knute Rockne, except, you know, not.

Grady is hilarious.

2006-12-06 16:31:24
4.   Greg Brock
If anybody wants to count the number of times Grady said "Over there/down there/back there/up there" I would really appreciate it.

He likes places that are not where he is presently located.

2006-12-06 16:46:28
5.   Tim B
4 9 times.
2006-12-06 16:49:39
6.   Greg Brock
5 Thanks!
2006-12-06 16:54:05
7.   DodgerHobbit
"Well I'll tell you what"

Classic.

2006-12-06 16:54:13
8.   Louis in SF
2

I agree with you about Betimet and Either, but while everyone talks about players being cheap and how important it is, I think more and more it is not that important for the Dodgers right now. They want to get good players for now, so if the Dodgers can get a definite upgrade at 3rd or perhaps in left, they will do it and as long as not too many prospects are dealt they will be fine with it. I wish there was a way to bring Gagne back, but can't see that happening.

2006-12-06 17:00:34
9.   Sam DC
Rosenthal has Lilly to the Cubs, 4/$40M.
2006-12-06 17:01:52
10.   Sam DC
So, I'm thinking, if you've got 25 roster slots, and they all get paid $10M/year, I guess that's a payroll of $250 Million Dollars.

Thanks, Jack Handy.

2006-12-06 17:23:46
11.   natepurcell
so we didnt sign schmidt?
2006-12-06 17:25:42
12.   saltcreek
11. Im really confused about that to
2006-12-06 17:26:16
13.   Uncle Miltie
Q. You are obviously very aware of the high pressure environment of the Red Sox.
GL: No, I'm not aware of that.

Q. Who would start in left and right, right now, if these are your options?
GL: We're not playing today.

lol, Grady is hilarious

2006-12-06 17:28:28
14.   GMac In The 909
11, 12 I keep telling myself the Dodgers are just waiting on a physical ...
2006-12-06 17:29:32
15.   Andrew Shimmin
11- It seems like it's probably like the day or two we spent thinking the Pierre deal might not be real. I think it's Colletti being, um, sensitive about Drew's opting out, after he said he wouldn't. Like a guy whose fiancée dumps him making a big honking deal about how little he trusts women every time the opportunity presents itself.
2006-12-06 17:30:17
16.   still bevens
I think its pretty clear that Ned is willing to overpay and if someone wants to drive up the price I'm sure we'd go there, too. I really dont think the Mariners would be willing or able to top us. (fingers crossed)
2006-12-06 17:32:29
17.   natepurcell
well, payroll right now is 109.5M if you add schmidts salary of 15.667M.

Honestly, I dont see us adding another 10-20mil for manny or....bonds.

2006-12-06 17:34:31
18.   Uncle Miltie
"We've talked to (Juan Pierre's) agent a few times. We're in a conversation. We don't have a deal," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. ...

Colletti wouldn't characterize whether an agreement with Pierre was close.

"It's either done or it's not done and right now it's not done," Colletti said.

On the Schmidt deal:
Colletti -- who generally does not confirm a deal until physical exams are completed -- did not confirm this one, nor did he shoot it down.

"We're not there yet," said Colletti. "We've exchanged offers. We're still talking it through. We're just not there yet. I don't want to jeopardize the situation. I don't have a deal."

2006-12-06 17:35:19
19.   natepurcell
18

so basically what you are insinuating is that Schmidt is a dodger?

2006-12-06 17:35:23
20.   Jon Weisman
Mike DiGiovanna says the Angels almost got Helton - that would have been interesting.
2006-12-06 17:35:49
21.   desertdodger
I'm new to this thing so give me some slack on my first post. Been a Dodger fan since 1953, been through it all. Grady is great, hears what he wants to and makes you think you are getting something when he talks. Thought for discussion, one reason for Pierre might have been, as I recall Furcal was originally for three years so he has two left who then would be in-line as a lead-off, if and when he left? Is there really anybody in the organization?
2006-12-06 17:38:47
22.   Uncle Miltie
19- yea pretty much, as long as he passes his physical

"The Dodgers got themselves a good starting pitcher," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said on Wednesday. "You know, you have to pay for good talent. Jason's had a great career."

