It is not known what part Hudson would want to take on

Sheesh. Is she that big of a star that she gets to pick and choose? I don't even know who she is.

It says she's hoping to land a role, and it says that they aren't sure which role she'd prefer. It doesn't say that she gets to pick and choose.

1 - I don't even understand what roles there are to take on.
"Well Jen, you can be Rachel Robinson, which is a pretty meaty role, or you can be Jackie's mother, she appears in a scene... and uh yeah, those are your options. Just give us a call when you decide who you want to play, Jen."

1 Umm, she just won an Oscar.

I hope the unnamed article author meant "wish" not "want".

did I stumble upon Screen Jam? :)
So who pitched well today?
vr, Xei

More seriously, this is a movie subject that is long overdue and, if done right, can be an extremely powerful film.

Rachel Robinson can be, and should be, a career-making role.

For some reason I read that second to last sentence as Redford will play Jackie Robinson at first glance and thought I was being had.

Boy, some of you guys are coming into this from a pretty hostile place. Is she not allowed to want to be in the movie? Is there anything to indicate she is demanding or remotely thinks she can demand to be in the movie?

I mean, I just thought it was an interesting little tidbit - I've been wondering what part she would get after Dreamgirls, and since it ties into Dodger history, I figured I'd mention this possibility. Didn't intend to make her target practice.

According to the boxscore on MLB.com, Hu had an interesting day - he stole third, got caught stealing at second, and got picked off first in three times on base.

8-9
I guess I just get annoyed by the air of superiority and entitlement that surrounds "actors" and "actresses."

For example: every once in a while, I'll see a national news story about how Actor X "experienced depression in high school." EVERYONE experiences depression in high school, yet the depression experienced by celebrities is exalted above that experienced by the rest of us, and we're supposed to attribute greater significance to it than that experienced by ourselves. It's insulting. People are people, whether they get paid millions of dollars to pretend to be someone else or not.

The way the blurb up top is worded makes it sound as if she was so moved by the Jackie Robinson story that of course she should get paid millions of dollars to pretend to be one of the people in the story, and that she should get to choose who that person is.

Am I the only one who reads it that way? Probably, so carry on.

8,9 - I hope that isn't what you thought of my reaction. I heard about this earlier today (every Hudson move is covered in Chicago, her hometown), and thought it was fine. I think she is ok, certainly did a good job with the only memorable moment of Dreamgirls (which I didn't like at all), though I wonder about her overall acting chops. Good luck with Rachel Robinson, though I think the part of Jackie is the real story (no one springs to mind as a good Jackie).

5. Greg Miller pitched well and now leads the team in the all important Wins statistic with 2.

12 In the past, I have heard that Jamie Foxx (though he may be a bit old to play the young Jackie) up for the role.

The legacy of Robinson makes my rooting for the Dodgers and UCLA more meaningful to me and anytime anything that could promote more people learning about that great man, the better.

13 - Who thinks Spring Training Wins matter?

Greg Miller isn't like every other young pitcher.

He's a winner.

A week into spring training, and he leads all Dodger pitchers in Wins; that's more than Derek Lowe, Jason Schmidt, and of course, Brad Penny.

Note: not actually written by Bill Plaschke

11 - More people care about the lives of actors than the lives of non-actors. It doesn't mean they're superior. But the point of an actor was depressed story is not that an actor is unique in having experienced depression, it's to learn more about this person that many people are interested in, rightly or wrongly.

None of which has anything to do with this post.

11. Reminds me of the SNL game show skit with David Duchovny called "You think your better than me?!"

This might be a tangent, but I was depressed for long stretches of my 20s. Learning that someone else, famous or not, experienced depression wouldn't have made me feel smaller, but rather less alone. Reading Darkness Visible by famous author William Styron comes to mind.

>It is not known what part Hudson would want to take on, but she said >the story of the man who broke baseball's color barrier affected her >deeply.

I think she'd make a great Burt Shotton.

Incidentally, Robinson's performance in the 1950 movie was dismissed by at least one critic as "unconvincing."

12 - If Jennifer demands the role of Jackie Robinson, then we've got a problem :)

I was depressed for long stretches of my 20s

So was I, but I didn't make the national news (or derive indirect fiscal benefits as a result of the attention). As they say: all publicity is good publicity, and stories about celebrity depression/alchoholism/rehab entry and departure/hair-shaving/marriage and divorce/etc. are, for me, whether intentional or not, little more than publicity stunts.

