If Volume Means Anything, Gonzo Is Excited to Be Here

I took a second look at the Colletti pic you guys put up. It sure as heck looks like a rug, as Grumpy pointed out. HAHA!

I still can't get past the 'stache though. Dude looks like he belongs on an episode of NYPD Blue. I can see him interrogating Boras in his office: "Did Boston tell you that they would sign Drew to a bigger contract if he opted out? Talk or you'll never talk again (as he hits Boras in the face with the handle of his 9mm, Sopranos-style)!!!"

Looks like Chicago is signing Marquis. This leads me to ask this question: How the heck are the Cubs coming up with all this money all of a sudden?!?! It’s as if someone died and willed the franchise $100 million. They’re a big market with a steady fan base, but it leads you to ask why they haven’t spent that kind of money in the past.

Unfortunately for them, they picked the wrong year to go on a spending spree. The talent pool is less that attractive, and salaries are through the roof.

I think Ned's stache actually qualifies him to play the role of the biker dude from the Village People. ;-)

Len

lolo

In regard to the Cubs, if I'm Dusty Baker right about now I'm throwing things at the TV everytime I hear of another signing. He's got to be asking himself what he did to deserve getting no help last year, suffer through a miserable season, and then watch them go out and try to bring in every big name available this year. If they win this year everyone will be talking about how great a manager Lou Pinella is--and Dusty will have to find something else to throw through the TV.

Speaking of Dusty, wish the Dodgers could find more jobs for quality ex-Dodgers. I know we have Mariano Duncan, Rick Honeycutt, & Eddie Murray on staff right now, but I'm speaking more of the Davey Lopes', Dusty Baker's, Mike Scioscia's and Bill Russell's of the world. That's the one thing that kind of irritates me about the organization in recent years. Everytime we get an opening for GM, manager, base coaches, minor league managers, etc., there are 100 ex-Dodgers who could do an admirable job but we never seem to put them at the top of the list. I don't think the Dodgers (even if we continue to improve on the field) will ever be "The Dodgers" again until we start being loyal to our alumni. That's how you build a 'tradition' of winning that's passed down throughout the system. An ex-Pittsburgh minor leaguer coaching "A" ball or an ex-Tampa scout giving advice on how to succeed in "The Show" just doesn't inspire me. Shoot, even Jim Tracy was a career minor-leaguer with the Cubs who only had a cup of coffee and a bag of sunflower seeds in the bigs. And he brought his "championship" knowledge to us--how lucky we were. Until McCourt starts actively pursuing "our boys" to bring them home where they belong, I'll always be a little wary of how much "Dodger Blue" he truly bleeds. (Thank goodness we still have Lasorda to parade up and down the steps to his field box every game or there would be no Dodger greats in the stadium right now--not counting Vinny.)

I know we get a draft pick for Lugo. Do we owe draft picks for Schmidt or Pierre (or any others for that matter?)
Still think that was a stroke of genius by Ned to offer Lugo arbitration. One more thorn to the R-Sox. Hope they enjoy JD Boo.
Lex

Ned is certainly THE MAN, and the only person i want as my GM-- i truly mean that. The one thing i do not understand is why he did not offer Maddux arbitration. Regardless, we are looking so poised this year, it seems the sky is the limit. Health is the key. Nomar is going to be so solid this year, after finally playing a decent number of games he is going to actually be 100% at the start of the season (the major leagues is like a marathon, and the longer you havent been running them the harder they get, not vice versa) and, id watch for those first half numbers to stay steady all year. Can Ethier make the 2 spot his? Id ;love for that to happen--- GO BLUE A healthy nomar can easily hit 30 jacks, not that power means much of anything these days regardless.

-evan

Ned was afraid that Maddux was going to accept arbitration an get paid $12-14 million for the year.

Why is he excited that we have such great young talent? Dude, if our young talent succeeds then you are riding pine ...

