Correction: Defensive Upper

Correcting some faulty data in his previous team defensive rankings, David Pinto of Baseball Musings revised his year-end defensive rankings, and the Dodgers benefited, moving up from 25th to 11th. Rather than below average, the Dodgers were above average.

Comments

[thinkingblue]

1.  There are people on the dodgers.com message board who think Luis Gonzalez had a fairly similar year to Drew, Ichiro is a better offensive player than Drew, and that David Weathers would be a strong bullpen signing despite his terrible K/BB, K/9, and HR ratios.

I just hope Ned doesn't think like this.

[gpellamjr]

2.  1 I don't think he does. But I wouldn't be surprised if the signing of Nomar and any potential signing of Luis Gonzalez were PR moves as much as anything.

[thinkblue0]

3.  who knows, maybe Nate has David Weathers in his plans!

[gpellamjr]

4.  3 Well, if that's the case, then I'm all for it!

[LAT]

5.  2. I don't think he does. But I wouldn't be surprised if the signing of Nomar and any potential signing of Luis Gonzalez were PR moves as much as anything.

Yea, if you are looking for bad PR.

[thinkblue0]

6.  taking a closer look at Zito's numbers...

He walks way too many hitters. Boras wants "ace" money? No thanks...just sign Schmidt.

[gpellamjr]

7.  5 I don't know, thinkingblue said a lot of people thought Luis Gonzalez had as good a season as JD Drew. A lot of people think a lot of stupid things.

[Bob Timmermann]

8.  Did you know Luis Gonzalez is the father of triplets?

[thinkblue0]

9.  8-

Vin just called me up to reiterate.

[Bob Timmermann]

10.  Luis Gonzalez would be a Plaschke favorite.

[Andrew Shimmin]

11.  It's almost too bad Colletti already re-signed Martinez. Imagine the potential for triplet talk if Louis Gonzalez AND Geoff Blum came to L.A.

[regfairfield]

12.  8 Next you'll tell me that Miguel Batista writes poetry in his spare time.

[twerp]

13.  The tradition continues. Twerp is so late to the previous thread that everyone is gone, but he ignorantly posts anyway, not realizing it. So, from previous thread...

133.   twerp
36.   regfairfield
Four words: Jay Payton, Dodger centerfielder.

"If Nate comes up with a batter idea, I'll be impressed."

Um, Reg...typo or pun? I'll vote for clever pun. Is there a motion to make it unanimous?

[regfairfield]

14.  13 I think you know the answer from my previous adventures with the English language, combined with the extreme lack of sleep I've been getting.

[natepurcell]

15.  okay lets do this. my what i would do if i was ned coletti offseason plan.

free agent signings

1. Jason Schmidt 3years 40.5 million. 4th year team option for 13.5 million, automatically vests if Schmidt piches 360 innings in last two years of contract.

reason: Schmidt is one of the few front of the rotation pitchers available. The contract has him for his age 34-36 years and yes its a risk but the reward is worth it. Although there is this perception that he isnt reliable to take the mound, he has made at least 29 starts each year since 2002 while averaging 200 2/3 IP each year with an OPS+ of 113. and that statistic is skewed by his 2005 year where he was working his way back from injury.

2. Win bid for LHP Kei Igawa 9.5 million. Sign Igawa to a 4year 14.5 million contract.
07- 1.5, 08- 3.0, 09- 4.5, 10- 5.5

The winning bid would be amortized over the life of the contract. the 2007 money that would be counted towards the payroll will be 3.875M (1.5 base + 2.375M amortized bidding fee).

reason: With the mid tier starters market in the US looking to be drastically overpaid, i wanted to look at other options that could be just as good as the US Market. Igawa doesnt project to be anything more then a #3 starter , which is what i wanted anyways to throw 200IP and slot behind lowe and schmidt. The chances that he turns into another kaz ishii are slim IMO. His control is vastly superior to Ishii. I think it could be a good buy and it wont cost a draft pick.

3. Octacvio Dotel 1 year base of 1.75million with IP incentives to reach 5 million

reason: Again, I think the gamble is worth it. as a large market team, these are the types of gamble we should be taking considering the return could potentially be great. Dotel was an elite reliever. if he could come back at 85% of his previous dominance the salary would be worth it.