But I don't expect anyone else to agree, and I'm not trying to start anything here.

I was just going to say she was going after the Jackie role.

I was not depressed, but I was altered for long stretches of my 20's

Whether Jennifer Hudson gets a role is moot. I find it admirable that she would want to take part in a possibly very powerful film about a pioneer and almost a martyr for the cause of equality and civil rights in our country. The fact that the history of Jackie moves her should be commended since there are so many young people who know or care little of this rich and important part of history. I would love to see an updated version though I did see the original on one of those classic movie channels one day. The sacrifices made by him and Larry Doby made it possible for Aaron, Mays and many others to make their mark and rightfully play on an equal footing with their caucasian counterparts.
The thought that many Americans of African heritage fought and died in combat for America but were kept from enjoying the same benefits by segregation policies makes me sad. Robert Redford as Branch Rickey, interesting!!

Well at least it wasn't Ruben Studdard wanting to play Jackie.

18 - I am just into my 20s, but the college part just ended (last year) and I can see the potential for depression. I am not depressed but I think I will be if I am still doing what I am doing now in a few years. I guess all of this is to say, I am glad you got out of it and I guess it makes me think hopefully about the future. Maybe it is along the same lines about not feeling alone, but also I guess it is because you are somewhat similar to me (went to a good school, likes Dodgers and screening) and I really respect you (as much as you can respect someone you don't know at all). Anyway, thanks for sharing that.

In the 1990 TV movie "The Court Martial of Jackie Robinson", Rachel Robinson was played by Kasi Lemmons.

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0501435/

Jackie Robinson was played by Andre Braugher.

In a 1978 ABC Afterschool Special, an actor named John Lafayette portrayed Jackie Robinson althought it was a minor role. The special featured a 16-year old Felicity Huffman.

Blair Underwood played Jackie Robinson in the 1996 TV film "The Soul of the Game."\

The last one wasn't bad.

Funny. I was thinking that Andre Braugher would make a good Jackie, but might be too old. I didn't know he already played him.

I will have a hard time buying Robert Redford as Branch Rickey. I can't picture Redford with Rickey's eyebrows, which were Brezhnevian in size.

I think of Branch Rickey and I picture Lionel Barrymore.

I find it admirable that she would want to take part in a possibly very powerful film about a pioneer and almost a martyr for the cause of equality and civil rights in our country

But who wouldn't? That's part of my point. Even if you don't care about the issues, getting paid millions of dollars is a very strong incentive. I don't think she's "special" for wanting to take part in the movie.

The best person I can think of right now to play Jackie would be Don Cheadle.

Something is causing D4P to be very cynical today. I think he's depressed.

Most likely stems from the D4P trade. Let's win the World Series this year so D4P will be happy.

32 - He doesn't really look like enough of an athlete. I think that it will have to be someone with a physical presence, but they also have to be relatively young and hopefully a fantastic actor. Jamie Foxx might be the best name I have heard (though I don't know how many biopics he wants to be in), he is a great actor and if you have seen him in Miami Vice, he certainly looks like an athlete.

Not like Don can't work out. I would love a less well-known actor, but this is a Hollywood film so that will never happen.

Jamie Foxx is an ego maniac and I would rather not see him play Jackie.

I think he's depressed

I am, and the world needs to know about it! Call Oprah! Get People magazine on the horn! Get me to hair and makeup, stat!

Taye Diggs would actually be a good choice.

36
Clearly you need the Secret.

36 No, you're supposed to do that once you're recovered and successful. No one wants to see a depressed person on Oprah -- you have to appear when you're on top of the world so you can inspire everyone else to greatness.

Is Denzel too old to play Jackie?

Just your 20's Marty?

39 Oh man, D4P's cynicism is dragging me down.

24, Don't forget the Black Swallow of Death. Nobody knows that story, either. Go theGoogle that...

39
There is hope for you...

Jon, you need to talk to Wojnarowski on Yahoo Sports. His latest column headline:

Dwyane Wade's decision wasn't that hard at all. Delaying surgery and playing with pain is something superstars do.

Juan Pierre should play Jackie. That'll get him out of the lineup.

