As it turns out, Joe will probably say it ain't so
This just in. The Yankees have officially offered Joe Girardi a spot on the payroll as their manager. No word yet on an official response, but should things go as expected, unless his last name is "Torre" (or "Mama," since everybody loves a "mama" joke), the odds of a Dodger manager next season with "Joe" as a first name could be a long shot. Of course, it was probably a long shot to begin with, so those hankering for change can perhaps take comfort with that notion. (UPDATE: Of course, the minute I type the words "long shot," it's being reported that the Dodgers are holding court to court Torre. Ain't that the way things go? To make me look silly? At any rate, stay alert!)
Then again, if the Dodgers can swing it so A-Rod mans their hot corner, fans might not even care who the skip is. They could hire BK and everything would be cool. Well, maybe not BK, but you get the idea.
-- AK
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This Joe is interested
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Torre-will-take-Dodgers-job-if-when-it-opens?urn=mlb,51310
Posted by: Andres | October 29, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Oh well... I knew it wasn't going to happen but it was nice to contemplate.
Who on God's green earth has the 27-28 million a year to give Boras for A-Rod. That is simply outrageous. I hope the Dodgers are not stupid enough to handcuff the payroll with one guy making over 1/4 of the budget. Think of the multiple players you could get with that. One guy will not put LA in the world series.
Posted by: Andy B | October 29, 2007 at 11:52 AM
hell, id prefer bk of grittle....
Posted by: the WOLF | October 29, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Well no Girardi which is too bad cause he probably would have been a good fit. But theres still a lot of rumblings about Torre which would be interesting. Not completely sure that hes a good fit. His track record speaks for itself, but new team, city, completely different situation. That said I'd much rather see Torre in control than Grady.
Even if theres no change maybe it'll at least have shown Grady that his job is on the line.
Posted by: jukuren | October 29, 2007 at 12:33 PM
It's being reported that the Dodgers are courting Joe Torre. Guess we'll know soon.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/10292007/sports/yankees/joe_hollywood.htm
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | October 29, 2007 at 12:54 PM
It's a no brainer for the dodgers to hire Joe Torre and buy out Little. And they should sign A-Rod too; it will bring great energy and buzz to the team, the stadium and LA baseball in general. A perfect storm, Torre is great with young talent, and A-Rod is all Hollywood........
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | October 29, 2007 at 02:12 PM
BIill Plaskchke's
"Money talks, but were McCourt and Moreno listening?"
Now that was a good read. Especially when he says:
"The Red Sox treat their young talent as assets to be turned into profits."
That was brilliant!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 29, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Torre and A-Rod would be a monster snag for the Dodgers.
Just like Bonds and A-Rod would be monster with the Angels.
Can you imagine that for the Angels?
Batting third: Bonds as the DH
Batting fourth: A-Rod
Batting fifth: Guerrero
Man o' man that's one hell of a "the heart of the batting order" for the Angels.
And I have a feeling if the Angels sign A-Rod...I think Bonds would come along at a low price for a chance to win it all.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 29, 2007 at 02:32 PM
The Dodgers better step it up because I don't think Moreno is going to let this pass.
Heck, I just had to look up how to spell Moreno. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 29, 2007 at 02:36 PM
BREAKING:
Buster Olney just reported that the Dodgers HAVE DECIDED TO REPLACE Grady Little....There first choice remains Joe Girardi, and if he takes the Yankees job, as expected, their next choice is Joe Torre........
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | October 29, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Well that Girardi negotiating ploy worked.
Let the Red Sox have Arod and give us Lowell
Posted by: benzo jones | October 29, 2007 at 03:11 PM
PLEASE do not let the Dodgers get A-Rod. As impressive as his numbers are, he has done nothing but drag down franchises his whole career with his lack of leadership, poor postseason performance and payroll-draining contracts. Let him go be a drain on the Angels; I'd much rather see that. (I'm hoping that the bad taste in Colletti's mouth over the Drew deal is still there, and that he'll avoid anymore Boras entanglements.)
I agree with Benzo -- screw A-Rod, let's go after Lowell.
Posted by: Eric B. | October 29, 2007 at 03:45 PM
TORRE - A-ROD? NO!!
TORRE- MATTINGLY? YEESSSS!!!
DON'T FORGET, MATTINGLY'S SON IS ALREADY IN THE DODGERS FARM SYSTEM!