Bc he is a team player, and in it to win it-- not for his own glory.. The name on the front, not the name on the back---- all that good stuff, ya know?

What would be so bad if Maddux accepted that though? That is what he is worth, and that way he wouldnt have the player option for the second year-- did we offer him 10-12 for the year anyways?

Evan,
I think the offer was $10 million but for only 1 year. He didn't want to offer arbitration b/c if Maddux accepted it would have been like Lex said $12-14 million. That's an EXTRA $2-4 million! Basically, that's Lieberthal and Saito's salary! Plus, I think Ned had Schmidt in his radar. And although I would argue to get both Maddux and Schmidt (I'm greedy), it likely didn't make sense, financially and roster wise. Ned would definitely have to trade a pitcher and the extra money might hinder him from getting a solid reliever or power bat.

I see your points about the roster spots and salary situations, and absolutely agree Schmidty was on the radar. I just thought with out the power hitter we couldve splurged for the both of them-- thinking back it prob. was the right move, i mean who can argue with our rotation?
im really crossing my fingers Billz come back improved from the experience of last year... Maddux, i have ultimate respect for you and loved see you in dodger blue even though it could, unfortunately, only be for half a year.

I too agree that it was not worth the $12-$14M for Maddux. He is an 85-pitch guy these days. So, despite his experience and value because of it, it's likely better to let a younger guy gain MLB experience in the 5-spot. It's not likely Maddux would have been much more then a .500 guy plus one that was guaranteed to put a season long strain on the pen.

AM not knocking the guy just looking at the realities of where he is right now. I would have truly enjoyed watching him pitch for the Dodgers again this coming season but the cost in dollars and a roster spot might have been too high. I still think the guy has a no-no left in his arm too...that would be a great way for him to retire, right after throwing a CG no-no...

I always enjoyed Eric Gange's amazing appearances when he was healthy and closed out games with incredible efficiency.

However, over the last two years, the Dodgers have paid him an exorbitant amount of money to rehab from injuries.

I don't blame Gagne for that, he was overused by Tracy after Paul Poindexter traded away Mota. That could have been a contributing factor in Gagne's injuries.

What I do have an issue with is Gagne's apparent total disregard for team loyalty by not accepting the Dodgers offer, which, according to reports, could pay him as much as $10 million with incentives.

After all the money they've paid him during the last two years for doing nothing, he's trying to squeak out another one or two million?!

For me, Game Over, has transformed into:
TAKE A HIKE

RANGERS SIGN GAGNE

Pending a physical, of course. They gave him a reported $8 million in ga-ron-teed money. Talk about rolling the dice!

Gagne doesn't want to compete for the closer's job. He just wants it handed to him. He doesn't give a damn whether the team has a back up if he breaks down which is very likely. Just another double talking selfish player. Look at the teams he is considering. Cleveland, San Fran, and Texas. They all need a closer. Bad back, knee, and fragile elbow, not likely to last thru an entire season.

Eric Gagne's journey has been well-chronicled by several of us. Now, it appears, according to Foxsports.com, that he is about to sign an incentive-filled contract (isn't that what the Dodgers offered?).

But, for me, the kicker is that the anti-Christ said that they would only consider teams that intended to use Eric as their closer. So, Scott, as you hold the new team hostage, what happens if Eric breaks down again? Where will leave them? Forget all of Eric's recent injuries. Closers are legendary for flaming out like comets. The Mariano Riveras are rare, indeed.

The Dodgers just experienced this very scenario and were very fortunate to have Takashi Saito fill the role incredibly well. Don't forget, that this occurred after trying the disaster known as Danys (19 million for 3 years in Baltimore-what fools!)Baez.

Ask our Giants' fan how they have liked watching Armando Benitez lumbering in from the 'pen, blowing game after game. Try Houston and Brad Lidge. Closers are simply too risky to invest and count on.

And, to re-visit one of my rants, it can't be that Gagne needs the money. Goodbye, Eric.

