Ardoin, Ausmus, Aw ...
Honestly, I don't exactly know why the Dodgers do this to themselves. It's nothing personal against Brad Ausmus, whom the Dodgers have signed to a one-year contract for 2009 at $1 million plus incentives, according to Diamond Leung of the Press-Enterprise. But each year, the Dodgers convince themselves that a veteran offense-free catcher will be worth the cost of an extra few hundred thousand dollars over a minimum-wager, and then they wake up in May and realize they can't live without Russell Martin playing every day.
I know that there aren't 30 good hitting catchers in baseball, let alone enough to give you a solid backup. But why spend anything on these guys? If the Dodgers were really committed to their veteran moxie and ability to work with pitchers, that would be one thing, but each year, that stuff flies out the window. It's all Martin, all the time, and so a million dollars for Ausmus and his .216 EQA vs. the minimum for Danny Ardoin and his .214 EQA doesn't make sense. And neither are going to be of any help should Martin suffer a major injury.
I don't really care who the Dodgers' backup catcher is - except for the sentimental feeling that it would have been nice for a coffee-cupper like Ardoin to get to spend a full year on a roster, rather than a 16-year clockpuncher like Ausmus. So I'm not up in arms or anything.
But Martin's going to play all the time. That's his fate, just like it was the fate of Oceanic 815 not to complete its intercontinental journey. Pretending otherwise shows that sometimes, the Dodgers just get lost.
1.  The Nick Markakis deal is official, and even though it is a gaudy total ($66.1m over 6 years), it actually helps the Dodgers' case against Ethier.
Markakis Contract
signing bonus: $2.1m (paid over 2009-2010)
2009: $3m
2010: $6.75m
2011: $10.25m
2012: $12m
2013: $15m
2014: $15m
2015: $17.5m mutual option ($2m buyout)
Markakis is sitting on 3 years service time, just ahead of the 2 years, 153 days for Ethier. Spreading the signing bonus over the life of the contract (since that's how MLB calculates contracts), Markakis will earn $3.35m this season.
WAR 2006-2008
Markakis – 2.0/3.5/5.4 (10.9 total)
Ethier – 1.7/2.1/3.6 (7.4 total)
OPS+ 2006-2008
Markakis – 106/121/134 (121 overall)
Ethier – 113/103/130 (116 overall)
Counting Stats: Runs/2B/HR/RBI/SB career
Markakis – 275/116/59/261/30
Ethier – 190/90/44/196/11
No matter how you slice it, Markakis is better than Ethier. And Markakis will earn $3.35m in 2009. No way to justify Ethier making $3.75m.
Time to settle.
Posted by: Eric Stephen | January 21, 2009 at 04:22 PM
2.  Ardoin, Ausmus, Aw... AJ Ellis?
Is Martin one of the Oceanic 6?
--
Will let you know if Diamond L has any insight to me on why Ausmus over Blanco or anyone else for that matter.
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 04:22 PM
3.  Oh, and nicely done in previous thread, Tom M.
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 04:25 PM
4.  3 - Worth bringing over ...
198. Tom Meagher
NC: Hi, Brad? It's 'stache.
BA: Yes, Mr. Colletti, sir. I am very honored to be talking to another great fan of the great game of baseball, who appreciates how great it is that we get to play this great game and teach it to the youths of our country. How may I help you, Mr. Colletti, sir?
NC: Brad, I gotta tell ya, I have always loved that attitude of yours. Brad, we've got some young pitchers on the staff, and we're looking for someone to show them how to play the game right.
BA: Good idea, sir! That's the only way to play it!
NC: Well Brad, I know you know that, because I'm sure you've been doing it for decades!
BA: Oh, me, sir? I wouldn't know about that. Aw, shucks.
NC: Brad, we are prepared to offer you a $3 million salary to come help coach our pitching staff and catchers.
BA: Wow! That is quite an offer, sir!
NC: I thought you'd like it.