2006-12-06 17:39:04
23.   Greg Brock
21 Nice to meet you. The fact that Furcal may only be around for two more years may have been a thought in the length of Pierre's deal. And no, there aren't any true leadoff hitters in the organization.

Good point. I just wish Pierre wasn't, you know, very average.

2006-12-06 17:41:30
24.   Andrew Shimmin
21- Depends on what you want in a leadoff hitter. If you want a guy who gets on base a lot, yes there are several people like that. If you want somebody fast, who can't slug at all, but hits .300, I don't really know.
2006-12-06 17:41:55
25.   trainwreck
What do people think about Martin leading off?
2006-12-06 17:42:25
26.   Greg Brock
25 I think it's not going to happen.
2006-12-06 17:43:39
27.   trainwreck
Oscar Robles it is.
2006-12-06 17:45:29
28.   Prescott Pete
Martin leading off would be a trainwreck.
2006-12-06 17:45:33
29.   Greg Brock
25 I saw the video of your Gauchos carrying the goals to the ocean for a sacrifice to Poseidon.

You're still fired, by the way.

2006-12-06 17:48:35
30.   Greg Brock
In other hot stove news, J.J. Abrams has signed on to produce and direct a "reboot/reimaging/whatever" of the Star Trek franchise.

No George Takei jokes, please.

2006-12-06 17:48:49
31.   trainwreck
29
Fascist.
2006-12-06 17:49:08
32.   natepurcell
i was looking through schmidts game logs from last year and this one wasnt so bad.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=260606126

2006-12-06 17:54:48
33.   trainwreck
Brock, I forgot to tell you that originally Aronofsky was going to direct Watchmen.
2006-12-06 17:56:14
34.   Greg Brock
33 Yeah. Paul Greengrass would have been awesome as well. We'll see what Zack Snyder can do. I hear 300 looks pretty good.

{Waiting for Xeifrank to drop the hammer}

2006-12-06 17:58:02
35.   D4P
Like a guy whose fiancée dumps him making a big honking deal about how little he trusts women every time the opportunity presents itself

Is there something you'd like to share with us, Andrew? We're here for you...

2006-12-06 17:59:29
36.   saltcreek
from st louis dispatch..."DeWitt and Jocketty have been told that there's no deal yet -- and that they (Schmidt and his agents) would like to still have discussions.... so as far as the Cardinals are concerned, there's still reason to have discussion with Schmidt's agents... and I am told the Cardinals are making a 'strong" offer.'"......uh oh
2006-12-06 18:02:42
37.   saltcreek
36. Im sure its gonna be fine though...,.just felt like raising some blood pressure
2006-12-06 18:04:15
38.   Andrew Shimmin
35- I can imagine why you'd like to hear about a man who dislikes women. Still, it's not my story to tell--I've yet to trick any woman into a great number of things, engagement among them.
2006-12-06 18:06:19
39.   D4P
I've yet to trick any woman into a great number of things

What else is on that list...?

2006-12-06 18:06:54
40.   trainwreck
Is there anything good on tv tonight?
2006-12-06 18:07:41
41.   StolenMonkey86
25 - Depends on your batting order theory. If you say it doesn't make that much of a difference, then put him in the 1 so he doesn't ground into as many double plays.
2006-12-06 18:08:14
42.   saltcreek
40. King of Queens is back
2006-12-06 18:10:45
43.   Andrew Shimmin
39- Ask me again some night after I've been out drinking with Brock.
2006-12-06 18:11:26
44.   Greg Brock
40 Ancient Maya: Tools of Astronomy on the History Channel.

Blue Planet: Seas of Life on the Animal Channel (best ocean documentary EVER).

You could also check out My Boys on TBS. New show about a female sportswriter and her guy friends. Hilarity ensues.

All times 8:00 PST.

2006-12-06 18:12:21
45.   Greg Brock
43 You're on.
2006-12-06 18:12:44
46.   D4P
Ask me again some night after I've been out drinking with Brock

Will do.