4. Eric Gagne, one year base of 3 million, IP incentives to reach 8 million, 2008 club option for 9million that automatically vests if Gagne reaches 60IP in 2007.

reason: same reason as dotel. higher base and higher incentives because his potential reward is greater. The 2ndyr option is thrown in there just because hes gagne and it might mean a bit more to team to see his old team believe in him a little. Gagne probably wont sign until late january, so the other moves will be done far in advance. getting gagne would just be icing on the cake.

5. Sal Fasano 800k contract

reason: toby hall is traded (you'll see in a sec), and we need a vet backup catcher. Also, the power of the 'stache will guide this team to the world series. better believe it.

trades

1. Dodgers Trade Brad Penny, Brett Tomko, Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall to the Phillies for Pat Burrell, Ryan Madsen and Gavin Floyd.

why phillies do the trade: they dont like burrell over there. they view burrell as unclutch with too many strikeouts to go with his bloated salary. They do not appreciate his excellent walk rates and consistent 30homerun power. They will look around and realize that Brad Penny, the starter for the NL in the 2006 ASG (!!!) will the best pitcher they can acquire..but it will come with a price. the price is to take the dodgers other trash to go along with penny. The Phillies say thats fine since they are replacing Burrell with soriano anyways, they get at least a #3 starter signed for a bargain this market for the next 2 years, two decent middle relievers who can spot start if the need arises, and a catcher who replaced lieberthal and could possibly start as well. a rotation of myers, hamels, penny, liber and moyer is a strong one and Gillick realizes that.

why the dodgers do it: they need a power hitter, plain and simple. Going on the free agent market, the two power hitters available (lee and soriano) will require contracts of up to 6 years maybe. The dodgers do not want to be saddled with the risk that comes with contracts that long. they target burrell as the good but not great bat, signed to a modest two years at a salary that compared to the market, reflects market value. By signing Schmidt and winning the bid for Igawa, the Dodgers surplus of pitchers allows them to trade one. Not wanting to give up the two young cheap arms in billz and kuo, they choose to keep lowe over penny due to lowe's consistency and health history. To go along with Burrell, the dodgers recieve two arms who have had their ups and down in the majors. Both arms will get a chance to win a bullpen spot or start the year in AAA vegas and be called up if there is an injury to the rotation or bullpen.

2. Dodgers trade Tony Abreu, Eric Stults and Mark Alexander to the Nationals for OF Ryan Church

why the Nationals Do it: From the way Bowden has handled Church, it seems to the outside obersever that management doesnt really like Church. Abreu is a solid MIF prospect that will eventually take over for Vidro at 2b. Stults gives them a lefty arm that can battle for a rotation spot and Mark Alexander is a sleeper. he put up amazing numbers in AA and Bowden hopes he can carry that production to the majors.

why the dodgers do it: Looking at the CFer market, the dodgers shrug their heads and roll their eyes. Crazy contracts given out to slap happy hitters such as pierre and roberts persuade the dodgers to pursue other options. they come to church, a 28/29 outfielder who can play all 3 outfield positions and when given the chance, shown he can produce at the big league level. Dodger scouts and defensive metrics convince the brass that he can play a decent enough CF to go along with his bat. they trade from an excess pool of talent to land somebody to man CF in 2007 and allow Kemp to work on some things a bit in AAA for the beginning of 2007.

Starting Lineup
SS Raffy Furcal 13M
CF Ryan Church .4M
LF Pat Burrell 13M
2B Jeff Kent 10M
RF Andre Ethier .4M
3b Wilson Betemit .45M
C Russ Martin .4M
1b James Loney .4M

Total: 38.05 M

Bench
C Sal Fasano .8M
OF/INF Marlon Anderson .45M
1b/3b Olmedo Saenz 1M
MIF Ramon Martinez .8M
4th OF Jason Repko .45M
5th OF Jayson Weth .45M

Total: 3.95 M

Starting Pitchers
RHP Jason Schmidt 13.5M
RHP Derek Lowe 9.5M
LHP Kei Igawa 3.875M
RHP Chad Billingsley .4M
LHP Hong Chih Kuo .4M

