It's never too early to think about spring
Especially if you're the Dodgers and trying to plan spring training in Arizona come 2009. Some contentious, up-against-the-wall negotiations have apparently been expanded a touch, allowing the completion ETA for a Glendale facility to remain envisioned. And I stress "ETA," since an actual ribbon cutting day remains a question. But either way, the vibes remain positive, meaning you can enjoy your Blue, Nomar and Loney-tinged Rose Bowl Parade in peace. Quite possibly hungover, but nonetheless in peace.
-AK
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Dodgers should stay in Vero!
Posted by: jim | December 21, 2007 at 10:52 AM
I realize that it is probably too late, but I feel that the Dodgers are making a major mistake by moving their spring training to Arizona. I think that they have forgotten that they have a large following in the Eastern US that only get to see them on any regular basis during Spring training. By moving to Arizona, they are abandoning us. I realize that they will probably have stronger attendance for ST games in Arizona, but those of us who live in the East will not have many opportunities to see them once the move is made. Personally, I am praying for this move to fall through even though I realize that it is probably not going to happen (fall through that is). I have followed the Dodgers for too long to quit now, but I feel that this move will result in the eventual loss of all supporters in the East. This is a sad day for those of us in the East.
Posted by: Carl Creasman | December 21, 2007 at 12:15 PM
I am looking forward to a spring where there will be competition for jobs, where the best players will be kept on the roster when the team 'moves north' and where there will be no announcemnt BEFORE anything happens of what the batting order will be and who will Pitch the season opener. In other words the exact opposite of last year!!!
David
Posted by: david | December 21, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Carl is right on it. Don't give up the East. I am in Ohio and have followed the Dodgers since 1964. Vero Beach keeps me connedted. I have been there 12 times since 1986.
Posted by: jim | December 21, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Is Florida in the United States?
Didn't we get rid of them after that whole "Hanging out with Chad" thing?
As a Las Vegan... I welcome them to AZ.
Posted by: benzo jones | December 21, 2007 at 04:39 PM
East Coasters and everyone else will now be able to combine a trip to see the Dodgers and a trip to Las Vegas. If you are in Ohio, you will fly anyway, no?
Posted by: h r king | December 21, 2007 at 09:08 PM
I'm in the East as well, and will truly miss the Dodgers being relatively close in Vero. I understand the move has to be made - the fan attendance at Vero is just not there. All the same, it's a shame that at a time when the Dodgers are going more and more "international," they'll become "mono-coastal" within the States.
Posted by: George M. | December 21, 2007 at 09:22 PM
If Dodgers Management thinks they'll lure people from Southern California to spring training just because it's in Arizona, they are sadly mistaken. Speaking for myself, the fact that it's in Arizona would be the greatest deterrant for me NOT going. I doubt there is anyone in all of baseball that would not recognize Dodgertown as being the best of it's kind. Tradition means nothing to Frank McCourt, which means there must be money to be made by moving from Vero Beach....Note that the new facility is to be "Shared" with another team. Spring Training games are meaningless....hard to watch...not worth the time or expense of driving out of state to see one. So, why are we moving? Is there really no existing fan base in Florida for our Dodgers? Are we not taking away the one chance people in that part of the world have of seeing one of the greatest, most beloved franchises in all of baseball?
Posted by: J_Is_Dismayed | December 22, 2007 at 09:39 AM
The Dodgers should stay in Vero Beach, and they should still be playing in Ebbets Field! Also ballplayers should only be paid $7000. a year tops, games should be played only during the day. There should be no teams West of the Mississippi and teams should travel by train and Monday should always be off, a travel day so the team can get to next city via a nice leisurly train ride.
In other words nothing should change ever! Time should stand still as fans grow old, so they don't have to think of their old age their approaching death! After all, today can never equal the past, the 'Good Old Days', the 'Golden Age'.
Posted by: DODGER 1955 | December 22, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I'm a big fan of spring training, and have made trips to spring training sites all over Florida and Arizona. I've never been to Dodgertown, a situation I hope to remedy this spring. But I have to say that I'd be a whole lot more likely to visit the Dodgers in spring training if they were in Arizona. I could drive out for the weekend. I foresee much better sales of tickets for them there, because I'm sure I'm not the only one.