2006-12-06 18:12:50
47.   Andrew Shimmin
42- I hate to go all Elaine on you, but, what--no exclamation point? You know StolenMonkey, you should learn to use them. Like the way I'm talking right now, I would put an exclamation points at the end of all these sentences! On this one! And on that one!
2006-12-06 18:13:31
48.   Andrew Shimmin
Oops. Not StolenMonkey; saltcreek. Sorry.
2006-12-06 18:13:43
49.   trainwreck
29
I do not approve of that video or their chants.
2006-12-06 18:14:26
50.   Andrew Shimmin
45- I'm not much of a drinking buddy, but I make up for it with my excellent designated driving.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-12-06 18:14:42
51.   trainwreck
I have seen Blue Planet and it is great.
2006-12-06 18:16:24
52.   Andrew Shimmin
I've seen My Boys, and it wasn't.
2006-12-06 18:18:02
53.   saltcreek
47. LOL!!!!! u guys should watch though, i think the show is done after this season
2006-12-06 18:18:30
54.   Greg Brock
Biography of Stanley Donen on TCM. Again, 8:00.
2006-12-06 18:19:32
55.   D4P
America's Fattest Fatties on NBC at 9
2006-12-06 18:20:33
56.   Greg Brock
Danny Boyle's "Millions" is on HBO Family at 7:00pm. I cannot recommend that movie enough.

Not as many zombies as 28 Days Later. Still good though.

2006-12-06 18:21:16
57.   Greg Brock
55 D4P wins.
2006-12-06 18:24:57
58.   D4P
I'm the biggest winner!
2006-12-06 18:26:13
59.   s choir
Here is my analysis of the Dodgers' financial situation, as it relates to the player payroll budget and potential deals for mythical sluggers. Take it with a grain of salt, because some of the figures are estimates and extrapolations based on unwarranted assumptions.

Total MLB revenues in 2005 = $4.733bn
Average team revenue in 2005 = $157.7MM
Dodgers team revenue in 2005 was approximately 1.2x the average (189MM)
Dodgers opening day payroll in 2006 = $98MM
Percentage of revenues earmarked for payroll = 52%
Total MLB revenues in 2006 = $5.2bn
Average team revenue in 2006 = $173.3MM
Extrapolated Dodgers revenue in 2006 based on multiplier of 1.2x average = $208MM

Therefore, Colletti's projected opening day payroll budget should be 52% of $208MM, or approximately $108MM. This is close to what the Dodgers are at now (assuming the Schmidt signing), so I don't expect any further deals.

However, the Dodgers had an operating profit of over $13MM in 2005. Assuming a similarly proportional profit in 2006, Colletti might have authorization to reinvest some of that into player payroll (say another 8MM), meaning that Colletti might be able to go up to $118MM, and that the Dodgers could conceivably take on Ramirez's (or another slugger's) salary if they unloaded Penny (who by the way has a limited no-trade clause, so that would be complicated).

Alternatively, the team could decide to spend a larger percentage of revenues on player payroll. In 2005, non-payroll overhead (revenues - payroll) was $77MM. If the team was able to keep these costs fairly level in 2006 (say at $85MM allowing for inflation), but not reinvest profits into payroll it would be able to spend about $116MM.

If the team reinvested its profits into payroll and maintained its non-payroll overhead at $85MM, it could conceivably spend as much as $123MM on the opening day payroll.

Looking at this financial picture, it appears a Manny deal, assuming the Schmidt deal is for real, is not in the cards. Even a Burrell deal is a longshot as he makes as much as Manny.

2006-12-06 18:34:32
60.   StolenMonkey86
48 - That's ok! I'll let it slide this time!
2006-12-06 18:38:15
61.   StolenMonkey86
My roommate on Lilly going to the Cubs:

"You know what that means: Lilly's going to have Tommy John this year."

2006-12-06 18:40:39
62.   trainwreck
Brock, has the band memo been sent?
2006-12-06 18:42:47
63.   Greg Brock
62 I'm getting some negative feedback from some of the A&R guys around town.

Apparently, they still think one word, two syllable names are the way to go these days.

Slipknot
Upshot
Wizzbang
Footstool
Booktale
Shoeneck

You know. All those rock bands these day.

