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About Jon
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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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Westward Ho-nored: O'Malley Elected to Hall of Fame
2007-12-03 08:46
by Jon Weisman

The Hall of Fame has opened its doors for former Dodger owner Walter O'Malley, it was announced today. (More at The Griddle)

Previously on Dodger Thoughts: Til Death Do Us Part

Also: Walteromalley.com.

Comments (183)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-12-03 09:03:13
1.   Eric Stephen
In honor of Walter O'Malley's deserved induction into the HOF, I wonder if Andruw Jones will also move west.

Also, I guess it will take more free agency era players to be on the veterans committee to finally elect Marvin Miller.

2007-12-03 09:03:56
2.   Bob Timmermann
walteromalley.com is asleep at the switch. You would have thought that they had mocked up a page and had it ready to go. Sort of like some guys who does another blog.

And then had to scramble around to find something for Bowie Kuhn and Billy Southworth.

2007-12-03 09:08:03
3.   D4P
Sort of like some guys who does another blog

Is subject-verb agreement still dead to you...?

2007-12-03 09:09:12
4.   Bob Timmermann
3
It's so 20th Century. In the 21st Century, subjects and verb agree through a series of nods.
2007-12-03 09:12:34
5.   Eric Stephen
I'd love to see Bob's cache of canned obits ready to Griddle.
2007-12-03 09:14:49
6.   D4P
5
Will people who are already dead to Bob get an obit on their deathday?
2007-12-03 09:15:20
7.   Bob Timmermann
I only have two things canned and ready to go and I'm dying to use them. But not physically dying.
2007-12-03 09:18:56
8.   Disabled List
Congrats to the O'Malleys. This should've happened many, many years ago.

Hell hath no fury like New York baseball cognoscenti scorned.

2007-12-03 09:20:21
9.   Eric L
You would think that Satan was elected to the hall of fame based on the reaction at BTF.
2007-12-03 09:29:26
10.   LogikReader
I just read this over the wire. Wtg O'Malleys. I thought they were in the Hall already, but this is good news anyway. All right!

---

Ah, much better:

Dodgers pursuing Jones over Rowand

http://tinyurl.com/2lusv5

Hey if we gotta pick up somebody, this is the least of the evils.

2007-12-03 09:31:08
11.   Jacob L
I'd assume that this was timed to the 50th anniversary of the move. We're gonna get a fresh dose of Goodwin, Kahn, and Angell regardless, so it doesn't hurt to up the volume a bit.
2007-12-03 09:39:05
12.   Bob Timmermann
O'Malley is the first owner in the major leagues to be inducted since William Hulbert in 1995. Several Negro League owners were inducted in 2006.
2007-12-03 09:54:03
13.   still bevens
9 As Mrs. Lovejoy would say 'Would somebody please think of the NY baseball fans on BTF?????'

They are having a rough couple of days but I am enjoying the schadenfreude.

2007-12-03 10:01:09
14.   CajunDodger
12
I'm wondering how Camille and the McCourts will address this. Hopefully they will do the right thing and give the O'Malleys their due.
2007-12-03 10:06:59
15.   Jon Weisman
14 - Why would there be any doubt?
2007-12-03 10:07:30
16.   Jon Weisman
"This is a historic day for the Dodger franchise," said Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt. "Walter O'Malley was a visionary who changed the face of baseball forever and we couldn't be more proud to see him earn his rightful spot in Cooperstown. We're very excited for both him and Dick Williams as they join the many Dodger players, managers and executives in the Hall of Fame."
2007-12-03 10:08:47
17.   Bob Timmermann
The McCourts want to be viewed as the new O'Malleys. They talk all the time about returning the Dodgers to "family ownership."

Walter O'Malley's induction into the Hall of Fame will be perfect for them and a great opportunity for them to raise their profile.

Or to have their shortcomings displayed in sharper relief.

2007-12-03 10:13:05
18.   Steve in Rochester
I feel sheepish for asking, but what is BTF?
2007-12-03 10:16:04
19.   still bevens
18 Baseball Think Factory. Its a pretty great site, but its reputation for every one of its threads being hijacked by Mets or Diamondbacks fans is well known.
2007-12-03 10:16:06
20.   Kevin Lewis
I had to look it up

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/

2007-12-03 10:17:18
21.   CajunDodger
14
I think they can be uneven sometimes in the messages that they send. In one turn, they are gracious 16 and in another they can be pretty shrewd and cold (the Vero Beach Situation).
2007-12-03 10:18:35
22.   Steve in Rochester
19 & 20
thanks, guys.
2007-12-03 10:18:37
23.   Jon Weisman
21 - But there's no incentive for the McCourts to disown Walter O'Malley like there is with Vero Beach.
2007-12-03 10:19:06
24.   Bob Timmermann
To be fair, at BTF, only one person is complaining about O'Malley's induction. There is far more caterwauling over Kuhn's selection.
2007-12-03 10:21:23
25.   bhsportsguy
23 Though according to this bio, Walter was not initially keen to Vero Beach either.

http://tinyurl.com/36jl6u

This was the little detail I was looking for in that article.

