The "You're Dead to Me" Player

AK,

Dude, my plan worked!! I read that this morning and was going to post something on here, but I said, "Nahhhhhh. I want to see the [virtual] look on his face when he reads it himself." HAHAHA!!

I'm cruel. I know.

In all seriousness, I would refuse to be a Dodger fan. That simple. I may be all the way in DC, but I still spend thousands of dollars a year attending games during their east cost trip, flying home to LA to catch a few games at the Ravine, and buying subscriptions and merchandise. I also stay up until 2AM on a regular basis watching them on the tube. So before anybody gives me any crap about being loyal, think about how loyal I have been to the Dodgers.

Loyalty is a two-way street, much like respect is. By signing Bonds, management is basically telling the majority of its fan base that they don’t respect them and aren’t loyal to them. The vast majority of people do not want Bonds wearing Blue. ESPN did a poll yesterday asking whether or not you would like your team to sign Bonds. SEVENTY-FIVE percent said “No”. On their little red/blue state chart, not one single state was a “Yes” state. That tells you something.

LA would riot is Bonds were signed. OK, so I am exaggerating there, but I guarantee you that most season-ticket holders would forfeit their seats. And I seriously doubt there would be a line of people trying to win those seats.

Just like you can’t stay mad at your girl after an argument, I couldn’t stay mad at the Dodgers forever. They are literally part of my family (I’ve had many friends and family work there, and my family has ties to Jaime Jarrin and Mike Brito). But there is no way I could root for the Dodgers if they signed Bonds. Like AK, I couldn’t root against them, but I would try to erase them from my brain. So long as Bonds dons the Blue, I would not be a Dodgers fan. That simple.

It’s an interesting topic, but there is no way in hell that Ned signs Bonds. It’s not happening. No way, no how. First of all, McCourt KNOWS what it will do to his reputation. Second, Ned is a character guy. That last thing he wants in the clubhouse is that cancer.

Sucks to be a Cards fan though. I know you’re still sweating it, AK. HAHA!

AK,

Don't worry. Reports are it is not going to happen. But just think, St. Louis would be home again to the best of the steroid users.

Lolo,

You're right, I was panicking for a sec. haha

And I hear what you're saying about loyalty. As much as Ned Colletti respects Bonds as a player (He's told us so), I seriously doubt he'd be down for the distraction and general crap that comes with Barry, especially having witnessed the madness first hand. And signing Barry would be- to say the least- tuning out fan interests. I imagine even the most agro of Dodger fans would have toruble wrapping their heads around that concept. For a GM or owner to risk such reaction, it needs to be a player that brings a hell of a lot to the table. Barry no longer qualifies, in my opinion.

AK

LoLo,

You lucky dog! Being on the least coast in D.C. will allow you to go to tons of games featuring the Princess and Lugie.

Just be sure to check the paper to be sure that she's not on the DL. At least we know that Lugie will BE THE SHORTSTOP!

Barry Bonds tops the list of people I'd hate to see as a Dodger, but there are a few others:

Odalis Perez - guy was a whiny little punk!!!
Gary Sheffield - need I say more?
Chipper Jones - I think he's tremendously over-rated
Johnny Damon - see C. Jones

I'm sure there are a few more, but the boss is now looking... He's a Giants fan

Dodgerdog,

Personally, I would look forward to them naming the old "Mark McGwire" highway after Barry, then later taking Barry's name off it after he gets buried in his own post-career disgrace.

Then comes the capper, when they announce Raffy (and his new highway) as a minority share owner. haha

AK

AK,

You're a Cardinals fan? Aaaarggghhh I still hate the Cardinals for crushing the Dodgers in 1985. I was a senior in high school and a buddy came back the next day and started BLOGGING that Jack Clark had cork in his bat and that the game was ruled a forfeit by the Cardinals for cheating...and that the Dodgers were going to the Series! I bought it and was full of joy. When I found out that friend was just joking, I beat the living crap out of him and we were no longer friends. The Cardinals not only cost the Dodgers a World Series appearance that year but I lost a friend. hahaha.