2006-12-06 18:55:40
64.   trainwreck
My favorite is Shoelace.
2006-12-06 18:58:09
65.   Disabled List
I hope the McCourts don't read MSNBC.com like they read the LA Times. Their sports columnist, Michael Ventre, just posted a pile of Plaschke-bait. He calls out Frank McCourt by name and basically dares him to trade everybody, including Jamie, for Ramirez:

Now, if they happened to land Manny Ramirez, that would catapult them into the ranks of the well above average. It wouldn't solve all their problems, but he would provide a scary stick, something they don't have now. It would also identify the Dodgers as an organization with moxie that is willing to take a risk in order to return to prominence.

And it would be a risk. The Red Sox reportedly asked for the Dodgers' top three prospects – which may include Kemp and closer Jonathan Broxton -- and the Dodgers balked. But really, prospects are prospects. You can always grow more, and the Dodgers are traditionally an organization that does better than most at producing bountiful harvests on the farm.

Alas, it seems the Dodgers are playing poker with every intention of folding whenever the stakes are raised. It does not seem likely that Manny will ever put on a Dodgers uniform. There are few other options to fortify the lineup, especially none with the marquee value of Manny.

Since Frank McCourt bought the team in January 2004, there has been little indication that the franchise is determined to win a World Series. Instead, it keeps treading water in an effort to remain competitive. That's fine for other franchises in smaller markets. But the Dodgers have a legacy to live up to and well over three million paying customers each season to appease.

2006-12-06 18:59:14
66.   trainwreck
Michael Ventre just made my list.
2006-12-06 19:04:08
67.   natepurcell
what are the chances would deal Bay for penny+ethier?
2006-12-06 19:04:36
68.   Greg Brock
Ventre and Celizic are two of the worst sportswriters in America. MSNBC would not be the place to go for outstanding sports reporting/reportage/stuff.

But Celizic does have a very cool hat. Noir kind of look to it. Very Jake Gittes.

2006-12-06 19:04:51
69.   s choir
65 I think the McCourt's have spent about as much as they can thus far, considering the amount of debt they incurred acquiring the Dodgers. They are also further hamstrung by the fact that they don't own their own TV network, like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets do. When McCourt acquired the team, he tried to get Fox to sell him one of its sports channels, but Fox basically laughed in his face.

So don't blame the McCourts. Blame Fox.

2006-12-06 19:06:48
70.   D4P
Blame Fox

I blame Fox for everything

2006-12-06 19:06:52
71.   saltcreek
67. I think If it were Penny and Kemp they would do it. Not Ethier.
2006-12-06 19:07:15
72.   trainwreck
67
We should add some more players that Tracy likes such as Saenz, Werth, and Robles.
2006-12-06 19:07:50
73.   Uncle Miltie
Here's the one thing I don't understand; the Dodgers are interested in Luis Gonzalez AND are shopping Penny. Right now, the Dodgers are set at C, 1b, 2b (unfortunately), ss, cf, and maybe lf or rf. If the Dodgers are targeting an outfielder, does it mean that Ned doesn't think very highly of Ethier? The Dodgers could trade for a 3b, but I don't see any good ones out there besides Ensberg and he isn't worth Penny. LaRoche is close so filling the hole at 3b wouldn't make much sense.
2006-12-06 19:11:16
74.   trainwreck
Because Ned is intent on trading someone.
2006-12-06 19:11:45
75.   StolenMonkey86
Do 67 and 73 go together?
2006-12-06 19:11:59
76.   saltcreek
73. I think Ethier would likely be packaged with penny in a deal for a outfielder. I think we should keep penny though.
2006-12-06 19:13:24
77.   D4P
I don't think trading Penny is a good idea. He's a good pitcher with a relatively low salary, something that is hard to find these days.

But no doubt his Depo connection and his little tantrum last year make him expendable in Ned's eyes.

