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.

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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.

Pic Link: Malingering:

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.

Pic Link: Dizzy Atmosphere:

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

Pic Link: go dvls:

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.

Pic Link: Olde New York:

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:

Casey Re-Signs and Jones Tries to Get Back on the Saddle

Pic Link: shaindlin:

Hat Tip: Fiendish Observational Comedian:

It's now official. Casey Blake has re-signed.

The club officially announced the re-signing of free-agent third baseman Casey Blake Tuesday to a three-year contract plus a fourth-year option for $17.5 million guaranteed and a possible $23.75 million, including performance incentives.

At least we don't have to worry about third base.

In other news, Andruw Jones will be playing in the Dominican Republic.

Pic Link: MrJerz:

Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said he believed that Andruw Jones flew to the Dominican Republic today to play winter ball.

Colletti said that “a few” teams have inquired about the availability of Jones, who is expecting to play five or six weeks in the Dominican.

“Of course, they’d ask for us to pick up a vast majority of his salary,” Colletti said, referring to the $22.1 million remaining on Jones’ two-year, $36.2-million contract.

That figures. Jones will make even more money to suck in a foreign country, and the Dodgers get to foot the bill.

Joseph "Flash" Gordon is Now a Hall of Famer

Yankee and Indians second baseman Joe Gordon has been elected by the Veterans Committee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This is a pick that is sure to be discussed and argued about for years to come.

Pic Link: VBCF:

In his 11 year career he was on 5 World Series winning squads while being elected to the All-Star team 9 times. He was known as both an excellent defensive and power hitting second baseman (before power hitting baseman existed). Joe Gordon led the American League in assist 4 times, double play assist 3 times and was the first American League second baseman to hit 20 home runs in a season. In fact, he did it 7 times and holds the record for most home runs by a second baseman in the American League. Up until 2001 he held the record for most home runs in a season by a American League second baseman. He won the MVP in 1942.

I will admit I had no idea who he was when he was announced. My mind was a total blank. I remember sitting at my desk at work, shaking my head while screaming, "Joe Gordon!?!" I guess any result that does not include Gil Hodges or Maury Wills as inductees will be a disappointment.

Anyway, congratulations "Flash" and welcome to one of the most hallowed halls in America.

Pic Link: VBCF:

The photos above are early Joe Gordon memorabilia items. The first item is his 1939 Goudey Premium picture R-303B and directly above is the 1938 Baseball Magazine Premium poster.

Welcome to the Blue Mark!

Via Dodger Thoughts, it appears the Dodger have picked up a quality utility infielder in Mark Loretta. On top of that, he appears to be a born Blue Dodger fan.

"Mark's very excited," Garber (Loretta's agent) said. "He grew up in Pasadena, so he's come full circle. He went to his first Dodger game as a 6-year-old."

In a 14 year career he is a lifetime .297 hitter with a .361 On-Base % and a OPS+ of 99. He should be a very capable replacement for Nomar Garciaparra.

Loretta, 37, hit .280 in 261 at-bats for the Astros last season with four homers and 38 RBIs, batting .330 against left-handers. He played 46 games at second base, 17 at third base, five at shortstop and two at first base.

Fire Ned Colletti Now... does a nice write up on Loretta. Go and check it out.

Thanks for the Memories

As I'm sure you've heard the Baseball guru, Greg Maddux, has called it quits. No longer will the league have to deal with his clairvoyant mastery of the game. He won't be around to pinpoint a strike right on the corner or call a game to near perfection. His ability to know a batters tendencies better than the batter themselves was uncanny. He is sure to be a first ballot Hall of Famer and will probably find himself on the bench coaching a lucky team to a World Series. He will be missed, but I doubt his absence from the game will be long.
In honor of his accomplishments I though I'd show his rookie cards. He first debut on cardboard in 1987 with his inclusion in the above 1987 Donruss card set. Maddux was originally drafted by the Cubs in 1984.

Fortunately for collectors his rookie cards are not very rare or expensive. Overproduction and investor hype during the late 80's has created an enormous supply that is doubtful to ever exceed demand. Nevertheless, these cards are a must for any collectors showcase.
Above is the 1987 Fleer Update and below is the 1987 Topps Traded rookie cards of Greg Maddux. The card makers wanted to include new rookies who broke through and traded players in that years card design so they made these cards later in the season as a secondary set available only through hobby channels. You could not pull this card from a pack bought at the local market. They are more rare than the first card I highlighted, but can still be purchased at very affordable prices. If you spend more than a couple of dollars, before shipping, on eBay then you spent too much.