Theo Epstein Also Wants a Kidney From Ned Colletti and Whatever Money Grady Little Has In His Wallet

Any idea what's going on with Takashi Saito?

BK,

"...and Whatever Money Grady Little Has In His Wallet"

I would imagine that is very little. Get it? Little? Pun thing. Intended type. Tip your waitress.

Lolo-

You may have undone a lot of the good work you did with the recent Klymaxx reference.

Vincent-

Last I heard (at the press conference last week), they're still talking. Far as I know, he can either play here or back in Japan, so it's a matter of finding the right number to make it here. Colletti didn't sound like something was ready to happen, but didn't seem all that discouraged, either.

BK

K bros/LoLo,

This is the only time I'll say it, but I needed to. Go UCLA!
You won't hear any more than that from any more victories.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

So I was in Mexico for the weekend and when I come back I hear, while driving to work(yes, I actually work), that we are actually considering Loney AND Kemp AND Broxton. Sounds like we are going to get fleeced.

The asking price is insane. First of all, Manny is old. He's 36 years old. Second, he's up for a new contract in 2 years. There's no telling how the market is going to be then, but if it's anything like it is today it will cost an arm and a leg to resign him. At that point the Dodgers would HAVE to overpay to keep him for fear of having nothing to show for trading away some great prospects to get him.

I would trade ONE of those prospects for Manny, and NOTHING else. PERIOD. If Theo doesn’t like it then he can go hug Paul Depodumba*s while they prance around naked with Hee-Sop-Choi-bumper-stickers taped to their chests . We’ll pick up the entire tab as far as his contract is concerned, but I’m only giving them ONE prospect. It’s clear that Theo is trying to spite the Dodgers, so why we are humoring the SOB is beyond me. You think he wants to help us out? Does Fat a*s Wells for Kemp ring a bell?

Drop the Manny thing. We tried that “win now” thing and it took us forever to rebuild our farm system. Is two years of Manny worth putting a serious dent in out farm system? C’mon, people. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt, been the tee-shirt. Let’s not repeat stupid mistakes. We have enough former Dodgers running around the league beating the snot out of us and winning championships.

The fact that Ned is even humoring a trade even remotely close to what Boston is asking for is seriously starting to scare me. My worst fear is waking up and reading that Kemp and Broxton have been traded to that hunk of sh*t.

When I read the posts of Manny enthusiasts of varying stripes (from "at all cost" to more
modest "depending on the cost") seems a given that he's worth having. Any sense how much smaller left field in Fenway is relative to any other ML park, especially those in NL West? Any sense how little enthusiasm he brings to defensive tasks most days?
Any sense how rhat modest enthusiasm might disappear entirely since this will be his last contract - especially if the more-than- entire-Marlin-team-payroll options are picked up?
If Papi will suffer in his absence with Bons-like
walk numbers, who on this power-starved roster will provide Manny with protection? Why won't he have similar walk numbers? And how, at his age and commitment levels, will he adjust to a new league's pitchers?
I'm a relative "how you play the game" guy, and the way he plays it, too often, is a disgrace to the fundamental integrity of the game. No Manny,
no mas!

BK,

HAHA! It could have been worse. I could have referenced some of these other 80s jewels:

Charlene – Fire
Stacey Q – Two Of Hearts
Oingo Boingo – Little Girls

And who can forget the timeless hit:

Miquel Brown – So Many Men So Little Time

I really don't want to part with any of the young guys. Just hearing what scouting and player development thinks makes me want to wait around and see what happens. Another part of me however wants a playoff team, and we need another bat to just compensate for Drew leaving. It will be a tough decision and a very scrutinized one from the media and the fans. Colletti and the Dodgers are in a hole what ever they do now it appears.

well, BK, it does indeed appear that LoLo make have reached the Lymaxx of his Blog Career. Have you begun fielding trade offers for him? I mean while he still has some trade value. When this happens a Blogger's value can deflate quickly, sometimes it recovers soon but you never know when they may never come up to the plate again...

Sad to see the end of an era...

LoLo:

you wrote "...If Theo doesn’t like it then he can go hug Paul Depodumba*s while they prance around naked with Hee-Sop-Choi-bumper-stickers taped to their chests..."

HAHAHAHAHA...seems you have recovered from your early attempt at being punny...good to see you gots your groove back dude...

THAT was SERIOSULY FUNNY!! And it's an UGLY image that may have caused permanent blindness!!! Thanks!!

I sure hope we don't give up more than one prospect.
BK, Maybe a sign and trade for Julio "I'm a shortsop" Lugie can impres them? Ha! I would sure like to interest them in some former Devil Rays!
This line of discussion sure makes me nervous.
I hope that Ned doesn't lose his senses on this one.

I know this is gonna make me look kinda stoopid...but I just discovered the MLB radio online. Kinda fun to have the baseball stuff on in the background while I work.

But I'll be dang'd if I'll fork over $15 for the TV stream. I mean, why? sheesh...

Grumpy-

I have a standing offer of Lolo for a nice HP laptop with decent memory, but it's right at the end of the service deal and I'm afraid if I move Lolo and the computer dies, I'll be left with nothing. I think I might hold out for one of those fancy new Apple notebooks signed to a long term deal.

BK

BK:

Perhaps you could negotiate an extended warranty on the laptop? Or were you thinking of holding out for one of the 20" Apple "laptops"? I would get them to include a nice new Airport if you get an offer from Apple.

Keep us posted on the negotiations...the season is a ways off yet so, perhaps something more substantial might come along.

;)

Trade me for a Mac, an iPod, or a nice Pentium laptop with Centrino mobile technology; I don’t give a damn. I just want to make sure I get one of these deals that are going around. Let’s say, an extension of 5yrs/$35 million. I also want an opt-out clause that kicks in after 2yrs, just in case I take my blogging to the next level. I also want incentives: $250K for 20 references to bad 80s music, and $100K for every dozen references there after. I also want a limited no-trade clause where I can only be traded to 5 teams; those that will let LoLo be LoLo.

Keep laughing. It’s a seller’s market, homboyz!! HAHA!!

“I’m rich, beeeeatch!!”

And for those of you reminiscing about Ms. Miquel Brown, here you go (Don’t ever say LoLo didn’t hook you up. My parting gift to you before I get traded)…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-7d3oD8VGM

Lolo

"First of all, Manny is old. He's 36 years old."
WRONG. He's 34, and will be 35 when the season starts.

"Second, he's up for a new contract in 2 years." WRONG AGAIN. Boston holds two options on him, so we'd have the option of extending his contract through 2010 at a reasonable cost, considering what Soriano/Lee/Matthews(!!!!!)/Pierre(!!!!!!!!) cost.

Manny can flat out HIT. I was going to Boston University when the Sox first got Manny, and the prospect of him playing in LA makes me drool. We've never had a hitter as good as Manny - not Sheffield, not Piazza. The man is a Samurai. Even in our park, he'd hit 45-plus homers, simply because he'd be teeing off on the Giants and D-backs for 40 games a year.

That being said, I don't want to give up Broxton and two of the top prospects for him - but I'm close. If we can get the Sox to sweeten the deal (Hansen? Youkilis?), I say pull the trigger. Sure, Kemp has potential, Laroche has potential, Broxton, whatever. If you recall, Choi had some serious potential too. Manny is the real thing. DePodesta should do what he can to get him.

End of story.

OK "HACKSAW" ON KLAC. RED SOX TO OFFER 10 MIL
TO LUGO. TALK ABOUT YOUR "WACK JOBS". SOMEONE
IS SMOKING SOMETHING IN THAT ORGANIZATION.
IN ADDITION TO FINALIZING THE 14 MIL/PER YEAR
CONTRACT WITH DREW. THEY SURE LIKE EX-DODGERS.

What-what-what??? After reading BK's blog post, and after hearing AK on 710AM tonight, I am greatly dismayed to learn that they have decided to put Lolo on the trade block! If the rumors are true, and Lolo gets shipped away for a Foreman Grill, an Atari 5800, and a Chia-Pet to be named later, then 2007 can only be a CRUEL SUMMER for the BlueNotes Blog. . .

http://www.80smusiclyrics.com/images/bananarama_50.jpg

Is anyone else conserned that Bill Mueller might not be the best choice to serve as Ned's right hand man at Disney World this week? I think it's time for the Dodgers to bring in a new CONSIGLIERE. Someone whom everyone in SoCal knows can bring home the best deals around:

http://www.spotteddogs.org/images/funny_2005/AD-03.jpg

Tommy,

I won't argue with over Manny's offensive prowess, but I don't see him as a good fit in LA. There's a lot more ground to cover in the Dodgers' stadium outfield, and he won't have a massive wall to back him up on plays he can't make. As for his contract, Manny will most likely demand that his options be exercised (if he agrees with a trade in the first place), which can either be a blessing or a curse. Sure, $20 million a year might not be so overpriced for 30+ HR and 130 RBI, but does Colletti really want to be saddled with that kind of money for the next four years? Plus, what happens if one of the youngsters explodes in those four years for Manny-like numbers at less than 20% of the cost? It might be a long shot, but considering the players that Boston is demanding, it's not so unrealistic.