2006-12-06 19:13:36
78.   regfairfield
71 Littlefield is too scared to do anything that's not 100% safe. Case in point, he could have traded Mike Gonzalez for Adam LaRoche, a trade that seems very lopsided towards the Pirates, but he sat on it for whatever reason, the Braves got frustrated, and the offer went away.

http://bucsdugout.com/story/2006/12/6/213931/183

2006-12-06 19:14:13
79.   regfairfield
Whoops. Point is, there's no way that Littlefield would ever trade Jason Bay.
2006-12-06 19:16:07
80.   StolenMonkey86
76 - That changes things. The organization does value Kemp as a RF of the future, so someone long term probably.

Penny, Ethier, and cash for Crawford, anyone?

2006-12-06 19:17:39
81.   D4P
Penny, Ethier, and Loney for Torii Hunter.

Book it.

2006-12-06 19:17:43
82.   StolenMonkey86
actually no cash, I think we're still paying Penny's signing bonus
2006-12-06 19:19:01
83.   StolenMonkey86
81 - Great. Colletti gets 2 CFs, tells Little "Just play whoever you think is best in center."
2006-12-06 19:20:32
84.   StolenMonkey86
77 - I think it's more a matter of not being able to get a cleanup hitter unless we trade Penny or Billingsley. I'd rather trade Penny if that's the case
2006-12-06 19:20:45
85.   gpellamjr
81 Better thrown in Kemp--- you don't want the Twins feeling like they got jobbed (is that a word?).
2006-12-06 19:20:47
86.   Uncle Miltie
How about Brad Penny and Tomko for Pat Burrell, Ryan Madson (for the bullpen), and Gio Gonzalez

No money changes hands

2006-12-06 19:22:49
87.   StolenMonkey86
Unless the thinking is that Billingsley should be the 7th innning guy for a little while, then they execute a deadline deal involving Juan Pierre, Brad Penny and Andruw Jones, and move Billingsley to the rotation after that.

But I doubt Colletti looks that far ahead.

2006-12-06 19:23:04
88.   Uncle Miltie
My dreams have been shattered

While the Rays are reportedly open to moving Rocco Baldelli, they will not trade Carl Crawford, according to MLB.com.
After reading a rumor that Crawford was up for grabs, the Brewers called the Rays to check on his availability. Rays officials told the Brewers, "Absolutely not."

2006-12-06 19:23:14
89.   trainwreck
80
I am down.
2006-12-06 19:23:55
90.   trainwreck
89
Well so much for that.

Penny for Baldelli straight up?

2006-12-06 19:24:40
91.   StolenMonkey86
if we could extend him immediately, I'd say Penny for Dunn straight up, possibly with a middle reliever thrown in

The Reds would have 3 respectable starters. They'd be besides themselves.

2006-12-06 19:25:38
92.   StolenMonkey86
88 - Maybe they don't want to talk to the Brewers but they'll talk to us.
2006-12-06 19:26:49
93.   D4P
92
The Devil Rays are always willing to talk to Ned...
2006-12-06 19:32:45
94.   Uncle Miltie
In the first major trade of the winter meetings, the Phillies acquire right hander Freddy Garcia from the White Sox, FOXSports.com has learned.
Better not be for Burrell. Maybe Aaron Rowand?
2006-12-06 19:34:01
95.   dsfan
Say the Dodgers made no more moves. Project their record for 2007. I say 82-80, because the pitching would allow them to tread water and Kemp would come up from Vegas and have a pretty good second half. As part of my projection, I think mediocrity is rampant in the league.
2006-12-06 19:35:31
96.   StolenMonkey86
Scenario: Dodgers acquire Crawford and bat him #3

Top of the lineup:
Pierre - 58 SB, 20 CS, 74%
Furcal - 37 SB, 13 CS, 74%
Crawford - 58 SB, 9 CS, 87%
Total: 153 SB, 42 CS, 78.5%

2006-12-06 19:35:40
97.   saltcreek
94. for neither. bad trade for the sox
2006-12-06 19:37:44
98.   Samuel
94

"The Phillies and White Sox have pulled off a deal: Freddy Garcia to Philly for Gio Gonzalez and Gavin Floyd."

http://tinyurl.com/yghqsx

2006-12-06 19:38:42
99.   natepurcell
Garcia for who?
2006-12-06 19:39:30
100.   natepurcell
lol, sox get gio gonzalez back?