But seriously, I don't think Barry going to the Cardinals should make you feel so sick. Like you said, if you can root for Romanowski (who spit in another man's face) you sure can root for Barry. Romo committed an assault and I don't think Barry did anything like that. The guy is definitely a bad example for kids to look up to but he isn't a criminal (not yet anyway). He likely perjured himself in the Grand Jury, but I think a lot of people would have in his situation. As a baseball fan, you have to enjoy his talent. I'm not rooting for the person himself but what he is doing for my team.

I wouldn't mind if Bonds came to the Dodgers, if he helped them win the World Series. I'm not gonna pass judgment on him as a person. As a ballplayer he should be judged on the field only. He is a likely cheat but we don't know for sure. Only difference is that we suspect he cheated whereas we don't suspect others who cheated or DON'T CARE about others who cheated.

AK,

I would the best news I ever heard. Barry Bonds a Cardinal. LOL! After all the stuff you've written it serves you right! LOL!

Oh God..let it be true. Let it be true! Let it be true! LOL!

mike

Dodgerdog,

Trust me, I'm dying with anticipation. Drew in Boston is must-see-tv. After all, they're already booing him and he hasn't even put on the uniform yet.

AK,

The first topic on "Around the Horn" is Barry going to the Cards. I think it might happen. HAHA!

I think Drew will be just fine in Boston. He's too stupid to know that he's hated and besides, he's been booed all his career even from the home fans that he wouldn't know any better. It doesn't matter that the booing will be louder in Boston than anywhere else he has been. He might actually feel more at home there.

Gagne - Giants or Boston? Which is better? I like him in Boston. And I bet the rumors of one team that offered the $5 million is Boston. BORAS is really putting the screws to Theo. I bet he tricked Theo into signing his players (Drew $70 million, Gagne ?) by telling me that Matzusaka would sign for less if Boston had all these players in place. Theo is a puppet.

Rob,

Let me make something clear, in case it gets misinterpreted.

I meant OTHERS have rooted for Romanowski once he joined their team. I have NEVER rooted for that ass clown. EVER. In my life. I'm not sure a player in any sport ever has suited up during my lifetime that I hated more. Compared to Romo, I'm the president of Barry's fanzine. haha

AK

AK,

Just so your "assclown" comment doesn't get misinterpreted, you're saying you don't like Romo? HAHA!

Lolo,

I love "ass clown." It's how Micheal Bolton the film character describes Michael Bolton the singer in "Office Space."

AK

AK:

It could be worse...they could have brought the Princess BACK AND sign Bonds too. How would you like to read that over your morning Cheerio's?

;)

Dude, if it happened with the Dodgers I would likely not watch a single game for a looooong time. Maybe never again.

Looking at it on the Cards side...much as I don't like the guy, LaRussa is likely a manager with the experience to handle a guy like Bonds. If it does happen can we send you some Gentleman Jack and a box of straws? Maybe a bucket of Xanax? Let us know and I am sure we can all chip in to help the KBros out in their time of need!!

AK,

"There was nothing wrong with it, until I was about 12 years old and that no-talent ass clown became famous and started winning Grammys!"

Dannnnngggg LoLo...tell us what ya really think about Prince...HAHAHAHA...

OK, gotta get back to watching Chamred...Piper is having her baby today. And none of them have any magic right now.

OMG, she is having her baby on the dinner table!!

THE BLOGGERS ON LAKERSBLOG HAVE BEEN LABELED
COMMON FOLKS AND AEOS. NOW ON THE BLUE NOTES
WE ARE RUGRATS???US FANS CAN'T GET RESPECT NO
WHERE. NO EVEN ON THE BLOGOSHERE.
TRADE AK, BK AND LOLO.
( I'M JUST GRUMPY AFTER A NO-SHOW BY THE LAKERS
LAST NIGHT. IT WAS RATHER OFF-PUTTING).

Stargazin,

Well, to be fair, another reader referred to the blogging nation as "common," not me or BK. And the "A.E.O.S" folk aren't necessarily the Lakersblog faithful, just people who aren't Kobe.