Total: 27.675 M

Bullpen
RH Takashi Saito 3M (Estimated 1yr contract)
RH Eric Gagne 3M (8mil if all incentives reached)
RH Jonathan Broxton .4M
RH Octavio Dotel 1.75M (3mill if all incentives reached)
LH Joe Beimel .4M
RH Elmer Dessens 0M (KC paying salary)

Total: 16.8M (if all incentives are reached)

Dead Salary
Bill Mueller 4.5M
Odalis Perez 8M

Total: 12.5M

TOTAL 25 MAN ROSTER PAYROLL: 98.975 M

I think this team will be highly competive in the NL west next year. I expect this team to win the west and the progress of our younger players and the health of gagne and dotel will dictate how far we go in the playoffs. I also think this plan doesnt hurt our future. We only lose one draft pick for next year by signing Schmidt, but we could potentially gain 3 draft picks from Drew (angels), Lugo (red sox), and Maddux (cardinals?).

okay that was the master plan. thoughts? dont rip me too hard :)

[Bob Timmermann]

16.  The master plan has no Nomar I see. So are you going to redo the master plan if the Garciaparra signing is official?

[Andrew Shimmin]

17.  Do you offer Maddox arbitration? K-Lo?

[natepurcell]

18.  16

maybe. but 10 mil for nomar really puts a strain on my payroll.

[Andrew Shimmin]

19.  Maddux, I meant.

[natepurcell]

20.  17

maddux is offered arbitration, lofton is not.

[regfairfield]

21.  Overall, I like, and it's pretty much what I'd do, but a couple comments.

I'm pretty sure Toby Hall is a free agent, am I mistaken about that? If he is, he'd almost certainly sign with the Phillies since it's the only organization in baseball where he would be the number one catcher.

I'm surprised you're willing to deal Abreu, but it's understandable if you like DeWitt more.

Only thing I would be concerned with is the bullpen. Gagne and Dotel are both huge risks, and it'd be a miracle if Beimel and/or Saito repeated 2006. I'd be more comfortable going out and getting someone like Justin Speier with the payroll you have free.

[twerp]

22.  Didn't get this one posted at all last thread. So, here goes. I try to do better. I promise.

From last thread==

127.   regfairfield
122 Brett Tomko was the pitcher of the month in April. It's not a perfect comparable, but it's a warning about guys who were good at one point in the season.

Yup. But Nomar's had many more good points in many more seasons. IIRC, his falloff in '06 started about the time the injuries did. His history when healthy indicates he's unlikely to have Tomkoesque lapses--or in Tomko's case, reversion to form.

You can't expect .350, but Nomar is .318 lifetime. I didn't recall his .372 (529 AB) in 2000 or the .357 (532 AB) in '99 until now. But just 211 career HR, 4832 AB.

Speaking of Tomko, I've seen where his stuff is called about as good as anyone's. Also that his problem usually is offspeed pitches, that everything's close to the same speed. Is this accurate? If so, is the failure to correct this his or more a relfection on his pitching coaches?

Also saw once where Tomko said he had to remember that if he missed down, he'd probably get the ball back. If he missed up, he might not. If he has to keep telling himself that, apparently his mental stuff is not as good as might be hoped.

[thinkblue0]

23.  wow, that is almost identical to mine.

I'm all about getting Burrell with the lack of bats on the market...I like Schmidt over Zito (Zito's walk rate scares me) and I've wanted Church for a couple years now.

I guess I wouldn't be TOO devestated if we ended up just keeping Lofton instead of nabbing a Ryan Church. The only change I'd make is that in addition to Dotel possibly landing Speier. Nice bullpen guy and if Gagne is even remotely healthy it would give us a nice three headed monster of Speier, Broxton, Gagne.

Otherwise, very nice plan Nate....

[thinkblue0]

24.  the Nomar signing is looking a little better to me the more I think about it as long as he's willing to play other positions.

Maybe play third against lefties to give Betemit the day off..first base most of the time, and second if Kent gets hurt..or heck, maybe even LF.

I'm somewhat disappointed to see Alou agree with the Mets as he would have been a nice stopgap in RF....still need two of'ers..and it still wouldn't shock me to see Bonds at least get a nice long look from Colletti.