BA: And I guess now you can let the kid have a few extra innings off, eh, sir?
NC: I'm sorry, what's that?
BA: Well, with me on board, this fine youngster you've got at catcher can maybe take a few extra breathers while I work the leather - right, sir?
NC: Oooh. Uh, well, you see, I just ... you see, Brad, we respect your playing skills so much that we figured you'd be more comfortable coaching, without the added burden of having to work so hard to maintain yourself in the peak physical shape that you are in ...
BA: I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand.
NC: Well, we already have Danny Ardoin, and, with all due reverence to your wonderful career, he is also a, shall we say, defensive specialist, and his arm is still in quite good... and, you know, he's not a great hitter, but he's, well, you know, we kind of think maybe he'll offer more with the bat than... it's just ...
BA:
NC: ... Well, and, we also kind of like this kid we've got at triple A, he hits pretty nice and for a backup he would ...
BA:
NC: Brad? Are you ... what are you thinking?
BA: Mr. Colletti, sir, I understand what you are saying. I understand I am not the great player I once tried to be. But I... I can't walk away from this game that I love to focus on coaching baseball. I need to leave every last ounce of blood, sweat, and tears out on that field. I want to pound my knuckles into the cement wall of the opposition over and over, until every red drop has exited my body and mixed with the glorious infield dirt to form a delicious Gamer stew. You're not getting me off that
NC: But Brad, we are prepared to offer you $3 million to coach with us! You won't receive that kind of money elsewhere. Don't you want to be with us? I mean, you're not likely to even make the league minimum this year as a player. How can you walk away from that kind of money?
BA: I don't believe in players taking money from teams or walking away from money. I believe in GAMERS giving everything they've got to the team, sir. And that's what I want to do for the Los Angeles Dodgers, give EVERYTHING I've got.
NC: Well, Brad, that's very admirable, but like I said, our other options -
BA: SCREW your other options! I'm going to give EVERYTHING I'VE GOT. Mr. Colletti, if you pay me $3 million to coach, then I will pay the Dodgers $2 million to let me play!
NC:
BA: I will give everything that's left in my bat, my mitt, and my catcher's cannon. You will not regret this for even one iota of a nanosecond. Mr. Colletti, I AM the Los Angeles Dodgers, and you would be a fool not to let me be all that I can be!
NC: Brad, I've always heard so much about your great reputation. Everyone loves you. But I wasn't so sure. I knew I needed to find some way to see if the legend I'd heard so much was the REAL Brad Ausmus, the guy I'd be getting. Brad, I tested you. It didn't occur to me for one second that if Brad Ausmus was truly BRAD AUSMUS I would do anything but put him out on that diamond where he belongs. How does $1 million sound, Brad?
BA: Aww, shucks, Mr. Colletti, sir. I guess you got me real good! Aww, boy. You really did a number on me.
NC: So do we have a deal for an even mil?
BA: If it's guaranteed, I'll bleed! Yes, Mr. Colletti, sir!
NC: FanTAStic news, Brad. And Brad, you're right. This does mean we'll finally let the kid take a couple games off each week.
BA: Can't wait, sir!
Posted by: Jon Weisman | January 21, 2009 at 04:27 PM
5.  Great, it's January 21 and already the usually optimistic Jon is comparing the Dodgers' 2009 season to a plane crash.
Posted by: Eric Enders | January 21, 2009 at 04:29 PM
6.  1 The Dodgers would be smart to just sign Ethier to a 6 year $42 million deal right now. Ethier should really sign since he could be guaranteed less than $3 million this year and is under club control for two more years.
Posted by: Zak | January 21, 2009 at 04:32 PM
7.  Reasons for signing BA
Personal catcher for....
No facial hair
Joe telling Russell that a day off means just that, not playing third...badly.
Posted by: PalmdaleSteve1 | January 21, 2009 at 04:32 PM
8.  7
No facial hair
Somewhere Sal Fasano just shed a tear. And it dripped into his awesome mustache.
