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About Jon
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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
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You Can't Spell Gigantic Press Conference Without T-O-R-R-E
2007-11-05 08:26
by Jon Weisman

No folks, you can't stop the Joe Torre Press Conference - you can only hope to contain it. A capacity crowd, hanging on every word from Torre as he addresses ... what makes him great? How he'll make the Dodgers great? Why the Dodgers aren't really schizophrenic? Actual plans for the team? I'm not sure, exactly.

You sort of get the sense there should be bunting (the colorful drapery kind) and maybe the Rose Queen and her court, but I guess the main thing will just be a celebration of the turning of yet another page. And who doesn't like a good celebration, a few words from the Bard, Vin Scully, and images of Dodger Stadium in the fall air?

******************************************************
******************MLB Pressconferenceday*****************
******************************************************

* * *

Trivia:

Sandy Koufax - most strikes thrown in a game (that Baseball-Reference.com knows of).

Comments (181)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-11-05 08:39:10
1.   The Mootz
"MADE IT, MA! TOP OF THE POST!"
2007-11-05 08:39:37
2.   D4P
"Today" (Today...Today...Today)

"I consider myself" (myself...myself...myself)

"the luckiest man" (man...man...man)

"on the face of the earth" (earth...earth...earth)

2007-11-05 08:44:23
3.   CarlosDeC
Huge day for the dodgers!

Step 1 in the long road back to respectablitly.

2007-11-05 08:46:22
4.   D4P
Maybe Joe can explain how his presence in 2007 would have prevented the team ERA from increasing from 3.83 Pre-All Star to 4.66 Post-All Star.
2007-11-05 08:49:15
5.   D4P
4
I guess the obvious answer is "More innings for Scott Proctor".

Duh.

2007-11-05 08:49:27
6.   Ken Noe
BP: "Joe, I'm Bill Plaschke, LA Times, I just want to say, you're great!"

JT: "I think you're great too Bill. I like that Horn show you do."

BP: "Joe, any chance you could trade Matt Kemp today?"

JT: "That's up to Ned. Ned?"

NC: "We're committed to providing Joe with the best chance to win possible. The Dodgers are all about winning."

FM: "You mean the DODGER NATION."

JT: "Well, it's my old friend Scott Proctor. Hi Scott! What's with the torch?"

SP: "I'm burning my equipment again!!!!"

JT: "Well, gee, take it off first....ouch."

2007-11-05 08:53:15
7.   JimmyH
Make sure your Team Trainer keeps plenty of No-Doze stocked in the dug-out. With that warm, California sun.......
2007-11-05 09:02:53
8.   KG16
I just hope Torre provides a little bit of sanity to the organization, may he be the ritalin to the Dodgers ADD.
2007-11-05 09:08:36
9.   Gen3Blue
4 It's easy to get distracted by the bad streak at the very end of the season, and the youngsters doing so much better than the vets that is caused a clubhouse throw down, but you have the key. The primary element in the D's 2nd half implosion was the collapse of their pitching. Period.
2007-11-05 09:08:37
10.   Bob Timmermann
This is all assuming that it will be sunny by 10 am.

It certainly isn't sunny now.

Perhaps Joe Torre will be framed against a blue gray sky.

2007-11-05 09:10:53
11.   Johnny Nucleo
The McCourt-era Dodgers have turned so many pages by now, it's starting to feel like "War & Peace".
2007-11-05 09:12:04
12.   regfairfield
I suppose questions like "how are you different than Grady Little" will be avoided.
2007-11-05 09:13:26
13.   D4P
3.83 Pre-All Star to 4.66 Post-All Star

To help indicate how big this difference really is, 3.83 would have been 2nd in the MLB; 4.66 would have been 21st.

2007-11-05 09:13:55
14.   wireroom
Hopefully Tommy Lasorda and Joe Torre have a spaghetti eating contest.
Seriously, I need someone to tivo the press conference....does anybody think they will replay it in its entirety on the Dodgers website?
2007-11-05 09:16:50
15.   regfairfield
I'd be very impressed if Joe Torre could prevent regression to the mean.
2007-11-05 09:16:54
16.   Bob Timmermann
14
I'm sure you can watch it on the Dodgers website again.

How soon before Joe Torre shows up in the LA Times "Hot Properties" column saying where he bought a condo?

Or is he just going to rent?

I see him as a Bunker Hill kind of guy, like Lasorda was during the season.

2007-11-05 09:17:29
17.   Jon Weisman
11 - Yep.

Step 1s to the road to respectiblity.