31 - You need to find something organic to lift your spirits from the bitter cynicism you are displaying. Maybe Jennifer wants to be in the picture because the Jackie Robinson story means something beyond dollar signs to her. I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. She may not be the right body type for Rachel, a lithe body structure like that of Jada Pinkett Smith might be more fitting though she might be a little too petite. As far as Robert Redford playing Rickey, that is why I said interesting. Didn't Edward Hermann play Branch Rickey in Soul of the Game?
He would seem a better fit.

Is there any possible way that the Jackie Robinson movie will avoid being really, really bad?

Redford as Rickey is a bad joke. You don't necessarily need someone who looks like Rickey, but you need someone with that imposing Rickey VOICE. Redford is about as far away from that as it gets. Somebody like Jason Robards would do, if he wasn't, you know, dead.

Hudson, based on what I've seen of her, seems the wrong personality type to play Rachel and not a gifted enough actress to convincingly play someone whose personality differs from her own.

The lead actor would have to be an unknown, I would think. Cheadle's too old. Derek Luke might work, but he's already played Bobby Joe Hill which is essentially the same role, so he might not be interested in a reprise.

They really should have let Spike Lee make this movie back when he wanted to in the mid-90s, when Denzel would have been young enough to play the part.

I don't really see any way this could NOT be a terrible movie. Maybe I'm just overly cynical because another true story very close to my heart was recently butchered on the big screen in "Glory Road."

I don't really see any way this could NOT be a terrible movie

Estoy de acuerdo

Redford should be banned from baseball movies after The Natural.

Don't worry D4P someday the world will worship the city planners of the world and then your depression or thoughts will command more attention.

It used to bug me when they held special events at DS and Rachel Robinson would come and they would make her speak before the game when everyone is inattentive and 1/3 of the crowd had showed up. I'd rather they give her the 7th inning stretch. A nice concise 2 minute speech in front of the big crowd. Give her the ovation she deserves. Sure beats listening to "God Bless America".

Cynicism is pervading DT today. The root cause is:

a) Juan Pierre
b) D4P
c) Bob's not posting enough
d) the season hasn't started yet and we're all getting trunky
e) Tommy Lasorda

47
I agree, they would make a mockery of the project. Movie bio's are bad because they just can't let history tell itself, the ego takes over and they feel the need to "improve" the story.

Sean Connery as Branch Rickey.Eyebrows galore. You need to be in the manic phase to be on the talk show circuit. Nobody better than the guy who played Baby Face Nelson in "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" : a plain good film.

Hu did have a mixed day. But then again, with our SS out indefinitely it was good to see Hu's on first three times!

D.

and to keep with the Mood, it is:
O Brother Where Art Thou

I helped Rachel Robinson at the library once.

I believe it is not an invasion of her privacy to say that genealogy is one of her hobbies. One coworker and I were eagerly hoping to be able to help her, which is pretty unusual at the library with genealogy patrons.

56
Without violating ethical codes, is it safe to conclude that Weird Al conducts research for his songs at libraries?

56 Coming from a family of librarians, I will admit that is pretty rare.

56 I have been known to eagerly help anyone with their genealogy, but then I'm odd.

That Court Martial of Jackie Robinson movie Bob mentioned was pretty decent, particularly because of the presence of the always superb Braugher. I remember it also being a little earnest and dull at times, too.

Back to the game - I couldn't listen to it because of a busy work day, but it sounds like Hu had quite a day - 3 hits and all those exploits on the base paths. But most importantly, only 1 error! By the destined-for-the-AL-to-be-a-DH Tatis. Pitching sounds solid, too, except for Veras, who won't make the team.

Boy, Mike Venafro sure gets around doesn't he? Now pitching for the Twins...

57
You are making a logical leap that is not there.

Weird Al came to the library for very prosaic reasons.

59 - No one really knows anything about my father's father's father. I'm the grandson of a bastard. So if you find anything out about that, let me know.

62
Rats. Guess I should have looked before I logically lept.

"Travis Smith came in to pitch a 1-2-3 inning helped by fine plays by Loney and Hu.
That's what I like to hear!(It was likely a paraphrase from Dodgerdugout.com). I can't help liking that kind of baseball.

63 That one's likely lost to history unless the birth records in the country of birth included unmarried fathers, or unless your father's father's mother kept a diary.

66 - Thanks for nothing, pal :)

My father and grandfather kept up with the genealogical stuff, so there's not much for me to do except dig for records of my mother's side, which if they still exist would be in Mexico.