Posted by: Eric Stephen | January 21, 2009 at 04:34 PM
9.  And mixed with his soup.
Posted by: Marty | January 21, 2009 at 04:36 PM
10.  6 He's under club control for 3 more years (after 2009).
Posted by: silverwidow | January 21, 2009 at 04:37 PM
11.  Oh, come on, surely The Inhabitant is worth bringing over too?
Posted by: Daniel Zappala | January 21, 2009 at 04:38 PM
12.  10 Right, 6/$39. :)
Posted by: Zak | January 21, 2009 at 04:38 PM
13.  8 Best MLB 'stash ?
Rollie Fingers in my book.
Posted by: PalmdaleSteve1 | January 21, 2009 at 04:39 PM
14.  The Five Most Unfortunate Catcher Facial Hair Styles of the 1990s
1. Sal Fasano
2. The Toby Hall "Playboy centerfold" look
3. Russell Martin, June 7, 2008
4. Henry Blanco
5. Gregg Zaun (http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2008/03/03/UqdkiOS7.jpg)
Posted by: Eric Enders | January 21, 2009 at 04:47 PM
15.  Ned does this over and over. Choosing to pay Mota 2.3 million for production that could done for the minimum. Paying Ausmus one million when Blanco could be had for 750 thousand or even going cheaper and giving Ellis/Ardion the minimum. Blanco could actually catch and not hurt the team, Ausmus is done. Given Martins performance in the 2nd half last year I expected one of the Dodger goals to give him more rest. If that is the plan and Ausmus gets more playing time we are going to be hurting in those games.
So when was the last time the Dodgers had a payroll around 80,000,000 on January 20th?
Maybe Ned's plan is to let Arizona offer every available free agent 3-4 million and get turned down. Then we swoop in at 5 million per and pick up three for the price of a Schmidt. It is really ticking me off that Ben Sheets price keeps dropping and we won't make the effort to put him in our laps.
Posted by: ToyCannon | January 21, 2009 at 04:49 PM
16.  14 I'm always both amazed and amused by the lists that people are able to put together on this site
Posted by: bferb | January 21, 2009 at 04:51 PM
17.  So I am watching an episode of Top Chef from season 3 and Padma just looks so beautiful.
Way prettier than Brad Ausmus.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 04:52 PM
18.  Ellis must be some kind of awful receiver to let a 27 yr old with a .387 career OBP rot in AAA.
Posted by: bigcpa | January 21, 2009 at 04:54 PM
19.  13 Nobody can top Fingers, but here are some others--
- Al Hrabosky (http://espn.go.com/i/page2/photos/040414hrabosky.jpg)
- King Kelly (http://images.bleedcubbieblue.com/images/admin/KingKelly.jpg)
- Wilford Brimley in "The Natural"
Posted by: Eric Enders | January 21, 2009 at 04:54 PM
20.  Not that it matters, but 14 should have read "of the 2000s."
Posted by: Eric Enders | January 21, 2009 at 04:55 PM
21.  I used to like our 74 Mike Marshall mustache.
Posted by: ToyCannon | January 21, 2009 at 04:59 PM
22.  15
Amen on Ben Sheets
Posted by: Kevin Lewis | January 21, 2009 at 04:59 PM
23.  Goose Gossage sported a pretty big stache too.
Posted by: Marty | January 21, 2009 at 05:03 PM
24.  15 When was the last time our roster wasn't full on January 20th? With pitchers and catchers reporting in just over three weeks, how much longer can all of these free agents (particularly pitchers) hold out for contracts? I can't ever remember an off-season with so much uncertainty at this point.