Hire Paul DePodesta
Trade Milton Bradley
Fire Paul DePodesta
Hire Ned Colletti
Hire Grady Little
Sign Juan Pierre
Fire Grady Little
etc.

2007-11-05 09:18:16
18.   D4P
I'd be very impressed if Joe Torre could prevent regression to the mean

Aren't we supposed to be better next year, independent of the manager...?

2007-11-05 09:18:42
19.   LAT
For better or for worse Joe Torre is our manager for the next three years because at $3 million+, Frank will not be willing to give Joe the Jim Tracey/Grady Little dismissal. It one thing to eat $600K. $13M is quite another. Good luck Joe, I'm pulling for you.
2007-11-05 09:18:45
20.   ToyCannon
9
Really? I thought it was that streak in August when we hit less then a buck with runners in scoring position in August.
2007-11-05 09:18:48
21.   Bob Timmermann
17
The longest journey begins with several single first steps followed by falling on your face.
2007-11-05 09:19:10
22.   D4P
it's starting to feel like "War & Peace"

Not to mention "war is peace".

2007-11-05 09:20:22
23.   LAT
16. I think a nice house in South Pas.
2007-11-05 09:20:46
24.   bhsportsguy
17 So when will you be reviewing the return of "American Gladiators?"

I kid because I have to.

2007-11-05 09:21:31
25.   bhsportsguy
19 I'm sure Plaschke is wondering if Joe will let him write his next book.
2007-11-05 09:21:56
26.   rockmrete
4.66 post allstar era.

And that number is being helped by C Bill's impressivly low era during that time as someone mentioned before.

2007-11-05 09:22:40
27.   ToyCannon
Yesterday at the Clipper and then Laker game I wore my Dodger hat. In the past when I've done that I've gotten nary a notice. Yesterday I was serenaded with comments about Torre. We may not care about Joe Torre managing the Dodgers but for some celebrity reason, Los Angeles cares.
2007-11-05 09:24:39
28.   wireroom
16 Lasorda rented on Bunker Hill during the season? It is nice there now with all those luxury apartments, but back when he was managing I thought it was pretty hairy down there. I see Torre being a South Pasadena guy.
2007-11-05 09:25:49
29.   Bob Timmermann
23
I can have Joe Torre talk to South Pasadena's leading real estate agent, the aptly named Meg Middleman.
2007-11-05 09:26:56
30.   Bob Timmermann
28
I'm 99% certain that Lasorda lived in the Bunker Hill Towers. I don't know if they were built in 1977 however.

He also had a home in Fullerton although I don't know if he's moved.

2007-11-05 09:27:28
31.   rockmrete
Not hitting with runners in scoring position during August didn't help either.
2007-11-05 09:30:09
32.   bhsportsguy
27 Wait until Joe starts doing Jiffy Lube commercials.

We should start a contest, what local business will get Joe to be its spokesman.

Scioscia does Howards Big Screen TV, Grady did Jiffy Lube (at least in his first season.) Kobe, Living Spaces, Luke Walton, Custom Comfort beds.

My guess, Joe will do some type of auto insurance ad.

2007-11-05 09:30:37
33.   KG16
27 - I think a lot of us around here are downplaying the importance of a manager. It's not just about filling out the line up card or making pitching changes, it's also about attitude. It's about leadership. Just because these guys are grown men and professionals, doesn't mean that those things don't matter.

As far as LA caring that the Bums hired Torre, I think it's two things: first, a lot of people see this like the Phil Jackson hiring (though the Lakers circa 1999 and the Dodgers today are in completely different places); second, he will now be the most recognizable man wearing a Dodger uniform (which really says something about the promotional failings of the club).

2007-11-05 09:31:36
34.   bhsportsguy
30 I thought he slept in back room of Paul's Kitchen (Chinese restaurant).

Did anyone ever go to his rib restaurant, I know I went at least once in Pasadena.

2007-11-05 09:34:10
35.   D4P
It's not just about filling out the line up card or making pitching changes, it's also about attitude. It's about leadership

So, was Grittle providing good "attitude" and "leadership" when the Dodgers were winning, and then all of a sudden providing bad "attitude" and "leadership", after which they started losing?

2007-11-05 09:34:48
36.   Bob Timmermann
34
Lasorda's restaurant was in South Pasadena. It closed down in the early 1990s after it had trouble getting customers again after closing because of a vermin infestation.

It is now Carmine's Italian Restaurant, which is very popular despite having awful parking and mediocre food.

2007-11-05 09:34:57
37.   Jon Weisman
http://www.baseball-reference.com/sotd/archives/405

Sandy Koufax - most strikes thrown in a game (that we know of).

