Not surprisingly, the Monday Night Miracle (I have trouble calling it that, having grown up a Blues fan, but don't have any other ideas) was tops on Jayson Stark's list of baseball achievements in 2006.  Or any other year, for that matter.  Owing to the fact the game was among the most amazing things I or anyone else has ever seen in sports, I'm assuming it was the memorable moment for most of you from last season.  But as we wind down 2006 (cue light string music...), it's time to step back and contemplate the other great moments provided by the Blue.   Was your favorite (besides four homers on seven pitches followed by a seemingly crushing run given up in the tenth before Nomar's two run walkoff homer) the scoreless duel between Greg Maddux and Jason Schmidt, won by a Russell Martin solo shot, in a game that rather refreshingly took about eleven minutes to complete?  (String music builds...)  Was it the first time you heard that goofy remix of Hey Jude and realized Sammy Saito could pitch?  Are you the downbeat sort that will let the memory of the Mets series dominate your gray matter?

(Crescendo...) To paraphrase the ubiquitous Dodger commercials of 2006, "What did you take home?"

BK

(fade out...)

Because it looks like Barry Zito isn't headed to New York to play for the Mets, but will stay in the Bay Area and hurl for the Giants.  Ironic, since the composition of the roster had generally made their fans want to do the same.  Who can blame them?   It's irritating to see pros pocket all that cash, then stand in line with them at the movie theater and watch them get their senior discount, too. 

Since he's not really going anywhere, Zito won't even need to sell his house and brave the pricey San Francisco market.  Of course, at $18 million per year, he could if he felt the urge.  Assuming they ever get younger, this obviously helps the G-Men.  But next year, all Zito does is slide into the #1 slot vacated by L.A.'s very own Jason Schmidt.  They weren't very good last year, haven't improved over the winter, and I don't see this getting San Francisco back to the top of the NL West.  But Zito should have success at whatever they call that stadium these days, and could help the Giants avoid being really bad.  Who knows?  Zito and a healthy Bonds could prove me wrong, but right now, I still wouldn't worry too much about San Francisco. 

BK

Given the salaries that have flown around since the start of free agency this winter, I think it's fair to say that most players have already received their Christmas presents, helping the hot stove lower from a boil to a simmer entering the holiday weekend.  So all the big Dodgerland issues- where will the power come from, what uniform will Brad Penny be wearing come spring training, how long would it take Ned Colletti to grow the sort of 'stache to compete with these guys, etc.- in will wait until next week, at least.  So let's take the time to reflect on one more gift some former players are hoping to get in the near future- a ticket to Cooperstown. 

The eligibility of Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, and Ken Caminiti for enshrinement in '07 has pushed the steroid question to the forefront, or more fore in the forefront, since it really hasn't gone anywhere.  Caminiti isn't a consideration, and Canseco would be a long shot even without the needle issues, but McGwire gives writers their first opportunity to accept or reject a symbol of the Steroid Era.  The general consensus is that Big Mac won't get in this year, but the larger debate is on how to handle players from the last decade and a half, give or take. 

I know I'm not an L.A. native, and perhaps that sort of thing matters in a case like this, but once again, the Dodger Dog is being placed in some pretty lofty company with which it doesn't belong.  Yes, the somewhat sorry excuse for a ballpark dog has been nominated by AOL CityGuide for its "City's Best Hot Dogs 2007" honor for Los Angeles.  From the press release sent by the Dodgers:

"The world famous Farmer John Dodger Dog is competing against Carney’s, Hot Dog on a Stick, Jack’s Diner & Billiard Club, Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom, Nathan’s Famous, Skooby’s Hot Dogs, Weiner Factory, The Stand and Pink’s... The Dodger Dog has been a staple at Dodger Stadium since 1962.  The Travel Channel named Dodger Stadium the world's best stadium for fine dining in 2004." 

Because Jayson Werth is now a Phillie!  He of the seemingly permanent bum wrist and the Dodgers parted ways after the front office declined to offer him a contract.  From the blog's perspective, this kinda sucks, since Werth (when healthy and in the house) was probably the funniest guy on the squad.  Hell, dude even had a faux-hawk for a few days!  That's wacky, kids!  And given the lack of quotable guys on this roster (I'm really hoping Randy Wolf turns out to be a regular at The Comedy Store), Werth's absence may be felt from an "adding flavor to an article" perspective. 

Toby Hall, we hardly knew 'ya.  Literally.  I mean, the guy had what, nine ABs as a Dodger?  Four?   Did Grady even make him show up for a lot of games?  Either way, when Hall was traded, he worried (a little too publicly) that it would hurt him to be a backup at a time he wanted to showcase himself for his pending free agency.  It's hard to get a starting gig somewhere else when you're sitting, so the theory went.  Turns out, Toby was dead on, evidenced by the two year deal he just signed with the White Sox to back up A.J. Pierzynski.  Kudos to his soothsaying abilities. 

Click below the jump for some nice quotes I yanked from Baseball Prospectus on Logan White, the Prospect Whisperer who has helped bring a ton of excitement back to the Dodger faithful.   Something to tide us over while Ned Colletti tries to generate some actual news.

BK

Damn, you people don't even let a guy finish his morning Cheerios and sports page before you start posting the news.  But anyway, word is that J.D. Drew's physical may not have come out clean, and whatever issues popped up are delaying the formal consummation of his 5 year/$70 million deal with the Red Sox.  As the article points out, it's no easy task given all the potential choices to try and figure out what part of Drew is on the fritz and who knows, it might not be that at all... but if you're a BoSox fan, is this how you wanted to start your weekend?   

Hits, walks, breaks.  That's our man.

BK

And that's why we're giving you answers.  Or really, our Times amigo Steve Henson is giving you answers.  But we're linking those answers, which is almost as impressive.  And speaking of impressive, that's how I would describe the restraint needed to theoretically turn down this kinda scratch.  Granted, he's gonna get paid no matter where he goes, which is a why a coin flip could still be in order.  But Vern might as well be tossing a two headed dealie, because I'm betting either side will equal "staying in Canada."

AK

Because you're helping to pay for him.  (Try not to let it effect your opinion of Ned Colletti.)  The Dodgers announced that prices for most 2007 season ticket packages have gone up anywhere from 14 to 40%.  No word yet on individual game tix, but if I were a betting man, and I am, I'd say they'll bump up as well.  But hey, at least you'll get to see a team full of dudes itching to play for an L.A. crowd in an atmosphere that can even pound the cynicism out of a sports columnist.  That ain't easy.  Vernon Wells would sweeten the mood even more, but Toronto isn't going to quietly let him walk.   

In other news, don't let the pasty photo of Jerry Reinsdorf accompanying this article discourage you from getting an update on the Blue's future spring training situation. 

Once a Slim Fast pitchman, now he's Santa.   Guess the shakes didn't take.  But it didn't keep Tommy Lasorda from giving some time to sick kids.

BK

Or any other cast member from Law & Order because Ned Colletti has opted not to pursue tampering charges against the Sawx.  Maybe it just wasn't worth the effort, give how slim the chances of winning these cases are.  Or maybe Colletti just didn't want to spend any extra seconds in a room with Satan... er, Scott Boras.  Hey, get in line, Ned.  But I can still picture the court room scene, if witnesses are actually sworn in for these types of cases.