Ethier named clutchiest of 2009

Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier won a fan vote and was officlially named baseball's 2009 Clutch Performer of the Year.

From the press release:

"Ethier led the Majors with six walk-off hits, including a Major League record four walk-off home runs (tied with Jimmie Foxx in 1940 and Roy Sievers in 1957): June 6th against the Phillies in the 12th inning; June 29th against Colorado in the 13th inning; August 6th vs. Atlanta in the 9th; and September 15th against the Pirates in the 13th.  Ethier has a Major League-leading nine walk-off hits since the beginning of the 2008 season, and his six in 2009 are the most in a single-season by any player since at least 1974."

Comments

[Bluebleeder]

Well deserved award, one of many in his young career one would hope. . .

[regfairfield]

Can we really make fun of the Giants for signing Freddy Sanchez when the last post was a serious discussion about playing Blake DeWitt?

[Craig88USC]

A Clutchy!

[Humma Kavula]

Andre Ethier, upon hearing the news, said:

"I haven't had an orthodox career, and I've wanted more than anything to have your respect.... I can't deny the fact that I'm clutch, right now, I'm really clutch!"

[Craig88USC]

Hollywood Fred got paid for his fantastic 2006 year.

2 for $12 mil seemed right to me for the 31 year old.

[Alex41592]

I would welcome Dan Uggla.

Nevermind his defense. Vinny would talk about owls.

[Hollywood Joe]

Um, I dont have an opinion on anything

right now

will check back later and see if I can rile up a thought or two

[louisinsf]

This is a carryover from the earlier thread on Dewitt.

The question on 2b seems to me so easy. As many have said offer Hudson arbitration, hope he turns it down, pocket the draft choices and then offer Belliard a contract he is 34 and made 1.9million this year and hit a total of 10 HR and played more than passable defense. I would think you could get him at 2 years 6million-3million per year.

Dewitt is in house and he platoons with Belliard who is also a great bat off the bench, far better than Loretta and if you look at Dewitt projecting out over a full season 2008 he hit 9 HR, he projects out with 550 AB's to roughly 13-15 HR and that is great. The Uggla's Utley's Barmes and Phillips hit between 20-31 HR, but everyone else hit 11 or under.

So for me 3.5million for a very good bench player and 2b back up is well worth the money and then spend more of your money on at top flight pitcher.

If Dewitt ends up being terrible, his cost is little and you still have a very good back-up in Belliard.

[WBB]

At the very least, Blake Dewitt would give you Freddy's production at a tenth of the cost.

[Fallout]

Will Ethier be the new Reggie Jackson? I'm waiting for the candy bar.

[Craig88USC]

Dre's Oh My! Joy candy bar

[Eric Enders]

I think Ethier already has a candy bar, but the publicity has been iffy because the candy bar won't allow anyone to take photos of it.

[Bob Hendley]

OT - forget about Kelly Johnson, the Braves vowed never to deal with us again after we stole their their other 2nd baseman last year.8-p

[regfairfield]

Freddy Sanchez had a .745 OPS this year in the bigs playing in a pitchers park.

Blake DeWitt had a .775 OPS in AAA in an extreme hitters park.

I don't really think that you can make any guarantees about their relative production.

[356man]

"Clutchiest"...I like the cachet...

[Bob Hendley]

Clutch, car go.

[CanuckDodger]

What kind of production can we expect from DeWitt if we pencil him in as our starting 2B next year? Since I advocate pencilling him in at 2B, some may think that means I can answer that question, but they would be mistaken. I concede it is POSSIBLE that his numbers would be below average for a major league 2B in 2010, and I think that is a lot more likely than his production being above average. This is where philosophies about team building differ. I am not, never have been, and never will be, all about putting together the strongest possible Dodger team in the current year or the next year regardless of the cost in money and talent surrendered. In short, I am not Bill Plaschke. I believe in building the team with young players, in showing confidence in their ability to improve in the big leagues over time, with an expectation that the Dodgers will reap rewards for their patience. I think some Dodger fans have been spoiled by the immediate impact so many of our young players were able to make in the majors. Even 2008/o9 disappointments like Martin and Loney enjoyed immediate success in their first seasons as big leaguers. That isn't normal, and subsequent prospects should not be held to an unrealistic standard. I am willing to see things through with DeWitt in 2010, even though I believe he won't be as good in 2010 as he will be in 2011. A team with championship aspirations can afford to break in one position player like that in a given year. Bat DeWitt eighth in the line-up and see how he does.