2007-11-05 09:36:31
38.   regfairfield
33 How do we know Torre is a better leader than Grady? He certainly botched the whole A-Rod thing.
2007-11-05 09:36:33
39.   wireroom
30 I knew Lasorda lived in Fullerton which I always thought odd considering that he would have to drive that distance almost everyday to get to the park. The Bunker Hill condo explains that to me.

I can't wait for the new sit and sleep commercial where Joe says that "Larry" hooked him up with his new bed when he got to LA.

2007-11-05 09:36:33
40.   Jon Weisman
37 - Regarding that game ...

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Attendance: 12,068

2007-11-05 09:36:41
41.   Bob Timmermann
37
Dodger pitchers will dominate lists like that because for many years, the Dodgers were the only team to tabulate such information.

Such was the legacy of Allan Roth.

2007-11-05 09:37:08
42.   Daniel Zappala
We may not care about Joe Torre managing the Dodgers but for some celebrity reason, Los Angeles cares.

Celebrity reasoning. Great title for a treatise on LA's relationship with celebs.

2007-11-05 09:37:53
43.   Bob Timmermann
39
However, I believe Mike Scioscia lives in Westlake Village and commutes to Anaheim for most home games.
2007-11-05 09:38:59
44.   regfairfield
41 Doesn't the play index cover the entire Retrosheet era, regardless of team?
2007-11-05 09:40:05
45.   Bob Timmermann
Meanwhile LA Galaxy coach Frank Yallop has stepped down.

The Galaxy may try to get Jurgen Klinsmann or Jose Maurinho to coach the team. And since Klinsmann already lives out here, he would be a good choice.

2007-11-05 09:40:50
46.   Izzy
I am more interested in Bowa and Mattingly, than I am Torre. I do think they will make a good team, if we get them all. With Bowa around, well, just think of the new highlights we will find ourselves on. I can't wait to see Kemp run through a sign again. How fun will that be!!? So, it's more of a package deal for me, and viewed in that perspective, this is a good thing.
2007-11-05 09:41:04
47.   Bob Timmermann
44
But pitch count totals don't exist for much of the database.
2007-11-05 09:41:32
48.   bhsportsguy
36 Really, that is where Lasorda's restaurant was located.

Yes, that restaurant is pretty busy but I have not been there for years.

2007-11-05 09:42:04
49.   regfairfield
47 Ah, got it.
2007-11-05 09:47:24
50.   Bob Timmermann
48
I've eaten at Carmine's perhaps twice. It's not all that exciting.

My girlfriend likes Scarantino's in Glendale for what I call "1950s style Italian food."

I like Charlie's Trio for that type of cuisine. That's in L.A., just across the city limit line of South Pasadena.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-11-05 09:47:50
51.   Izzy
35. Well, isn't that what everyone around here is saying? That Grady allowed Kent, Luis and Lowe to get out of control and the "team chemistry" went to um, bad and the team tanked? I guess Ned did something about it, so I don't see what the big problem is.
2007-11-05 09:48:51
52.   njr
So there I was Saturday, minding my own business, having a little breakfast in Los Feliz, when who should appear on the patio but A Martinez. We talked Dodgers for a little while and he expressed an opinion which I've hear him express on the radio and which I don't really agree with-- Win now! His exact words were "people need to stop thinking about 3 years from now. If we trade Matt Kemp and he's a .340 hitter for another team in three years, we'll deal with that then. And it will be a lot easier to deal with if we've won a championship."

He also said that "the reason Torre is here is to win one in the next 3 years. He wants to stick it to the Yankees."

Scary scary words to me.

Granted I don't know how much better informed his speculation is than ours, but he said he thinks if we don't sign Arod we will be trying to trade Kemp for Santana. I said I would be unhappy if we traded say, Kemp and Kershaw for Santana with less than a three or four year extension.

We both agreed that the biggest problem with all Dodgers trades is that Colletti isn't getting good enough value on what he's trading.

It was interesting to hear his insight into the clubhouse dynamic. He was pretty adamant that all the problems in the clubhouse were because of the kids and Matt Kemp especially. Now-- if he's got a loyalty to the PVLs, it could color everything but here's how he related it to me: When Matt Kemp came up in '06 he was a sweet kid, but when he came back up and was hitting .340 he was a real jerk to everyone. Petulant and cocky.

A Martinez's perspective was that the vets are there to help the kids get better but the kids weren't open at all to their input and that management wasn't helping the situation at all. He said that he thinks management should have stepped in and basically told the kids to listen to what the PVLs had to say. I said, "couldn't part of the problem be that the vets were griping about playing time?" and he responded "no way."