[natepurcell]

25.  I'm pretty sure Toby Hall is a free agent, am I mistaken about that? If he is, he'd almost certainly sign with the Phillies since it's the only organization in baseball where he would be the number one catcher.

he has one more arbitration year. but the phillies get him anyways hehe.

I'm surprised you're willing to deal Abreu, but it's understandable if you like DeWitt more.

my thought process is that betemit or laroche could maybe slide over to 2b after kent. but we can worry about 2b later since that is not usually a hard position to fill. And yes, i like dewitts potential more then abreu but since abreu is closer to the majors, he has higher trade value then dewitt.

Only thing I would be concerned with is the bullpen. Gagne and Dotel are both huge risks, and it'd be a miracle if Beimel and/or Saito repeated 2006. I'd be more comfortable going out and getting someone like Justin Speier with the payroll you have free.

I realize that. I made sure we had ample arms in vegas though with: ryan madsen, gavin floyd, greg miller, jon meloan and possibly some NRIs that we could sign. Stack em high and hope that with the odds, some pan out.

[gpellamjr]

26.  Hey Nate, did I miss something? Won't Brazoban be back next year? Does he just not fit into your plans? Back to LV?

[Bob Timmermann]

27.  Where did you read that Alou signed with the Mets?

[natepurcell]

28.  26

Brazobans still in the org but i dont know how long its going to take him to recover from TJ. He fits into the plan of loading up on relievers in AAA vegas.

[Uncle Miltie]

29.  1. Jason Schmidt 3years 40.5 million. 4th year team option for 13.5 million, automatically vests if Schmidt piches 360 innings in last two years of contract.
Pretty much what I was thinking. I was hoping that Ned would offer Schmidt 3 years/$39 million and go after Zito later.
2. Win bid for LHP Kei Igawa 9.5 million. Sign Igawa to a 4year 14.5 million contract.
I like this move a lot. He has good control (only 46 walks in 200 innings). Should be good for 200 innings and an ERA in the low 4's.
3. Octacvio Dotel 1 year base of 1.75million with IP incentives to reach 5 million
I like Dotel a lot. He could be an excellent addition to the bullpen.
4. Eric Gagne, one year base of 3 million, IP incentives to reach 8 million, 2008 club option for 9million that automatically vests if Gagne reaches 60IP in 2007.
Pass. It's time to move on.
5. Sal Fasano 800k contract
Ok
1. Dodgers Trade Brad Penny, Brett Tomko, Mark Hendrickson and Toby Hall to the Phillies for Pat Burrell, Ryan Madsen and Gavin Floyd.
I'm in favor of acquiring Burrell, but I'd hate to give up Penny in this type of deal. Dumping Tomko is a positive. Madsen would be a solid addition to the bullpen. I'd explore other options before dealing Penny for Burrell.
2. Dodgers trade Tony Abreu, Eric Stults and Mark Alexander to the Nationals for OF Ryan Church
Pass. I'm a big Abreu fan. I think he's going to be a very good player.

Pretty good, but it needs more Carl Crawford.

[Uncle Miltie]

30.  If I couldn't acquire Crawford, I'd go after Marcus Thames. I'd also put Ethier on the block.

[Sam DC]

31.  Nats are desperate for young pitching. After that game v. the Mets, I bet you could trade Stultz for Church straight up.

[overkill94]

32.  Why the fascination with Marcus Thames? Last year was his only full year worth of stats and he'll be 30 by opening day next year. I wouldn't mind him if we only had to give up a B prospect or so, but I think we'd have to give up more than that to get him. Plus, it doesn't seem like he can play CF, can he?

[Bob Timmermann]

33.  The fascination with Thames comes from the fans desire to have more players named after rivers.

I'm hoping that the Dodgers sign Norm Nile, but I would settle for Joseph Volga.

[thinkingblue]

34.  The same people who said the things in post 1 now claim that the dodgers need speedy contact guys, and would rather have two speedy contact guys instead of Drew and a speedy contact guy.

[Sam DC]

35.  I'm holding out for Bobby Mersey.

[Greg Brock]

36.  Yes, but does Thames pronounce his name properly, like Tems, or does he butcher it, like people in Connecticut do with Thaymes?

