Agent for Dodgers' Andre Ethier: He loves L.A.
Andre Ethier would be happy to finish his career with the Dodgers, the agent for the outfielder said Wednesday.
Ethier created a bit of a stir this week, publicly questioning whether the Dodgers would retain him next year, even though he is not eligible for free agency until after the 2012 season. Ethier also said he had no idea that his agent had spoken with the Dodgers over the winter about a possible contract extension.
In a statement Wednesday, agent Nez Balelo said he had informed Ethier of the extension discussions. But he said the Dodgers never made a formal offer, and that Ethier denied any knowledge of the talks because the agent and the team agreed not to speak publicly about them.
Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti disclosed the talks Tuesday as he took questions in response to Ethier's comments. Colletti said he had a "couple discussions" but "nothing that gained much ground."
The Dodgers hold Ethier's rights through next season. They could trade him -- perhaps if they were to believe they could not sign him to an extension and did not want to risk losing him in free agency -- or simply not offer him a contract, a prospect at which Colletti scoffed Tuesday.
Balelo's statement:
As Ned said Tuesday, we did have some conversations regarding an extension for Andre. But at no time was an offer ever made. As I do with all my clients, I kept Andre informed on all developments. But since we agreed with the Dodgers not to speak publicly about our talks, Andre kept to his word and denied any knowledge of them. Knowing Andre's passion for Dodgers fans and the city, I can vouch for Andre's statement that he is open to staying in Los Angeles for the rest of his career.
-- Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez
"Agent for Dodgers' Andre Ethier: He Loves L.A."
- and southpaws.
Anyway, I hope the agent ran that by him first so that they can keep their stories straight in the future...
Posted by: 16blows | 03/30/2011 at 12:45 PM
Ethier will be in Boston in 2012. Colletti will be in Victorville.
Posted by: Skyharbor | 03/30/2011 at 01:11 PM
Stop with the drama! Enjoy the sport. Win or lose. Good or bad. This negative attitude in L.A. needs to stop or you can take the next flight to N.Y.
Gooooooooo Blue!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Dodger Dude | 03/30/2011 at 01:33 PM
2 days before the season starts, with so many question marks.
Way to make a distraction Andre.
I guess you didn't take common sense 101 at ASU.
Posted by: daveyost@yahoo.com | 03/30/2011 at 01:39 PM
Do they actually take classes at ASU? Not having to pay Ethier 15-20mil makes it easier to lock up Kershaw down the road.
Posted by: N.P.Krohn | 03/30/2011 at 01:55 PM
I have been a Dodgers fan since the second game of the 1963 World Series. I was 8.
The Dodgers have had terrible teams since then but I've always looked forward to the season and I've always lived and died with them.
Not this year. These guys are garbage. Complete and utter garbage. A disgrace to the team and the legacy.
Tomorrow, I will tell you how I really feel.
Posted by: Chumpy Kemp | 03/30/2011 at 02:00 PM
Ethier is a smart guy and he's trying to find leverage. Unfortunately, it's through the media, but come on people this isn't Piazza 1998 allover again. I hope Ethier has a good year and maybe the Dodgers land an important piece to be in the pennant chase! Have faith! Go blue!
Posted by: Michael | 03/30/2011 at 02:05 PM
Maybe I'm missing something here. If Ethier knew of the talks, why did he make the statements he did? All it did was cause trouble. Although I'm still in agreement with what he said, his timing was still inappropriate
Posted by: Since '58 | 03/30/2011 at 03:48 PM
I'm happy to read this but why is Andre saying he didn't know his agent spoke about an extension?
Posted by: OldBrooklynFan | 03/30/2011 at 04:46 PM
Note to Nez;
the real money is in the AL East!
I'm just say'n ...
Posted by: These Dodgers Suck! | 03/30/2011 at 05:40 PM