I mentioned Jon and Dodgerthoughts to him and his response was a weak "yeah-- I think I've heard of that". I gave him the website address and told him he should check it out and talked up Jon for a while. It's going to be an interesting few months. More and more I hope we sign Arod..

2007-11-05 09:49:25
53.   Daniel Zappala
What will Bowa do, tackle Kemp?
2007-11-05 09:50:46
54.   Xeifrank
43. Yes, Scoscia lives in Westlake Village, and more specifically at Sherwood Lake. His wealthy neighbors include Sparky Anderson and Wayne Gretzky. The Sherwood CC is pretty swank, and their kids all go to Oaks Christian H.S. when they grow up. Joe Montana was looking to move their before the school year, not sure if he did or not. His kids are good basketball players, not football.
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 09:51:38
55.   Bob Timmermann
Still not present for the press conference:

the sun.

2007-11-05 09:51:50
56.   wireroom
43 Westlake Village to Anaheim and back every day is insane! It must be for the sake of his kids.
2007-11-05 09:53:08
57.   Bob Timmermann
56
I believe Garret Anderson commutes from Canyon Country to Anaheim.
2007-11-05 09:54:40
58.   Xeifrank
52. Good job!
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 09:55:06
59.   KG16
35 - honestly, I don't think Little ever provided any leadership and had too much of a laizze faire attitude. I don't really get the feeling that Grady set out any sort of expectations for the players, either individually or collectively. I believe that it was the lack of leadership that allowed the whole thing to unravel so quickly. Little could have stepped in when Gonzo decided that the young guys who were producing needed to be hazed and said, "We didn't do that last year, and we're not doing it this year, not on my watch". He could have sat the outfielders down and defined each of their roles, and then said so publicly so that everyone actually had some idea what his reasoning was.

Being a manager/coach is more psychological management of your players (especially the higher you go) than anything. Grady was terrible at the psychological aspect of his job.

2007-11-05 09:56:14
60.   wireroom
Garrett Anderson used to live in Irvine I think because my friend was saying that he used to help him pick fruit out at the Whole Foods he worked at. Why would you move to Canyon Country when you play in Anaheim? Ball players are strange.
2007-11-05 09:57:26
61.   Jon Weisman
52 - Thanks, njr. Maybe today's top story will really grab A.

It is truly hard for me to imagine a scenario where the kids were the entire problem. And how come if Kemp is a jerk, that means all the kids were the problem. It's as if Russell Martin ceased to exist.

2007-11-05 09:58:21
62.   bhsportsguy
52 I never thought it was a clear cut vets bad, kids good issue. But I also don't think that trading the kids for anything right now is a good idea either. Now if we are talking Santana or Cabrera, then show me what those teams want and then I can decide if I like the deal.

I think you have to at least give A Martinez the benefit of being with the team every day and certainly having a lot more access than most. Not saying that he is correct and may not be totally objective but he probably is not that far off in what happened.

2007-11-05 09:58:43
63.   gvette
48--There was also a Lasorda restaurant branch in the Marina; the whole business collapsed after the Health Dept shutdown in So. Pas,and ended up with Tommy suing the guys who licensed his name ;

16-- Most the Dodgers live in the Pasadena area; but;
Joe seems more like a Marina Del Rey kind of guy, so he and his wife can double date with Phil Jackson and Jeannie;
Besides, the ghost of Grady Little gunning his Harley will be seen in the pre dawn darkness haunting the leafy streets of Pasadena.

2007-11-05 09:59:42
64.   D4P
That Grady allowed Kent, Luis and Lowe to get out of control and the "team chemistry" went to um, bad and the team tanked?

No. The pitching tanked, the team tanked, then Kent, Luis, and Lowe got out of control and blamed Grittle for playing the young kids (who were outperforming their older counterparts).

I doubt any amount of "leadership" will keep veterans happy when they're on the bench and would rather be playing instead. They're less likely, however, to express their unhappiness when the team is winning.

2007-11-05 10:00:14
65.   wireroom
61 you know in this postseason, Russell Martin has disappeared from any talk really. I love the way he plays and carries himself. I think people just see him as a veteran already with the way he goes about his business.
2007-11-05 10:01:38
66.   D4P
I don't really get the feeling that Grady set out any sort of expectations for the players, either individually or collectively

What kind of expectations? Throw harder? Run faster? Hit the ball farther? This just sounds like the kind of babble that surfaces when a teams plays poorly. No one can accept either that players just weren't very good or that they just didn't play very well.