[King of the Hobos]

37.  I also agree with several of nate's plans, namely Schmidt, Igawa, and Gagne (although I think it will take more money, including base, incentives, and option, to get Gagne). I'd like Burrell, especially if we could do it for Tomko, Hendrickson, and Hall with no Penny, which I think is possible considering how much Gillick hates Burrell (according to the media anyways). I would prefer to send Penny to the Mets for Heilman and Milledge, although it's debatable whether they're worth more than Madsen and Floyd. I'd also be willing to do a Tomko for Jenkins trade, which gives Maddux another pitcher to play with and relieves part of the Brewers' 20 man OF logjam. And I'd be content to sign Bellorin to a $400K contract, $100K guaranteed to be our backup, although as long as we don't give a Blanco contract to a backup ctacher, I'll be happy.

Centerfield is my biggest problem. I want Ned to avoid Pierre, Roberts, and Matthews, Jr., but after that I'm not sure. I'd be somewhat willing to let Kemp, Ethier, and possibly Milledge compete for it, but that could be risky. I have a feeling that Church would produce identically to Ethier, both offensively and defensively, although I'd be fine with acquiring him. I have a feeling that Acta will be more willing to use him however, especially with the plan that Kasten has outlined for the club. It doesn't seem to be Ned's style, but I'd be very tempted to acquire someone like Burrell for a corner, and let the likes of Ethier, Kemp, Repko, Werth, Loney (Nomar re-signed), Young, Milledge?, and any NRIs (Jack Cust?) fight for the last 2 OF spots.

[King of the Hobos]

38.  36 I believe he pronounces it properly, or at least the broadcasters that cover him pronounce it properly.

[Greg Brock]

39.  38 Okay, he can be a Dodger.

[Bob Timmermann]

40.  I hear announcers say "Timms"

[screwballin]

41.  I think Burrell will be my litmus test for Ned. If Ned sees past the mediocre traditional stats to see the value in Burrell, then I think we know more about Ned than we did before.

Frankly, I have my doubts.

[King of the Hobos]

42.  40 I suppose I could be remembering "Timms" as "Tems," but at least I know they don't pronounce it Thaymes.

[CanuckDodger]

43.  The Dodgers don't want Ryan Church. No team does, probably even including the Nationals. The love affair for the guy around here is an another example of stathead fans caring only about statistics and not having the least bit of interest in "intangibles" that actual baseball executives think are extremely important. Church is a zealous born-again Christian who pesters his teammates about needing to accept Christ as their personal savior to avoid the flames of Hell. He was even in a controversy last year over statements he made (quoted in the Washington Post) that endorsed the idea that Jews go to Hell. Stathead fans may not care about that, but the people who actually have to interact with baseball players (teammates, coaches, executives) don't want to work alongside people who make Angela from The Office seem like an mellow, open-minded liberal by comparison.

[natepurcell]

44.  43

well, i obviously didnt know his last name would be so fitting with his beliefs.

anyways...

I would prefer to send Penny to the Mets for Heilman and Milledge,

i really like that deal. mets are signing alou and some analysts says that opens the door for a milledge trade. if glavine doesnt come back and they cant sign zito, i think omar would definately do that deal.

[natepurcell]

45.  43

I dont think Canuck likes my plan lol.

[CanuckDodger]

46.  45 -- Outside of the Church trade, it was pretty good, actually.

[natepurcell]

47.  Igawa is really intriging for me. Ive seen his videos on youtube and it does look like he can succeed in the majors. If his control doesnt go south for some odd season, i think he will be a better/cheaper alternative to maddux for next season and beyond.

[CanuckDodger]

48.  44 -- And I thought that it was generally well-known among people who follow baseball what Church is like personally. The media has covered it pretty thoroughly. Obviously if peole were unaware of his "issues," then I don't want to say those people ignore the issues. But I was not exactly misrepresnting statheads when I said they discount intangibles like what sort of teammate a player is, as illustrated in the case of Milton Bradley.