Finally, in 1950, Rickey decided to force the issue, using another clause in the agreement between the three partners. He offered to sell his stock to the others. Smith, who was terminally ill, wasn't interested. O'Malley, outsmarting himself, offered Rickey the amount Rickey had paid for the stock five and six years before. That had been when World War II and its uncertainties still hung over team, and when people hadn't begun to perceive the financial potential of the team. Infuriated, Rickey found William Zeckendorf, a New York real estate man who was willing to pay $1 million for Rickey's 25%. The partnership agreement allowed O'Malley to match that price. So, he swallowed hard and paid, then announced a fine of $1 for every front office employee mentioning Rickey's name.

2007-12-03 10:22:06
26.   CajunDodger
23
From that perspective, they stand to lose way more than they gain. My expectation was that they would send a message very similar to the one that you quoted, but I also thought they would be more gracious in the Vero Beach situation.
2007-12-03 10:28:30
27.   bhsportsguy
I guess those pictures of Branch Rickey signing Jackie Robinson were just for show. Though, I guess he was responsible in the sense that he owned the team too but come on Tommy.

From LA Times article re O'Malley's induction into HOF.

Lasorda also praised O'Malley for signing Jackie Robinson and breaking baseball's color barrier.

"He did so much not only for Jackie but for all of them," Lasorda said. "They couldn't play on the golf course down there [in Vero Beach], so he built a golf course so they could play. They couldn't go fishing, so he built a lake out there so he could go fishing. He did everything he could for black players, nobody ever realized what he did for those guys. He took care of them, he worried about them, did everything he could to make them feel like they were an important part of the organization."

2007-12-03 10:33:50
28.   Bob Timmermann
27
Rickey could not have signed Jackie Robinson unless the rest of the Dodgers ownership group approved.

O'Malley could have put the kibosh on the whole thing.

2007-12-03 10:36:11
29.   natepurcell
Quentin to the White Sox....
2007-12-03 10:37:57
30.   bhsportsguy
28 I know but it is a bit of overselling by Tommy (I am shocked to say that) on that point and not to give O'Malley credit for his moving the Dodgers and help set the course for baseball and its manifest destiny.
2007-12-03 10:39:06
31.   Bob Timmermann
30
Lasorda doesn't want to upset the New York crowd.
2007-12-03 10:41:50
32.   bhsportsguy
According to Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com (and this is from Insider so you won't find it on the site), Dodgers have a 2-year $32 million dollar offer on the table for Andruw Jones, the thinking being that the Dodgers will not go beyond 3 years. Boras wants a similar deal like Hunter got with the Angels but no one is biting as yet.
2007-12-03 10:44:03
33.   CajunDodger
I'm kinda dense and it probably should have happened years ago, but it is kind of cool that O'Malley got in to the HOF on the Dodgers' 50th anniversary of the move west...
2007-12-03 10:45:25
34.   CajunDodger
32
I think that offer will eventually go up to 3/54.
2007-12-03 10:45:55
35.   natepurcell
Do it Andruw!
2007-12-03 10:48:10
36.   KG16
Going back to the last thread, since I just now got on line... short term, it doesn't matter what the motivation is for not spending. But the long term implications are much more troubling... what happens when Martin becomes arbitration eligible? Is he shopped like Cabrerra? Or do they do the right thing and sign him to a healthy deal for 5-6 years? Same with Billingsly and the rest. I want to believe that they'll re-sign all the young productive guys that are currently on the roster, but a part of me worries that there will be a fire sale in a couple of years. Hence my consternation about the team not acting like a big market club yesterday.

I am in a better mood today, but I've got to get going for a meeting in 45 minutes, so I can't expand on my thoughts.

2007-12-03 10:52:00
37.   wireroom
You know this will probably be unpopular for me to say, but while I think the McCourts should have given Vero Beach the proper send off, I completely agree with them moving spring training to Arizona. I am never going to go out to Vero Beach, but with them in Arizona, I will drive out there every year. They have an opportunity to make a lot more money in Arizona which should translate into more money for better ball clubs. More Los Angeles fans are going to get the spring training experience which I am very excited about.
2007-12-03 10:53:04
38.   Bob Timmermann
37
I don't believe that opinion is unpopular.
2007-12-03 10:55:45
39.   CajunDodger
37
I'll agree with that as well. Tradition is cool, but the fiscal reality is that other teams outdrew us at our own park.
2007-12-03 10:55:48
40.   MC Safety
32 I really like Andruw for 2-3 years. Comeback POY is his for the taking!
2007-12-03 10:56:41
41.   jasonungar07
Don't shoot me...just being the messenger: From yahoo (Henson)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Early trade talk and free-agent buzz from the winter meetings:

The Texas Rangers are quietly shopping third baseman Hank Blalock, who spent last season battling injuries. Even when healthy, Blalock's production has slipped significantly from his All-Star 2003 and 2004 seasons when he hit 61 home runs and drove in 200 runs. The Rangers have spoken to the Dodgers regarding Blalock, who will make an affordable $5.95 million in 2008 with a club option in 2009 for $6.2 million. The Dodgers want to add a big bat at third base because they aren't convinced Nomar Garciaparra will return even to his 2006 form or that prospect Andy LaRoche can shake back pain and become a productive everyday player.