2007-11-05 10:02:22
67.   GobiasIndustries
A Martinez should have stuck with acting on LA Law. He stinks as a writer and I like him about as much as that other goof that does interviews on the field right after the Dodgers win. Not sure of his name but he's the guy who speaks spanish to the latin players and rambles on and on never making a point to anyone else he speaks to. How that guy ever got a job in broadcasting is beyond me. Tim McCarver is less painful of the ears and I despise McCarver with every ounce of my being.
2007-11-05 10:04:05
68.   Bob Timmermann
My initial impression of this is:

Joe Torre's wife is very tall.

2007-11-05 10:04:40
69.   Andrew Shimmin
McCourt and Torre's wives get to share the stage. Flanders and Vin have to go stag.
2007-11-05 10:05:28
70.   Bob Timmermann
But McCourt's wife co-owns the team so she has a reason to be there.
2007-11-05 10:07:28
71.   bhsportsguy
67 That is a different Martinez.
2007-11-05 10:07:33
72.   Andrew Shimmin
70- Out of character, for me, but I wasn't complaining about it. Just noticing.
2007-11-05 10:08:35
73.   bigcpa
Hey why is Miguel Cabrera seated up there in a suit?!
2007-11-05 10:08:35
74.   bhsportsguy
I thought this would be Ned's moment, but I guess if you are spending $13 million, you get to introduce the guy.
2007-11-05 10:08:47
75.   Andrew Shimmin
Joe Torre is going to teach your children humility, pride, and sportsmanship. You're welcome.
2007-11-05 10:09:04
76.   Bob Timmermann
The Dodgers were winning in an unsportsmanlike way before?

So I guess Bill Belichik isn't being used as a consultant anymore?

2007-11-05 10:09:24
77.   Andrew Shimmin
73- Trouble maker.
2007-11-05 10:10:05
78.   njr
Why do I feel like this is a pre-justification for trading away the "bad seed" kids.
2007-11-05 10:10:35
79.   bhsportsguy
76 Yes, using a pitcher who doesn't speak English is not respectful to America.
2007-11-05 10:11:57
80.   bhsportsguy
On the computer, Dodger Stadium looks like it is on a "blue screen."
2007-11-05 10:12:45
81.   GobiasIndustries
71
Yeah........I know. My point is the 'other' A Martinez is about as informed as to what's really going on as is the joker who supposedly spends all kinds of time with the team.
If he really knew what was going on or what went on down the stretch, he would've reported it faster than an ethiopian with a gift certificate to McDonalds. That's his job, and reporters always want to be the first to break a story. He doesn't know jack and i wouldn't take his word for anything Dodgers related. But that's just my opinion.
2007-11-05 10:13:48
82.   Andrew Shimmin
80- This is actually being broadcast from the same warehouse they faked the moon landing in.
2007-11-05 10:14:25
83.   njr
Joe Torre is good at talking.
2007-11-05 10:14:31
84.   Jon Weisman
Joe just referenced 9/11/83!
2007-11-05 10:15:03
85.   Bob Timmermann
Joe Torre batted .257 in his career at Dodger Stadium. He had an OPS+ of 60.

He struck out 66 times in 384 ABs.

2007-11-05 10:15:54
86.   bhsportsguy
84 Yeah, R.J. Reynolds should throw it the first pitch on opening day.
2007-11-05 10:16:10
87.   bigcpa
84 I noticed Jacoby Ellsbury was born that day too.
2007-11-05 10:16:16
88.   Andrew Shimmin
I like that he doesn't seem to have a prepared statement, but isn't coming off as a blithering idiot. I don't think that's very important, but it won't hurt.
2007-11-05 10:17:41
89.   KG16
SIX!?! They are letting him wear SIX?
2007-11-05 10:17:43
90.   Bob Timmermann
Steve Garvey isn't going to like Torre's choice of numbers.
2007-11-05 10:18:35
91.   silverwidow
Poor Tony Abreu. Heh heh.
2007-11-05 10:18:48
92.   Jon Weisman
89 - I know the number isn't retired, but you'd think the preoccupation with restoring Dodger tradition would prevent that.
2007-11-05 10:18:49
93.   williamnyy23
Have fun with Torre guys...he'll certainly give you a lot to debate.
2007-11-05 10:19:05
94.   Bob Timmermann
The memory of Brett Mayne is further suppressed.
2007-11-05 10:20:07
95.   bhsportsguy
Ned now has to catch a plane to the GM meetings.
2007-11-05 10:20:30
96.   Xeifrank
Lasorda slept in and missed the conference?
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:20:54
97.   silverwidow
Anything significant said about the young players?
2007-11-05 10:20:55
98.   KG16
92 - yeah, that was pretty much my point.