Posted by: bferb | January 21, 2009 at 05:05 PM
25.  Looking for a photo of Mike from 74 I came across this great find. Fun reading for Dodger fans.
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446401548_ChapterExcerpt(1).htm
Brief quote:
"Marshall, who would soon become the first relief pitcher to win the National League Cy Young Award, had exploited the media mob assembled at a Dodgers workout to press his polemic. "Most pitching coaches are incompetent," he explained evenly, "and they merely perpetuate the old, ignorant ways of pitching. They do so because of their fundamental lack of knowledge of physiology and muscle structure. And, as a result, they destroy pitchers' arms." While Marshall delivered that diatribe, his own pitching coach, Red Adams, stood not far away, smoking a Newport menthol and rolling his eyes."
Posted by: ToyCannon | January 21, 2009 at 05:06 PM
26.  I prefer Dreadlocks in LF over any facial hair
Posted by: Sac Town Dodger Fan | January 21, 2009 at 05:09 PM
27.  And no mention of Ned in the top 5 moustaches?
Posted by: Sac Town Dodger Fan | January 21, 2009 at 05:10 PM
28.  Oh, didnt see it was catchers only, my bad!
Posted by: Sac Town Dodger Fan | January 21, 2009 at 05:11 PM
29.  I remember on the Petros and Money show a couple of days ago talking about the merits of the top of the 2006 NFL draft. That the Houston Texans had three choices for the number one pick, Mario Williams, DB. Reggie Bush, RB, or Vince Young, QB.
Conventional wisdom says take the running back or quarterback. Nobody could argue with you, even if the pick failed, and the player was the bust, because you always had the argument that you 'did' your job. The analysis was done, there was a 'need' at QB, or RB, and the team simply needed a RB, or QB. So a team couldn't justify firing a guy who did the 'right' thing and his 'job' in picking the safe, conventional pick.
However, the Texans did go for Mario Williams, making him the first defensive player picked first in the draft, and then the GM got fired for it. Despite Williams actually being the best player in that draft.
Ned Coletti is basically the guy who's playing it at the book. Pointing out that he's just doing his job, and saying, "We got needs here, here, and here. And we're going to fill them by the book. So you can't fire me for making the obvious and logical choice." Which I feel sums up Mota, and Ausmus. Except its only 'obvious' and 'logical' when you aren't smart enough to look for a better choice. That, and its lazy thinking.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 05:13 PM
30.  Did anyone see the Real Sports piece on Marshall, teaching his rather bizarre forward facing pitching style?
Posted by: Jim Hitchcock | January 21, 2009 at 05:14 PM
31.  25 Wow, great story.
Posted by: Jim Hitchcock | January 21, 2009 at 05:23 PM
32.  29
However, the Texans did go for Mario Williams, making him the first defensive player picked first in the draft
According to Pro Football Reference, there have been 18 defensive players taken #1 overall, including 3 HOFers (and a soon to be 4th in Bruce Smith).
http://tinyurl.com/cn3zbl
Posted by: Eric Stephen | January 21, 2009 at 05:25 PM
33.  http://tinyurl.com/dm5npw
Just noticed from this photo of Russell Martin clubbing, that he has a tattoo.
Anyone ever noticed it before, or know what it is of?
I always find tattoos interesting.
Posted by: LU Dodger | January 21, 2009 at 05:36 PM
34.  32 That's what I get for accepting the Petros and Money show at face value!
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 05:39 PM
35.  Top Chef Thoughts: Its restaurant wars! And I want either Horsea or Leah to lose tonight. Doubt it though since if they're on the losing team, they're cover for each other which they did last week.
Instead, I'm choosing Fabio this week since he's been up and down.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 05:41 PM
36.  34
Ha!