ERIC GAGNE == TAKE A HIKE SON, enjoy a losing season in Rangers uniform while in LA we'll be celebrating playoff baseball in SEPTEMBER.

Injured players cost the team a lot more than simply the salary that they are owed. During the last couple of years Gagne has been under the knife numerous times, and the Dodgers have picked up the tab. Consultations, hospital visits, rehab... how many of us would kill for a job with complete, 100% no questions asked medical coverage? The same could be said for any other player who goes on the DL, and that's why some guys in Philly are bitter about Wolf.

Even worse, though, are the insurance implications. I have no doubt that very little of Gagne's salary actually came out of Frank McCourt's pockets, since Gagne's contract was most likely insured. But just like every other kind of insurance, premiums jump every time you use'em. Just imagine the damage being caused by Gagne, Drew, and every other 8-figure player who spend an extended period of time on the DL. Things only figure to get much worse as contracts blow up. Fat Carlos Lee for $100 million? Drew for $70 million? Barry at $16+ million?

Of course, players can't be bothered by such petty and trivial issues like 'overhead' and 'transaction cost'. They just know to keep their mouths shut when their agents tell them to hold out for that extra million that they can make up in a couple years by smart investing of the money that they already have.

Makoto,

You seem to be angry at the players for squeezing out every last penny. I don't begrudge them... it's just business. I think we would all do the same thing in their situation. My problem is when guys like Gagne says he will give a "home team discount" and don't. Don't say one thing and do another... again, like J.D. Drew It's not a problem that you went for the money and looked out for your best interest, because if you don't, no one else will, but have some dignity and class.

You were arguing also only from the Owners standpoint. I don't have any sympathy for them. They don't lose out... they just pass the cost to us, the fans. You have the owners and employees who both make a ton b/c their business allows them to keep raising the cost onto the customers.

Well said Rob!!
We keep eating this s**t up and as long as we keep coming back, the prices will go up.
Supply and demand.
I also do not begrudge the players for getting what they can get, but don't dig a hole with your mouth that your hypocritical ass can't fill up!

Rob, I wouldn't say that I'm really angry at the situation, and when it comes down to it, the owners are to blame. But one of these days, the well is going to run dry. Selig may have recently renegotiated a new CBA to last until his announced retirement three years down the line, but if and when the crazy market corrects itself... can anyone say 'lockout'?

And the most frustrating thing about it will be, everyone's at fault.

Makoto dont be so quick to bend over. Sure everyone is partly to blame, but lets not make excuses for the multi-million dollar players-- they cause the lockouts. Looking out for ones best interest is all good and fine, but if a player tells an owner he will not play for some multi-million dollar salary than he is selfish, greedy, and disloyal-- can you really claim that looking out for ones own best interest is declining a 30 million dollar contract bc you want 50 mil? It is greed and very little more.
If Dodger ticket prices keep going up it is bc of renovations and a greater dedication to winning than has been displayed in the past 10 years-- ill pay an extra 3 dollars a game for that... it has nothing to do with supply and demand-- it has to with loyal dodger fans wanting to see good baseball.

Eric Gagne has just stabbed every Dodger fan in the back. Gagne has just pulled off one the greatest heist's of all time: 19 million in the past 2 years for just 15.1 innings worth of work. How could you go from saying that you would take a "Hometown Discount" to stay a Dodger and then leave LA for Texas for just 1 million more? LA made Gagne larger than life... But Gagne just pissed that all away.
Signed,
Hoping his arm explodes again...

Evan,
I don't think Makoto was making excuses for the players. He is putting blame where it should be placed, on both parties. We are all GREEDY by nature... that's human nature. So wanting more than offered is not a crime. The owners have the option to say, "no way loser, don't let the door hit you on your way out!" If a player can get $50 million why wouldn't he? If you could get paid more in your job, why wouldn't you?

