Andre Ethier picks a bad time to be insecure: Thinks this could be his last season as a Dodger
The season is still two days away and I already feel comfortable handing out an award. Don’t wait for a game to be played. Don’t even bother to seal the envelope.
To Andre Ethier: Worst Timing of the Year Award.
The Dodgers had barely gotten off the plane in Los Angeles and Ethier was going off on one of his say what? tangents.
Before the Dodgers’ game Monday against the Angels, Ethier was asked an innocuous question about opening the season against the Giants. And he said:
"It might be my last one here with the Dodgers. You never know. A lot of signs are pointing that way, so we'll have to see. Six years for a Dodger is a long time, in the era that we're living in. So I'm going to cherish every moment I can, enjoy the season and try to make it my best one."
A lot of signs are pointing to this being his last year as a Dodger? On what planet? He’s signed through this season and under team control the next. He’s batting in the coveted third spot in the lineup. Next month, he’ll turn 29. He’s one of the key guys they’re building the team around.
Asked about his comments Tuesday, he did not back off one syllable. Guess the Dodgers' non-tendering Russell Martin rocked Ethier.
"If I don’t play well, we’ve seen them non-tender guys here, and if you play well, I’ve seen them not offer arbitration because they’re afraid guys are setting their salaries too high," Ethier said.
Ethier said he wanted to remain with the Dodgers: "Yeah, as long as the organization is moving in the right direction still, moving in a direction where they’re committed to winning and committed to constantly moving forward in an upward direction rather than if things don’t go good for a year or two here, rebuild and try to figure things out."
Not that Ethier appears certain of the organization’s direction: "I don’t know if this is going to be my last or not, but I want to make the most out of it and enjoy it the most I can because I’ve been here quite a while and you never know if you’re coming or going, and I’ve enjoyed my time in L.A. and that’s what I told him.”
Dizzy yet? What to make of this? Ethier has always drawn motivation from those he believed doubted him. Now he’s like the main man in the lineup and he’s trying to motivate himself because the Dodgers haven’t extended him like they did Chad Billingsley Tuesday?
General manager Ned Colletti said the Dodgers had approached Ethier’s agent in the spring.
"We had a couple of discussions, but nothing that gained much ground," Colletti said.
Colletti was unaware of Ethier’s comments until they were read to him by a reporter before Tuesday’s game. Safe to say, Colletti did not look happy. Then he issued a terse no comment.
What GM would be happy to hear this crazy stuff on the eve of the opener? After what had been considered a positive and focused camp?
If Ethier felt this way, better to relay it through his agent or privately rather than rock the organization publicly. And how’s that Andre Ethier, team leader, going?
Ethier said he didn’t think his comments should be unsettling to the team or organization.
"I don’t know why that would be unsettling.... It ain't up to me buddy," he said. "That ain't my decision. My job is to go out there and play the best I can and if I don’t play well? You see they non-tendered Russ Martin. And if I do play well, then that’s another big decision. Do they want to keep me for one year and have me walk at the end of the year? There’s a lot of different scenarios"
Right, only not a single one that needs to be addressed a couple of days before the season.
-- Steve Dilbeck
Good way to get traded off the Titanic. I applaud his efforts no matter how feeble.
Posted by: Labeldude | 03/29/2011 at 08:11 PM
"He’s one of the key guys they’re building the team around."
.
And what a team that is - Gwynn, Thames, Gibbons, MacDougal, Cormier, Barajas, Navarro, Uribe, Blake, Gurrier, Padilla, Lilly, Garland...
.
Stop me, my head is spinning from all the talent they've built.
Posted by: Labeldude | 03/29/2011 at 09:01 PM
I wouldn't want anything to do with this franchise, either, so I can't blame Ethier whatsoever.
Posted by: FormerLifelongDodgerFan | 03/29/2011 at 09:33 PM
Andre will be in right field in Fenway Park in 2012.
Posted by: Skyharbor | 03/29/2011 at 09:55 PM
This author could say a lot... I'm never at a loss for words but, seeing as Dilbeck already touched on the gist & too Colletti's reported demeanor speaks volumes, will just reference the user ID mine that censures him- '16blows' - aka the journey 'e'; looks like he'll be easing his act on down the road.
Good.
Verily, this be Juan-derful news to me.