Posted by: Eric Stephen | January 21, 2009 at 05:48 PM
37.  According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, SI.com's Tom Verducci said Wednesday on the MLB Network that the Brewers are working on a two-year deal with Prince Fielder.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/38036579.html
Also, the D'Backs are trying to sign Jason Jennings. He of the 8.56 ERA in 2008 Jason Jennings.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:01 PM
38.  35
From preview, it seems like Leah and Radhika are the leaders of the groups. So they are the most likely to get kicked off, unless they pull a CJ (from season 3) and make someone else on their team in charge of everything
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 06:07 PM
39.  38 Horsea and Leah seem to be on the same team. In the end, the leaders of the group get kicked off because they do too much and their food suffers. But Horsea and Leah might try to shift the blame and work again this week on of their team members like they did with last week.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:16 PM
40.  39
Or maybe they will be too riddled with guilt from their make-out session.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 06:18 PM
41.  make sure to take tylenol before watching lost tonight.
headaches will ensue
Posted by: LU Dodger | January 21, 2009 at 06:22 PM
42.  40 One of the lamest story lines this season. I'm much rather interested in seeing in Stephan trying to get into Jamie's pants. Not because of the pursuit, but he's just doing it because he wants to annoy the heck out of her.
Stephan's quickly becoming my favorite, and so far, he's 5th for me after Richard(season 4), Stephanie(season 4), Hung(season 3), Harold(season), and now Stephan (season 5). Sometimes the villain is the best 'character'. It helps that he can actually cook too.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:25 PM
43.  Scene: Frank McCourt walks into a small funeral home in South Los Angeles. He walks up to a casket in an otherwise empty room.
He opens the casket.
Inside is Paul Lo Duca.
Out of the shadows comes Paul DePodesta.
"You know, you have to go back..."
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | January 21, 2009 at 06:27 PM
44.  43
Would that make Derek Lowe, Sawyer?
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 06:30 PM
45.  http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3850049
Mel Kiper is projecting Matthew Stafford with the first pick to the Lions, and Marc Sanchez to the Chiefs with the 3rd pick.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:30 PM
46.  I believe this is the first time the veteran backup will make less than Martin... but too lazy to check.
Posted by: Paul S | January 21, 2009 at 06:34 PM
47.  Mel Kiper is projecting Matthew Stafford with the first pick to the Lions
On his Big Boardâ„¢...!?!?
Posted by: D4P | January 21, 2009 at 06:35 PM
48.  43 Well done, sir. And likely creepier than anything we'll see on Lost.
47 On his Big Hairâ„¢, you mean.
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 06:38 PM
49.  Everyone seems to be projecting the Raiders picking WR Maclin, train -- does that seem accurate to you? (Not that projections are always accurate.) I was gonna say they might very well go for an OT like Monroe, but realize you never know what Al is thinking and he does love those receivers. Even though they're a rival team, even I feel like going down there myself and forcing him to pick a damned tackle.
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 06:40 PM
50.  http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/01/dodgers-sign-br.html
(emphasis mine)
Ausmus, 40 in April, hit .218/.303/.296 in 250 plate appearances for the Astros last year while throwing out 17.4% of attempted thieves. His value will lie in intangibles.
==========================
So Ausmus has a great VORP (Value Over Ronny Paulino)?
Posted by: dianagramr | January 21, 2009 at 06:41 PM
51.  47 Yes.
Kiper's also projecting Rey Maualuga with the 20th pick to the Lions who have it because of the trade of Roy Williams to the Cowboys, and Brian Cushing to the Pats with the 23rd pick.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:41 PM
52.  46 Adroin made less than Martin! Then again, he has even less MLB service time than Martin did. Adroin couldn't even reach arbitration status yet.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:42 PM
53.  49
I have seen a lot of names attached to us. We need to go OT or D line, which means Al will take Maclin or Malcolm Jenkins.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 06:44 PM
54.  Wow, sad news -- former Bronco and Atlanta Falcon DL Shane Dronett was found dead today. Sounds like suicide. :-( Ugh.
Hard life for forgotten former pro players sometimes.
On that cheery note -- off to finish work before getting "Lost."
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 06:44 PM
55.  Maclin is really fast, so always a chance Al falls in love with him.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 06:45 PM
56.  53 - Figures. Maybe he'll have palsy while filling out the draft card and accidentally check an OL's name.