2007-12-03 10:57:29
42.   Kevin Lewis
37 38 39

I agree. I am pretty embarrassed about the send off for Vero (at least as much as a fan can be about what their club does).

2007-12-03 11:00:50
43.   CajunDodger
41
Not sure about how that would work unless it would be a straight swap with LaRoche going to the Rangers and $$$ and Blalock coming back this way.
2007-12-03 11:01:49
44.   CajunDodger
41
Though if the Rangers spoke to the Dodgers, that doesn't mean the Dodgers spoke back.
2007-12-03 11:06:30
45.   Ken Noe
43 Rangers need a center fielder and pitching. If they don't get Crisp, JP and $$$ for Blalock?
2007-12-03 11:07:03
46.   Kevin Lewis
Does anyone else think Washington got hosed on the line of scrimmage call? Had the catch been complete, you have no win for Hawaii. That was some odd officiating all night.
2007-12-03 11:10:26
47.   wireroom
39 I already have cousins and friends in LA and Arizona who are asking me about when the Dodgers are going to be in Glendale and how we should make a weekend of it. I guess I just don't have a connection to Vero Beach that makes me real emotional about it.
2007-12-03 11:12:36
48.   Robert Fiore
In honor of Walter O'Malley's election to the Hall of Fame, the Dodgers will be retiring the dollar sign.

In other news, the Kingdom of Hell has put in an order for 14 billion pairs of ice skates.

2007-12-03 11:14:07
49.   jasonungar07
Oh god No on Blalock. Surely "bad back" and all Andy can do this

.243/.301/.398/.699

which are Blalocks career numbers away from Arlington.

Heck Nomar could do it.

2007-12-03 11:14:35
50.   Penarol1916
37. That position is only unpopular with us Dodger fans who live East fo the Rockies and it has been made very clear by posters like Toycannon, that they could care less about our feelings on this subject anyway.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-12-03 11:15:21
51.   bhsportsguy
Brief note from Westwood, CA. (Is there such a designation?)

According to my paid source, UCLA AD Dan Guerrero informed Head Football Coach Karl Dorrell that he was being terminated this morning, there is a team meeting scheduled at noon today.

No other announcements (interim head coach, etc.)have been scheduled nor has a press conference been announced.

Now back to the Hot Stove.

2007-12-03 11:18:20
52.   Jon Weisman
51 - "paid source"

Meaning, you're paying him for that info?

2007-12-03 11:19:23
53.   Bob Timmermann
Westwood, California is in Lassen County.
2007-12-03 11:19:58
54.   LogikReader
51

The "paid source" could be a website.

2007-12-03 11:21:11
55.   Bob Timmermann
Brian Dohn agrees with bhsportsguy

http://blogs.dailynews.com/ucla/2007/12/done_deal.html

2007-12-03 11:25:21
56.   thinkblue0
don't know if you've seen this, but according to Crasnick we have a two year, 32 mill offer on the table to Andruw Jones.
2007-12-03 11:25:48
57.   ToyCannon
50
I'm bummed I will never see Vero Beach. You must have caught me on a bad day. I know I've written how excited I am that they are finally coming to Arizona to train, but I don't remember getting down on those of you on the wrong side of the Rockies because your going to miss Vero Beach.
2007-12-03 11:27:07
58.   overkill94
Didn't we almost get Blalock two years ago? He's a decent enough player, but I wouldn't call him the "big bat" that we're looking for. Maybe if LaRoche were included in a deal for a pitcher (Bedard?) then he would make sense as a short-term fill-in, but I wouldn't want to trade the two straight-up.
2007-12-03 11:27:50
59.   FirstMohican
Blalock for Pierre & Cash wouldn't be bad.

Blalock vs righties: 292/358/504

Bad: You'd have another expensive platoon player to go along with Nomar whose value would drop with the platoon role making it hard to trade him if LaRoche tears it up next year.

Good: LaRoche can take a couple days off a week (if that helps his back, if his back is even an issue), you're only committed to Blalock's salary for a year.

Very Good: No Pierre.

Very Bad: It probably won't happen.

2007-12-03 11:28:01
60.   overkill94
53 Not a big fan of boroughs eh?
2007-12-03 11:28:05
61.   ToyCannon
56
The market would have to be awful dry for A Jones to take that. If Tory Hunter gets 5/90 and Rowand gets 5/75 and A Jones only gets 2/32 something is amiss in the world of baseball.
2007-12-03 11:28:17
62.   thinkblue0
58-

If the Rangers were willing to take all of Pierre's contract, I'd almost be willing to throw in Laroche for Blalock.