LOL

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-12-06 19:40:25
101.   Andrew Shimmin
95- I don't like to play these games till I have a regfairfield projection to steal, but I'd bet the Dodgers would be a little better than that. I'd say eighty-five wins, and declare victory if the real number wasn't more than ten in either direction.
2006-12-06 19:41:41
102.   Uncle Miltie
Terrible trade. Gonzalez is pretty good, but Floyd has about as much value as Edwin Jackson. Maybe we can have Burrell for free as long as we pick up his contract. Garcia is going to make $10+ million next year. Garcia is not a good fit for that park.
2006-12-06 19:41:45
103.   dsfan
Floyd's big arm got him a lot of dough in the draft but his pitchability has stunk. At the least, he needed to get out of Philly. Gio's ability to throw his curve for Ks in the majors is in question. Kind of a 4A guy, maybe a tad better. Garcia had the misfortune of having Piniella as his manager. He's had a good career, but probably was overworked.
2006-12-06 19:43:50
104.   natepurcell
102

I agree. this trade is kind of bleh from a white sox perspective.

2006-12-06 19:44:15
105.   dsfan
What's the fascination with Burrell? Big whiffer with a bad foot who would be a liability in the NL West OFs. He loves the fast lane,hich is fine if you're Mickey Mantle but not so fine if you're Pat Burrell.
2006-12-06 19:45:14
106.   dsfan
Sox probably are saving a ton of money on this trade.
2006-12-06 19:49:14
107.   Uncle Miltie
105- Phillies are trying to dump him and he's the right handed Adam Dunn. A real three true outcomes player.
2006-12-06 19:49:52
108.   gpellamjr
105 He produces. He hits for power and takes walks. His last two years he's been at 281/389/504 and 258/388/502. That all looks good to me. I think there was also a lot of talk that Philadelphia might give him up for cheap.
2006-12-06 19:50:47
109.   gpellamjr
107 I'm sure it should be obvious, but this is the second time I've heard it tonight (and ever) and I still can't figure out what "three true outcomes player" means.
2006-12-06 19:51:31
110.   StolenMonkey86
107 - I kept getting them mixed up and thinking Burrell was lefty and Dunn was righty
2006-12-06 19:52:56
111.   s choir
If the White Sox are unloading salary, how about Penny for Jermaine Dye? We pay half of Penny's remaining contract? Or, we throw in Ethier and pay nothing?
2006-12-06 19:53:11
112.   Uncle Miltie
109- the outcome of his at bat will be either a walk, a strikeout or a homerun.

Who wouldn't want to add 98 BB, 29 hr, and a .388 obp to their lineup?

2006-12-06 19:56:00
113.   gpellamjr
112 It would certainly overcome the loss of Drew. He's a very talented player. Strikeouts are frustrating to watch when they happen-- but for a guy who takes a lot of walks and hits a lot of homeruns, what difference does it make? The strikeout is an out, just like Pierre's weak groundballs to the left side.
2006-12-06 19:56:58
114.   s choir
109 Three true outcomes player n. 1. A type of baseball player who tends to either draw a walk, strike out, or hit a home run more often than the average player. 2. A type of baseball player who is coveted by sabermetric thinkers who think he is undervalued because he strikes out too much.
2006-12-06 19:57:02
115.   Bob Timmermann
A three tree outcomes player has high home run totals combined with lots of walks and strikeouts.

So each PA ends with one of three true outcomes: home run, walk, strikeout.

It's a math thing, I think.

2006-12-06 19:59:39
116.   dsfan
101-

We're pretty close. I nearly went to 85 wins, your number, in my projections.

It won't happen, but I'd love to see the Dodgers go with what they have. My lineup would be:

Pierre
Martin
Furcal
Kent
Betemit
Nomar
Ethier
Loney (LF)

On other days, I would bat Furcal first and Pierrez eighth, with Loney moving into the No. 2 spot.

Not a lot of power in that lineup, but good left-right balance, some speed up top. The pitching projects nicely. If Bills or Kuo had to start in Triple-A, no great setback for either guy. If you can pitch, you'll get a shot. Someone wil get hurt or another club would be willing to overpay for pitching during the season.

