Ned Colletti looks to the Dodgers' past, present and future

With his contract extension announced Tuesday, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti pledged to build up the team's international scouting efforts, according to Dylan Hernandez of The Times. He also sounds ready to talk long-term contract with some of the team's younger stars.

... The Dodgers' influence in Latin America has waned in recent years because they have refused to enter bidding wars for top prospects, but [President Dennis] Mannion said the club would increase its financial commitment to investing in players from that part of the world.

Colletti said that he would consider signing some of the team's arbitration-eligible players to long-term contracts on a "case-by-case basis" -- [Matt] Kemp and [Andre] Ethier are among the players who fall in this group -- but warned, "It's going to have to be a deal that makes sense on both ends." ...

This week, Dodgers assistant general manager Logan White traveled to Japan to meet with 18-year-old lefty Yusei Kikuchi, who Ken Gurnick of MLB.com notes might become the first Japanese prep star to sign directly with a major-league team.

Colletti also reflected on his last four years to Ramona Shelburne of the Daily News.

... "I think that some of the decisions that we made that didn't work out particularly well were out of impatience on our own part, and trying to turn something around," Colletti said. "But I think the last year or so our deliberation and our thought process were keener, more fine tuned, and less impatient.

So far, the Dodgers and Colletti are refusing to disclose the length of his contract – in an effort to decrease speculation about his future. Not sure that'll work, but they'll give it a shot.

* * *

• Dodger third baseman Casey gets the Mr. Blake treatment from Hannah Karp of the Wall Street Journal.
• Derek Carty of The Hardball Times explores "The Kemp Speed Theory: Do bigger players slow down earlier?"
• Manny Mota and his family will receive the Ray Boone Family Award at the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation’s seventh annual “In The Spirit of the Game” Sports and Entertainment Spectacular, Jan. 16 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.
• I always thought being sent to the showers was a baseball tradition. Even if the timing is bad, I certainly didn't think it was front-page news.

Comments

[Drew]

LAT'd

IF the Dodgers win tonight, Would starting Hudson when we come back to LA spark the team? Would the Dodgers consider this...?

[Remember Gil Hodges]

I would love to see Hudson get the start tonight over Belliard. I mean, why the heck not?

In approximately 1 hiur and 18 minutes I will use my secret code to buy WS tickets. Keeping the dream alive!

[Drew]

Oh yeah, I have A Matt Kemp T-Shirt/Jersey I bought when I took my son (4 years old) to his First Dodger game. When I wear it we've won (3/3 including postseason)...I am going home at lunch and putting it on!

Turning Casual Friday into Casual Wednesday, but it will be all Business for the Dodgers! One out at a time, focus on the moment, pick each other up.

I WILL NEVER STOP BELIEVING! GO BLUE!

[Ted]

Good job Drew! Wear. That. Shirt!

I'll be taking my Dodgers hat off during key Dodger at bats-- it works.

[Ken Noe]

"In an effort to turn that around as soon as possible, we made some moves that in hindsight you wouldn't do twice." That may be as close to a JP/Schmidt mea culpa as we ever get. Seems to me the real question--frankly unanswerable until the ownership situation and resulting budget are settled--is whether security will make his good-prospect-for-aging-role-player deals more or less likely.

[Maddz]

I'll be listening to Vin and tensely playing Pro Shots Golf 4. And wearing my Ethier jersey (2/2...both game 2s of the LDS and LCS).

[Maddz]

I will pay SUCH good money to see Blake "dance Spanish" and hear him sing hip hop to O-Dog.

TLC, we need a reality show, stat!

[bhsportsguy]

Ken - I still think those moves will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

[Kevin Lewis]

Jason,

In response to your choices in the last thread, I would take A) Jonathan Broxton...I still remember how he dominated the heart of the lineup on Friday of last week.

Artie,

It was not ruled an infield fly, but it would be tough to turn two on a play like that. Blake would have to run to 3b, tag it and then get the runner at 2b. I don't see it happening, and you run the risk of an errant throw to 2b.

[Phenomenal Smith]

Even Blake had dropped the little line drive, the umpires could still have ruled Dobbs out. The only batted balls you can intentionally drop in order to get a double play are bunts. I presume that's a tradeoff that the offense had to make when bunts were common.