What would be nice is if they could create their own complex in Arizona like the one in Vero, a veritable Dodgertown West, if you will. The Giants' facility in Scottsdale is fabulous. Just imagine what a Dodger site could be like if somebody put some real innovation into it.
Posted by: SaMo | December 22, 2007 at 10:44 AM
I have been a dodger fan since i went to Jim Gilligan, Maury Wills, Frank Howard , Johnny Roseboro and co. I always cheerish Jim Gilligan talking to me as if I was important. That day I became a dodger fan - right in the heart of Philly country. I have seen a lot of dodger games. I saw Sandy pitch a no hitter. I saw Mike Piazza and Mota go at it at Vero. What can i tell - moving to the Az will hurt east coast dodger fans big time. Vero Beach won't suffer one bit. The market is thirsty for the spring games. The grapefruit league has a brillant future with the milions of baby boomers either moving south or planning spring vacations. We will miss dodger blue, but the rest ot the grapefruit league will not.
Posted by: dave iobst | December 22, 2007 at 04:25 PM
DJ,
Who is Jim Gilligan?
Posted by: TimDodger | December 23, 2007 at 05:49 AM
SaMo,
Your sentence, "Just imagine what a Dodger site could be like if somebody put some real innovation into it".....outlines the root of my issue with them leaving Vero: That "somebody" is Frank McCourt. His only interest is making money. If he has to invest money in a facility of any kind....good, bad or innovative...he will recoupe that money from the Dodger fanbase. I was only able to make it out to Dodger Stadium a handful of times this last season....guess why. They are talking about exibition games in other countries during spring training. And why is that? To bring attention and gather new fans for their team from all over the world....and make money. By remaining at Dodgertown in Vero, we open ourselves to interest from the other coast and it's residents. Moving our Spring Training camp to Arizona, with the hope of capitalizing on local fans, is an expensive gamble.... It also narrows our exposure.
Posted by: J_Is_Dismayed | December 23, 2007 at 07:09 AM
Screw the east coast . How many Dodger fans here in socal can never make it to Vero. It would be nice to have been able to go but, Im glad the McCourts are giving the 3million plus per yr. a real chance to see our team in the spring
Posted by: Damien | December 23, 2007 at 09:41 AM
Came upon this article on the "All-Overpaid Team" for current players it seems. Pretty decent list, could use a few minor tweaks.
http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2007/12/23/the-all-overpaid-team/
Posted by: ET90210 | December 23, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Anytime a change like this effect people so deeply such as the fans of Vero Beach and the East Coast, who connect to the team through spring training, there will be lots of mixed feelings. I am sorry that those fans will miss out on the team Spring Training. The move though will be logisitically more feasible, and yes probably make the Dodgers a lot more money. The good news is that the team has lots to look forward to in 2008, and hopefully a return to the playoffs.
Posted by: richard | December 24, 2007 at 12:26 AM
WE'RE LEAVING FROM VERO BEACH?!?!?! I THOUGHT WE HAD FIRED GRADY LITTLE AND HIS STUPID LINE-UPS! MAKES ME ANGRY!
haha. i like doing that. sorry.
Posted by: James | December 24, 2007 at 07:35 AM
I live in NY, but fully understand why it would be in the Dodgers' interest to move their spring training operations closer to home. It makes perfect sense to me.
As for the argument that the Dodgers are doing this to make money, well, what's wrong with that. Professional baseball is, after all, a business. Or doesn't everyone understand that?
I'm not a Dodger insider (although, after this post some will probably think I'm really McCourt), but it's my guess that this venture is designed to improve the bottom line in various ways, such as:
1. Holding spring training closer to home probably reduces expenses.
2. I believe that the new stadium being built in Arizona has a higher seating capacity than Holman field in Vero. Hence, higher attendance.
3. It is my understanding that the new venue will be used year round for concerts, conventions, or whatever. Thus more revenue.
Given the size of player contracts, and the need for the Dodgers to spend money to remain competitive, I have no problem with the Dodgers seeking to increase their revenue stream.
And yes, I know that the Dodgers are increasing their 2008 ticket prices. But, like I said, I live in NY and can tell you that the Mets, following their recent late season collapse, are increasing ticket prices 20% for 2008. They claim that's to defray costs for the new stadium they are currently building (it opens in 2009), in spite of the fact that they are currently receiving $20 million per year from Citicorp for naming rights to that new stadium (Citi Field). I believe the naming rights deal is for 10 years.