[Craig88USC]

Milky 'Dre :)

[Craig88USC]

Batting 8th for your Los Angeles Dodgers "Baby Blake" DeWitt!

Or what CanuckDodger said. : )

[nsxtasy]

About the previous topic...

>> Is Jon's post title a hint to where he thinks DeWitt ends up defensively?

I believe it's a reference to the old Abbott and Costello routine, even without any reference to Chin-lung.

[Athena]

We love you Andre! Thanks for the memories!

[evenatriple]

I have a question about Plaschke's article. He seemingly blames the McCourts for a deterioration of the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. Since I am an east-coaster, I only make it to road games. Do those of you who get the privilege of going to Dodger Stadium agree with Plaschke's opinion about DS, or is this just one more thing he is complaining about just because he enjoys complaining?

Posted by: Paul | October 30, 2009 at 06:41 PM

The general topic of fan behavior at DS has been debated in many earlier threads. Many of us believe that fan behavior has deteriorated in the last decade or two, and can be downright scary in certain sections of the park. Can we blame Frank and Jamie for this? My sense is that they did far too little for far too long to address the situation. But they have implemented at least two steps this season that have had a positive effect: banning tailgate parties in the parking lot (i.e. no drinking allowed) and created a hotline you can call or text during the game if you need security. That said, there have been many anecdotes posted here about seeing the ushers and guards ignore bad behavior. Of course, most people are fine, but it does seem like the % who get drunk, curse, fight, throw things at people in non-Dodger hats, and act unpleasantly is growing.

Or maybe I'm just getting old. Or both.

[Craig88USC]

If you wanna witness bad fan behavior visit Autzen Stadium, up here in the wild mean loud northwest.
Southern California is (again) facing the most hostile crowd in the nation, imo (and I've been comin' up here since 2001).

If it all ends tomorrow night, it's still been quite a decade as we put the dynasty on the line...

*7 Consecutive Pac-10 Championships
*7 Consecutive 11+ Win Seasons
*7 Consecutive BCS Bowl Games
*7 Consecutive Top 4 Finishes
*2 National Championships
*3 Heisman Trophies

Wish us luck...we're gonna need it! ; )

[underdog]

I love the Lakers and love Phil Jackson and wouldn't deign to question either, but I have no idea why Jackson sits the hot shooting, energetic Shannon Brown (and Jordan Farmar for that matter) to give a lot of playing time to the atrocious Sasha Vujacic, who appears to be picking up right where he left off -- very off -- last season. It's just one game and only the 2nd of the year but this game against the Mavericks has been pretty ugly all around, Sasha only being a part of it.

Maybe it'll be a wake-up call. At least a wake-up call to Dr. Phil as far as which guards should be playing.

Ah well.

[underdog]

Btw, I was sort of deriding the Sanchez contract in the last thread because it seems very Sabean, whereas giving DeWitt (or another young player) a shot at second doesn't. I have nothing against Sanchez, who when healthy has been a pretty decent 2nd baseman, but would argue his age (soon to be 32) isn't the whole story; he's had some injury issues the past year or two, doesn't get on base all that much and doesn't have much power. Do you really think DeWitt doesn't at least have more power potential than Sanchez? Isn't this the same Freddy who has never taken more than 32 walks in a season?

And DeWitt is certainly a lot cheaper than 12 million. Again, just my opinion and I don't think Sanchez is a terrible signing (giving 12 million to Ronnie Belliard would arguably be more terrible, and Renteria seems a more terrible signing) but I still don't feel bad about deriding it, either.

[Alex41592]

Lakers attempting to channel December 6th, 2002. Long way to go though.

[louisinsf]

Cannuck

Great points about 2b...Of pitchers are attempting turnarounds do to health reasons. Who do you think are the best fit to help the Dodgers. Harden would be exciting but probably doesn't have the health it seems to last a full season. Sheets could be great, Dukschoer could also be good, am wondering if Mulder can make a comeback?

[KG16]

My only comment is to agree with everything Canuak said. Personally, I say give the kid a chance, if it doesn't work, so be it, but I don't see any alternatives that are very appealing.

And in re Sanchez, didn't he spend most of this season in Pittsburgh? And is PNC a hitters park or a pitchers park?

[Craig88USC]

Luke and Morrison? Can we get more play time? In Adam's case, any?

[lafaninchitown]

I'm in for more Adam Morrison pt.
i dont know about Luke though.

I think Sasha and Luke's declining play, Morri might get some.
I sense that Shannon Brown will leap frog over Farmar, maybe even be a starter before the end of the season.