2007-12-03 11:28:29
63.   LogikReader
32

Rotoworld has reported (for freeeee!) the ESPN.com report about the Dodgers' 2 year offer.

The Dodgers will beat anyone's advertised price or your Jones is freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Nobody east of the Rockies will get that joke above :)

2007-12-03 11:29:31
64.   ToyCannon
Not like Blalock doesn't have his own injury issues. At least LaRoche has all his ribs.
2007-12-03 11:30:21
65.   Ken Noe
Rangers need first base help too. Nomar and JP for Blalock, sign Jones, man it's pleasant here in Fantasyland.
2007-12-03 11:31:22
66.   Bob Timmermann
Westwood, California is a Census Designated Place. I love Census Designated Places!
2007-12-03 11:33:22
67.   bhsportsguy
52 It comes from a subscribser site and it was first mentioned on his subscribser message board.

The selling point of the site is to get "inside information" not readily available to the public.

So I do pay for it in that way.

2007-12-03 11:35:06
68.   LogikReader
65

You may find this strange from me, but maybe Nomar had some "hidden injury" this year. There might be some teams that could go for it and try a trade for Nomar and JP and some other guy.

Nomar's B-R page gives the impression '05 and '07 were an aberration caused by injury. Perhaps Nomar just needs a change in scenery. He's only 33 after all.

2007-12-03 11:36:14
69.   Disabled List
From ESPN, re: the current UCLA coaching vacancy:

Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker could be considered for the potential opening, according to Schad. Walker is also a candidate for the Washington State opening.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Boise State coach Chris Petersen is said to be the first choice of athletic director Dan Guerrero, with Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci considered among the other top candidates.

Mariucci???

2007-12-03 11:37:08
70.   CajunDodger
65
That would be cause for deification of Colletti.
2007-12-03 11:38:31
71.   CajunDodger
68
The only issue with that is that this would be Nomar's 3rd change of scenery.
2007-12-03 11:38:55
72.   bhsportsguy
66 I thought you and Eric would have been going back and forth during yesterday's basketball game, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of posts in that regard.

But then you were out with librarians weren't you.

2007-12-03 11:42:17
73.   bhsportsguy
Speaking of paying for sites, don't forget to thank Jon for DT by donating a few bucks to the best place for Dodger and baseball coverage in general on the Worldwide Web.
2007-12-03 11:42:33
74.   Sam DC
Massive rumors buzzing (incl. on the Tampa newspaper blog) that Elijah Dukes is also coming to the Nationals.

And then it devolves into just gross speculation about such as flipping Cordero and Milledge and another piece for a real pitcher.

2007-12-03 11:42:50
75.   Terry A
67 - Is your source Dennis Franchione?

64 - Blalock doesn't appear to be much of an upgrade over even Nomar, much less LaRoche.

2007-12-03 11:43:10
76.   Jon Weisman
68 - Nomar needs a blue screen.
2007-12-03 11:43:20
77.   Jon Weisman
76 - Or a green screen.
2007-12-03 11:43:54
78.   Ken Noe
69 ESPN reported last night that Mooch had already indicated he wanted to stay in the NFL.
2007-12-03 11:46:04
79.   CajunDodger
78
What UCLA needs above all else is someone who can recruit like Carroll, Zook, and Mack Brown.
2007-12-03 11:47:11
80.   Ken Noe
74 From Rotoworld: "Nationals GM Jim Bowden reportedly was overheard on his cell phone yesterday at the airport talking to someone named "Elijah." No, I am not making this up.
2007-12-03 11:47:53
81.   Sam DC
And Passover's not til April!
2007-12-03 11:48:21
82.   CajunDodger
69
And bringing up the rear is the LAT...
2007-12-03 11:51:27
83.   natepurcell
80

that would be a very high potential...and volatile outfield.

Bowden LOVES his toolsy outfielders!

2007-12-03 11:53:31
84.   bhsportsguy
Just to close out the Karl Dorrell part of the program, UCLA announced a few minutes ago that he has been fired and that there will be a press conference at 1:30 p.m. with Coach Dorrell and AD Dan Guerrero.
2007-12-03 11:54:56
85.   CajunDodger
83
Bowden probably has his eye on Josh Hamilton next...
2007-12-03 11:56:36
86.   natepurcell
according to Mariners mlb.com, Jackson is "reportedly is available for either a young catcher or a more established outfielder/first baseman."

Nomar plays first base!

2007-12-03 11:57:27
87.   CajunDodger
How about Nomar/JP/$$$ for Jackson...
2007-12-03 11:59:12
88.   Sam DC
Dukes to DC confirmed by Dave Sheinin. Payback to Tampa Bay not yet reported. http://tinyurl.com/2mqacd

TB had previously been rumored interested in Cristian Guzman.

Honest.