Anderson and maybe Repko or, miracle of miracles, Werth, could spell Loney in LF getting Loney more time at 1B to spell Nomar.

LaRoche and Kemp could start the year in Triple-A. Probably would be good for both of them. LaRoche is coming off two shoulder injuries plus surgery, right? And Kemp still has some things to sort out. If they were ready in June, Kemp goes to right and Ethier goes to left. Loney could still get his ABs at 1B, two corner OF spots and as a PH.

Given the state of the NL West, plus the Dodgers' pitching depth and the potential of so many of their young players, it seems to me the Dodgers have a lot of leverage. Whether they act like it is another question. I fear that they will get panicky in their search for a power bat.

2006-12-06 20:00:18
117.   gpellamjr
112, 114, 115 Thank you very much. I just became that much more conversant on Dodgerthoughts.
2006-12-06 20:03:06
118.   gpellamjr
As much as I'd like to the mythical power bat, I would be thrilled with a starting staff consisting of Schmidt/Lowe/Penny/Billz/Kuo. There wouldn't be any throw aways in there.
2006-12-06 20:06:43
119.   Greg Brock
117 To add a little more, walks, strikeouts, and home runs are the only batting events that happen completely independent of what anybody else on the field does. No great plays. No errors. No baserunning mishaps. No other players contribute to the batter's performance.

Three "true" outcomes.

2006-12-06 20:08:01
120.   gpellamjr
119 Like learning the deeper meanings of the Homeric lexicon.
2006-12-06 20:10:14
121.   Bob Timmermann
120
Other parts of the Homeric lexicon:

D'oh!
Television is a boy's best friend. It gives so much and expects so little in return!
Oh, why did this have to happen during prime time when TV's biggest stars come out to shine?

2006-12-06 20:10:57
122.   StolenMonkey86
111 - Dye makes $7 million this year.
2006-12-06 20:11:40
123.   Greg Brock
Trying is the first step towards failure.
2006-12-06 20:13:26
124.   dsfan
118

I agree. I think Wolf will be pretty good, too.

2006-12-06 20:13:37
125.   trainwreck
I'm not not licking toads.
2006-12-06 20:15:27
126.   Greg Brock
Now, let me explain "Two true outcomes" for you:

98% of all redheads are unattractive. But that 2%, man oh man, what an absolute collection of knockouts.

It's either bad or totally awesome. Two. True. Outcomes.

2006-12-06 20:18:39
127.   StolenMonkey86
From an article on Baltimore's search for Thames:

Detroit is seeking a young catcher to back up Ivan Rodriguez or a left-handed setup man.

http://tinyurl.com/yc79de

Beimel or Hendrickson and Hall (30 is young, just ask Brian Sabean).

2006-12-06 20:22:40
128.   trainwreck
Did we officially sign Ray King?
2006-12-06 20:30:53
129.   adraymond
Isn't Thames a little old to just now be breaking out? That makes me skeptical.
2006-12-06 20:33:18
130.   gpellamjr
128 I think that was just a perverse joke. Absolutely tasteless. One might even say "botched".
2006-12-06 20:36:02
131.   Megaballs
Tomorrow could be the day on Manny?
All the conversing about trading Penny and no one's saying how Theo needs a reliever but can't get one via trade... His five starters could turn to four quickly by picking up the phone and asking Papelbon to give it another year as closer. Bing. Penny, Loney for Manny...payroll relief for Matsusaka..Loney for Youkilis at 3b this year or next with Lowell a FA at year end. Wily Mo Pena in LF.

Problem solved, deal done.

2006-12-06 20:36:07
132.   StolenMonkey86
129 - he had limited playing time, but his AB/HR in Detroit is consistently around 16. I don't know if he's "breaking out" so much as people realized that he's undervalued for striking out a lot. Look at is isolated slugging, and it's consistently been over 200 if he gets over 100 AB
2006-12-06 20:37:15
133.   Tangled Up in Blue
Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead.
2006-12-06 20:44:06
134.   adraymond
Thames power does look good but he could use some help with his career .316 OBP. But if he could be had for a lefty reliever as rumors seem to indicate, then he could be worth a Hendy/Beimel.

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