: )
Posted by: 16blows | 03/29/2011 at 09:57 PM
Geez....bad form Andre.You need take a peek at the 'How to talk to the media' handbook and if that doesn't stick turn on a television and took a good hard look at Albert Pujols......Unlike you he IS entering a free agent year and unlike you he will not say anything that can even remotely be seen as having a negative impact on the St.Louis Cardinals organization it's fans or his teammates and unlike you he is going to be the most coveted position player in the last decade.......YOU will never be what he is and it is selfish and centered to make any unsolicited comments about your future.......your good but you are not Pujols.Andre you screwed up.Call your agent and figure out something pleasant to say about the organization that has paid you millions of dollars and the kids that wear your Jersey.....and the non-millionaire parents who buy this stuff
Posted by: strainedoblique | 03/29/2011 at 10:24 PM
Translation: The band plays really nice music, but I'm starting to feel like one of the deck chairs being rearranged.
Posted by: Blueeyedgal | 03/29/2011 at 10:26 PM
Speaking out may have hurt Ethier but what he's saying doesn't sound strange to me. Isn't all this true for all players on all teams? What he said is how it goes these days. Isn't it.
Posted by: OldBrooklynFan | 03/29/2011 at 10:31 PM
Ethier was my favorite Dodger until this nonsense.
Leaders lead by example...Nobody follows a cry baby.
Posted by: snivler | 03/29/2011 at 10:38 PM
I haven't seen a team this bad since the Bad News Bears first took the field back in '76. The sad part is that the Bears got better and made it to the championship game which is more than I can say about this dodger team. All the players know what an embarrassment this season will be and are looking for ways to jump ship.
Posted by: Wilton "Corky" Guerrero | 03/29/2011 at 10:56 PM
The more I think about this the angrier I get......This is a total distraction and is so disrespectful to the Organization and the fans.....I mean Opening day is Thursday.........I really like Ethier and would argue that he is one of the best pure hitters I've seen in a Dodger uniform...however, he is clearly an idiot in the sense that he lives in this insulated world of a professional athlete and has no idea how his words effect the fans, his teammates and the Organization.......What a bonehead.
Posted by: strainedoblique | 03/29/2011 at 11:00 PM
Wow! Quite a bombshell there. The treatment of players by Dodger management has finally started to catch up with them. Martin. Kemp is clearly unhappy being here. Now Eithier. Broxton seems toxic. Looks like a core meltdown!
Posted by: Hollywood Dodger Mark | 03/29/2011 at 11:07 PM
Andres comments about his uncertain future are not gonna sit well with Uncle Ned.Especially that dig about playing for a winner......Colletti has a zero tolerance policy for players who are unhappy with the club......If I were Colletti I would be on the phone tomorrow with the Kansas City Royals hand picking the best of their incredible prospects..........So Andre, you don't think two trips to the National League Championship is a commitment to winning...........Have fun playing for the Royals
Posted by: strainedoblique | 03/29/2011 at 11:15 PM
What an IDIOT
Posted by: Blue Sangre | 03/29/2011 at 11:39 PM
strainedoblique.....You're amusing. What makes you think Colletti would be able to get top prospects from anyone, Kansas City included? We all know that if he dealt Ethier we'd get a 37 year old reliever or a utility guy with 2 or 3 HRs. Also, you act as if playing for the Royals would be a slap in the face. At this point, the Royals are probably better and have a brighter future. Truth hurts.
Posted by: FormerLifelongDodgerFan | 03/29/2011 at 11:51 PM
Finally, someone on the Dodgers makes an "honest" comment, not the usual "happy talk." The Dodger organization lacks a winning attitude and Either wants to jump ship if that does not change. Good for him! I would do the same thing. He actually demonstrated leadership by making and sticking to those comments.
Posted by: Joe the Plumber | 03/30/2011 at 02:14 AM
Strained - Turn about is fair play. This organization has been disrespectful to the fans for years. From skyrocketing ticket, parking and concession prices to inferior ballplayers on the field. Granted, Andre's timing may not be the greatest, but at least he's not afraid of calling a spade a spade. Frankly, I'd rather play a year or two in KC than be on this dog. Want to know what Ned's "wanting to be a Dodger" means - Barajas, Padilla, Blake, Navarro, Cormier and all the other worthless crap that can't get a job on any other team. Respect? This organization hasn't earned it.
Posted by: Labeldude | 03/30/2011 at 07:14 AM
Definitely bad timing for his comments, when he should be focusing on the upcoming season and then let the results determine what happens in the offseason. Sure, players like Martin are non-tendered when they stink and then still demand a raise, Andre, but I don't remember a situation where a player has performed well and then the Dodgers let them leave because they're worried about arbitration costs.