Don't think that the day won't come when the Dodgers jump on the naming rights bandwagon. It's a business, like it or not.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | December 24, 2007 at 07:49 AM
J is Dismayed:
I agree with you that McCourt is out for the money, primarily. But your statements seem at odds. On the one hand, you oppose games in other countries to draw new fans. On the other, you support keeping Dodger town to dra east coast fans.
I just wish the Dodgers stood for something. But other than money, these Dodgers don't.
ET:
Some Dodgers are missing from that list, including starter JAson Schmidt, unless he can prove his health in 2008. Brett Tomko belongs on the list too, but since he's neither a decent starter nor a decent reliever, I guess there's no place for him.
Don't we still owe Darren Dreifort and Kevin Brown some money?
I guess Juan Pierre's numbers don't look so bad now.
Posted by: SaMo | December 24, 2007 at 08:11 AM
SaMo,
I think you are closer to the point than I was.....These Dodgers don't stand for something. They just stand by wherever the money is.
I'm not opposed to the international games, I'm just opposed to the break from tradition and their move from Vero Beach. Just a few years ago, I'm watching Tommy Lasorda on television going on and on about the majesty that is Dodgertown, stating that it's the envy of every other team, that it's the greatest training facility ever......Now he's doing a total about face and already plugging the Arizona facility before it's even finished. It seems pretty apparent who butters his bread these days.
The way things are going, the Dodgers won't be unique in any respect...our rich history and tradition will only be connected to the present through conversation.....not by anything still standing after the McCourts post a price tag on it prior to sale.
Winning teams can make more money for their owners than new spring training facilities. Field a winner and the rest of your organization works itself out. If you need further proof, look back at the results from our past championships.
Posted by: J_Is_Dismayed | December 25, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Dear Santa,
I don't want to sound ungrateful because I do appreciate the 46" flat screen, the new Mercedes, the weekend pass to the Playboy Mansion and the Kegerator.
But, my number one wish wasn't granted, Juan Pierre is still a Dodger. I'll try to be more nice than naughty next year if you'll deliver this one wish a little late.
Thanks Santa
Posted by: wausroamer | December 26, 2007 at 03:10 PM
Wausroamer,
Amen!
Posted by: jim | December 27, 2007 at 02:41 PM
Ben Platt of MLB.com wrote this opening sentence in his article today about the Dodger's float in the Rose Parade:
"AZUSA, Calif. -- Upon entering the Tournament of Roses Azusa/Aspan facility early this morning one could see the float designed for the Los Angeles Dodgers built, but with no paint on it, the 35-foot Dodgers player who will be in the front of the float is laying face down on scaffolding; his large head resting between two long wooden planks, like someone who would be getting a massage -- but in this case, a young woman is just beginning to paint the hitter's eyes a lighter shade of Dodger blue."
Where do they get these writers???
Posted by: glendale glen | December 27, 2007 at 06:54 PM
just want tio give a shout out to th East Coast Dodger fans...
born in 1960, my family moved to SF bay area in 1975 and me and my brother have been in enemy land ever since, but are still die hard Dodger/laker fans
(F.U. georgia frontrear)
so i know what it's like to not have your favorite team around ya
keep up the support
no better team than the DODGERS !!!!!
and next season looks good ;- )
would feel better with at least one lefty starter, i doubt they go for bedard now after nabbing kurota
don't trade Kemp/either/pierre......good OF depth doesn't grow on trees....
play 2 of the hot hands, platoon, even sit jones when he's whiffing too much
is laroche the answer at 3b ?
would've LOVED to see them even sell the farm for CABRERA....
Posted by: craig | December 28, 2007 at 01:36 AM
I am a lifelong dodger fan. I am limited in my oportunities to see them play because of where I live. During the regular season they never play within 500 miles of my home & with work schedules it is difficult to travel to these games. My wife and I have been planning vacations for several years to Vero to see our beloved team play. Just like many other true fans I am very sad to see the team leaving Vero! To me spring baseball without the dodgers in Vero would be like a season without the redsox at fenway! I am very upset to see the McCourts making this moveand long for the old days of dodger baseball when the O'malleys ran things. I feel that vero deserves a betterdeal than what they are getting from the dodger ownership!!!
Posted by: tennesseedodger | January 06, 2008 at 07:29 PM