On my father's side I have not one, but two great-great grandfathers who went to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898 and never came back.

I'm with D4P:

The egos of (most of)those in the movie business are way out of hand. The young lady who just won a supporting actress oscar for playing herself should be honored if one asks her to play an important role in such a film. RATHER than saying that she would be willing to grace the potential film with her presence…
-----
Too bad that Spike Lee is not doing the film…

and what does D4P mean?

Drew 4 Pierre ?

Delino for Pedro (Martinez), generally considered one of the worst trades in Dodgers' history. We go way back in the pain dept here at DT.

If you were really old school, it would be C4N (Clemente for nothing).

I had no idea Kemp was PECOTA projected to be the fourth best centerfielder in baseball. I also had to have someone else type this while I try to stop the bleeding.

Or really old school Red Sox fans with the handle "Babe4$"...

I wonder if there are any more recent BoSox fans who use "A4B" as their handle?

(Andersen for Bagwell)

73 Steve, does that look something like this?
http://tinyurl.com/2h3cxm

I knew that D4P stood for Delino for Pedro, but every time I look at it, I think, DePodesta for President.

And then I see that Kemp's best comp is Juan Encarnacion, and the cycle starts again, and then starts again when I realize that I'd rather have Juan Encarnacion in centerfield than Juan Pierre, and then on and on and on.

75 That made me laugh very loudly.

I just looked up James Loney. I'm tired.

69 - But she never says she's expecting to get the part. She just says she wants to be in the movie.

It's the writer of the article who speculates about what role she should get - mainly because the writer probably, as Benaiah points out, doesn't have a clue what parts are available.

If there's anything that's clear from the article, it's that Hudson would be honored if she got the part.

78 Yeah, I've watched that repeatedly since finding it today. Reminds me of my boss - who sits next to me and does that short of the bloody part, pretty much every day.

You had me at Juan Encarnacion. But, to be fair, the comp is 1998 Encarnacion, when he went .329/.354/.561 (though, over only 175PA).

67 - I have something like the reverse situation; my maternal grossvater was something of a ladies' man, and I understand I have a step-uncle out there somewhere in the neighborhood of Kansas City. So far, it's only stories; he died of a stroke about my age, so leads are necessarily thin.

80 (and all the preceders) - It could be worse. She could be trying out for a remake of Lawrence of Arabia.

27

I pretty much always agree with Bob, especially about `Soul of the Game'.

On topic, I think Steve Buscemi should play Pee Wee Reese.

And a question to gaijin Bob T: Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?

I'd take old lovable .245/.320/.430

Okay folks, don't get crazy but here is the headline on Dodgers.com

Rotation play: Nomar could go third
Concern about Betemit, La Roche might also benefit Loney

http://tinyurl.com/yr3yj5

Now, go crazy, go crazy!!!

85- On the left.

http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2007/02/14/203/

It must be nice to be the worst player on the entire team and not have to worry about anything.

88

Thanks, Andrew. I was surprised to see a steering wheel on the right watching Babel the other night. It gave me something to think about besides, well, the movie.

Canada used to have a mixed system? That must have been fun!

63. I'm the grandson of a bastard
I've been told I'm a son of a bitch but I don't think that has anything to do with genealogy.

89

in the back of his mind, mark hendrickson probably worries about falling off the mound at DS again and embarassing himself.

74 "Or really old school Red Sox fans with the handle "Babe4$"..."

I think I've seen that one before in Lasorda's inbox.

John Rocker linked to Steroids? Say it ain't so.
Why must even our greatest heroes be fallible?

94. That's your lowest shot ever.

94 I was waiting for someone to take my set-up and run with it.

OK, you're right. Mark Hendrickson is the worst player on the team. I will qualify as "worst position player" on the team.

97 It was so obvious, I had to check twice to make sure nobody had already pounced on it.

Nobody drives in Japan.

Yet it has horrible traffic.

Discuss.

New post coming up top.

I guess my debate topic didn't cut it.

Gah -- what do I do now? And my comment is thread appropriate?

Having still not caught up with American Idol, I find that my wife has finished Gilmore Girls and left the TV on Pussycat Doll Idol.

This, or Caps hockey?

Jimmy Iovine's name was in the credits. That's kind of disturbing.