2007-12-03 11:59:18
89.   Kevin Lewis
Doesn't Nomar have a no-trade clause?
2007-12-03 11:59:54
90.   natepurcell
88

Bowden for President!

89

Yes :(

2007-12-03 12:00:59
91.   CajunDodger
89
Not in my world. In my world, he can be traded straight up for Dan Haren.
2007-12-03 12:19:03
92.   bhsportsguy
88 Can't be for much considering Dukes latest escapade south of the border.

http://tinyurl.com/2yu9ml

2007-12-03 12:21:18
93.   regfairfield
86 What Jackson is on the Mariners?
2007-12-03 12:23:27
94.   Kevin Lewis
91

Does your world include a completed final two seasons of Lost?

I already love your world, but I thought I would check.

2007-12-03 12:23:51
95.   blue22
93 - Old friend Edwin from TB. Mariners are supposedly interested.
2007-12-03 12:24:26
96.   LogikReader
93

The M's are looking at Jackson, and it's ol' friend Edwin Jackson. The terms on 83 are what the Rays are seeking to trade for Jackson, if I read the article correctly.

2007-12-03 12:24:48
97.   LogikReader
blue2ooth beat me to it :D
2007-12-03 12:28:49
98.   Bob Timmermann
From Yahoo Sports!
"Erstad drawing interest"

Interesting loophole of the US Tax Code: All interest earned in Darin Erstad-based investment is not taxable.

2007-12-03 12:29:56
99.   Bob Timmermann
And the Rockies are talking to Brett Tomko. We need to warn Mark.
2007-12-03 12:31:31
100.   CajunDodger
94
Not currently since I got frustrated with the show in the middle of last season and quit watching it.

My world does include a 2-loss LSU team in the National Title game in the All Compromise Bowl.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-12-03 12:33:53
101.   MJW101
Maybe Ned learned his lesson and will now only offer short term over-priced contracts to FAs.
2007-12-03 12:34:46
102.   natepurcell
101

That has usually been Colletti's MO..the shorter term, higher annual salary contracts.

except for, you know...that one guy.

2007-12-03 12:36:30
103.   bearlurker
Maybe Dan Guerrero should get canned too. He's the one who fired Toledo, who had more success than Dorrell, whom Dan G. hired. Although hiring Howland has proven to be a great move.
2007-12-03 12:36:35
104.   trojanmansaki
Quick question- What is the best site to view a players career stats against a single team?

I know ESPN has 3 year splits, but I'd like to go beyond that.

2007-12-03 12:38:13
105.   regfairfield
104 Retrosheet has those.
2007-12-03 12:38:31
106.   CajunDodger
According to Tim Brown, Brett Tomko is drawing interest from a couple of teams. What does it say about a free agent class where Tomko is able to have competition for the opportunity to offer him a guaranteed contract?
2007-12-03 12:39:45
107.   Sam DC
Post says its to be a PTBNL and no one of significance for Dukes.
2007-12-03 12:41:31
108.   Bob Timmermann
104
Yahoo has splits going back to 1987.
2007-12-03 12:42:11
109.   CajunDodger
103
As long as his next hire averages 7-8 wins a season with the occasional win over USC, I think Guerrero will be safe. The Howland hire is the kind of executive move that buys you about 3-4 mulligans.
2007-12-03 12:42:34
110.   Eric Stephen
104
You can also use Baseball-Reference.com.

On a particular player's page, there are drop down boxes for both splits and gamelogs for single seasons and career.

Example here:

http://tinyurl.com/33tt4h

2007-12-03 12:43:57
111.   StolenMonkey86
98- because it's a capital loss?
2007-12-03 12:44:06
112.   trojanmansaki
105, 108

Thanks guys. Exactly what I was looking for.

2007-12-03 12:44:33
113.   Sushirabbit
100, does it still include 3rd and 32 at LSU's 8? That was the only time I thought TN had a chance to win it. At least I wasn't embarassed.
2007-12-03 12:44:39
114.   trojanmansaki
110

Thank you as well.

2007-12-03 12:54:09
115.   CajunDodger
113
My world is ignorant of the fact that TN even gave us a game...
2007-12-03 12:59:44
116.   natepurcell
Nationals thoughts

outfielders: Kearns, Milledge, Dukes, Pena.

Who is the odd man out?

2007-12-03 13:02:05
117.   blue22
116 - All right-handed too, IIRC. Milledge in center?

I'd say the better of Dukes and Pena gets the LF job. Kearns in right.

2007-12-03 13:02:20
118.   MC Safety
dukes.
2007-12-03 13:03:07
119.   Eric Stephen
116
I would imagine Dukes starts as the odd man out, but then again an idle Elijah could wreak a lot of havoc.
2007-12-03 13:06:17
120.   blue22
118 - Acta may favor Dukes, based on his .370 OBP in the minors. Not sure if he's ready to handle major league pitching fulltime, but he's who I'd go with.

Pena is a bit of a one-trick pony, with his light-tower power (and ~.320 career OBP).