There's really no way that Boston can 'sweeten the deal' for Manny other than by demanding less in return. Even if the Sox were to try to package some other players (highly unlikely anyways, since they're looking for a minimum of three major league ready prospects in return for Manny alone), there's no one on their roster (that they would give up) that would be attractive to the Dodgers. Youkilis might be a fit at third, but Epstein would be better off lowering his demands instead.

I do agree with one thing you said, though. I, too, hope DePodesta does everything in his power to get Manny. Maybe if he whispers enough sweet nothings into Kevin Towers' ear, he can convince the Padres to send Peavy, Linebrink, Greene, and the entire roster of the Portland Beavers to Boston for one Manny Ramirez. I'm sure Padres fans everywhere will rejoice.

Tommy,

Are you sure he’s 34? I mean, he was born in the Dominican Republic; and we all KNOW about those Dominican birth certificates. Let’s just say accuracy is a virtue!

Anyways, like BK, I might have counted a leap year or two on accident.

As for Choi, and his “serious potential”; dude, the only place where Choi showed up as a “can’t-miss” prospect was on Depo’s stupid laptop that he sleeps with. Whatever program he was using was obviously developed by Microsoft since it had some serious bugs in it. If Depo saw any “serious potential” in Choi, it most certainly wasn’t on the baseball diamond (hence the bumper stickers).

Yeah Manny can rake. But the finny thing about hitting is the fact you have to be at the plate in order to hit a ball (that counts, anyways). If the guy is on paid leave, or just plain “being Manny”, it doesn’t do us any good. Using a “little man” as his own personal gerbil doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.

Why don’t we go get Sheffield too. Heck, let’s sign Bonds as well. They’re all the “real thing”. An outfield of Ramirez, Sheffield, and Bonds; I LOVE IT!!! An outfield full of characters, flakes, and people that refer to themselves in the 3rd person. But hey, those boys can surely rake.

I’d give it until July before Kent and Manny go at it. And with Little’s laissez-faire style of managing it sure will get very interesting. So as Vinny would say (assuming he wants any part of that clown out in RF), “a pleasant good-evening to you wherever you may be”, go ahead and “pull up a chair”. R.I.P. Don Drysdale and Jackie Robinson; THIS is the NEW LA baseball.

DBB,

Don't make me walk like an Egyptian.

Apparently Boston wants FOUR top prospects for Manny...

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061204&content_id=1750489&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la

I think Theo read Blue Notes, and everytime I mention him dancing naked with Paul Depodumba*s he raises the price. Hey Theo, kiss my #$@%!!!!

I could see giving up two prospects for Manny, but not three, and NOT LONEY!

BK,

I sure like Manny a lot and the Dodgers would sure be a force with him. But there is no way you entertain Theo's crazy proposal as is. The guy is being spiteful. He got Choi and he's still stewing over that one. D. Wells for Kemp?? Yeah, he's stewing alright. Then Ned offers Lugo arbitration and not Maddux? Little Theo is p'd! He has to give up a draft pick now. He's thinking, "anyone else but me and Ned doesn't offer Lugo arbitration!"

I would give up Kemp and package him with Penny, Tomko, or Hendrickson combo. The 3 players for Manny would definitely be beneficially to both sides. We definitely don't need to give more than 1 major prospect. The Dodgers today, without any other moves are a playoff contending team. And although another Manny won't come along any time soon, we can win with the team as is or maybe pick up a bat in the near future. This is definitely a time to exercise some patience.

Also don't give (LoLo) what he wants. The extension is warranted but the opt-out clause in 2 years?!.. when he takes his blogging to another level? ... He's at the top of his game now and the only level he'll take his blogging is down, way down but the Blogging profession will definitely heat up and contracts will surely be 10X today's market. And even a sorry, over the hill LoLo will be in high demand. So give him that 5 year extension, he'll be worth it.