[natepurcell]

49.  48

I would think Sam DC would have mentioned here a couple times since he has adopted the nats as his second team. Maybe he has, but this is the first ive heard about Church and his religious views. Maybe the rockies should trade for him, they are looking for a CFer.

[Sam DC]

50.  I don't know the ins and outs of Ryan Church's personality, beliefs, or locker room conduct. Canuck is right that he was in a controversy re the Baseball Chapel last year (along with beloved Rockie Jamey Carroll), where he was quoted in the Post asking his Chaplain whether people who don't believe in Christ, like Jews, would end up going to Hell. At the time, I had two reactions. One, I was reminded that ballplayers are young. Two, I thought it was wierd that it was seen as so wrong and nutty for a religious person to question whether people who didn't accept that religion were going to Hell. I understand it's a difficult subject to discuss, but why was Church's question so out of bounds? Obviously, our culture values tolerance above almost all things, but many religions claim to state absolute truths and the question of what that means for nonbelievers seems pretty natural to me.

[Bob Timmermann]

51.  I listened to some old Tiger highlights on MLB.com and Mario Impemba, the Tigers TV announcer, definitely said "Tems".

I think I heard "Timms" from an ESPN or Fox guy earlier this year.

[CanuckDodger]

52.  49 -- Not that the Giants would have him, but I would love it if Church got traded to San Francisco. Christian fundamentalists are very popular there, I understand.

[Sam DC]

53.  49 The controversy re Church's comments in the presence of a Post reporter were mentioned here when they were hitting the papers last season. (He gave a big apology at the time, of course.) The papers have not reported that he was then and has remained a pestering evangelizing teammate, however. I'm not saying he isn't, but I hadn't heard that before.

[Uncle Miltie]

54.  43- I haven't read anything about Church forcing his religion on his teammates
50- I read his quotes. I wouldn't place all the blame on Church. It sounds like the chaplain is not who takes everything in the bible literally.
52- lol, sure ;)

[CanuckDodger]

55.  50 -- Church's personal theological explorations are his business. There was nothing wrong with his asking the pastor if Jews go to Hell. I am not even going to say that there is anything wrong with a Christian BELIEVING that everybody but Christians go to Hell. That is orthodox Christianity. But a baseball player has no business making aspects of his religion that he SHOULD KNOW will offend people public knowledge. And he absolutely shouldn't try to impose his beliefs on teammates.

[Sam DC]

56.  43 This is my last comment on this, which I worry is violating the spirit of multiple DT rules, though I hope not. But I want to note that Church's reported comments did not "endorse" the idea that Jews go to hell. It was reported as a question. Maybe it's plain that the question itself is a prejudiced act; religion can be complicated and messy that way and I don't really know.

I'm surprised to find myself defending Church quite this much, since the whole thing was very upsetting when it broke. But there's been no public controversy on the subject since and I guess I determined at some point to give him, like I try to do most people, the benefit of the doubt and hope for the best.

[twerp]

57.  ========Dodger news flash=======

Colletti Hires Purcell, Pairs Him With Mueller

GM Ned Colletti has hired Nate Purcell, formerly of Dodger Thoughts blog, to work as a special assistant. Colletti cited Purcell's insightful work in putting together a proposed 2007 Dodger roster as a big factor in the decision.

"We can't pay him quite as much as we're paying Bill Mueller not to play," said Colletti. "But we'll be competitive. Instead of $4.5 million, we're thinking $4.50. We possibly could go as high as $45.00."

He added that Mueller now will report to Purcell.

"We understand Purcell's relocation to the Dodgers may be especially timely due to problems with chemistry at his University of Arizona campus. Chemistry problems with women, that is. A trusted scout told us Purcell barely escaped an angry horde of UA women after he posted several inflammatory remarks on DT early Saturday. The remarks somehow spread widely over the campus, and very quickly."

Colletti did not believe these problems would continue in Los Angeles, since not all the angry women would follow Purcell. Even if some did, observed Colletti, several Dodgers have half-vast experience with women and would be able to advise Purcell well.

"We think he will be a much better fit for our organization than for these disgruntled women. And this opportunity to get out of town, ...um, to relocate, is a bonus. We look forward to a long and interesting relationship with him."

Earlier, on Dodgers.com, Mueller said his job description is "a work in progress." Colletti described Purcell more as "a piece of work."