[356man]

I will not wish $C any sort of luck except bad. Not now, not ever.

[68elcamino427]

356
It costs more to attend Whittier College than it does USC.
In fact, the tuition at most private universities is similar.

So ...

Fight On!

[louisinsf]

KG 16

You are correct Sanchez played most of his time at PNC. I don't know if it is seen different, but I would consider PNC a hitters park, not a pitchers.... Is this not the second year in a row where Sabaen has signed a free agent (Sanchez I know had an option) at the high point at the start of the off season.

Underdog...The weird moves of Jackson regarding bench play, more than any other coach-just like some managers with the bullpen. He assigns minutes to certain bench players at certain times, especially in the beginning and middle of the season. He may make changes later on, but in my recollection, he hardly will ever go with the hot hand

[louisinsf]

Just for laughs from SF

Juan Uribe is going to test the frre agent market. He is only 30 824 OPS with 16 HR, but a 329 OBP could be an intriguing alternative to Belliard if he is deemed to expensive. Also a potential cheap scrap heap pick for Ned.....be careful, Noah Lowry will be released tomorrow according to MLBTR. He is not happy with the way the Giants diagnosed him. He is a lefty and 29 and also from Ventura.

[CanuckDodger]

louisinsf,

If the Dodgers do bring in a starting pitcher from outside the organization, I would like Harden or Sheets. Sure, injury concerns, but I have always liked/loved the STUFF that both those pitchers have, and have enjoyed watching them pitch, so the idea of signing one of them holds an appeal. It's funny: John Lackey would more likely be a better pitcher in 2010, and yet I really don't want him with the Dodgers, quite aside from issues of contract length or salary. The bottom line is that I have always disliked watching Lackey pitch. I have always hated his delivery, and no doubt some people will say that shouldn't matter so much to me if a pitcher gets results, but it does matter to me.

[gus2327]

Mr. Clutch. Mr. Miracle. Mr. My Wife Loves You...
CONGRATS DRE! Well deserved! Dodgers 2010!

[SteelMohawk]

I just want to go on record that i am vehemently opposed to re-signing Belliard. The guy is a very average player at best. His career numbers offensively are just ok and will not win a game, and his defense will cost the Dodgers at least 3 games.

[nsxtasy]

>> Great points about 2b...Of pitchers are attempting turnarounds do to health reasons. Who do you think are the best fit to help the Dodgers. Harden would be exciting but probably doesn't have the health it seems to last a full season. Sheets could be great, Dukschoer could also be good, am wondering if Mulder can make a comeback?

There's a nice analysis of such pitchers in the 2010 plan on MSTI at http://tinyurl.com/MSTI2010 (In addition to three you mention, it includes Bedard, not Mulder.)

[nsxtasy]

>> Do you really think DeWitt doesn't at least have more power potential than Sanchez?

DeWitt is only 24, so one would assume he has not yet reached his peak, not even close, whereas Sanchez has done as well as he will ever do. Keeping that in mind, let's look at the numbers. DeWitt has 11 HR in his 417 AB with the Dodgers in 2008-2009. Sanchez has had 453-602 AB in each of the past five years, with HR numbers of 5-6-11-9-7. They have a career HR rate of 1 per 38 AB for DeWitt, 1 per 72 AB for Sanchez. Sanchez has a higher career SLG than DeWitt, but it's because he has hit singles and doubles at a higher rate, not homers.

[Bob Hendley]

Is Estadio Quisqueya a hitter's part? ;-)

[OhioVic]

Good discussion on 2b.

I think offering O-Dog arbitration is a no-brainer. I don't think the Dodgers have much to lose. The chance of him returning is very slim and if he did - is that so bad ?

As far as using DeWitt there, it's probably the most sensible choice given the additional $ they'll have to lay out for Kemp/Ethier/Broxton/Bills etc. The only thing that concerns me is his range. I admit he looked OK in late '08 there, but O-Dog's defense really spoiled me and I felt they lost something (at least defensively) when they him put on the bench late in the season. I'm thinking DeWitt would be adequate there, but no O-Dog defensively.

[356man]

I don't give a hoot what their tuition is, I will not wi$h that instiution any good luck (in football).

[GoDodgers]

I remember ethier had chances to win the game earlier in all those walkoff extra inning games. Maybe we should call him ReDREmption

[LA42]

Let's hear it for the Mexican-French kid!!If he keeps it up,perhaps he'll become the MLB logo.

[Andrew Shimmin]

Prospectus says Estadio Quisquey is a pitcher's park. Park Factor of 92.