Lolo, where is your loyalty man! If you opt out, I'm gonna have to get on here and start calling you Princess Drew's sister. haha

UUUMMMM...
Hey Tommy, have you heard the latest news....Depodesta got fired ...Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself either...LOL, Maybe I'm missing something but you are refering to his name as he is still the GM..Sorry to be the one to break it to you...LOL, I'm just bringing it up 'cause I think most of the people here don't like the D..word...LMAO.

All I'm saying is that the team is pretty damned mediocre as is. Sure, if we're lucky we might squeak past the Padres and into the playoffs, but we'll never make it past the first round. What do we have, Nomah and Kent hitting three and four??? If we could get Manny for Broxton and Laroche or Kemp, I'd pull the trigger in heartbeat. If Theo asked for Broxton, Kemp and Laroche, I'd seriously think about it. We're talking about Manny freakin Ramirez here. Mark Hendrickson and a 22-year old tools guy aren't going to cut it.

And Manny isn't nearly the freak that Bonds or Sheffield is. He's never had personal flare-ups with any teammate, as far as I know, so the whole Kent-Manny scenario seems a little far-fetched. His problem, if anything, is that he's too laid back. He's the biggest thing in Boston not named Brady, he has no privacy, so he's miserable. Out here, he's just another millionaire surrounded by movie stars and musicians. He'd be relaxed and he'd thrive.

And as far as the money goes, it isn't our money, and $20 mil for our very own superstar slugger ain't bad in this market. Heck, even Lolo might make $3-4 mil as an extra arm out of the pen...

LoLo,

If Manny were to join the Dodgers, Kent would go after him by the end of April.

Please, Ned, don't do it. Every year we are treated to stories about Manny Ramirez being traded, wanting out, needing a vacation. Although they are embellished by the hyper eastern media, he is way too much of a distaction. It is all about him, not the team.

The Dodgers have excellent prospects who are ready to take off and be stars. A group has been assembled of solid, character-type players and the negative ones have been dumped. Don't give up the vision to make a so-called big splash.

DodgerBlueBalls-

Those Atari systems are very appealing.

As for Lolo, look, here's the deal. Lolo is under contract for next year, and the year after. Yeah, he's odd, occasionally does strange things, wants a pretty outrageous extension, and can be a distraction, but the bottom line is he's a productive member of the lineup, and I don't have to move him unless the offer is right. I want productive young bloggers I can build a site around. Guys who can tell me who played Nat on 90210 without looking it up on the imdb. Guys whose outfits aren't limited to what the lead singer to Dexy's Midnight Runners wore in the "Come On Eileen" video.

Things like that. We're trying to build a champion, here.

BK

I think one of the reasons that Manny wants out is that he's seeing himself completely eclipsed by Big Papi. Now that he isn't the biggest name on his own team he wants to go somewhere where he is the name. I liked reading in the Dodgers article that Lolo provided that we are MORE likely to get Vernon Wells or Andrew Jones.

San Diego Radio Stations (which shouldn't ever be counted on for dependable journalism) reported this morning that the Padres are pursuing a deal for either Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn. If Adam Dunn is even remotely available, why isn't Ned going hard after him? He'd be a great fit in right field, he'd have the power the Dodgers need, and he would play with a little more competitive fire than Manny (Does anyone else read Tommy's description of Manny being "Laid Back" as being too similar to a recently departed Princess?).

Then again, this was all speculated by the San Diego media, and I would rather trust this guy over the Bordertown hacks:

http://archer2000.tripod.com/wkrp/images/nessfont.jpg

The Dodgers need to make a move soon, because we are all getting a little loopy over here. But I love it.

Rob,

"If you opt out, I'm gonna have to get on here and start calling you Princess Drew's sister"

That's a low blow, man. Those are fighting words. HAHA!

"As for Choi, and his “serious potential”; dude, the only place where Choi showed up as a “can’t-miss” prospect was on Depo’s stupid laptop that he sleeps with. Whatever program he was using was obviously developed by Microsoft since it had some serious bugs in it. If Depo saw any “serious potential” in Choi, it most certainly wasn’t on the baseball diamond (hence the bumper stickers)."

You say this as if it is fact. Many people saw potential in Choi, not just Depo's laptop. I sure you knew better because you are some kind of baseball genius or something, but this guy was highly regarded by many GMs. The dude could hit a fastball.

