Dodger Tidbits

Los Angeles Daily News awards L.A. Sports Person of the Year to Dodger GM, Ned Colletti.

Sports Illustrated names Baseball Game of the Year. No question, it is the September 18, 2006, Dodgers v. Padres game, now referred to on the blogsphere as the, 4+1 game.



Four consecutive Dodger homeruns in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game and send it into extra innings. Eventually, Nomar Garciaparra hit the game winning homerun in the bottom of the 10th to complete one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Here's a snippet from the SI srticle:

Dodger Stadium was refilling, and the fans were going berserk, a reaction that echoed through cyberspace. One blogger, following the game on mlb.com, reported with gleeful sarcasm, "GameDay seems to be broke. It keeps on saying every Dodger hitter is hitting a home run."

Finally, thought I'd share this little gem from the Los Angeles Times. It's from an Angels Q&A article by sportswriter, Mike DiGiovanna.

Q: Why does the Los Angeles Times print so many more stories about the Dodgers? I hate the Dodgers. I'd prefer that The Times only write about the Angels.

Rob Simpson

A: Haven't discussed this with my sports editor, Rob, but my guess is that since the Dodgers draw more than 3 million fans annually, garner solid television ratings, have won five World Series titles in Los Angeles, have one of the game's greatest broadcasters in Vin Scully and are located in the heart of the paper's circulation area, which happens to be the second-largest market in the U.S., we might want to drop a few paragraphs about them into The Times every now and then.

The Angels are like the ugly stepsister here in Los Angeles. Fans suffer from an inferiority complex. Thanks Rob, I needed a good laugh!

Breaking Barriers

Business: Kim Ng
She knows her baseball and is in line to become the sport's first female GM.
By David A. Kaplan
Newsweek
Dec. 25, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007 issue - Walking around major League Baseball's recent winter meetings in Florida, Kim Ng might just as well have been one of the boys. While she may be the most prominent woman in the 30 executive offices of baseball's various teams, her colleagues no longer notice the novelty. They just know the 38-year-old assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers knows her baseball stuff—from negotiating player salaries in the back rooms to assessing talent on the field. Last year she interviewed for the top Dodgers job, but finished as a runner-up. The opportunity to run a baseball team doesn't happen often—GM vacancies are rare. But when the next one occurs, or perhaps the one after that, she's in the best position to become the first female GM in a major U.S. sport—as well as an Asian-American pioneer. "What impresses me about Kim is she's able to work in an environment where she's basically the only one," says Omar Minaya, general manager of the New York Mets and the game's first Hispanic GM. "She's as tough as anybody."

The oldest of five girls, Ng was raised in Queens, N.Y. As a city kid, she distinguished herself as a stickball player on the corner of 173rd Street and 65th Avenue and then as an MVP infielder on the University of Chicago's softball team. She majored in public policy, yet wanted a job in baseball. She got an internship with the Chicago White Sox, becoming a wizard at salary arbitrations. She landed with the New York Yankees and then left for L.A. Her most glaring moment in the sun happened in 2003 when a Mets executive mocked her Chinese background in front of other MLB execs; he was fired, and she was put in the position of becoming a standard-bearer against discrimination. "I was thinking, 'Listen, boys, this is what I deal with all the time'," Ng recalls. "I didn't want it to become a big deal."

She's similarly ambivalent about gender's making her stand out. She knows the feeling: it used to be at baseball meetings that heads would turn as if to ask, "Who is she?" So Ng recognizes that a team might consider her as GM in part because she's a woman. But she's also ambitious and thinks she's worthy of consideration, regardless of what's motivating a team. "There are downsides of people having preconceived notions, but there are also the positives," she says. "You have every right to use that." Sounds like she's a pretty skilled negotiator indeed.

On April 14, 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers called up a young player named, Jackie Robinson. Jackie became the first Black player allowed into the Major Leagues, thus making the Dodgers the first ballclub to break the color barrier.

Now it seems the Dodgers are poised to break gender barrier, or at least, encourage it. Kim Ng was hired by the Dodgers as the assistant GM in 2001, becoming the first female baseball executive. In 2005, when Depodesta was fired, Kim interviewed for the GM position, but was bypassed for Ned Colletti. However, Colletti kept her on as assistant GM.

I imagine it's just a matter of time before Kim Ng makes history, whether with the Dodgers organization or elsewhere. You go girl!

Pride Restored

Baseball America awards Organization Of The Year to the Los Angeles Dodgers



The Dodgers have come a long way. Nearly a half-century of unusual stability (only two managers 1954-1996, owned by a single family 1950-1998) finally came to an end, when in 1998, the O'Malley family sold the Dodgers to Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, owner of the Fox network and 20th Century Fox. This was a dismal period for the Dodgers and the fans. Favorite players were traded (Piazza), managers came and went (Russell, Johnson and Hoffman), huge contracts were awarded to injury prone players (Dreifort and Brown). Trust and faith were violated and the future of the organization was gloomy.