Posted by: neoncactus | 03/30/2011 at 07:46 AM
Can't blame Ethier for wanting to get out from McCrap's narcassistic rule. He's looking to play for a winner & it's not going to happen with McCrap's rag tag bunch. He will eventually be with his buddy Dustin Pedoria in Beantown & win a ring there while McCrap continues his debt ripping off the fans for his multiple mansions, paying his sons for doing nothing, evading taxes, paying psychics, and raiding the Dream Foundation.
Posted by: KoufaxFan | 03/30/2011 at 07:50 AM
Ethier IS a team leader! He's already quit on the team, even before Kemp!
Nicely done.
Posted by: Chumpy Kemp | 03/30/2011 at 07:51 AM
Amen Labeldude. Tis a sad fact Dodger players are either (1) contractually obligated to be there or (2) can't get a job anywhere else.
Posted by: Skyharbor | 03/30/2011 at 08:30 AM
Ethier, knows the only thing this organization is committed to, is making money so the scum McCourt can buy another house. I don't blame any of them for leaving or wanting to leave, whether it's for more money or because they really do want to win, they know they won't get either here as long as the scum McCourt owns the team.
Posted by: McCourt blows | 03/30/2011 at 08:54 AM
Good for him for wanting to leave a dysfunctional organization.
Posted by: Mike | 03/30/2011 at 09:37 AM
True points. Very bad timing. The season is about to open, Andre. We all agree with you, but not your methods. Not the methods of a so-called team leader. However, this does give us a true insight into the feelings of this team. Andre wouldn't be saying something like this unilaterally, unless he's speaking for other players, too. However, he could have kept this within the clubhouse, or between him and his agent. Bad form and immature.
Posted by: Since '58 | 03/30/2011 at 09:43 AM
Wonder is the comments would be this nice if Kemp would have said the same thing? Just a thought...
Posted by: prw | 03/30/2011 at 09:45 AM
Dre IS showing his leadership. Putting all the attention on him and off the crapy team Coletti put on the field. If it all goes perfect this season were probably looking at just over .500
Posted by: jason | 03/30/2011 at 10:33 AM
Andre really? Are you not getting enough attention or what? Sounds like a big fat baby to me. Too bad because I would thought you have matured by now. Nice way to start this season !!!
Posted by: Cokomo | 03/30/2011 at 10:42 AM
What kind of team leader complains about his contract situation on season beginning week? Cares only about his pocket...what an idiot. Good luck Dodgers!
Posted by: red_zipper03 | 03/30/2011 at 11:06 AM
Hey, at least his comments were centered around winning. When he was asked if wanted to remain a Dodger, I thought he was going to come out with the typical modern athlete's refrain about "I just want to be with an organization that wants me, that knows how to show me that I'm important to them, that I'm wanted." He didn't say that. He said he wants to win. It may not be much, but it was something. At least I respect that part of it.
Posted by: BlueinAZ | 03/30/2011 at 11:18 AM
C'mon folks. Do you really think anything Andre says is going to matter with this rag-tag bunch of losers? As Jason said, this team if everything breaks right might manage .500. Personally I think this team will struggle to win 75 games. I don't know who all the optimistic pundits are that pick this team to finish third, but the only team in the division that's any worse is AZ. I'd even put SD above us.
Posted by: Labeldude | 03/30/2011 at 11:19 AM
Kemp did too little said too much last season, prw. He also didn't pick an appropriate time to say inappropriate things; and he and his agent said too much. It's a good idea for him to keep his mouth shut this season and produce. Dave Stewart did, however, manage to get Billingsley a pretty good deal.
Posted by: Since '58 | 03/30/2011 at 11:24 AM
Nothing at all wrong with these comments - they are the truth.
The 'organization' and 'respect' and 'leadership' and 'example' are all things that start at the top, make their way through every level of the franchise, even out to the fans. Andre and his comments are but a mere speck in the total picture. Truth is refreshing. We need more of it. And risky as it sometimes is, I'll even vote for it to be spoken aloud if it helps the Dodgers in the long run.
I would not doubt his comments are feelings shared by many inside the clubhouse, in various levels of the franchise, and if you could get honest answers from other major leaguers they would tell you they know this and are not jumping to come call Dodger Stadium their home park.
Posted by: alanw19 | 03/30/2011 at 11:29 AM
Interesting timing, Andre, but I have to applaud you for saying on the record what many, if not most, of your teammates must be thinking by now. I don't blame you in the least for looking at the possibility of abandoning a sinking ship.
But the best thing that could happen here is a change of ownership. The Dodger organization has become a toxic atmosphere.