2007-12-03 13:09:22
121.   Sam DC
Some thinking that Bowden would like to package Milledge with Cordero and maybe another piece if it could you a decent pitcher -- tho' I'm not saying such a package could do that.

I wonder if Dukes starts the year as a fourth OF while the team gets to know him, evaluates him, etc. When Young was brought in last year, he spent most of the Spring at the minor league facility getting in shape and playing with 18-20 year olds. He has said many times that it was there that he really got his focus back and recommitted to the game. All season, he wore a T-Shirt he had made that said "Field 5" to remind of how close he'd come to being out of professional baseball. You sort of wonder if Dukes will be asked to pay some dues along those lines.

2007-12-03 13:09:23
122.   natepurcell
They do need another lefty bat to balance that lineup out.
2007-12-03 13:09:29
123.   still bevens
I have a special place in my heart for Willy Mo. I was at the game this year when he tweaked his ankle/leg on a pitch against Lowe, and then after collecting himself he deposited the next pitch into deep deep left center and hobbled around the bases.
2007-12-03 13:11:04
124.   StolenMonkey86
29 - yeah, Arizona got Chris Carter in return for Quentin. Carter hit .291/.383/.522 with 25 HR in 467 AB for single-A Kannapolis.
2007-12-03 13:11:15
125.   old dodger fan
It seems pretty risky to bank on Dukes. Good upside but a history of personal problems that interfere with his game. Nats website says he was suspended in the minors for bad behavior. They describe him as a "troubled outfielder". I hope he gets his life together but it does not seem prudent to count on it.
2007-12-03 13:11:16
126.   ToyCannon
120
You mean like these guys:
http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/9xhm

If your going to be a one trick pony, light-tower power ain't a bad trick to have.

2007-12-03 13:13:20
127.   Eric Enders
Isn't it sort of Gradyesque thinking to dictate that there need to be 3 full-time outfielders and one bench guy? They could just split the playing time 4 ways and each guy would end up with 450-500 PA.

I do like the Nats outfield a lot. But I probably like it better for 2009 than 2008. And I'd like it even better if they hadn't dumped Snelling.

2007-12-03 13:13:34
128.   StolenMonkey86
at age 20
2007-12-03 13:14:46
129.   Eric Enders
123 That was really something, one of the more incredible moments of 2007. And he did more than tweak it -- he had to be removed from the game immediately, and didn't play the next day either IIRC.
2007-12-03 13:16:01
130.   ToyCannon
122
Nick Johnson at 1st and Dimitri Young in the outfield would help the balancing act. Sam any word on how the rehab is going? He used to be one of my favorite players.

Isn't trading Quentin for Carter like trading Quentin for Josh Bell except that Bell's downside defensively is 1st base instead of 3rd base, while Carters is DH. What a come down for a guy who put up LaRoche like Minor league numbers.
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=11722
White Sox just made a good deal.

2007-12-03 13:20:21
131.   KG16
79 - I'm guessing Peterson could recruit like those guys. Look at what he's done in Boise, imagine what he could do in Westwood. I think Guerrero learned his lesson and is going to look for a guy with head coaching experience - Dorrell was a calculated risk that just didn't work out and the response will likely be a conservative move.

Some guy on ESPNews (I missed his name) just called Melky Caberra a fourth outfielder. I think the baseball equivalent to the Oxford Dictionary needs to establish an official definition of "fourth outfielder". He's also saying the A's are more interested in moving Blanton more than Haren (high price for Haren and then "bait and switch" to Blanton, "well if two ML ready prospects and a high impact prospect is too much, how about Blanton?")

2007-12-03 13:21:44
132.   regfairfield
130 Yeah, Quentin has holy grail type numbers in the minors. However, the labrum injury could be a huge factor. I like the trade, but it's far from a sure thing.
2007-12-03 13:23:45
133.   trainwreck
131
Keith Law.
2007-12-03 13:25:10
134.   trainwreck
What UCLA needs to do is hire a great offensive mind, like Mike Leach, and stick him with DeWayne Walker. They also have to retain wide receivers coach Eric Scott.

Walker and Scott are the keys to UCLA's successful recruiting.

2007-12-03 13:26:13
135.   natepurcell
132

OBP #s inflated by HBPs.

2007-12-03 13:26:24
136.   KG16
133 - ah, that's who that is? Huh. He definitely looks like "some guy" rather than "Keith Law", but whatever. In a Joseph Heller sort of moment, I would consider naming my son Some, if my last name were Guy... lucky for my unborn progeny, that is not the case.
2007-12-03 13:26:40
137.   natepurcell
135

And overall numbers have all been in plus offensive environments.

2007-12-03 13:28:40
138.   KG16
What are A Jones' park adjusted numbers? It's my understanding that Atlanta tends to be power hitter friendly.
2007-12-03 13:28:51
139.   Curtis Lowe
I've been comparing the minor league numbers of James McDonald(http://tinyurl.com/2jthwz)
and Nick Adenhart(http://tinyurl.com/3b6v5t). They seem to be very comparable talents, except one is considered and elite prospect while the other is B grade. Why is this? In less total innings McDonald has more strikeouts and has given up less walks.