Mueller added: "This is a wonderful opportunity to listen and get tutored in all aspects of the front office. It's such a great fit. I'll embrace it and see where it takes me."

Purcell reacted more cautiously, at first because he misunderstood the word "tutored," thinking the opportunity was to get "neutered." And, given recent history, Purcell said he also was reluctant even to talk about embracing.

Purcell will report to work Nov. 31.

--31--

[StolenMonkey86]

58.  50- I haven't followed the Nats quite as much, and the issue with Church is news to me too. I remember Bowden sent him to AAA to start the season to punish him for a poor spring training or something, which struck me as stupid.

As for his remarks, they are offensive, but they weren't malicious. Offensive statements are things people can get over, but remarks that are just plain mean create much greater difficulties.

51 - ESPN.com and The New York Times' article on Thames' mother insist the proper pronounciation of his last name is "timms", and both use 2 m's.

[StolenMonkey86]

59.  57 - well done

[Bob Timmermann]

60.  57
So does a press release that ends with a --31--, better than one that ends with a --30--?

[CanuckDodger]

61.  56 -- Actually, Church DID endorse the idea that Jews go to Hell. In the Washington Post article, Church's response to the pastor's affirming that Jews go to Hell was to say "...man, if they only knew. Other religions don't know any better. It's up to us to spread the word."

[Andrew Shimmin]

62.  Ryan Church is responsible for all the wars in the world.

[StolenMonkey86]

63.  58 - well, at least I'm usually able to shrug off offensive stuff as long as it's not malicious.

56 - the whole rule about sex, religion and politics seems to work pretty well

[twerp]

64.  60 Yeah, since Nate reports Nov. 31....

[StolenMonkey86]

65.  62 - I am reminded of this quote from TAWP:

"Before Team America showed up, Iraq was a happy place. They had flowery meadows, and rainbow skies and rivers made of chocolate where the children danced and laughed and played with gumdrop smiles."

[natepurcell]

66.  Ned Colletti has given me permission to make the following moves:

1- CanuckDodger will be Minor League Coordinator.

2- Andrew Shimmin and Greg Brock will take over as head of media relations. Both are free to add jokes to their discretion.

3- Bob Timmermann becomes head of the obscure fact finding department for Vin Scully the rest of the Dodgers' broadcaster. Way to go Bob, you earned it.

4- Jon Weisman is hired to become the Dodgers' personal columnist. He gets first dibs on every story..plaschke doesnt get a press pass inside the clubhouse.

5- D4P is hired to become the Dodgers Scott Boras scout. His job....stalk, harass, insult, question, live, and drink scott boras....and when he has time, Torrii Hunter.

Thats all i have been authorized to do now.

[Bob Timmermann]

67.  I want a better job.

[Andrew Shimmin]

68.  Where Ryan Church expects Jews to spend all of eternity cannot be very important to most Jews. Just as where some Hindu thinks Ryan Church is headed cannot be very important to him. Just as where some Taoists thinks I'm headed doesn't worry me at all.

The absolutely only thing about this that made it a story is that the Nats had a team chaplain, so the conversation took place in the locker room (or where ever; on team property), so there were reporters in earshot. It's theologically juvenile, as Sam alluded to, and if stat geeks can't be counted on to hold it against him, it's because it's too boring to remember.

If Church is a jerk about his religion, that's something. If he can't be persuaded not to be one, then acquiring him might be a mistake. But if he's not, or, if he can be persuaded to leave the staff, and his teammates alone about it, it's nobody's business.

[Andrew Shimmin]

69.  66- I get it. You bring me on so that, on the first day, you can fire me to consolidate power. Very smart.

[CanuckDodger]

70.  I want to be General Manager. I am planning a coup d'etat right now.

[dianagramr]

71.  Dodger farmhand caught with 130 bags of crack ...

http://tinyurl.com/t29kc

[twerp]

72.  Is there an opening for general mangler?

[natepurcell]

73.  72

yes but you have to submit a resume.

[Andrew Shimmin]

74.  You'd report to D4P.

[Andrew Shimmin]

75.  73- Before I was fired, I'd question your judgment in putting D4P in charge of the plumbers unit, but, then, Chuck Colson. So, I guess you never know.