Let's get some real baseball minds in charge of this team!
Posted by: Steve M. | October 29, 2007 at 05:39 PM
I am torn. While it would be great to have A-Rod's numbers, the timing of the opt out announcement just reinforces how little class he has. The price would just seem too steep. Welcome to $20 parking and $8 Dodger Dogs.
As for Torre, he has been great in NY but before that not so much. Still I am willing to invoke the Tomko Dictum-any change would be positive.
Posted by: uclart47 | October 29, 2007 at 06:42 PM
I love how the Red Sox fans in Denver yesterday were shouting NOT to sign a-rod.
Once there was a time I thought it was a good idea, but what he did yesterday in announcing the opt out DURING the game was major BS.
No man is bigger than the game... except maybe Tomato...
Posted by: benzojones | October 29, 2007 at 07:35 PM
mike lowell?
no thanks! no more red sux, gnats, or drays on this team! we need to trade with strapped team like the marlins for players or give our youth a chance. if torre comes here (i hope to god) let him access the talent.
one thing about torre: can he adjust to the national league? grits was a red sux manager and still thinks he is (esp. with him thinking pierre is manram), so i hope torre can adjust.
Posted by: the WOLF | October 29, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Some of you want to avoid A-Rod at all costs. I couldn't disagree more (but I apologize for the verbosity that is about to follow-sorry).
1. I certainly wouldn't sign Mike Lowell. He's a good player, but nowhere is he in A-Rod's class. Besides, his numbers are likely padded somewhat by playing in hitter friendly Fenway.
2. With a seating capacity of 56,000 the Dodgers have the potential to draw 4.5 million people. They drew 3.8 million in 2007. Let's suppose A-Rod's presence results in a season attendance increase of 500,000. And let's suppose that the average fan spends $50 for a ticket, food, parking and merchandise (I really have no idea what the number really is). That translates into an additional $25 million in revenue.
3. Further revenue could also be generated via various forms of advertising, merchandising, etc.
4. If A-Rod's presence leads to the desired effect, and the Dodgers advance further through the playoffs (maybe to the World Series), then cha ching, more revenue.
5. I live NY, so this isn't much of an issue with me, but it is for lots of you. The signing of A-Rod could justify an increase in ticket prices (especially if A-Rod helps the Dodgers advance further through the post-season). Cha ching again, more revenue.
6. I'm not worried about A-Rod's poor performances in past post-seasons. Derek Jeter didn't exactly light it up this year. The past is not always a good predictor of the present. If he contributes to getting the Dodgers into the playoffs, I'll take my chances.
7. I think Andy LaRoche can become a good player, even a very good player. But he's still unproven, and there are questions concerning his health (especially his back). And besides, cheaper though he will be, I do not believe he will even approach A-Rod's numbers. Furthermore, were the Dodgers to actually sign A-Rod, LaRoche might become part of deal to fetch another player or pitcher.
8. Unlike some of the veterans the Dodgers have brought in over the last few years, A-Rod is not overly old (33 next season), nor does he have a history of injuries. Consequently, I believe there is a very good chance he would be successful in LA. Of course, he's human, and anything can happen. After all, Murphy is always lurking in the shadows. So the Dodgers would need to make a decision regarding risk/reward. In this case, I think the risk is well worth taking for the potential reward. But, I'm not privy to the Dodger finances, so that's a decision for ownership/management.
9. I still believe that the Dodgers need to continue developing their own talent, and I want to see as many kids as possible in the lineup and on the pitching staff. The presence of a player like A-Rod provides the cushion (stability) to make that feasible. A-Rod's big bat in the middle of the order would reverberate throughout the lineup, and take a lot of pressure off the younger players. Just the thought of Kemp and Loney batting in front and behind A-Rod gets me excited. The ripple effect from the top to the bottom of the lineup could be a beautiful thing to watch.
So, should the opportunity present itself, the Dodgers need to put up like the large market team they are, or shut up. I'm not a huge Joe Torre fan, but if the Dodgers sign a big market manager at a big market price, they need to back it up with a big market player.
By the way, I'm not looking for A-Rod to hit over 50 homers, as nice as that would be. 30-40 will do just fine.