I think it'd be a valid assumption that given the way McDonald pitched last year his ERA could be even lower than Adenharts once he reached Nicks total innings.

Why does James get no love?

2007-12-03 13:30:33
140.   Eric Enders
135 "OBP #s inflated by HBPs."

I'd disagree with the choice of the verb "inflated." HBPs still get you on base, and Quentin's propensity for getting hit is an inherent part of his value, not some sort of fluke. He's been doing it consistently since he was in college; like Biggio, it's part of his hitting strategy.

2007-12-03 13:31:32
141.   D Money
wasnt mcdonald minor league pitcher of the year or something, maybe the dodger MLPOY
2007-12-03 13:31:33
142.   natepurcell
139

-Adenhart was highly rated coming out of HS. So that is always going to stick with him.

-Adenhart is a couple of years younger

-His homerun rates and gb rates are really encouraging.

2007-12-03 13:32:34
143.   Eric Enders
139 Adenhart is two years younger. That's really the only reason.
2007-12-03 13:34:15
144.   regfairfield
135 Even more so because I remember reading that he got hit a lot on 0-2 and 1-2 counts. Turning an almost sure out into a base has to count for something.
2007-12-03 13:34:48
145.   D4P
What UCLA needs to do is hire a great offensive mind, like Mike Leach

Or Mike Martz. Then they can go undefeated in the regular season and he can single-handedly lose the BCS Championship Game for them to an inferior team.

2007-12-03 13:35:02
146.   ToyCannon
139
Adenhart was a consensus number one pick coming out of HS until he had to have TJ surgery. The scouts loved him then and they love him now. McDonald was a number 11 pick and came out of nowhere after being switched from pitcher to outfield to pitcher in 2007. If he replicates his success in 2008 he will get the love he deserves but I can understand the skepticism.
2007-12-03 13:37:01
147.   Curtis Lowe
Fair enough.
2007-12-03 13:37:23
148.   trainwreck
145
I would love the chance to lose the BCS Championship.
2007-12-03 13:39:18
149.   natepurcell
In McDonald's case, he is really unknown right now in terms of his maximum potential.

He is already drawing Chris Young comps from me but if he can add weight to his frame, an increase in fb velocity is very possible.

If that happens, to go along with his control and ability to hide the ball well in his delivery, his ceiling would definitely increase.

2007-12-03 13:41:51
150.   Sam DC
122 Nick Johnson has had a slow and tough rehab with a lot of weight gain. Team says it is expecting him to be ready for Spring, but last I heard his activities were still limited (from a break that occurred about 14 months ago). My assumption is that they would not have kept Young if they didn't have substantial concern as to whether Johnson would ever be back.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-12-03 13:44:24
151.   ToyCannon
150
He might be better off being Tampa's DH instead of trying to play 1st base in the NL. He was a great fielder but injuries sure had a way of finding him.
2007-12-03 13:45:12
152.   LAT
Proably been mentioned but Yahoo Winter Meeting Report has Texas shopping Blalock to Dodgers. Also confirms that Cabrerra to Dodgers talk is cooling. Blalock, i.e PVL who can be had cheap coming off injury is to Ned what Boone's Farm is to Foster Brooks.
2007-12-03 13:48:09
153.   Eric Enders
Mocking Blalock with the PVL tag is stretching it. Arguably, he meets none of the three qualifications.
2007-12-03 13:48:30
154.   trainwreck
No thank you to Mr. Blalock.
2007-12-03 13:49:09
155.   natepurcell
Oriole fans are startins to call Colletti Stoneman...lol.
2007-12-03 13:52:00
156.   El Lay Dave
140 Ron Hunt might not have had an MLB career without his "OBP #s inflated by HBPs" !
2007-12-03 13:52:22
157.   Bob Timmermann
148
I believe that UCLA will never play for a BCS championship (or its equivalent) in my lifetime.

This could mean that someone may have to terminate my command with extreme prejudice if UCLA goes 12-0 some year.