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 06:46 PM
57.  I think Cushing could be better than Rey in the NFL. He is more disciplined and gets to his target quickly. His injury history is nothing I would worry about. He has issues shedding blockers at times, but I think he can improve on that with technique.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 06:47 PM
58.  A few more years of Martin playing 150 games and seeing his OPS drop into the 600's by the end of the year and then it may become permanent. I don't see much backup plan with Santana gone.
Posted by: Gen3Blue | January 21, 2009 at 06:50 PM
59.  The backup plan is Joe Mauer. Then again, that is also the backup plan for the Red Sox and yankees.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:56 PM
60.  According to Dylan Hernadez, Ausmus contract includes $350K in incentives.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 06:58 PM
61.  Carla must go.
She makes me feel bad for not liking her.
Posted by: Sam DC | January 21, 2009 at 07:09 PM
62.  A chef who says his or her style is to cook "seasonal" foods is also very annoying to me.
Like to cook fresh stuff, huh?
Crazy!
Posted by: Sam DC | January 21, 2009 at 07:10 PM
63.  I thought the Ausmus signing was a great move, statistics aside. He's the guy that's going to teach Martin how to improve his D behind the plate, and calling games. I have heard numerous times that Ausmus will eventually become a major league manager.
I also could see a possible deal down the road where LA trades for Roy Oswalt, who Brad and Mark Loretta should know very well. Houston is already strapped for cash, from what I read, so they may look to dumo payroll at some point. I believe Buster Olney has written on this subject recently.
Oswalt to lead us into the playoffs would be a nice addition.
Posted by: rayg | January 21, 2009 at 07:11 PM
64.  Carla is a caterer, so her time on the chopping block is coming.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 07:11 PM
65.  I really can't think of any scenario where the extra 500 thousand we spend on Ausmus instead of Ardoin will matter.
Posted by: regfairfield | January 21, 2009 at 07:12 PM
66.  Are Ausmus's incentives based on intangibles...?
Posted by: D4P | January 21, 2009 at 07:12 PM
67.  its official. we need an east coast lost thread! I'm losing my frickin mind!
Posted by: LU Dodger | January 21, 2009 at 07:13 PM
68.  67
I guess you have become lost.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 07:14 PM
69.  Blanco was worth $2.9 million last season.
Ausmus was worth $400 thousand.
Posted by: D4P | January 21, 2009 at 07:17 PM
70.  68
Having an Andy Bernard meltdown here. lol
Posted by: LU Dodger | January 21, 2009 at 07:17 PM
71.  65
I thought you were all about putting the best team on the field. You don't think Blanco over Ausmus couldn't result in something significant?
Posted by: ToyCannon | January 21, 2009 at 07:20 PM
72.  64 So is Stephan.
And its weird to listen to a chef from Calif. talking about 'seasonal'. You live in California, everything is 'seasonal'!
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 07:32 PM
73.  Stephan is also a head chef, I believe. Carla is just a caterer.
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 07:35 PM
74.  Blanco over Ausmus...why? Why?
Posted by: Ken Noe | January 21, 2009 at 07:37 PM
75.  74 Geez, I'm so befuddled I reversed what I wanted to say. Ausmus over Blanco...why? Why?
Posted by: Ken Noe | January 21, 2009 at 07:38 PM
76.  My computer came today. It's funny having a left arrow key again. And I hadn't pieced together that a higher resolution screen would mean room for my bookmarks on my toolbar; bonus. Still have to get used to the keyboard layout--why would anybody but the Fn key at the bottom left instead of Ctrl?
Posted by: Andrew Shimmin | January 21, 2009 at 07:45 PM
77.  Speaking earlier of Dodger HOF players, any thoughts on Sheffield? I think he finishes with around 525-540 homeruns.
Posted by: delias man | January 21, 2009 at 07:57 PM
78.  78
I have his rookie card...