[Phenomenal Smith]

Rule 6.05(l) governs here:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/06_the_batter.pdf

[Desert Penguin]

3 playoff appearances in his 4 yrs as GM. I think it's amamzing so many people in DodgerLand are quick to dismiss Colletti's accomplishments and dwell on the few bad moves.
In Moneyball, Billy Beane saying something to the effect that he can only build teams that get to the playoffs. After that, it's all about "luck".
I think he's done a commendable job, helping Dodger fans to forget the Malone, Evans & DePodesta yrs.

[Jack]

Orlando Hudson is saying all the right things in the media, but you have to wander if he's really upset with Torre benching him for the entire playoffs.

If Juan Pierre can complain about playing time in lieu of Manny being here (totally ridiculous)...then I think Hudson may be justified since he's being benched for Ronnie Belliard.

I'd like to see Hudson start tonight too even tho Hamels is a lefty.

[Phenomenal Smith]

Of interest to perhaps only Hollywood Joe and I, but Kennedy High alum Terrmel Sledge hit a game-ending grand slam with one out in the 9th to give the Nippon Ham Fighters a 9-8 win over the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Game 1 of the Pacific League Championship Series.

It's a best of five series, but since Nippon Ham finished first in the regular season, they were already spotted a one-game head start. They need just one more win to move on to the Japan Series.

[Branch Rickey]

Manny took a shower?!

Leave it to the Times and Plaschke to hunt down the real stories.

[Kevin Lewis]

Even Blake had dropped the little line drive, the umpires could still have ruled Dobbs out. The only batted balls you can intentionally drop in order to get a double play are bunts. I presume that's a tradeoff that the offense had to make when bunts were common.

Posted by: Phenomenal Smith | October 21, 2009 at 09:20 AM

PS,

Yet, the umpires ruled exactly this way on the dropped ball by Loney in game 2.

[Bob Hendley]

That assumes that the umps were paying attention. If not, could they have asked the players to do the play over again?

[wronghanded]

I cannot recall too many specifics but collectively this has been the worst officiated post-season that I can remember in my 21+ years of watching baseball. Does everybody else agree or am I just blowing things out of proportion?

[WBB]

I generally have sympathy with umpires, and object to instant replay, but there have been some flagrantly erroneous calls this post-season. The worst was last night's non-double-play at third, when Napoli tagged out two Yankee runners who were both clearly off base.

[RizzoSports]

The Dodgers are making the right move going with Padilla tonight, I also think they should consider using elbert, or kershaw, should they get in trouble.

[Alex41592]

I think Loney's was different because he caught the ball and then dropped it.

If he just allowed it to drop it's a live ball.

[Remember Gil Hodges]

I now have 2 tix to WS game 4 -- crossing my fingers and praying I get to use tehm!

[wronghanded]

I sympathize with umpires as well and understand that mistakes occur from time to time but it just seems unrelenting this postseason. The umpire's strike zone in our last game is another blatant example IMO.

[Phenomenal Smith]

Loney dropped a bunt. On a bunt, everybody is on their own.

[Dean]

Does anyone have the pass code that allows you to purchase World Series tickets right now?

[Jon Weisman]

10/21/59: "American League Team Eyes L.A."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/files/1959_1021_times_sports.jpg

Also, Woody Hayes is at it again...

[Jack Dawkins]

I have 2 game 3 WS tix. The only tickets available were at the end of the reserve or the top deck. I was pleasantly surprised at the ticketmaster fees. For 2 $150 tickets, the total fees were $36, so 2 tix + fees came to $336.

Now for the boys to not make this an academic exercise.

[blue22]

I know it's an "all hands on deck" game, but if Kershaw were really available, why wouldn't he be starting the game?

In fact, why is Padilla starting over Kershaw today?

[Remember Gil Hodges]

Now for the boys to not make this an academic exercise.
Posted by: Jack Dawkins | October 21, 2009 at 10:11 AM

Amen brother!!

[wronghanded]

Posted by: blue22 | October 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM

In Torre's eyes some players can go from the king's throne to the dog house with one poor performance. Unfortunately Kershaw seems to be one of those players.

[Humma Kavula]

I know it's an "all hands on deck" game, but if Kershaw were really available, why wouldn't he be starting the game?

In fact, why is Padilla starting over Kershaw today?

Posted by: blue22 | October 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM

I think starting Padilla is sorta kinda justifiable.

1. Today is all-hands-on-deck, but Kershaw has got to be a last resort. Should the Dodgers win, somebody has to start on Friday.

2. Padilla has pitched very well. If you believe that each start he makes is a test that, if he passes, earns him another start, then he earned himself another start.

3. If Padilla has to make one start and Kershaw has to make one start, then all other things being equal, then I'd rather Kershaw make the home start and Padilla make the road start.