2007-12-03 13:55:32
158.   Eric Stephen
153
For some reason I read the first two words of your post as the alternate title to Pearl Jam's breakthrough album.
2007-12-03 13:58:03
159.   ToyCannon
After his 22 year old 2003 season we'd been beating down the door to get Hank. Funny how the can't miss prospect/kid is old news after 1000 at bats and they don't turn into the next great thing but just become adequate placeholders.
Just makes me wonder what we will be saying about Matt Kemp in 2011. Did he become the next Andre Dawson or the next Juan Encarnacion. Or better, or worse.
2007-12-03 13:59:42
160.   ToyCannon
Miami Miami Miami
Never was I so disgusted with a football game we almost won.
2007-12-03 14:01:12
161.   trainwreck
How nice of ESPN to open their Winter Meetings Special with footage of them reporting the Kevin Brown deal.
2007-12-03 14:01:44
162.   trojanmansaki
If Kershaw were to be traded, what is the best trade for the Dodgers?
2007-12-03 14:03:42
163.   Ken Noe
The key to any Blalock trade would be what Ned had to give up to get him. LaRoche or another young one? Hardly seems worth the effort. JP? I'm so there. And Texas does need a center fielder.
2007-12-03 14:04:02
164.   regfairfield
159 Marc Normandin did a piece on Blalock and his conclusion was that Blalock pretty much managed pretty much have exceedingly lucky years three years in a row. Blalock actually never was that good.
2007-12-03 14:05:32
165.   regfairfield
Wow, that's pretty much a terrible sentence.
2007-12-03 14:12:53
166.   blue22
162 - I'll take 2 years of Erik Bedard, though it probably takes Kemp and Kershaw to land him.
2007-12-03 14:16:57
167.   D Money
164
...Huh?
2007-12-03 14:18:58
168.   ToyCannon
Shouldn't take either. A pitcher who was shut down in Sept, only has 1 1/2 year of historical excellence, and is a free agent in two years is not going to get the same rate as Miggy, Santana, or Haren. His K rate this year was way beyond anything he'd ever done before by a substantial margin. From 3 straight years of 7.9 / 8.0 / 7.8 to 10.9!!!
2007-12-03 14:19:08
169.   regfairfield
167 Here's the whole article http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5518
2007-12-03 14:20:04
170.   blue22
164 - http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5518
2007-12-03 14:23:39
171.   KG16
I've got a hypothetical question regarding the BCS... let's say Michigan doesn't duck Hawaii and lose to them rather than App State, would Hawaii be in the national championship game?
2007-12-03 14:28:09
172.   Ken Noe
Of course the key we're forgetting is that the Rangers are allegedly offering Blalock to Ned. The story does add that LAD's aren't particularly interested.
2007-12-03 14:30:55
173.   Eric Stephen
171
I doubt it. Hawaii is #10 in both polls, and #12 in the computer rankings. Hawaii would be higher than 10th overall, but probably would peak around #5 or so.

I'm not thrilled with the Rose Bowl's decision to pick Illinois (over Georgia or Missouri) to play USC. But, despite the Rose Bowl's strict party platform ties, it's alright Ma, at least USC is in the Rose Bowl!

2007-12-03 14:34:34
174.   Kevin Lewis
173

I imagine it will still be a good game.

2007-12-03 14:34:43
175.   blue22
172 - The Dallas paper is now talking about Rolen and Duncan for Blalock, so they're really just grasping at potential trades.
2007-12-03 14:35:29
176.   KG16
173 - I'm just wondering, because Michigan was like #3 at the time, so I would think that would have moved Hawaii up quite a bit, then I'm guessing they would continue to move up the polls by default. But I'm guessing you're probably right, unless a non-BCS team beats USC, Texas, and LSU on the road, in the same season, I doubt they'll get a shot at the championship game.
2007-12-03 14:36:28
177.   bhsportsguy
173 Outside of the BCS championship game, the folks who run the other BCS bowl games don't really care about putting together a matchup that will benefit anyone but themselves.

They could not pick Georgia due to agreements with the Sugar Bowl and Missouri doesn't have the same cache with them like a Big Ten school.

Illinois will put together a good crowd from Illinois plus a good So Cal alumni network. The Rose Bowl probably would have preferred Oregon or ASU for the additional hotel nights and spending. USC folks will treat the game like a regular season match against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

2007-12-03 14:37:15
178.   LogikReader
174

I'm with Kevin. Illinois is underrated, while Georgia is overrated. It'll be fun either way, I'm just glad SC played their way in.

2007-12-03 14:40:22
179.   D Money
i think Stanford should be in the bcs championship game.

Stanford vs. Hawaii

2007-12-03 14:46:29
180.   Eric Stephen
177
Doesn't the Rose Bowl get first dibs because they lost the #1 seed (Ohio State), while the Sugar Bowl lost the #2 seed (LSU)? Meaning the Sugar Bowl couldn't take Georgia to replace LSU until after the Rose Bowl replaced Ohio St.
2007-12-03 14:48:26
181.   Eric Stephen
177
I stand corrected. From today's LA Times:

*
Under Bowl Championship Series rules, with Southeastern Conference champion Louisiana State staying close to home to play Big Ten champion Ohio State in the BCS title game in New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl retained control of SEC-member Georgia.*

That arrangement effectively nixed any chance of the 10-2 Trojans, who were seventh in the final BCS standings, playing 10-2 Georgia, which finished fifth. The Rose Bowl could have asked the Sugar Bowl for consent to take Georgia but never did, said BCS Coordinator Mike Slive, who is also the SEC commissioner.

2007-12-03 14:51:08
182.   Jon Weisman
NPUT
2007-12-03 14:57:21
183.   Terry A
175 - Evan Grant rides again!

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