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | January 21, 2009 at 08:11 PM
79.  If Ned had just waited a day, he could've signed the suddenly available Caroline Kennedy to back up Martin.
Posted by: dzzrtRatt | January 21, 2009 at 08:11 PM
80.  Postgame interview:
"So Caroline what was it like out there?"
"Well, you know, it was ... um ... a tremendous learning ... thing..."
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | January 21, 2009 at 08:15 PM
81.  I think yes on Sheff. I think he will hang around for another 5 years or so and bang out another 385 hits.
Posted by: jasonungar07 | January 21, 2009 at 08:27 PM
82.  But then the Dodgers would have to play Sweet Caroline every time Caroline Kennedy came to bat.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 08:27 PM
83.  82 Vin's stories during her AB would be amazing though.
Posted by: Sac Town Dodger Fan | January 21, 2009 at 08:35 PM
84.  Steve Sarkisian already hit with a minor recruiting violation.
http://www.insidesocal.com/usc/archives/2009/01/sarkisian-commi-1.html
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 08:51 PM
85.  72 73
It's Stefan! There is no "ph" in Finland! ;D
Posted by: mintxcore | January 21, 2009 at 08:54 PM
86.  85 Not like Stephan, Jack Stephan?
Posted by: fanerman | January 21, 2009 at 08:56 PM
87.  Get Lost!
Posted by: trainwreck | January 21, 2009 at 08:58 PM
88.  Bynum has like 30 points and its just about half way thur 3rd period but everyone is lost.
Posted by: jasonungar07 | January 21, 2009 at 09:03 PM
89.  88 Is Mike Dunleavy playing center for the Clippers?
Posted by: still bevens | January 21, 2009 at 09:11 PM
90.  Hey, its warm at night in Los Angeles.
I didn't take the chance to ask fellow passenger Jim Gray, who had those really expensive noise-reduction headphones on, if Kobe is going to quit basketball and start taking batting practice.
But he was nice as he passed me by in the aisle and he did thank the flight attendant and wished a hearty good bye.
Posted by: bhsportsguy | January 21, 2009 at 09:17 PM
91.  Ardoin, Ausmus, Aw ...
Bring, Back, Beimel . . .
Posted by: kinbote | January 21, 2009 at 09:33 PM
92.  91 has beimel signed yet?
Posted by: LU Dodger | January 21, 2009 at 09:34 PM
93.  92 - No.
Posted by: DBrim | January 21, 2009 at 09:40 PM
94.  Beimel is way better than Mota. Should have offered arb.
Posted by: Gagne55 | January 21, 2009 at 09:45 PM
95.  92 He's out there and as good a bet as any of the other bullpen arms available. The main reason I'd like to see him return is that it could result in Elbert returning to the minors as a starter.
Posted by: kinbote | January 21, 2009 at 09:47 PM
96.  89
No, our 3rd string 20 year center has gone for a career high of 21 points while Bynum was going off. Combined they probably have 20 dunks.
While Randolf, Baron, Camby, and Kaman take their time to heal the kiddy corp of Gordan, Jordan, and Thornton are at least fun to watch.
Posted by: ToyCannon | January 21, 2009 at 09:54 PM
97.  In that game, a triple double for Kobe, too.
Okay, back to LOST.
Posted by: underdog | January 21, 2009 at 09:54 PM
98.  I think that maybe management views Beimel as part of the Dodgers' "party culture" (martin, kemp, penny etc.), and is maybe slightly happy to see him go.
I doubt they ever forgot the hand-cutting incident, and getting pulled over with the pittsburgh player and russell martin.
Posted by: LU Dodger | January 21, 2009 at 09:56 PM
99.  Fox's AM-570 canceled the Loose Cannons.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/01/loose-cannons.html
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 09:57 PM
100.  The new show is now Steve Hartman, and Chris Myers. I just Mychal Thompson will just move to ESPN with the rest of the Lakers radio rights, and Vic the Brick Jacobs is on his own looking for a job.
Posted by: Tripon | January 21, 2009 at 09:59 PM