Posted by: k | 03/30/2011 at 11:36 AM
Ethier making these comments makes him look like a baby, he needs to man up and play. He has to realize he is the leader of the team, he needs to stay positive and supportive of the cards he has in his deck. Baseball is funny, and surprises happen all the time. Just be the best player you can be and always be optimistic. Who would've ever thought the hated Giants would've taken it all? Right?
And to all you writing off the Dodgers before the season even begins, just chill. Let the season play out and see if this post Manny team can make some noise.
I know McCourt sucks in all your books, but the guy helped build teams that made the playoffs and were just a couple of wins away from the World Series. That is way more success than the Fox years and even the final O’Malley years!
I hope to see you at the games, cause in the end, its all about having a good time at the ballpark.
Posted by: RobG | 03/30/2011 at 11:42 AM
they ought to trade 'Dre NOW!!!.........he is one player who could bring some value in return, + Jerry Sands could replace him in RF tomorrow (&, in fact, THAT would be an UPGRADE!!!).........
Ethier is NOT half as good as most seem to think, butt nevertheless, would bring some quality in return......
FAR better to trade a player a year too soon, then a year too late!!!
(2 of the best trades -- controversial & criticized at that time -- was when LA sent each of Willie D. & Claude Osteen "packing" within daze of ea other, & LA got FAR better of ea trade!!!!
Posted by: DumpTheTrash | 03/30/2011 at 11:58 AM
This comment speaks more on the state of the organization than any character flaw of Ethier.
He should still show some leadership and try and keep it shut for the team. Maybe if they are struggling to stay out of the cellar near the end of the year, but now is crazy.
Posted by: jq | 03/30/2011 at 12:02 PM
Ethier is THE most over-rated OF since we had Shawn Green.....
trade him immediately -- YESTERDAY!!!!
Posted by: SecondComing | 03/30/2011 at 12:02 PM
McCourt apologists like RobG should have their heads examined. He picked up Manny on the cheap. For that, he's a hero? How about the millions of dollars he and his Ex have stolen for their own purposes? Give me a break.
Posted by: Since '58 | 03/30/2011 at 12:18 PM
MAKING THE PLAYOFFS JUST AIN`T GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jim McVeigh | 03/30/2011 at 12:32 PM
"Colletti was unaware of Ethier's comments until they were read to him by a reporter before Tuesday's game. Safe to say, Colletti did not look happy. Then he issued a terse no comment."
Ha Ha, great stuff, Steve. Did you make this up?
Funniest thing I've read in your blog, ever!
Posted by: Nedisfrankspuppet | 03/30/2011 at 12:36 PM
I do not know why all you people are freaking out.......he did not say he wanted to leave.......he did not say he wanted more money.....he did not say he was unhappy.......he said he knows if he has a bad season he could be non-tendered like JMart......he said he knows if he has a great year they (The Dodgers) might try to avoid arbitration to keep his salary from going up higher than they would like it to......he said he wants to stay a Dodger unless they decide to go into re-building mode...big deal......he spoke the truth on all counts. You people are over-reacting............
Posted by: bluz1st | 03/30/2011 at 01:03 PM
So much for spring being a time of renewal and optimism. I have no problem with players using the media as a means for leveraging their position in a contract situation but right before opening day? Can't wait for x-mas eve Ethier news conference to be held at the offices of Nickelodeon; where he announces to the children of the world, that there is in fact no Santa Claus. Ethier was the one position player i didn't worry about. Overpay him to keep him, he's a good guy. This is a petty knee jerk reaction to a team mate getting paid. That's just my initial reaction as a fan; how does this effect the guys around him? Andre doing this says to everybody in the clubhouse, "I am more important than you and I should've been paid first." If he just waited till mid-season it would be more about mgmt. and less about another player being rewarded. Oh well, trade him in the off-season and we'll see what Robinson and Sands can do.
Posted by: N.P.Krohn | 03/30/2011 at 01:42 PM
The more I think about this, the more I think this is not about Andre's contract or money, or even about being on a bad team -- but it is about a character flaw -- I think it's his persistent self-doubt and fear resurfacing. I think this guy lives in constant belief that he's really not good enough to be here, and sooner or later we're all going to figure that out, and his fear tells him that when that happens the Dodgers will hand him his hat and show him the door by any means available to them. After all, it's happened to others, it'll happen to him. Maybe I'm wrong, but we've seen some of this before.
Posted by: BlueinAZ | 03/30/2011 at 02:35 PM