Did anyone else get a little worried when Vin started his story with wanting to make a "public confession"?

2007-11-05 10:21:14
99.   Andrew Shimmin
I don't understand Flanders's fashion sense. Who owns a white tie?
2007-11-05 10:21:34
100.   KG16
100 - mafia hit men
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-11-05 10:21:43
101.   Bob Timmermann
I guess Torre didn't get 9 because the only way you can get that number off of Juan Pierre is to pry it off his back with a crowbar.
2007-11-05 10:21:53
102.   KG16
100 - that was suppose to reference 99
2007-11-05 10:22:29
103.   Andrew Shimmin
97- Torre admitted he doesn't know anything about the team. He explained that he'd been in the AL too long. He did not say, "And there was no chance of seeing them in the post season, so. . ."
2007-11-05 10:22:32
104.   Xeifrank
97. Not much has been said about the current team. He has talked alot about stuff from the 50s, 60s and 70s. vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:22:45
105.   bhsportsguy
101 He could have bought Juan a motorcycle.
2007-11-05 10:22:46
106.   Bob Timmermann
98
I thought that Vin was going to confess to killing Jimmy Hoffa.
2007-11-05 10:23:29
107.   Ken Noe
Lowe's gotta go now. Mattingly wants his 23.
2007-11-05 10:23:55
108.   Kingmans Performance
time for a classic Garvey moment.

for those who remember:

http://www.johnspeedie.com/healy/garvlong.wav

2007-11-05 10:23:59
109.   Andrew Shimmin
102- Right, but it's white on white. Colletti's wearing a gray shirt. Which means it fails even as a Halloween costume. His coat is double vented, too. That's not really objectionable, but I find it curious.
2007-11-05 10:24:31
110.   bhsportsguy
Tell Joe that now days, the hatred is only in the north and south of L.A., the rest of the NL, I don't sense it that much.
2007-11-05 10:25:37
111.   KG16
108 - that brings a tear to a guy's eye.
2007-11-05 10:25:57
112.   Daniel Zappala
101 They're making uniform numbers thicker these days, I guess.
2007-11-05 10:26:29
113.   Andrew Shimmin
Torre's not going to rebut the Griddle-fired-himself story by providing a time line.
2007-11-05 10:27:29
114.   bhsportsguy
109 At least he did not wear a bolo tie. Only 97 year-old coaches with 10 NCAA basketball championships can wear bolo ties and not get ridiculed.
2007-11-05 10:27:32
115.   Bob Timmermann
112
Juan Pierre wears his uniform all the time.
2007-11-05 10:27:33
116.   Andrew Shimmin
"I'm very excited about the number of young players: Talented young players. . ." --Joe Torre.
2007-11-05 10:28:52
117.   Bob Timmermann
If I didn't know it was Brad Penny standing against the outfield fence, I just would have thought it was a guy doing work on the stadium.
2007-11-05 10:28:57
118.   Xeifrank
113. But he said his people were contacted by the Dodgers while Grady was still the Dodger manager. vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:29:02
119.   Andrew Shimmin
All of Japan is excited that Torre is a Dodger? Huh. Oops. Mispronouncing Saito's name isn't going to make them happy.
2007-11-05 10:29:31
120.   Xeifrank
116. Yes, plenty of trade bait??
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:29:31
121.   bhsportsguy
So, Joe met with Ned a week ago Saturday and the McCourts, a week ago Sunday (I believe Torre was in Vegas that weekend.)

This was prior to the Letterman appearance and before Grady "resigned."

2007-11-05 10:29:50
122.   das411
Joe does look awfully sharp in that white and blue, doesn't he?
2007-11-05 10:30:08
123.   Bob Timmermann
119
The Japanese expect everyone to mispronounce Japanese names.

"Cy-Toe" isn't really correct either.