As far as causing lockouts.... again it takes TWO.... or maybe THREE in the baseball case... Owners/Players/Boras. It's obsurd to place all the blame on players. It's like placing all the blame on Union workers in other fields for picketing/striking. Each case has it's own individual circumstances and should be looked at, case by case.

You must work for the McCourts! - "If Dodger ticket prices keep going up it's b/c of renovations and a greater dedication to winning" Come on, lets not get brainwashed. The McCourts are not renovating Dodgers Stadium to field a winning baseball team. A RENOVATED, state of the art Stadium puts dollars INTO the Dodgers. Simple as that. That is why they are renovating the Stadium. They have LUXURY BOXES they can charge more for, field Baseline boxes they can sell for at a premium and a Dugout Club they can really get premiun money for. My CHEAP season seats are still small and cramped.... paying an extra $3 a game does nothing for your seat being renovated or improving your Dodger Stadium visit/experience. It has more to do with making you pay for increasing their pocket book 10 X.

Evan,

My worst case scenario prediction is that somewhere down the line, contracts will stop exploding and top out (somewhere just beyond A-Rod range, perhaps). When that happens, and players start to realize that their salaries aren't skyrocketing each year, the agents and MLBPA lawyers will lead a revolt of sorts, accusing the ownership of collusion and/or other shady business tactics, which will be followed by countersuits, etc. We'll probably end up missing part or all of an entire season during the first couple years of the new commissioner's tenure.

It'll be 1994 all over again, but because of steroids, no HR record chase is going to bail out the sport next time.

The one good thing, though, is that despite everything, baseball is the most affordable sporting event out there. Other than at Fenway and Wrigley, average ticket prices are pretty reasonable compared to the NFL, NBA, or big college events. After adjusting for inflation and such, the prices have stayed pretty steady over the years, so the cost isn't really being passed onto the fans. Games are shown locally on basic cable, and the MLB internet package doesn't seem to exorbitant. Of course, if someone wants to shell out $70 bucks for an 'authentic' Tim Hamulack jersey and $10 for a beer cozy, then they might have a case for getting fleeced, but that's more an issue of bad judgement than anything else.

So how/why is it the owners faults? The players choose their deceiving agents, and have the power over their Players Association. If there is a lockout, we must hold their greed responsible. anyone who thinks contracts should, or possible could, go up forever is just kind of dumb, and to go on strike because it would devastate this league. I dont see 94 every happening again... I sure pray it doesnt.
I see where you are going with the whole Labor Union argument Rob, but you obviously see the flaw-- they were striking for health care, humane working conditions, and minimun wage. these players would be striking-- striking over 15 mil instead of 30. You seem to have a negative view of human nature, and thats cool, but i personally disagree. And just for the record, most labor Unions are incredibly self-serving and should also be disbanded. Going on strike is certainly a constitutional right, but it is a barbaric and childish way to express your discontent, and it more often than not negatively affects those who are not to blame for a bad contract.. Again, i reiterate, we are taking about professional athletes who already are so over payed its a joke-- they should be laughing at it too in my opinion.

I don't remember 1994 too well but didn't the Owners Lock the Players out??

It's the owners fault b/c the player who leaves $30 million is getting $50 million from ANOTHER OWNER. The player can't/won't leave for $50 million if no one is there to pay him.

The owners HELPED create this ridiculous market for salaries b/c they can't help or manage themselves financially and then pass on the cost to fans (my cheap season seats just got increased in price!!) or have to stop b/c they get in the RED... then we have a standoff and an emminent strike.

I don't think Makoto or I were saying that the salaries can keep going up. In fact, that's the very thing Makoto said he was afraid of.... I too am afraid that a strike would be emminent if salaries got much higher.

If a player makes $30 million and can get $50, he would be a fool not to take it. I believe most, if not all would. And every player who does, proves my point.

Again, players are greedy. But I believe they have a right to be if they chose as long as they don't commit a crime or hurt others by their greed. I won't hold them to a standard higher than any of us just because they are millionaires and should give to the less fortunate. I don't have sympathy for them either, but I don't begrudge them.