"I would trade ONE of those prospects for Manny, and NOTHING else. PERIOD."

What a silly statement. Let's all praise the almighty LoLo doesn't run our beloved Blue.

BK,

90210? You've got to be kidding me. Are you serious? Dude, I know you're a lover, not a fighter, but did you have to stoop so low? I know the chicks digged Dylan McKay. And I know you wanted to sing "How Do You Talk To An Angel" just like bad-boy (and Donna Martin-beater) Ray Pruitt did (in the critically acclaimed drama, The Heights). But damn!

I'll admit that I had a little thing for Brenda Walsh. And I wanted to beat the crap out of Brendan Walsh so I could take Kelly Taylor (that dude deserved to end up with Andrea Zuckerman) and that sweet 66' Mustang away from him. And yes, Valerie Malone was a hot, sexy, little vixen that could do better than that high-school loser turned Kenny G/Kevin Federline "Hip Hop" artist, David Silver, did not deserve. But 90210? Are you kidding me?

Personally, I was “Melrose Place” kind of guy. That was “Singles” and “Desperate Housewives” all rolled into one.

Fix the pitching staff and wait for V. Wells or A. Jones.
It's a no brainer.

Dodgerdog,

I go to sleep every night praying that Ned doesn't end up doing something stupid to get Manny. It's scaring the hell out of me that Ned might seriously be thinking about giving up a package of any combination of those names. It sure doesn't help that Little is wetting his pants in anticipation.

This phrase makes me say WOW:

"Broxton, Kemp and Laroche, I'd seriously think about it." - Tommy -

Jim,

Ditto. I don't know what exact date "patience" went out the window, but there sure is a lot of desperation and irrational thinking going around.

If the market sucks, then don't feel compelled to pick anything up. It's that simple!

I can envision the conversation that went on between Theo and Ned:

Theo (to himself): Great! Here comes that bonehead Colletti and his NYPD mustache. I bet he wants to talk about Manny. Like I would help HIM.
Ned: So what do you want for Manny?
Theo: Broxton, Kemp, LaRoche, and Vinny.
Ned: Hmmmmmmm.
Theo (to himself): I can't believe that dumba*s is actually considering this.

stevendee,

Depo? Is that you?

Stevendee,

I don’t know why I’m doing this since you didn’t bring anything meaningful to the conversation, but I’ll humor your comments.

As for your “many people saw potential in Choi” comment, I’ll tell you why you’re wrong, and I’m right. The fact is that Choi was not on many radars, therefore “many people” didn’t see “potential in Choi”. The facts are that Depo did in fact have a program where he would input information on a player and derive an assessment of that player. Choi was your typical “Moneyball” player. Moneyball, as in the emphasis of stats that are often overlooked that determine the “real” value of the impact a player has on the game. Moneyball, as in winning with players that would otherwise be considered “bottom-of-the-barrel” and unappealing. By that definition alone you see that your statement that “many people saw potential in Choi” is inaccurate.

If so many people were so high on Choi then why weren’t people willing to trade for him when the Dodgers tried to move him? Fact is we cut him, and some time went by before anyone picked him up. Heck, even Billy Beane, Mr. Moneyball himself, wasn’t willing to fork over a few hundred-thousand dollars to pick him up.

Compounding the error was the fact that Depo was willing to blow up a contending team just to get his hands on him. The fact that you are referencing Choi and Depo to prove some kind of point is both ludicrous and comical.

As far as me being a “baseball genius”, I’m not. But the fact is that I make accurate statements. People may disagree with me, but in hindsight, when the smoke has cleared, my record speaks for itself. My statement about the prospects was sarcasm, and you obviously missed the simple fact that it is clearly evident that I want no part of Manny Ramirez.

Now, considering your statement of “praise the almighty LoLo doesn't run our beloved Blue”, if I could pull off a trade of Manny for ONE prospect wouldn’t you WANT me running the club? I guess you consider it best business practice to give up as much as you can when making a deal. I’d hate to see how you buy a car.

So, for the record, you know little about baseball, and little about business. How silly.

Epstein needs to pound sand!!!!!