2007-11-05 10:30:41
124.   bhsportsguy
Jon, I guess Jeff Kent will be back.
2007-11-05 10:31:32
125.   KG16
ugh, the Torre has bought into the "playoffs are a crap shoot" meme.
2007-11-05 10:32:11
126.   bhsportsguy
123 So do most Japanese-Americans. Managing Matsui, he should know that it is a hard A.
2007-11-05 10:32:13
127.   wireroom
Is there a way I can watch the press conference in full after the fact?
2007-11-05 10:32:18
128.   Ken Noe
Sounds like Kent may be back, if he's already calling Torre.
2007-11-05 10:32:44
129.   bhsportsguy
127 I am sure it will be available on Dodgers.com
2007-11-05 10:33:08
130.   regfairfield
125 Good.
2007-11-05 10:33:17
131.   Daniel Zappala
115 Yes, but to get a crowbar underneath the number?
2007-11-05 10:34:35
132.   Xeifrank
125. He's right for the most part.
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:35:34
133.   KG16
Torre's saying all the right things for LA, he just called Coach Wooden "one of my mentors"
2007-11-05 10:35:45
134.   Bob Timmermann
126
For example, bhsportsguy's name in Japan would be really hard to pronounce.

They just don't have a "uy" sound for starters.

2007-11-05 10:36:29
135.   Bob Timmermann
131
The thicker number makes Juan Pierre look bigger.
2007-11-05 10:37:55
136.   bhsportsguy
It only took a 10 or so questions to get to A-Rod.
2007-11-05 10:38:44
137.   Bob Timmermann
Can anyone make a comment about the Dodgers Chinese players?

Will Tsao and Kuo ever pitch again for the Dodgers?

2007-11-05 10:39:02
138.   bhsportsguy
Bronx Banters, how was Donnie Baseball viewed as a hitting coach?
2007-11-05 10:39:20
139.   KG16
130 /132 - I fail to see how the playoffs are a crap shoot but the regular season is not. It's still the exact same game, the only difference is you don't get to play the Pirates or Royals, you have to play the best teams in the league.

It's a match up of skill against skill. The best team wins, usually because they played the best. Just like the regular season.

2007-11-05 10:39:34
140.   Andrew Shimmin
The "two or three guys who look a like" line probably shouldn't have come in response to the question of what he thought of the Chinese players.
2007-11-05 10:39:49
141.   bhsportsguy
{137] Hey was that a shot at Asians looking all alike?

I'm going to get my picket signs out soon.

2007-11-05 10:40:40
142.   Xeifrank
137. Well you already put Guo out to pasture, not sure on Cao. I'm sure they will pitch again, whether it's for a sustained time at the big league level, or even with the Dodgers is the question.
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:41:19
143.   Xeifrank
139. See: Sample Size {Small}.
vr, Xei
2007-11-05 10:42:14
144.   bhsportsguy
NPR makes an appearance.

Has Simers and/or Plaschke asked a question yet?

2007-11-05 10:42:29
145.   Bob Timmermann
143
See also: St. Louis Cardinals (2006)
See also: Los Angeles Dodgers (1988)
See also: Florida Marlins (2003)
2007-11-05 10:43:02
146.   bhsportsguy
Bob has now gone into the bunker with the reference to the Cardinals.
2007-11-05 10:44:42
147.   KG16
143 - ah, but that's the fallacy of statistical analysis... each plate appearance, each pitch, really, is completely independent of the last (and the next).
2007-11-05 10:45:09
148.   bhsportsguy
DTers want Joe to say, don't assume that you play just because you make a lot a money or you have played a lot of years.
2007-11-05 10:46:32
149.   Bob Timmermann
Joe Torre is going to find out that a Dodgers-Giants series will have about 1/25th of the number of reporters covering it as a Yankees-Red Sox series.
2007-11-05 10:47:28
150.   williamnyy23
138 Mattingly was a hard worker, but didn't really gain much of a reputation as a hitting coach. If anything, Mattingly will give 200%, which is really all you can ask of your coaches.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-11-05 10:48:55
151.   bhsportsguy
Jeff Kent leaving a voice mail.

I could write a parody but I think it would break 2 or 3 rules.

2007-11-05 10:49:31
152.   Andrew Shimmin
The Latin community brings passion to the ball park. Latin players have no fear.
2007-11-05 10:49:41
153.   Bob Timmermann
The Latino community of New York and the Latino community of Los Angeles are almost, but not quite, entirely different.
2007-11-05 10:51:28
154.   bhsportsguy
I think when you are asked ethnic-based questions, its hard to not answer in stereotypes. So I give Joe a pass since he is being asked these questions from that perspective.
2007-11-05 10:52:19
155.   bhsportsguy
153 Its like night and day or at least East and West coast.
2007-11-05 10:53:38
156.   Ken Noe
Lowe on ESPN: "we" tried to "police" the clubhouse and "tried everything," but failed, because "there were too many guys at different crossroads in their career." Implied Little did nothing. Thinks the team needs to "go out and get a couple of guys to put us over the hump."
2007-11-05 10:53:42
157.   Bob Timmermann
The West Coast Latino community speaks Spanish that I can understand for the most part. The East Latino community speaks a type of Spanish that I can hardly understand. You might as well drop me into the middle of Uzbekistan.
2007-11-05 10:54:04
158.   Jon Weisman
154 - I don't think that the question required him to answer in a generalization.
2007-11-05 10:54:53
159.   D4P
The Latin community also buys a lot of jerseys and concessions.