[Craig88USC]

Woke up this morning to a typical rainy day from Eugene, Oregon!
Maybe it'll all dry up for tonight's Halloween battle with the Quackers.

Hey! What's up with America -

ESPN: America's Vote ... Oregon - 69% USC - 31 % ???

Our backs ARE against the wall! FIGHT ON... play by play..inch by inch..

W i n F o r e v e r :)

[Craig88USC]

Hope THIS doesn't happen to us-

Indiana 7 14 - - ... 21
#4 Iowa 0 7 - - ... 7

[Bob Hendley]

Well, good for Jimmy Mac, then.

[Craig88USC]

Duck thoughts: ; )

The word duck comes from the old English bend down low.
The Dutch is duiken which means to take a dive.

Only female ducks quack. The males never quack.

In the air a duck has few predators, because they are such fast fliers.
But the Peregrine Falcon and the speed and strength to catch the duck.

Also ducks are know for their silliness. It's their looks and behavior.

A sitting duck is an easy target.

[68elcamino427]

Roasted Duck
or
Duck Soup

[Craig88USC]

Soon to be Estadio Juan Marichal after remodeling... ;)

[Bob Hendley]

Hence, Oregon's continued ducking of including Air Force on their schedule.

[Craig88USC]

What a game in Iowa City!

Hoosiers 7 14 7 - ... 28
#4 Iowa 0 7 7 - ... 14

[Bob Hendley]

Old friend, Juan

[Craig88USC]

Wow! Indiana got screwwwwed on their TD ... overturned!

I'm lookin' for a Duck Soup recipe up here, ElCamino :)

[nsxtasy]

This is a Dodgers blog.

If we're going to talk about ducks, we should be talking about Duckbill.

[Craig88USC]

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers and baseball and ducks ...

There, NSX ; )

[Craig88USC]

...and Cardinal.

:)

Today is historical with, I think, ALL major

(as well as tons of minor ones, as well)

Pro sports in action.

[das411]

is anyone else somewhat amused that MLB.com announces who'll be singing the National Anthem at Game 5 under their World Series news column...and then cites this as their source?

http://twitter.com/Morissette

[Bob Hendley]

nsxtasy,

The other day you were suggesting that Ned is likely to approach the off-season like he did last year, basically waiting around for prices to drop (big exception was the Beard). I am wondering, however, whether the changed economic context might counsel for a different approach that doesn't bank on a continuing general decline in prices?

[PismoBruce]

Das, only seems fitting since MLB Commissioner is a twit. And only 60% chance of rain in Eugene according to Register Guard website Craig, Ha! The RG site does have a nice article on Lee Corso and his recovery from stroke though.

[Craig88USC]

Or Sunday is.

[Craig88USC]

Bruce, I kinda think the rain will be gone. Hope so. :)

[PismoBruce]

Autzen in September-warm, sunny, beautiful.
Autzen in November, cold, wet, dreary, and the dreary started early this year.

Nice award for Andre, but any gearhead knows a strong clucth is nice but you need a solid transmission(rest of offense) and differential(staff) to get the power to ground if you're gonna go anywhere.

[Craig88USC]

Congrats to Iowa and the Big-10 refs. Nicely done. Now a win in Columbus could mean the world. :)

[WBB]

Calling Bud Selig a twit in an insult to twits everywhere.

[OhioVic]

Iowa actually has the highest computer ranking - at least the computer rankings they use for the BCS. I'm guessing the fact that they don't let the computers consider scoring margin is a factor. They were only #8 in the Harris and Coaches polls.

[Craig88USC]

Vic, computers don't have eyes. ;)

[OhioVic]

Craig, Yeah, I agree. It would help to let the computer at least consider the margin of victory, don't you think ? I know they are concerned about sportsmanship, but why not consider a cap on what the computer can consider - like it can incorporate the as much as a 21 point win or something ? At least that way, someone winning 31-7 would get credit over someone beating the same team, 10-7.

[PismoBruce]

You are absolutely right WBB, my apologies to all twits. Cal offense back on track.

[Craig88USC]

The Rose Bowl and Pasadena could really luck out this January ...

corralling #1 Florida, #2 Texas, #3 Iowa and #4 USC for their TWO games.

That's my Plan B scenario. Plan A is obvious. ;)

[Fallout]

The "Reggie (candy) Bar" sounded ok. The "Ethier Bar" sounds like it was made at a meth lab.