NEGATIVE EFFECT OF SIGNING A-ROD: it might encourage Jeff Kent to invoke his $9 million option for next year. That's a cancer we can do without, and don't need anymore. My preference would be the younger, more athletic Tony Abreu at 2B. And as I inferred above, having A-Rod in the lineup would make the transition to a player like Abreu a lot easier.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | October 29, 2007 at 08:02 PM
I for one would sign A-rod...why not? Is about time the Dodgers have an all-star player in their line-up. I'm tired of seeing wash-up players like Gonzalez, Kent, Garciaparra. Didn't the Dodgers average 4+ millions fans this season? Didn't they raise 50% of the parking price? Last time I check the beer prices were still pretty high, and Frank McCourt said the prices will go up on some seats around the stadium next season, this with a team that finish 4th place. Why not improve with the coaching staff and then sign an all-star player? It seems to me that some fans here are complacent with the team just barely making it to the playoff. Everybody is unhappy with the current state of the team but yet nobody is willing to make a change.
It's time for the Dodgers ownership to make a splash, to make the Dodgers relevant again. Enough with trying to run the team like the Kansas City Royals, or Tampa Bay DevilRays. The Dodgers do have a good nucleus of young players (Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier) but let's start surrounding these players with great talent, and not fading veterans. Stop hiring managers that should be coaching at double AA (Little, Tracy), and bring somebody like Joe Torre here, although I still say Kevin Kennedy would be a better choice, but anybody except Chicken Little at this point.
You know ARod is bound for greatness why not see him break the home-run record wearing a Dodger uniform? I would like to see that and I'm not an ARod fan.
Posted by: dcerros | October 29, 2007 at 08:39 PM
The chances of ownership actually making this work and signing both Torre and ARod seem slim at best.
Seems to me we need divine intervention to make this work. Lord if you can hear me HELPPPP!!!!!!
Posted by: dcerros | October 29, 2007 at 08:50 PM
I think for the Angels A-Rod make sense. But for the Dodger, not so much.
Posted by: paul | October 29, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Adding Joe Torre and buying out Grady is a no-brainer. Torre is one of the top 5 managers in the game, and Grady is below average. Grady's supposed biggest asset was his people skills, but his poor handling of the clubhouse situation this year shows that he is in over his head. If Torre managed the Dodgers this year, they likely would have won their division. The Dodgers had a stronger team on paper than either the Diamondbacks or the Rockies- a better manager turns the talent into results.
I also think signing A-Rod is a no-brainer. He addresses the Dodgers two top needs- a power hitting cleanup hitter, and a power hitting third basemen. The Dodgers lineup needs a serious power upgrade, and A-Rod is the best player in the game. When it is all said and done, A-Rod will break the home run record. Why not have it be in Dodger Blue? In terms of payroll flexibility, the Dodgers can still have it if they build the core of their team around the kids coming up. Garciaparra and Pierre should be traded (trading both would save the team 18 million). Letting Gonzo walk also saves the team $7 million. The $25 million saved there would likely offset the majority of A-Rod's contract (I think it will take $30 mil to sign him). Next year's outfiled should consist of Kemp, Either, and Delmon Young.
Posted by: Santa Rosa Dodger | October 29, 2007 at 09:30 PM
torre im not sold on...but signing him would be way better than signing a rod...if he hasnt won the yankees a world series, what makes everyone think he would be different for the dodgers...im not saying hes a bad or anything, just that for the amount of money, and length of contract boras will be going for, its not worth it for a guy who folds in the post season, even with joe torre managing i might add...there are other cheaper bats out there, that when you consider price and ability end up being a much better value...and would be more productive for a team
Posted by: doyersfan | October 29, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Sportscenter just reported that Joe Torre is now the Dodgers coach AND......Don Mattingly is his bench coach!!!!! That's right.....can anyone say AROD NEXT!?!?!?!?!?!
Posted by: SUNG | October 29, 2007 at 10:28 PM
yes espn reports torre is a dodger!! goodbye grittle! the people have spoken!!
Posted by: the WOLF | October 29, 2007 at 10:30 PM
It's not like I don't want the Dodgers to win and get great players here. And it's not my money. So why does paying one guy 30 million a year seem so sick to me?
Keep in mind if they obligate 150 million for 5 years or so for A-Rod, what happens when some of the "kids" turn in to great players and need to get paid? Will we have the finances to keep them or do we keep surrounding A-Rod with rookies because we can't afford to resign them?
Posted by: Andy B | October 29, 2007 at 11:03 PM