4. All things aren't equal, of course. If the Dodgers lose today they are done. I believe that at the first sign of trouble, Padilla will be out and Kershaw will be in.

[BlueCrewBruin]

Posted by: WBB | October 21, 2009 at 10:04 AM

Yes, that was bizzare. I saw the play in a restaurant that didn't have the sound turned up so I thought that the ump was enforcing some rule that said one of the runners needed to be awarded the base...it was that obvious that Cano was off the bag. Were any other umps consulted on the play? Can other umps volunteer information or do they have to wait until they're asked (like on swing/no-swing calls)

I'm generally against more instant replay in baseball but the calls this post-season are making it hard to argue against. I wonder if the umps are really getting worse or if the technology has just gotten to the point where we're now aware of all the missed calls.

[wronghanded]

Billingsley is still a huge wild-card in this whole mix as well. If we do indeed use Padilla and Kershaw today, I wouldn't be suprised to see Joe give Chad the nod in game 6.

[Sam DC]

I care about Termel Sledge, an Original Washington National!

Also on the Nationals beat (and sorry if I missed this in yesterday's comments), Nationals have asked permission to interview Don Mattingly. http://tinyurl.com/yldbb5q

[das411]

DTers, unfortunately I will be working tonight and way too busy to join you for this game (almost makes me hope for a Game 6...), but here are a couple of things to chew on from today's Inquirer:

How the Phillies are all like Jimmy Rollins: http://tinyurl.com/ygaevoo

(might want to make sure our long lost friend Stever doesn't read that one)

and apparently Charlie and Rollins and THOME all knew what was about to happen in that last at-bat: http://tinyurl.com/yl8u94f

Best of luck to you and the blue tonight, and here's hoping we'll get at least one more "I hate baseball...I love baseball!" game out of this series!

[Phenomenal Smith]

I may be tempted to actually buy a beer in the bar tonight if Scott Elbert comes into the game with the result still in doubt.

At least a non-alcoholic one.

[das411]

(and does anyone else have that uber-dramatic "the big game is about to start" music from Major League, right before that, um, weird one game playoff with the NYY started, stuck in thier head??)

[Connector]

Wronghanded - I, for one, noticed umpires' mistakes this postseason in calling balls and strikes more than in past years. IMHO "pitch-trax" has placed a stronger emphasis on their errors, sort of like what adding lipstick to a pig's snout would have done for its appearance.

I'm going to bed now so I can be up at 02:07 AM to watch the game live.

Go Dodgers! I'll be wearing my Hebrew language rally shirt!

[Jon Weisman]

I liked these Carl Reiner anecdotes:

http://bit.ly/36oHXb

Reiner didn't do comedy in his earlier days. He recalls the old English woman who taught him acting at the WPA classes.

"The only thing I remember her saying is, 'Your assignment is to learn Queen Gertrude's speech from 'Hamlet.' "

Reiner breaks into a comic British accent and recites the entire, and quite lengthy, speech. He's astonished when he is letter-perfect. "I swear to God, I have never said that whole thing in 70 years," he proclaims. "I remember the first three lines. I'm glad to know that I can do it at 87."

Besides his brother Charlie, Reiner admits that a visit to the restroom at the Gilmore Theater also changed his career. After a performance, Reiner decided to use the restroom in the main area of the theater. A man standing next to him commented on his performance.

" 'You were very good in the play,' " Reiner recalled. " 'Would you like to go to summer theater?' If I hadn't gone to that urinal, my career might not have started.

[Phenomenal Smith]

I'm amazed how in the course of a few days, Brad Lidge has become all good and Jonathan Broxton has become all evil.

I picture the Phillies leading by one run in the 9th and with Furcal and Ethier due up, Manuel brings in Eyre. Furcal walks and Ethier pops out. Then Lidge comes in and walks Manny. Then Kemp lines out to third. Then Loney walks to load the bases. Then Blake is called out on a pitch six inches off the plate.

INSTANT HERO!

[Alex41592]

Not the greatest of times for Steve Phillips. At least it explains why he's disappeared from ESPN.

[blue22]

"I'd rather Kershaw make the home start and Padilla make the road start."

I suspect this is somewhat of the reason here, but despite Padilla's great run here, I'm not feeling too happy about a previously mediocre right-hander going against the Phils in their ballpark in an elimination game. The first sign of trouble could be too late. Go with your best, especially your left-handed best, who is well-rested to boot.

[Ted]

Connector, you in Israel? Me too. Thank god for ESPN International is all I can say.