Tommy,

I understand where you would think that Manny would “thrive” in this environment, but I disagree. The fact is that our locker room is nothing like Boston’s. Manny thrived in a environment that was very unique. I don’t see our guys walking around saying “ho-hum, we’re a bunch of loveable idiots.” And if Kent “hates people that are injured” then I’m sure he hates people that too laid-back. I do not think it is far-fetched to think that Kent would have a blow-up with a player. He blew up on Bradley. He blew on Bonds. Why would Manny be any different?

I don’t think our environment lends itself to what Manny needs so Manny can be Manny

We won't win w/ an outfield of Ethier, Pierre, and Loney. Plain and simple. Manny fixes those problems. Loney gets his ABs spelling Nomar and Manny. Do you really put Wells or Jones in left?? At possibly ARod $$$??? Manny is "affordable" w/ the cards that are dealt. Grady wants him. I think it'll work.

Hey LoLO, "Girls Get Prettier at Closing Time"....:)

"By that definition alone you see that your statement that “many people saw potential in Choi” is inaccurate."

So a guy that has good moneyball stats means that many people did not think he has potential? I don't understand your logic. Many, many people have read moneyball, so these types of players are getting aren't overlooked anymore. He was highly regarded when he first came up, and not just some nerds sitting in front of their computer. The guy was traded for Derek Lee for christ-sakes!(Obviously a terrible trade, but the point is that it wasn't just DePo and a few other nerds who saw amazing potential in the guy. He just didn't pan out, which happens ALL THE TIME in Baseball, probably more so than any other sport.)

"Now, considering your statement of “praise the almighty LoLo doesn't run our beloved Blue”, if I could pull off a trade of Manny for ONE prospect wouldn’t you WANT me running the club? I guess you consider it best business practice to give up as much as you can when making a deal. I’d hate to see how you buy a car."

I was obviously talking about the "NOTHING else. PERIOD." part of your statement. Sigh.

"Compounding the error was the fact that Depo was willing to blow up a contending team just to get his hands on him. The fact that you are referencing Choi and Depo to prove some kind of point is both ludicrous and comical."

Ummmm do you actually remember this trade? We gave up an aging catcher and a decent middle reliever, and we got a FRONT LINE starting pitcher. I don't understand how you could infer he broke up the team "just to get him." Talk about COMICAL!!!

"So, for the record, you know little about baseball, and little about business. How silly."

You know so much about me!!!!!

p.s. You also stated Manny was 36 years old. He is 34.

StevenDee,

Lolo has said some offensive stuff on here but the comments you quoted about sure isn't one of them. I would have been offended about "DepoDumba*s and prancing naked w/ Theo w/ Hee Sop Stickers stuck wherever they may be stuck." A sight that should be offensive to all... and if that sight doesn't offend you, I don't want to know you. haha..

That being said, I think you're right about Choi's potential and that some GM's saw it besides Depo. I might be bias being a Korean American and liking Choi as a Korean in the Big Leagues but I saw potential in him too. Unfortunately for Choi, he came to the Dodgers in a bad trade (for LoDuca) The trade made no sense and was made strictly b/c Depo's LapTop. I think Choi caved under the L.A. pressure and the pressure of the Korean Community here in L.A. He started to play to his popularity, (trying to hit HR's) and taking too many pitches down the pipe (trying for walks) that he failed.

Also although I don't always agree with Lolo, I always enjoy his post b/c he is very fair in his opinions... and you really can't ask for more from a blogger, than a fair opinion..... This is just MY OPINION of course.

“Many, many people have read moneyball, so these types of players are getting aren't overlooked anymore.”

Many people talk like they have read Moneyball, but they haven’t. Besides, even if they did, the book hardly explains the process of how to determine a player’s Moneyball worth. It’s not like it’s a reference book for Depo’s program. And the fact that 2 ball clubs were involved in a trade that included Choi (Derek Lee or not) hardly qualifies as “many people”.

“I was obviously talking about the "NOTHING else. PERIOD." part of your statement. Sigh..”

Still don’t get it, do you?

“Ummmm do you actually remember this trade? We gave up an aging catcher and a decent middle reliever, and we got a FRONT LINE starting pitcher. I don't understand how you could infer he broke up the team "just to get him."

Ummm, yeah. An “aging catcher” who just played a major role in a team that came close to going to the WS (do you remember who we were left with as a catcher after the trade?). Ummm, yeah. A “decent middle reliever” that helped setup Gagne (who eventually blew his arm out due in part to Tracy having to overwork him just to salvage the season and the pen). Umm yeah. The team barely held on to their playoff spot after the trade. And all we have to show for that trade is Penny, guy who got injured as soon as we got him, and was virtually worthless in the second half of last season. Details, details.