As for Rugrats, what's wrong with that? They've had a few successful TV shows and feature films. Merchandising. Q Rating out the wazoo. We should all be so lucky. haha

AK

The hottest rumors had Tampa Bay's Rocco Baldelli going to the Braves, who could swap prized pitcher Chuck James, a 25-year-old lefthander. There was talk - later dismissed - of a potential blockbuster trade in which Baldelli would go to Atlanta and All-Star Andruw Jones to the Dodgers.
-- St. Petersburg Times

I am a big proponent of not booing our players when they don't do well. However, if Barry came to LA, I would boo him every time he came to bat. It is contrary to everything the Dodgers stand for, so I doubt he would be here.

Other players:

Chipper Jones, as stated above

Drew

Bradley

Sheffield

On another note. The one player I would give a left nut for is Pujols

OK. I LOSE AGAIN. I RETRACT THE TRADE DEMAND.
ALTHOUGH THE TRADE DEMAND FOR PENNY IS STILL
IN FORCE. I CAN'T WATCH ANOTHER SEASON OF PENNY
WADDLING OUT TO THE MOUND.

AK-

Not to rain on your parade ... but is it too hard for Tribune Co & the LA Times to actually find a blogger that is somewhat a fan of the blue?

I understand journalism is universal and in theory objective, but a blog should be a passionate fan's view - someone that's been on this wacky ride with me over the last 20+ years.

Oh well, I guess when your superiors are Plaschke, Simers, Pucin, Shakin & Adande the bar's been set relatively low and I should be happy that you're familiar with the color of the team.

Cheers-

Hey Folks:

Is Gonzo a HUGE step above Steve Finley (who is availble)?

Nicm,

I hope it's very hard, because otherwise I'd be out of a job. haha

All kidding aside, I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, BK and I were specifically hired to do the blog from a journalist's POV, not a fan's. Thus, whoever they'd hire, even a blue bleeder, would theoretically be presenting the blog in similar fashion. What BK and I try to do, however, is take that fan's passion and energy and try to channel both into making the blog as fun, informative and entertaining as possible. Hopefully, that's a nice trade off.

AK

NICM- THERE ARE PLENTY OF BLUE BLEEDING BLOGS
OUT THERE. THERES ONLY ONE BLUE NOTES.

Nicm,

Just the thought of Plaschke & Simers being ANYBODY'S superiors has me laughing hysterically, yet that got to be a real downer for the Brothers Kamenetzky hear. You should make clear that you're joking about AK & BK having to "look up to" Plaschke & Simers, before the brothers go stick their head in a deep fryer at the nearest Tommy Burger out of depression.

Seriously, as STARRY says, there is only one BLUE NOTES. And if you're looking for a blog where you can be sure that 100% of the people are blue bleeders, Nicm, I suggest you check out this blog:

http://kittyscavern.com/smurfs%2Dblog/

It just hit me a few minutes ago: As immature as Penny is, does anyone think he is taking offense to all of this trade talk? I mean, this can give him a good reason to pout. This can't be a good thing. Now that his name has been thrown around we might be better off going through with a trade (as long as it's reasonable).

NICM,
I think AK/BK are doing a great job and should get a thank you for the BlueNotes Bloggers. I don't necessarily think you have to be a Blue Fan to run the blog. I think it actually works better that AK/BK are not die-hard Dodger Blue fans because then they bring a little more objectivity to the table. It also helps that you have some other characters on here like Lolo and Grump, Makoto and the Skipper.

Stargazin,
Agee, only ONE BLUE NOTES

Not being a Dodger Fan I never pass through this K Bros blog but as soon as heard that the Cards may be interested in Bonds I had to stop by.

It's kinda like when you slow down while driving by an accident. I couldn't help but look. haha

DBB,

Thanks to you, my stomach hurts. I still can't stop laughing about that Smurph blog.

Nicm-

Green and gold, right?

BK

GONZO'S A ONE YEAR STOP GAP BUT WITH DREW'S HISTORY
OF INJURIES IT WOULDN'T SURPRISE ME IF GONZO HAD
MORE RBIS THAN DREW IN 2007.

ROB- YEAH, CHARACTERS R US.

The best part of the Michael Bolton banter is: "Have you ever thought about going by Mike?"- Peter

"Why Should I change my name, he's the one who sucks!" -MB

X- ITS A KINDER/FRIENDLIER BLOG.
PLUS M.T. HASN'T STARTED A JOURNAL HERE, YET.(OOPS)

A smurf blog was actually the first project we pitched to the Times, but then they discovered the other one already in existence while the meeting was underway. Luckily, we were able to think on our feet and pitch Lakers and Dodgers, so everything worked out just fine.