Enter real-estate developer, Frank McCourt, who in 2004, purchased the Dodgers from Rupert Murdoch and the Fox Entertainment Group. Of course, fans were skeptical when the first move McCourt made was to hand over the reins of the club to kid with an unorthodox (Moneyball) sense of business. Instantly, hopes were dashed when new GM Paul DePodesta single handedly dismantled the successful and contending 2004 team. His moves saw him trade away favorite players (LoDuca and Roberts) and acquire junk players and headcases (Choi and Bradley). The worst was yet to come. In 2005, skipper Jim Tracy led the Dodgers to a dismal 71-91 record (20 games below .500), the second worst record since moving to Los Angeles. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Before the season began, I vowed I would not set foot in Dodger Stadium unless they ridded themselves of Paul DePodesta. Someone, who in my humble opinion, ruined the best team the Dodgers had fielded since the 1988 World Championship team. I kept my word and although it hurt, I boycotted the entire 2005 season.

Finally, the ray of light I was searching for came last November when DePodesta gave Jim Tracy the boot. Shortly thereafter, McCourt gave DePodesta the boot. If I could, I would have thrown cartwheels I was so elated. Dind dong the witch was dead! No manager, no GM...I didn't care, I was heading back to the Ravine and my beloved Dodgers!

After the dismal 2005 season, McCourt promised he would return pride and the winning tradition to the organization. True to his word, he then made what I believe has been his smartest move to date, and hired a savvy baseball man in Ned Colletti. The turn around in one short year has been nothing short of amazing. His acquisitions have been successful on so many levels. He brought in a proven manager in Grady Little. He brought us Garciaparra, Furcal and Maddux. McCourt, Colletti and Little helped create a team with talented rookies and gritty veterans, who pushed their way into the playoffs. The change in attitude is palpable, their resurgence in one short year, remarkable.

Memorable moments from 2006:

• May 19, 2006: Dodgers collect 25 hits in one game, setting a Los Angeles franchise record.

• August 2006: Dodgers reel off 11 consecutive wins, their longest winning streak since 1993, and end the month with a 21-7 record, tying the Los Angeles' club record for that month.

• September 18, 2006: Four consecutive Dodger batters hit home runs in the ninth inning. This is only the fourth time it has ever happened in baseball history, and the first time that the final homer tied the game.

• September 28, 2006: Rookie first baseman James Loney ties Gil Hodges’ 56-year-old Dodgers record with 9 RBIs in one game.

The award by Baseball America is fitting. The Dodgers organization is back on top, where it belongs.

Game Over

So long Eric, the love affair is over...it was fun while it lasted. Today, Eric "Game Over" Gagne agreed to 1 year deal at $6 million (includes $5 million in incentives) with the Texas Rangers, thus breaking hearts in Dodgersrville.

Eric had an incredible run here in L.A. and was loved by all. Of course, his best seasons were 2002, 2003 and 2004, where he saved a total of 161 games for the Blue. This streak was the most dominant by any reliever in MLB history. He won the Cy Young in 2003. With Eric, it wasn't just the saves that made him special. It was the way in which he did it. It was truly a sight to behold and one I will never forget. It's late in the game...the Dodgers have the lead....Eric's warming up....there's a current of electricity in the air....the bullpen gates fly open....the first strains of G n' R's Welcome to the Jungle blare through the speakers....Eric slowly jogs to the mound...the crowd roars and goes into a frenzy....he tosses a few more warm up pitches...the batter steps up to the plate....3 strikes, you're out...GAME OVER, DODGERS WIN!! It was madness, I tell ya! He made a regular season game feel as though we won the playoffs!! There'll never be anything like it again!

What goes up, must inevitably come down. 2005 and 2006 became nightmarish for Eric and the fans. He never quite recaptured the glory of his earlier performances due to injuries. Eric basically became a broken down shell of his former self. He sat on the bench and collected a cool $20 million for cheerleading services. Twice we watched as he attempted comebacks, and twice we were disappointed. Eric's a competitor and I'm sure it hurt him as much as it did us. After two horrific seasons, fans were still in Eric's corner and wanted to see him resigned. They couldn't imagine Eric anywhere else in a uniform other than the Dodgers.

Fans were given a sliver of hope when earlier this year, Eric stated how he loved pitching in Los Angeles and would give the team a hometown discount during negotiations. Eric even named his kid, freakin' ’Blu’ for chrissakes, so we know he loves the team! Nevertheless, Eric's agent, being who he is, the fucking Anti-Christ, would never allow any such discount. Especially when there is money to be made. Greedy FUCK!

The Texas Rangers offered Eric $2 million more than the Dodgers and he took it. No doubt, all the while the the Anti-Christ, whispered sweet nothings in his ear. Can't really blame the Eric, for this is what baseball has become...strictly a business. There are nauseating amounts of cash being thrown around for mediocre players and unproven talent. I'm not suggesting Eric is not talented. He is...or was....we just don't know at this point. His health is questionable and perhaps Texas decided to take a chance on Eric's past . I do hope it works out for both parties. He meant a lot to the fans and the franchise. Sheesh-ka-bobs...think of all the Gagne merchandise they’ve sold in the past! No more rugrats with goggles and blue goatees. No more, “Game Over” t-shirts! No more , no. 38, Eric fricken Gagne!

