A Video of the Pierre/ Wolf Press Conference

Below is a video by LAobserved Jacob Soboroff at the press conference introducing Randy Wolf and Juan Pierre.

Randy talks about coming home and Juan picks the Clippers. In other news, Juan Pierre looks forward to LA traffic. My advice- leave for your destination as early as possible.



YouTube Link: JacobSoboroff:

Don't Get Drewed Again

This is great. They have the LA perspective on the matter exactly right. You are not worthy!

"Drewed" is the new slang for "Screwed."



YouTube Link: xxlnational:

Mastro Auctions

Mastro is about to close up on their most recent auction over the next few days. There are some remarkable items available; including the below original photograph of the pitching hand of Hall of Famer Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown. It's amazing he could throw a baseball, let alone be as dominating as he was. The Auction description says it all.

"A terrible accident with a corn shredder left seven-year-old Mordecai Brown with a stump for an index finger and two other misshapen digits. For some people, such a handicap would be an insurmountable obstacle; for Brown, it was the source of his strength and the catalyst for his amazing curveball. He learned how to use the severed finger to his advantage as a pitcher, applying an unusually high amount of spin that made his pitches nearly unhitable. And, as the record books show, "Three-Finger" Brown not only made it to the majors, he was actually a dominant force there, winning 239 games over 14 seasons and restricting his career ERA to an infinitesimal 2.06."

Of course, It wouldn't be right to highlight a major auction house without pointing out some great Dodger items. Below is a 1948 spring training news service photograph featuring a very young Roy Campanella with Jackie Robinson. This is from Campy's rookie year.
I can't get enough of seeing the Babe in a Dodger uniform. He just looks out of place without pinstripes. Below is the Babe posing with his wife and daughter.

Gagne Stung by the Boras Ethic

If I'm not mistaken Eric Gagne was paid $18,000,000.00 over the past two season. In that time, due to injuries, he pitched in a total of 16 games and earned 9 saves. The total number of innings pitched was 15.1. Then, sometime during last season, Gagne mentioned that he would give the Dodgers a hometown discount.

Through the LA Times we find out that the Dodgers offered a competitive offer to Gagne. Certainly not the low-ball deal I had seen previously in the $1,000,000.00 range. No... He was apparently offered upwards of $4,000,000.00 with incentives that could reach as high as $10,000,000.00 a year. That's pretty lofty considering the risk involved and the player agent we have to deal with.

I agree with the Dodger Junkie. If he doesn't take that, then let him walk.

In other news, the Mike Lieberthal signing is official. Also, Gonzo will be joining the Blue Crew. I guess those whimsical dreams of Manny in Blue are all for naught. On the other hand, according to the LA Times, we could see a deal for Vernon Wells. He has one year left on his contract and their GM likes Penny. Could Vernon be a one year rental while we groom our rookies for stardom?

More Indianapolis Clowns

Last month, I wrote about an eBay auction featuring a rare marketing postcard featuring the Ethiopian Clowns. They were one of the best barnstorming teams in the country. Several years later the Florida team moved to Indianapolis.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to purchase these 3 advertising photos featuring the Indianapolis Clowns earlier this year. As you can see, the top photo features owner Syd Pollack with future Hall of Fame Hank Aaron. Many of you may know that Hank Aaron started his professional career with the Indianapolis Clowns. Also featured is the acrobatic workings of "The Flying Nesbitts."
Above is a photo of chief funmaker "Birmingham Sam Brison." Below are photos of other members including Billy "Midget" Vaughn, Fred Battle and Tiny Walke.See my other Negro League memorabilia here:

In a Fast and Furious Week Schmidt Joins the Dodgers

I was chatting with our Research czar at work this morning about some database issues. Fortunately, it was a minor problem that required a change in my process and not a reworking of the programming. As I headed back to my desk I sat on my chair and heard a scream from right outside my door. One of our interns, Danny, who sits near me, was clenching his cell phone repeating what a friend had just IM'd him. (I'm constantly amazed how these kids IM to each all the time. Personnally, I don't have the patience. Heck, I don't even know how to use IM on my phone.)

"Jason Schmidt is a Dodger!"

I turned to Danny, pumped my fist like Saito after a game ending strike out and said, "that's the best news I've heard all day."

The Dodgers are now in the position to trade for power with pitching depth. Suddenly, everything appears to be coming into place.

Jon Weisman has more.

Rob McMillin added earlier today that Brad Penny and some prospects might be enough for Manny. With this signing this possibility appear more likely then ever before.