“You know so much about me!!!!!”

Well, apparently you think I’m a “baseball genius”.

“You also stated Manny was 36 years old. He is 34.”

Let go of the axle. Trust me, it’s OK. It won’t hurt.

Bigblue48,

I'm not going to lie. I had to look that one up, haha!

Isn't that a country song?

As long as we're going to re-hash that horrible trade.....

Losing LoDuca was bad enough, but the loss of Mota was the killer. It turned the setup role over to Darren Dreifort (oh, no!) and eventually destroyed Eric Gagne's career.

Now that is bad.

Rob,

For what it’s worth, I liked Choi. I liked him just the same as I like Tomato, Ramon Martinez, and Oscar Robles. Guys that might not have all of the intangibles, but as a collective whole form a great bench. The guy had pop and drew walks. Not a bad combo coming off the bench.

My problem with Choi has more to do with Depo than Choi. In fact, I never had a problem with Choi. I had a problem with the fact that Depo was obsessed with him and force-fed him down our throats. The trade that brought him here was a horrible one, so Choi was quickly put into a position to fail. Add to that the pissing contest between Tracy and Depo, and Choi never had a chance. But I never thought he was nothing more than a bench player. While he was good in some areas, he was not in most.

Hence the problem with people the likes of Depo and those that defend him. He was a fanatic; an irrational member of this Moneyball cult with a huge chip on his shoulder. He wanted the same thing that Theo wants; to be God. He wanted to prove that his methods were right, and everyone else was wrong. He got so wrapped around that notion that it skewed what little baseball knowledge he had. People that defend him and his moves are left with trying to prove menial and useless points. Dodgerthoughts, for example, is one of these sites that house these characters. You see them here as well sometimes. These are the people that drop in out of nowhere to say ridiculous remarks. It’s a dead horse that they won’t let it rest in peace for whatever reason.

Moneyball is gone. Choi is gone. It’s old news.

Isn't it somewhat irrelevant what some GM'S may have thought about Choi two seasons ago? Fact is, GM'S make wrong decisions all the time, and back then, a lot of fans thought Choi sucked. Turns out, the fans were right, and even with his scouting network and pentium laptop, Depo was wrong. Lolo wasn't the only person worried about Choi at the time, and history tells who was right. And, judging by just how bad Choi was, I'm guessing it probably wasn't a lucky guess either. Anyway, isn't it funny how Dodger fans bang on and on about how great our prospects will be one day, then as soon as a bunch of them are ready, finally, to make the step up, half of us can't wait to trade them! Tell me, what exactly have Loney and Kemp et al. done in the last season or two to convince you guys we can't win with them? Trading the farm for Man Ram might possibly make us stronger for one year, but it's guaranteed to make us weaker for the following 5 at least.

Oh, and for the record, I'm not a total Depo hater- I know a few on blog-o-sphere who won't even credit him with one decent move. Yes, he screwed the team, and no, he was not a good GM. But he did sign a few good deals in players like Kent and Lowe, and he didn't, at least, trade away the farm. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's gone, but I just want to be clear that I'm not just hating on Choi because he was part of the wrong Dodger era

"Hey Tommy, have you heard the latest news.... Depodesta got fired ..."

DOH! Pardon the brainfart.

"The fact is that our locker room is nothing like Boston’s. Manny thrived in a environment that was very unique. I don’t see our guys walking around saying 'ho-hum, we’re a bunch of loveable idiots.'"
Manny has never "thrived" in Boston in the sense I'm referring to. Sure, he's hit the crap out of the ball, but he's miserable. He's asked to be traded virtually every year since he's been there, even during the idiotic year. But bring him to LA, have him buy a nice house in the Hills and a Rolls Royce and he'd be content.

If Kent freaks on Manny by April, the problem is with Kent, not Manny.

Of course, all this is probably moot now, since Ned is being a prude. But 2010 will be a great year!!!

I read Moneyball and I have to say it has some validity. I don't think Depo was the answer as a GM but you have to give some credit to Billy Beane. The guy has done some amazing things in Oakland to keep that team competitive with the budget he has to work with. They are like a major league farm team with some of the talent that's come out of there.
I think you could make some argument that if Beane had Coletti's budget, you might find the A's in the world series.