[Hollywood Joe]

It is warm in Philadelphia today

[ceyheyjay]

I for one am glad about all the Manny/shower stories. It's taking the heat off Broxton. And Mr. Weisman, I can't say thank you enough for your post yesterday. As one of Broxton's biggest fans, that game, and what I knew was coming afterwards, made me not want to see anything sports related for a long time. I came to your blog hoping to find a ray of light and I found it. Thank you.

By the way, a wonderful topic for an off-season blog perhaps would be how fans (and as you said Dodger fans are far from being alone on this) get upset when a player does not show loyalty to his team and looks for every single dollar, however fans show no loyalty to players when they have a bad outing or game. When Jonathan Broxton signs with the Yankees in a couple of years, the same people who will not support him now will be the ones hammering him for taking a few million more to head to New York.

[Humma Kavula]

"I'd rather Kershaw make the home start and Padilla make the road start."

I suspect this is somewhat of the reason here, but despite Padilla's great run here, I'm not feeling too happy about a previously mediocre right-hander going against the Phils in their ballpark in an elimination game. The first sign of trouble could be too late. Go with your best, especially your left-handed best, who is well-rested to boot.

Posted by: blue22 | October 21, 2009 at 10:31 AM

I can't really argue with that, except this:

Realistically, no matter what, Padilla will be making a start in an elimination game. It can be today, or it can be Friday -- up to you.

If you think the planned Game 5-6 starters should be Kershaw-Billingsley, well, no argument from me.

[Inside Baseball]

Dodgers record this postseason with the lineup below: 4-0

Furcal
Kemp
Ethier
Ramirez
Loney
Blake
Belliard
Martin
P

Dodgers record this postseason with any other lineup: 0-3

It's not rocket science Joe. ;)

[Eric Stephen]

das411,

That song is always somewhere in my head, but it has been at the forefront this week since I just watched "Major League" again on Sunday night.

[Gilberto Reyes]

Did anyone have any luck with the World Series random drawing for a chance to buy 2 tickets? They sent me an e-mail at 7 AM this morning to advise that I had been selected for the purchase at 10 AM. I selected "best available" for Game #4 and got 2 tickets in section 59 reserved for $150 each. They are definitely Bob Eucker seats but since they are in the left field corner I will be able to see Manny. Now they just have to win 3 in a row!

[Jon Weisman]

New post up top.

[Craig88USC "rally p;) cap handle"]

Several more rally caps on standby...

not taking any chances.

This morning, I had eggs over easy
with flour tortillas in honor of Padilla's...

masterful performance tonight.

Shock the world, turn the tables, gotta WIN the whole enchilada in Chavez Ravine...

and no one can say is wasn't a good year in LA, either way.

Charge! Fight on! Cardinal & Gold ...ummm make that BLUE '09 & '10 too !! : )

[Connector]

Ted - Indeed I am! Ma'ale Adumim. Yes, ESPN saved me $10 off my MLB.TV budget, though I do miss Vinny calling the games.

I've often wondered if I can watch ESPN with the sound off while listening to Vin call the game on MLB.audio

[Captain Democracy North Beach, San Francisco Ca.]

"I believe in miracles". L.A. Dodgers vs. N.Y. Yankees in the 2009 World Series. Why? Simple. The way to sweep and popularize baseball nationally and globally is that the L.A. Dodgers takes the, "underdog" position and shows heart by sweeping and winning the next three (3) games and into the 2009 World Series.
Want ratings? Want mass appeal for baseball, "globally? Then this is the way to do it.
"I believe in miracles".
www.CaptainDemocracy.wordpress.com

[Captain Democracy North Beach, San Francisco Ca.]

(p.s.) Yankee fans and Dodger fans let us all pray for a, "Hail Mary Home run" and into the 2009 World Series.
www.CaptainDemocracy.wordpress.com

[FloridaJ]

I was very disappointed that the Dodgers lost again against the Phillies. For 2010 they should focus on a better solid rotation. Keep Kershaw,Broxton,Eithier,Kemp,Loney. They are the future of the Dodgers. Furcal is losing ground as a lead off hitter. Why did Orlando Hudson not play on the NLCS? Padilla? Wolf? Sherill? Kuroda? They should have gotten CC Sabathia in the first place and not signed Manny and looked what happened: The Dodgers won the NL West without him. They should shop around for next winter, get a couple of pitchers and trade him. Hats off to Mr.Torre, a true leader. I am a die hard Yankee fan. If they face the Phillies, it is going to be very interesting.