AK

SEEMS LIKE THE ORIGINAL STORY WAS THAT THE TIMES
APPROACHED YOU AND YOU GUYS HELD OUT FOR A 5
YEAR CONTRACT?????? ( 3 MILL A YEAR?)

Not sure how long a go you read that article AK, But this is from the giants website....I think Barry takes a big dark cloud over his head wherever he ends up...

http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061207&content_id=1753614&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf

haha ...

AK, I do like your blog, but I look at blogs like a bleeding of the subconcious - far different from an article which is a daily and subsequently exceptionally predictable piece of reporting. Since you're not bound by print, you can react to Dodger/baseball news as it happens and my specific preference in that scenario is to read the rabid mental dribblings of a Dodger fan. Much like Weisman, who I think is wrong 90% of the time - I can still sympathize with him and enjoy the journey and perspective.

Anyways, I do enjoy your blog, I'm just upset at the times (still the most reliable rag in town), not only because of my perceived low quality of journalism and lack of objectivity, but because every self-absorbed journalist promotes themselves nationally and embarasses our fine town. :)

But keep up the good work!

bytheby Nicm (sic) = Nick

What BK and I try to do, however, is take that fan's passion and energy and try to channel both into making the blog as fun, informative and entertaining as possible. Hopefully, that's a nice trade off.

IT'S AWESOME AND YOU GUYS DO A HELL OF A JOB.
THANKS!!!

Nick (and everyone else),

Thanks for the nice words. We appreciate it, and we're glad you're enjoying the babble we call a blog. haha

AK

LOLO- I CONSTANTLY WORRY ABOUT PENNYS STATE OF MIND.
THATS WHY HE HAS TO GO.

STARGAZIN IS #2
OHIO STATE IS #1

Nick, Jim, etc.-

Thanks. We try to do our best. If it makes anyone feel better, growing up I liked the Dodgers. Cool unis, great stadium, exotic-and-glamorous location.... I just couldn't stand Tommy Lasorda. But in fairness, nobody outside of LA liked him, either.

BK

Oh, By the way,
I cannot think of anyone so loathsome as Bonds.
I would seriously withdraw from following the Dodgers and take it as an affront if they signed him. He is not a good person and I do not think he deserves any accolades, records, or anything else.

BK,
That is funny as I have never been a great fan of Tommy. I loved the location, uniforms, colors, and history. They were America's team when they were in Brooklyn. Tommy thrived on Alston's team initially and then because of the Dodger system that had a great farm system and developed players instead of buying them. It looks like we are once again on the right track.

Every day I thank the good Lord that Tommy Lasorda is a Dodger. I find his passion and love for the Dodgers and baseball in general contagious and joy to behold.

As Dodger manager, he was not the greatest strategist but he more than made up for that as a motivator and team leader. He always knew how to get the most out of his players -- it's just too bad Tom Niedenfuer wasn't one of them (although, being Cardinals fans, I'm sure AK and BK would disagree with that). ;-)

Len

All the Bonds talk got me thinking about him and, really, his dad. Not sure how many people here actually remember Bobby Bonds when he was playing. Hey, it was not that long ago..but he had AWESOME talent. He really started all this 30-30 stuff in an era when that was just unheard of...

Interesting thing about Bobby Bonds is he was traded early and often in his career. He was definitely one of the "Bitterman" sort of players. I think his game easily was as good, if not better then Barry's. But again he played before the age of the chemically augmented ballplayer. But, it is interesting to speculate if Bobby was actually an early user of the 'roid stuff, he did die of lung cancer and a brain tumor. Both could have been side effects of steroid use. Just think Lyle Alzado.

It would be a very sad legacy if that is what his dad taught him it takes to be the best. And while speculation there had to be reasons he, Bobby Bonds, was traded so often. It just makes a person wonder.

BTW, during his playing days BB was one of my FAVORITE players to go watch play. Anytime I could go see a game with him I did so...he really could light up a game.