Tommy,

Now, I'm not usually one to be nit-picky over hyperbola used to support weak points. After all, it's not in my nature to kick someone when they're down. But I thought it was quite poignant that you talk about 2010 in the same breath as bringing up a trade involving a bundle of top prospects for Manny.

You see, come 2010, were we to trade for Manny, there's a pretty good chance that this team will look like the San Francisco Giants of 2006, and that ain't pretty! Why is that? Well, for starters, our offense will be built around an aging slugger, getting paid a huge contract - $20 million dollars is a heck of a lot for a 38 year old, especially one who's not recieving assistance from Balco, nor one who's particularly known for his motivation and professionalism. Second, we'll have traded away most of the promising young talent, and, coupled with the huge contract we've given Manny, it will put us out of the running for any of the top young talent that might be coming onto the FA market at that time, meaning there's a good chance we might have to fill a lot of our positions with aging veterans prepared to play on short contracts. How anyone can look forward to 2010 with Manny in mind, and NOT be shocked at the picture they see is somewhat of a mystery to me.

But have no fear, there IS an alternative! You see, most of us have been getting excited by the likes of Loney, Kemp, Billingsley et al. for three or four seasons now. We've all imagined dreamed of how those boys, one day, might form the core of a side that could challenge win another World Series. And then BANG! Finally, in 2006 it starts to happen: some of those boys look like they're finally ready to make the step up and become men. Billingsley, Martin, Kuo, Loney, Broxton all show us that we won't have to wait until 2010 until they're ready to make the Dodgers competitive - these kids, couple with externally reared talent like Ethier and Betemit, cut the mustard in the here and now. But it gets better - waiting in the wings, perhaps only half a season or so away there's the likes of Kemp and LaRoche. Elbert could be in the show by 2008. Beyond that there's the likes of Alexander, Kershaw, or maybe even sleepers like DeWitt.

It's not like these names are coming to me out of the blue - I've been looking forward to watching them on the Dodgers for years, and finally, in 2006, it started to happen. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing it continue in 2007 - it might be that we're not quite strong enough yet to challenge immediately next year, but we should certainly be capable of winning our division, and beyond that, who knows? Then, by 2008 (round about the time Manny first demands to be traded) I see no reason at all we can't challenge for the World Series with a team built around these players.

Heck, they might not all make it, I know that. But even waiting just one year will put us in a FA class FAR more competitive than what we've been looking at this winter.

And anyway, how much difference will Manny really make in the here and now? If we sign Manny, our rotation will STILL be solid but unspectacular, and we'll have no more money to fix it. We'll likely lose our best reliever out of an already weak pen - and have you seen how much the Orioles have been paying for mediocre relievers in the last few weeks?

Anyhow, I've said my bit. Now I'm going back to sleep.

Asa

All of this talk about Manny Ramirez is so Sttuuppiiiddd. Don't go screwing up the farm system for some prima donna. So what if he hits a few homeruns in Beantown. He's not were mortgaging the future of this franchise for a couple of years..Prove to me that you're smarter than that Ned. Tell Grady to stick to managing and you take care the GM duties.

Hey BK,
My post from yesterday regarding Lolo didn't come up? Did you axe it? And if you did, what did I say that was wrong for it to get the axe? Please email me and let me know if that's the case so I don't attempt to post bonehead stuff again or just post this and reply so that all can see.

Rob-

Hey. Not sure what post to which you're referring, but if it got deleted unintentionally, sorry about that. I honestly don't remember, or it might have been AK who picked it up. Or maybe you said one of our no-no words.

Either way, if you wnat to try reposting, go for it.

BK

What happens IF Boston is found guilty of tampering with Drew?

Billy:

I would guess that the Dodgers get Drew back and/or work a deal with the BoSox if the Dodgers are of a mind to do so...and I suspect Theo and the Anti-christ are suspended from MLB either for life or for at minimum a year or so...plus a fine.

Much also depends on what they discovered the BoSox were up to in Japan...given all of these issues it could get most ugly for Bean Town...but hey if you aren't cheating you aren't trying. Though this is even dumber then Rose betting on baseball...and easier to figure out too.

But, given this commissioner's motives, I doubt there would me more then a slap on the wrist. Face it he is a PUSSY...