The players do not have control over their union. The MLBPA is run by Donald Fehr and a bunch of lawyers who work every day to come up with more ways to wield the union as a weapon. Most players have neither the time nor the knowhow to keep up with all the business related baseball issues, so they let the suits run things, partly out of choice, but mostly out of practical necessity. Meanwhile, the lawyers continue to work for themselves, giving the players just enough to keep them content with the system. As long as the players aren't getting hurt by the system, they have no need to demand a change. Sure, there are some guys out there who are more savvy than others, but they generally don't have enough influence to change anything.

There's a difference between necessity and greed, but there's also a major difference between greed and the ridiculous. A player in the minor leagues doesn't get paid a whole lot, so there's a pressing need for them to break through to the majors, where they will be guaranteed to make the minimum of $500,000 a year. A young, rising star coming into his first year of free agency already has a couple of million in the bank, but he will still test the market and take the 'greedy' route by signing with the highest bidder. Then, you enter the ridiculous zone, will hold out over a million bucks or two even though they are already going to be guaranteed 8 figures a year.

There are some apologists out there who argue that for the players, it's not a matter of money, but of respect. While that may be true to an extent, if someone requires $10 million to feel good about themselves, then they don't deserve respect.

SPORTS LIST-SUCCESS OR FAILURE::
Everyones into lists these days. So Which former Dodgers will be the biggest disappointment to their new teams in 2007? My choices--
Gagne--20 relief appearances at best.
Drew--Fenway not a good park for lefties.
Baez--This guy is a loser
Maddux-10 million for a guy who ONCE was great,
but now a 5 inning-5 ERA-sub 500 pitcher.
Which will have some success?
Lugo-if he starts could be productive.
Lofton-if no pulled muscles could hit 280 in a
limited role.
Hall- A solid 180 hitter.

OK David,
I like this thread:
Rate the dissappointment from a dissappointing list;
1 Drew, for that money he can't possibly produce what is expected even if he manages to play 145 games.
2 Lofton, his defense is bad and will probably get much worse. Won't have Furcal on base in front of him, so he will not hit .300.
3 Baez, that much money for a set up guy and he will melt down at least a third of the time if not more.
4 Gagne, I don't believe he will ever be lights out again and that is what is expected. Most likely will spend time on the DL.
5 Maddux, he won't pitch 200 innings and most likely will not finish above .500. ERA will be 4.50+. Not good for 10 mil. But will have brief streaks of the old Maddux that will keep people of his back for finishing 10-14. Name and pedigree will keep him from too much flak.
5 Lugo, he will probably do OK. Decent defense and occasional streaks of good hitting. Overall fairly consistant but nothing great.
6 Hall, no expectations, no team. Won't be signed for much and may emerge as a bargain.
Could do all right.

BK:

Here is a thought.

I do believe that the Dodgers own the rights to the "Game Over" slogan. It was thought up by someone who worked for the Dodgers and I am unsure who actually owns the rights as I do not know the Dodgers and the contracts their people sign. But that really does not matter much at the least it is certain Gagne does not have any claim to the slogan. This means that Texas would not automatically be granted a license to use the slogan.

It will be interesting should Gagne actually return to form. I wonder how that will play out since Gagne decided to spead 'em in the direction of the money? Would the Dodgers demand a portion of the revenue as a license fee? Sell the rights to the slogan?

Or does MLB act as a huge corporation and the rights are sort of shared via revenue sharing.

To me I think it would be FUNNY as heck for the Dodgers to get paid by Texas for any success Gagne might have... :)

grumpy-

Dude, I would have never thought of that. Honestly, I have no idea what might happen with that. Of course, one option would for him to simply drop the whole Game Over thing in Texas. Who knows? If it becomes an issue, it's worth looking into.

It would be an interesting sidebar/soap opera. I say, let's root for it to happen.

BK