[Louis in SF]

76.  Bob, in today's SF Chronicle, although not always the best source-see Ben Bradlee in All the President's Men, Alou when asked by a Chronicle correspondent if he was going to sign with the Mets, said that it was a good team with a chance to win a championship.

The A's were apparently interested in Alou has their DH once Frank left.

[Steve]

77.  LAT, Sam is looking for you. Something about his personal lord and savior and the burning gates of hell. Sounds urgent.

[natepurcell]

78.  this is from loneys myspace..

I was born in Houston and moved out to Missouri City when I was 12. I have faith in God and believe you should always try to apply the knowledge of the Bible if you want to live forever in heaven.

Maybe Church would be a fit on this team...

[StolenMonkey86]

79.  Here's an article that identifies Ryan Church as a mix of Aaron Rowand and JD Drew.

http://tinyurl.com/yemgyz

Read it, and it's funny, yet at the same time really kinda makes you shake your head.

[Andrew Shimmin]

80.  78- Or maybe we should send Loney to Denver for Josh Fogg and Kaz Matsui. I hear the Rockies love Jesus.

[natepurcell]

81.  80

its quite interesting looking at all our young players myspace pages.

[StolenMonkey86]

82.  81 - who else is on there? I found Loney's, but thats it so far

[CanuckDodger]

83.  Loney's from Texas, so of course he is a Christian. He is one of my favorites, but if I heard that he was making a nuisance of himself trying to convert everybody on the Dodgers to his religion, I would say he has to go.

[natepurcell]

84.  kemp, laroche, denker, edwin jackson, greg miller, probably others.

[Bob Timmermann]

85.  83

Ahh the broad generalizations....

http://tinyurl.com/yf2uss

http://tinyurl.com/yced7p

[Andrew Shimmin]

86.  83- Without asking him to knock it off? Telling him, actually, not asking. Very few people have any too much give in their religious/philosophical beliefs. And nobody I've ever met enjoyed being cornered at work over it, or feeling like he had to submit to being proselytized by someone because that someone was a teammate. But it is the very rare amateur evangelist who can't be gotten to knock it off and leave people alone. Particularly when his job is in a fully secular setting.

If Russ Martin were selling Avon in the lockerroom, and refused to knock it off, it'd be as big a problem as peddling Jesus. But the first step (mine, anyway), in each case, would be to tell the player to quit it. And I'd be shocked if either refused.

[trainwreck]

87.  Isn't Burrell slow and a terrible defender?

[StolenMonkey86]

88.  don't know about terrible. he has a career .871 zone rating and 100 Rate2 as a left fielder

[CanuckDodger]

89.  85 -- Yes, I am sure there are non-Christians in Texas. But the odds of a Texan with a Christian name not being a Christian just aren't that good.

[StolenMonkey86]

90.  83 - What if the person you heard it from was a liar?

[Gagne55]

91.  84 links? please?

[StolenMonkey86]

92.  Incidentally, we're all gonna die in 30 years according to this article.

http://tinyurl.com/y2m2xd

[CanuckDodger]

93.  86 -- If Russell Martin starts selling Avon in the locker room, or wearing Avon, he has to go too. I'm running a tight ship here.

[Andrew Shimmin]

94.  Ryan Church is responsible for all the killer asteroids in the universe.

[trainwreck]

95.  Keith Law claims Igawa throws 84-88mph. What is the truth?

[StolenMonkey86]

96.  93 - At first I read that as Evian.

Maybe I should go to bed.

[overkill94]

97.  87 No, he's dreamy and smells like rose petals...at least according to my old boss (a female, thank goodness).

[StolenMonkey86]

98.  No, he's dreamy and smells like rose petals...at least according to my old boss (a female, thank goodness).

I could make a joke about the name Pat here . . .

[Andrew Shimmin]

99.  There's a tape of Milton and Rose Friedman with Brian Lamb on CSPAN2, now.

[CanuckDodger]

100.  83 -- By "heard" I meant "if I learned from professional media reports," not gossip. Heck, if gossip counted, I have heard some things about Billingsley I wasn't thrilled to "hear."