[Craig88USC]

See y'all after the game... : )

"Yeah, we're commmmin'.....to your citaaaaay......" ; )

[nsxtasy]

>> The other day you were suggesting that Ned is likely to approach the off-season like he did last year, basically waiting around for prices to drop (big exception was the Beard). I am wondering, however, whether the changed economic context might counsel for a different approach that doesn't bank on a continuing general decline in prices?

I think Ned would look for, and agree to, any deal that seemed to fill a need and provide good value, whenever it occurred. Last year, the market seemed to go down as it went on; given the changed context, it's quite possible that other teams and other players might be willing to accept less than they were demanding a year ago. So he might not wait before pulling the trigger, depending on the deal. However, in the situations where he has a plausible plan B - such as for second base or for a #5 starter - he might be less inclined to give away a whole lot early.

The earliest transactions tend to be re-signings, often before players have a chance to test the free agency market, whereas signings of free agents tend to follow later in the season. Our last off-season followed this pattern, with Blake and Furcal signed in December, and Wolf and Hudson in February.

My guess is that if he wants to go after Wolf, Garland, Padilla, and/or Belliard, those signings would come early (e.g. November-December); if he wants to look elsewhere for help, it may go well into February again, unless there's someone in particular he's trying to land.

[nsxtasy]

The MLB franchise of the decade is...
http://tinyurl.com/yhq9yyd

[Tommy Naccarato]

Compare how things were at the stadium during the O'Malley years, compared to the FOX and McRose's (as in War of the Roses)

During the O'Malley years, it was REALLY affordable to go to baseball games. Food and concessions were expensive, but still, affordable. Yes, times and prices for free agents and steroid addicts have increased, but if someone took the time and figured out 1988-89 $ compared to 2009-3009 $ I'm sure it would spin your head around ala Linda Blair.

Lets look at security:

During the hottest Dodger/Giant rivalry years, I don't ever remember anyone ever being murdered for being a Gnat fan. Security consisted of really nice, older men in straw hats that not only escorted you to your seat if needed, but, also, never carried a radio to report S.S. troops under the guidance of Jeff Fuller to pull an intruder out of their seat because they accidentally had the wrong side of section 21.

What happened in that time frame? What changed? (this is a question)

As the tickets and concessions AND the beer have become more expensive, it surely doesn't seem that it has affected a class of people that certainly don't seem as if they could afford the tickets for the seats they are sitting in. At least as far as the wholesome family value that Tommy Lasagna used to preach to all of us, on the afford-ability of Dodger baseball.

I've posted this before and no one responded: the difference in cost of Dodgers vs. Angels post season tickets was incredible. Hasn't anyone noticed this?

[Bob Hendley]

What I meant to suggest is that the market in general has probably already adjusted to the economic downturn so there is perhaps not much to be gained from waiting like last year for a general decline in prices. Both Beard and Rafi certainly did test the market last year.

[El Lay Dave]

> Is Jon's post title a hint to where he thinks DeWitt ends up defensively?

I believe it's a reference to the old Abbott and Costello routine, even without any reference to Chin-lung.

Posted by: nsxtasy | October 30, 2009 at 08:10 PM

Yes, I know that.
Post title: "I don't know, second base?"
In the A&C routine, "I Don't Know" plays third base.
Thus perhaps Jon is hinting that DeWitt's future is thrid base.

[Jon Weisman]

I was not hinting about DeWitt's future being at third base with my headline.

[El Lay Dave]

My default position on ticket prices is that the people who sell the tickets price them at what they believe the market will bear. The Dodgers sold out, or nearly sold out, their home playoff games, so McCourt & Co. probably priced them right for the market. There must be more of a market for Dodger tickets than for Angel tickets.

[Jon Weisman]

I was twisting the traditional Abbott and Costello routine for a) the subject of the post and b) mild comic effect.

New post up top.

[El Lay Dave]

First time I've seen a NPUT post, but not be able to get DT to show it to me. I imagine I'll see it eventually.

[Scrounger]

Back to the Toaster!

[bhsportsguy]

Its not really fair to compare ticket prices from 20 years ago to today, every team has increased ticket prices and since they still appear to attract fans (though several probably pay far less than the listed price of the ticket), the Dodgers probably believed that they were underpricing their tickets.

And while the Dodgers were competitive in 1980s, it was apparent that between poor drafting and lack of financial resources, the O'Malleys were not going to be able to compete with other large market teams.

[artieboy]

Congrats to Ethier. On an earlier post someone stated that Ethier was the 6th or 7th worst outfielder in baseball. Hard to believe but then its also hard to argue against the stats. Either way +30 homers and a superb arm more than make up for that stat.

[jq]

regular season.