Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Fire Ned Colletti

As many of you know there is a Dodger blog called Fire Ned Colletti Now. When I first came across the site I thought the name was a bit too abrasive. After todays story in the LA Times I no longer think that. It may be time to start asking, why is he still the GM?
The Dodgers knew Jason Schmidt had a rotator cuff injury when they signed him to a contract worth a guaranteed $47 million, the club acknowledged in a court filing this week.
Are you kidding me? You knew he was damaged goods, but decided to take flyer on the guy anyway.

-*-

Early in the 2008 season the Dodgers invited several bloggers to a game. We had an opportunity to meet many of the folks who run the show; including Ned Colletti. Go here for my write-up of the event.

As you'll notice, I didn't provide a full description of everything that was said or asked. Basically, there wasn't anything awe inspiring or revelatory to speak off. We got the typically dog and pony show with well rehearsed answers any top flight PR firm would be proud of. Besides, I had a couple of beers in me and, if you know me at all then you know, that's all it takes for me to be buzzing.

Yhea, I'm a light weight!

Anyway, I do, even in my apparent stupor, distinctly recall Colletti commenting about the Jason Schmidt situation. He reasoned that it is illogical to believe that they would sign Schmidt to a long term commitment if they knew he could not pitch. In fact, you have to assume that he truly believed Jason would come back to form. It would be wrong to assume he would purposefully do something that would hurt his employment with the team.

On the other hand, considering what we know now, do we not have to questions his judgement?

Foto Finds

It amazes me how many great photos are available for public consumption. Below are some recent gems I've run into recently.

If you decide to spend any amount of time surfing the net for interesting Dodger photos then you must go to Malingerings photo album on flickr. This photographer is a master and we are fortunate his/hers obsessions is the Dodgers.

Below is Candlestick Park in 1965.
Hall of famer Willie McCovey making the play at first base in a Sunday day game vs the Dodgers at the 'Stick. I shot this photo when I was fifteen and still have the negative.

Here is Willie Davis during Camera Day at Dodger Stadium in 1972. That ushers hat is awesome.

Here is a vintage pic of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Notice the original Trolley Dodgers hanging on to the back for dear life on the right.

Here is another pic from Olde New York featuring Carl Furillo crashing into the wall at Ebbets Field.
Pic Link: Olde New York:

Below was taken after Garciaparra's walk-off home run following the Dodgers monumental back-to-back-to-back-to-back home run feat.
Pic Link: fourflatfive: