Some interesting Colletti quoteage
While I recommend listening to the audio from today's events, I pulled a few quotes from Ned Colletti's meeting with the print media today. There's some interesting stuff in it, from hints that Juan Pierre could be moved to left to a breakdown of the process by which Grady Little left and Joe Torre arrived.
Download ned_colletti_1_11.5 Torre Press Conference.mp3
Download ned_colletti_2_11.5 Torre Press Conference.mp3
The most interesting stuff, from a player standpoint at least, was listening to Colletti talk about the young players. I know a lot of people are worried that the Dodgers' GM will once again put some vets in front of the kids heading into '08. But while Colletti wasn't explicit about his plans- he rarely is- indications are that, at least in the outfield, there will be no Gonzo-esque additions this offseason:
(Click below for the pulls- I'm a tease like that...)
"We know where Russell Martin is, obviously. (Andre) Ethier is a guy who's played almost two years in the big leagues. So we're pretty sure where they're at. They're starting to get a dynamic with who they are going forward. I think (James) Loney's last month was really impressive. There's a lot of impatience with a guy like Matt Kemp because of his skills, but when you think about how short his baseball playing career has really been, he did hit .340 in the big leagues over two plus months. There's not a lot of people doing that. So I think as time goes on here, they have a chance to be major players on this club...
"Where they're at, we're fine with. They have to continue to do it. They're not complete. They can't just come in here and think that they're not going to have to continue to work and continue to grow and continue to understand the game better. And forget a little about personal accomplishment and more about figuring out how to win the game ...
At this point, I asked Colletti if he thought the Dodgers would look to veteran one-year veteran fillers- a nice way of saying "old guys"- to help fill out the starting nine. Again, while the answer wasn't iron clad, Colletti seemed to indicate that the young players (with the exception of Andy LaRoche, who in fairness has proven nothing as a Major Leaguer) will get their full-time shot this year.
"I think less. I can't predict who's going to be available or who we're going to bring in here, but I think as time has gone on, the younger players have more and more established themselves, and I think there's less need to continue to support them in the same manner. You still need players, you still need good players, but I sense that the younger players are starting to gain on it."
Remember, the minor league arms are still a little behind, so don't be surprised if the Dodgers go out and try to bridge the gap to the Kershaws and McDonalds of the system. They really don't have any high level prospects who have progressed past AA, so to expect the young pitchers to be ready in April is too much to ask, and a very risky proposition. Frankly, it would be irresponsible. Perhaps Jon Meloan could crack the roster, but that's about it. And it wouldn't surprise me if he started the season at AAA.
More to smile about.
BK
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This is a response to remarks made in the thread below ("...Zen Master approved").
SFDodgerGirl,
Doug H. said most of it for me. But I tend to be little (a lot) verbose, so let me add the following (sorry, I can't help myself).
Regarding your remarks concerning Abreu after surgery; are you serious? (and that's being polite). Abreu will turn 23 next week, and at that age is likely to heal pretty fast. If anything, the intensive recovery program he probably will undergo should INCREASE, not diminish his range. Good chance he'll come out of this in the best shape of his life, if only as a preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of his ever having a recurrence. But no chance that Kent's late season hamstring injury might make him even SLOWER? The recovery period for a 40 year old is a lot longer than that for a 23 year old. Trust me, I know. I've been both.
Clearly you don't like LaRoche. That's OK, you're entitled to your opinion. And maybe you're right, he is after all (as is Abreu) still an unproven commodity. However, you miss the point. I was simply suggesting that given the low HR production the Dodgers got out of 3B in 2007, chances are there will be a pickup in power (and general offensive production) at that position, be it A-Rod, LaRoche, Lowell, or whomever. Maybe even Nomar will regain some of his power.
Based on what's being reported, you're likely to get your wish, as it appears that Kent will return. My hope (not yours, obviously) is that it's going to be in a limited role, with Abreu picking up lots of playing time to allow the 40 year old Kent to stay fresh. Because he can play all over the infield (something Kent can't do), he could fill in at SS and 3B on occasion as well. Maybe he replaces Ramon Martinez, with the opportunity to take over permanently at 2B shoud Kent falter. If Kent still has something left (and he might), such a plan might actually work. But it will probably only work if the Dodgers add power elsewhere (via acquisition and more productivity from players like Loney, Kemp, et al), enabling Kent to get better pitches to hit. However, if Kent is hitting cleanup, the Dodgers are in trouble.
By the way, glad to hear that you enjoy seeing Kent dive into first base head first. Besides slowing down the already speed challenged second baseman, it’s a nice way to break a few fingers or a wrist or two. But I’m glad he’s tough, because we don't have any players like that (Russell Martin??? Repko???).
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | November 06, 2007 at 05:58 AM
One comment Joe made about being on same page, this where the dodgers fell from grace last year and will not in the coming season thanks new direction. I mean Torre; Bowa; Mattingly will not lets these guys run amuck so Lowe better stop curling the pints and hit the training room if he wants to stay in blue.
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | November 06, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Brooklyn Dodger -
You are the Deacon Palmer to my Doug Heffernan.
Posted by: Doug Heffernan | November 06, 2007 at 09:56 AM
B'Dodger,
Obviously you missed the point of the "sliding head first" comment. Jeff Kent plays the game with such passion and brings a certain toughness to the game. I love how he tries to play the game the right way, which is how Russell Martin plays the game. When I mentioned "the other players", I wasn't singling out any of our players, but making a general comment about the baseball players of today. What I find interesting is how some of the guys who post here regularly are so quick to break down my comment and tell me how wrong I am about whatever you guys disagree on. I'm a fan just like you guys and I have opinions about who I would like to see out in the field. I rather see Jeff Kent at 2nd, unless he chooses to retire or wants to be traded (I don't blame him). I rather see someone other than GP and LaRoche at 3rd. I would also rather see Dwelyn Young on the field than Kemp. I would love for the Dodgers to package up Kemp and LaRoche and sent to Minnesota for Santana.
My only hope for the 2008 season is for management to open up their wallets to bring in a power bat and a strong arm. If that means giving up a kid or two, I'm all for it. :o)
Posted by: SFDodgerGirl | November 06, 2007 at 10:05 AM