Anyway just another log to throw on the Barry Bonds fire...I really feel for the guy. Seems as if he was fine back in Pittsburg but then when around his "family" he did a 180 and became just Mr. Me...sorta like his dad was but somehow worse I think.

Kbros:

You can breath now...Barroids just signed with the Giants...$16M one year deal:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6250002

Good news for the K Bros: Looks like Barry is staying in the cespool.
Read a great line on Yahoo: The Giants do not have to pay Social Security for their players because half of the guys are already collecting!
I guess Barry will pass Hammerin' Hank. I hate that since there is no doubt that Barry has "enhanced" his performance. How many home run hitters hit their pack and accelerate after age 35?
Great job by Ned, IMHO!
The only thing that I did not like was 5 yrs for Pierre.
3 yrs for Schmidt-Outstanding! Anyone else remember a 7yr-105Mil deal for another 33 yr old?
Great article in the times today on Ned talking about not wanting to get rid of the "kids".
Hopefully, we can get some value for Toby Hall. He deserves to start somewhere.
LoLo, I agree all of this Penny trade talk will only cause him to sulk and put on weight instead of buckling down and hitting the gym.
However, that is an awesome starting rotation and even better if Penny can get his head screwed on straight and get in shape. (Not likely)
Middle relief is also a concern.
Overall, I say let's bring on the season!
Lex

Imagine how much better Bobby Bonds would have been if he hadn't had to fight the demons of alcohol.

Check this out! This think stunk from the get go:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/sports/baseball/08chass.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

AK'
I am happy for you. Barroid signed with the Giants. Loathsome person, loathsome organization.
Perfect match.
Far away from their roots, Mathewson the gentleman and excellent fundamental baseball.

Dodgerdog,

We can only imagine how good Bobby Bonds would have been w/o the problem he had with booze. I did more reading about him after that last comment I posted. I was completely unaware he had a drinking problem. That would explain why he was traded and honestly might explain all the K's every year. If nothing dude could K with the best of them, even Dave Kingman!

It also makes one wonder if Barry is not over compensating because of the problems his dad had? It could make him even more driven but also, it could make him very secretive and withdrawn. Now to be accused of using basically drugs (who knows, but we "know") he really might be trying to prove he can do it w/o them.

But, man was that guy FUN to watch. It is also why I followed Barry from the time he first came up. Just because he way Bobby Bond's son...same fr Griffey Jr.

oooooo...that ugly T-WORD has reared it's oh, so oooogly head....

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6251020

HAHAHAHA...that would be perfect!!!

SM4E:

Nice find!! I commented on it too but seems you "scoop'd" us all...

How fun to see both The Anit-Christ and his toad-familar Theo taken down in the same stroke.

I loved Colletti's comment that he has not decided what to do just yet. Can you say leverage to pry away Manny for almost nothing? Then once he gets Manny he files a report anyway?

I also liked the one observation as to the type of person that Drew is, he would not walk away from a $33M guarantee for the unknown. It makes it sounds as if the only way he walks is if the devil made him a promise...and how would that promise be valid unless the Theo was in league with the anti-christ already.

Also, just how many teams did Boras discuss Drew with? It was as if Drew quit, hopped on a plane to Bawstun and waked into Theo's office. There was no hesitation and no doubt about what was to be done. They should have put up a better smoke screen...

Given the amount of money involved anymore, this is going to happen more and more...maybe tampering is going to be the "next sterioids"??? I do not blame the players in this case at all.

Wonder what we might get in a settlement against Boston for tampering with J.D. Drew?
"Yes, Mr. Selig, we have decided that we will take David Ortiz as compensation for losing Drew. J.D. was such a 'vital' cog in our team last year and replacing him has been near impossible. In fact, we feel that Boston indeed was trying to blackmail us by taking our star player and then offering us Manny Ramirez at an insanely high price of talent. This clear 'shake-down' by the collaboration between Scott Boras and Theo Epstein can only be rectified by our obtaining Boston's premiere player for the same $100,000 sum that Boston received from the Yankees for Babe Ruth. Thus we hope to start another century-long Red Sox championship drought."
How popular would Drew be in Boston after that?

grumpy,

"I loved Colletti's comment that he has not decided what to do just yet. Can you say leverage to pry away Manny for almost nothing? Then once he gets Manny he files a report anyway?"