Buh-bye Monsieur Gagne, I wish you the best! I don't think think I'll ever be able to listen to Welcome to the Jungle ever again! *sniff*

New Faces for 2007

Luis Gonzalez inked a deal with the Dodgers for 1 year at $7 million. Some will disagree, but I like this acquisition and here’s why; 1) No Manny 2) Dodgers protect their prospects, Kemp, Loney, Broxton, et al and 3) Gonzo’s 2006 stats are fairly comparable to Nancy Drew’s, at a much cheaper rate.

Although Luis is past his prime, he is still a durable player. In fact, last season he missed a total of 6 games. And like veteran Garciaparra and Kent, the work ethic Gonzo will bring to the Dodgers is a major asset and example to the kids. Furthermore, I feel Luis will work extra hard since he will have something to prove to the D’Backs who gave him his walking papers after 8 seasons. 2007 will be Gonzo’s 19th season in the Bigs and I, for one, do not expect him duplicate his monstrous 2001 numbers, where he hit as many as 57 homeruns. My realistic expectations are for Gonzo to drive in 70-80 runs, while smacking a few homers. Bottom-line: I approve!

Luis Gonzalez career stats:


Another Dodger acquisition is that of 14-year veteran catcher, Mike Lieberthal, who has signed a 1 year $1.25 million contract. Lieberthal is yet another local boy wanting to come home and play at the Ravine. He is the perfect back up for Russell Martin. I love to hear players say they'll do whatever the team needs them to, and that's preciscely what Lieberthal said. Mike's an all around good guy and solid catcher! Bottom-line: I approve!


Mike Lieberthal career stats:

Holy Schmidt, Batman!

I guess I have to stop calling Jason Schmidt, the Pilsbury Doughboy and re-program myself to root for him! *two snaps and a circle* Done!

The Dodgers have signed Scmhidt to a 3 year $47 million deal. Is it me, or does Colletti seem determined to sign ex-Giants? I had to learn to cheer for Jeff Kent and I'll do so again for Schmidt! As long as I NEVER witness Barroids in Blue, I'll be happy! Nonetheless, I can't fault Colletti for this signing. The Free Agent market is pretty thin and solid pitching is hard to come by these days. Schmidt is one of the few power pitchers left out there. The Dodgers lost Maddux to the San Diego Madres and there is no way in hell they will overpay Barry Zito, who is probably asking for the sky, the moon, your first born, along with your kidneys! We'll pass, thank you very much!

Adding Schmidt to the Dodgers rotation bolsters it immensely. I'm also grateful we don't have to face him any longer! Dude was a Dodgers Killer!

Presently, the Dodgers starting rotation looks like this:
Derek Lowe
Jason Schmidt
Brad Penny
Randy Wolf
Chad Billingsley

It looks pretty damned wicked and I'm giddy with excitement! I haven't even thrown Kuo into the mix. The kid was freakin' awesome in the final stretch.

All the Dodgers need now, is a BIG bat and we're good to go! Bring on 2007!

Here are Schmitty's stats: (See, I already have a cute nickname for him!) He has some good numbers:

Saito stays in Blue

Via the Dodgers official site:

The oldest rookie in Dodgers history, Takashi Saito, reached a deal with the Dodgers guaranteeing $1 million with another possible $300,000 in incentive bonuses based on games finished.

Saito finished 48 games in 2006. He went 6-2 with a 2.07 ERA and successfully converted all but two save opportunities in 2006. With a repertoire that includes a moving fastball in the low-90 mph range and a sharp slider and splitter, Saito struck out 107 batters in 78 1/3 innings and limited opponents to a .177 average -- right-handed batters hit only .129 off him.

This is great news for Dodgers fans, especially since we are on the verge of losing fan favorite and closer, Eric “Game Over” Gagne. Which by the way, I’m extremely pissed off about, but I’ll get to that in a bit.

Right now, Saito’s signing is making me feel warm and fuzzy. Why? Because that little dude makes me smile every time he takes the mound. The Japanese are usually a reserved bunch, showing very little emotion. On the contrary, it was fun watching Saito pump his fist with enthusiasm, or dazzle us with a full-blown smile after shutting down the opponents. He’s got a lot of heart and I’m glad the Dodgers secured him for 2007! We, the fans, need to come up with a closer nickname for him. Here’s my 2 cents: "SAI-o-nara"

On the Gagne front, apparently, his demonic agent, Boras, is trying to get him signed elsewhere for boatloads of money (as if he needs it).

Gagne has been on the disabled list for the past couple seasons, with a two elbow surgeries, back surgery and a vasectomy (just kidding on the last one). In 2005 and 2006, Eric collected close to $15 million (BIG FAT PAYCHECKS) for being nothing more than a glorified cheerleader! I can’t fucking believe there are teams willing to fork out obscene amounts of dough, considering he is still unproven after the surgeries. Whatever! IMO, Eric owes the Dodgers! He needs to tell his scumbag agent there will be no commission and that he’ll be pitching for the Blue for FUCKING FREE! Schyeah, I won't hold my breath!