Er, I mean, they're great fans.

Er, I mean, they're all individuals that can't be generalized.

2007-11-05 10:56:06
160.   KG16
Well, at least Joe didn't request #6.
2007-11-05 10:56:54
161.   bhsportsguy
158 I don't know, I thought it was fine and I have a pretty sensitive antenna for that type of stuff.
2007-11-05 10:57:12
162.   Bob Timmermann
159
Primarily, the Latino community in L.A. buys a lot of tickets to Dodgers games.

It's also not monolithic.

2007-11-05 10:57:57
163.   Bluebleeder87
watching ESPN, Vin Scully keeps him self in great great shape, it's really nice to see.
2007-11-05 10:58:22
164.   Daniel Zappala
The Dodgers have a great Latin community. You've got Lasorda, Colletti, and now Torre. Sure, it's a different sort of Latin they're speaking, but who is going to quibble?
2007-11-05 10:59:06
165.   Bob Timmermann
I guess Brad Penny has to show up since he's the dean of the Dodgers and he can tell stories of what it was like "back in the day."
2007-11-05 10:59:27
166.   Kingmans Performance
Will Scott Proctor make an appearance at the press conference?
2007-11-05 10:59:49
167.   Bill Crain
"Joe is a people person."
2007-11-05 11:00:31
168.   das411
Hmm, did Torre say "they have a lot of players who have won here, Furcal, Derek Lowe, Jeff Kent, Brad Penny"...and leave out a certain 2,500+ hit LFer?
2007-11-05 11:01:16
169.   D4P
Lowe on ESPN: "we" tried to "police" the clubhouse and "tried everything," but failed, because "there were too many guys at different crossroads in their career."

"We kept putting the garbage can back where we wanted it, and (Matt) kept moving it away from his locker. We just couldn't get through to him."

2007-11-05 11:02:40
170.   Bob Timmermann
So did the people in Pittsburgh get to see a live press conference introducing John Russell?
2007-11-05 11:02:58
171.   Andrew Shimmin
The best part of the press conference was when McCourt snatched the jersey away from Colletti so the he could be the one to hand it to Torre.
2007-11-05 11:04:06
172.   Bluebleeder87
154

Perfectly said BHSportsguy.

2007-11-05 11:04:29
173.   bhsportsguy
For those of you who want Torre, all the time, KSPN 710 is continuing coverage of the news conference, though now its just calls.

Kind of like comments here but with no chance to self-edit.

2007-11-05 11:06:19
174.   Ken Noe
169 Exactly.

171 Probably quite symbolic of what really happened.

2007-11-05 11:07:07
175.   Louis in SF
I was watching ESPN here in SF and one very noticeable thing was how uncomfortable and almost out of place I thought almost out of place Ned looked on the podium. Once Vinny and Torre and Lasorda started schmozing the identity that used to be the Dodgers seemed clear.

Did anybody pick up on that?

2007-11-05 11:07:45
176.   bhsportsguy
Dodger Blues signs off the hiring.

I'm guessing that will last until the first game of the season.

2007-11-05 11:09:20
177.   Jon Weisman
New post high on the mountaintop.
2007-11-05 11:09:47
178.   bhsportsguy
175 I didn't notice it, I think generally, these press conferences tend to be Ned's show so that is why it may appear that way but I don't think this was any kind of Lasorda power play.

And Vinny liked Grady, he also liked Jim Tracy.

2007-11-05 11:11:10
179.   Bluebleeder87
I missed a lot of the press-conference 171 that doesn't sound cool, I really wish he'd sit back & trust his people. I'm hoping he slowly but surely changes that about him self it's only his 4th year in the realm so I'm still holding on to hope.
2007-11-05 11:12:00
180.   Andrew Shimmin
175- I almost felt bad for the mustachioed midget. No wife to hold his hand on the way in. Ridiculous white tie that he's probably wearing because of a lost bet.

Now he has to lie to Psycho about how much he loves Grittle, how much he'll always love Grittle. Hang in there, baby!

2007-11-05 14:56:48
181.   GreatFallsDodger
Did I accidentally click the Dodger Blues link? You need to lighten up, Jon. While Torre may not be the messiah, at the end of the day, this is a good thing for us.

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