That's a brilliant idea...how about a little blackmail to go with your tampering!!

All indications are that the Princess was as happy as he could be; living in Southern California, playing for the Dodgers. Apparently he was even looking forward to next season with great anticipation (I find that ever so slightly hard to believe). He then one day ups and leaves, putting himself in a situation which is unfamiliar and loaded with pressure, all in the name of something he is already drowning in (money!). I don't buy it! Not for one minute.

We would all agree that in the long run the Dodgers are better off as a result. Yet it would still be nice to see Theo and Boras squirm a bit (if not get taken to court!). When it's all said and done, the real punishment is that they are stuck with Drew for the next five years. You almost have to feel for them; for that, in and of itself, is punishment enough!

I feel a new thread coming on...............wait for it.....wait for it.............

I read something about a possible tampering issue about a month ago. It said if tampering was found, Drew would probably be made to honor his contract. I freted over that possibilty and never gave it any concern. I have also found it very coincidental that so many Borat clients sign with the Bosox. Gagne was heading that way too and they may now get cold feet with Borat telling Gagne to sign with the Dodgers to aleviate some of the heat on him.

Let's give Pierre a chance and lighten up on the guy. This is reminding me of all the bashing last winter/spring that was reaped on Nomar, Lofton, Furcal et.al. and even on Maddux after the trade.

Bigblue's right!!! Everybody keeps talking about JP's low OBP, but I was looking at his stats and here is how his AVG/OBP stack up:

2001 - .327/.378 - Rockies
2002 - .287/.332 - Rockies
2003 - .305/.361 - Marlins
2004 - .326/.374 - Marlins
2005 - .276/.326 - Marlins
2006 - .292/.330 - Cubs

Looking at this, he has some high OBP years and low ones. I was thinking about the inconsistency there and this is my thought - when he has good hitters behind him, he's more willing to take a walk. In '01, the Rockies had Todd Helton, Larry Walker and Jeff Cirillo batting behind him. The '03 Marlins had Mike Lowell, Ivan Rodriguez, Derrick Lee, Miguel Cabrera, and Luis Castillo. '04, take out I-Rod and D-Lee, put in LoDuca and Jeff Conine. With the Cubs, he didn't really have that except for Aramis. Jacque Jones always batted 4 or 5, Lee was out most of the season, and Matt Murton was usually the 6 or 7 guy. He had Todd Walker for half the season, but no one else on that club could even hit. When a proven hitter feels like he HAS to be the catalyst, he's a lot more likely to put every ball in play. Plus, Dusty Baker's never been really big on taking walks. The most anyone on the '06 Cubs had was Ramirez with 50. In comparison, even during his injury-shortened '06 season, Jeff Kent took 55. With Nomar, Kent, Furcal, Martin, Gonzo, Ethier, in our order I think we can expect something more like '03.

Last year, Gonzo hit 52 doubles. I know that was then, but if he even approximates that (say, 40?), plus his solid clubhouse presence (are we seeing a trend here?)and leadership qualities, who gives a s**t about the Princess anymore.

But, I love it that the anti-Christ and Theo the Genius may be made to squirm over all of this. But, rather than Big Sloppy, I'd take Jonathan Papelbon as compensation. Then we can really get rid of Bad Penny.

LoLo, warming up your booing voice yet?

SKIP- STILL WAITING...

BAD PENNY- HEADS OR TAILS.

NILS- GOOD ANALYSIS. I LIKE IT. I THINK WE'VE GOT
GOOD VALUE THERE. SEEMS LIKE THE DODGERS PREACH
PATIENCE AT THE PLATE. I THINK IT WILL RUB OFF
ON JP.

DD- I'LL TAKE GONZO OVER PRINCESS ANY DAY. SEEMS
LIKE SOME OF GONZO'S HOMERS HAVE BECOME DOUBLES.
THAT'S OK. 52 2 BAGGERS IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.
BETWEEN NOMAR, KENT AND GONZO ,WE'LL DOUBLE THEM
TO DEATH.

DOESN'T MATTER,
WE ARE JUST HAPPY TO BE RID OF DREW.