New L.A. Marathon offers opportunity to run off aggression from Dodger Stadium

The course for the first Dodger Stadium-to-the-sea version of the L.A. Marathon is officially being unveiled today, writes Baxter Holmes of The Times. More information on the March 21 event can be found here.

So if Frank McCourt ends up with sole ownership of the L.A. Marathon, can we look forward to Jamie McCourt starting the L.A. Swimathon?

Comments

[regfairfield]

I know after I've run a marathon, the first thing I want to do is wait hours for a shuttle then get driven 26 miles just to get back to my car.

[blue22]

Reg: is there anyone else's opinion about Hudson that is more important (besides Vin, but we know how he feels about the O-Dog)? I'm assuming that if Torre feels strongly enough about Hudson, Colletti wouldn't bring him back (or, perhaps more likely, Hudson wouldn't elect to come back).

[twerp]

OT, as I tend to be at times--

From last thread:

Ceyheyjay,

Thanks for the quick reply. Know exactly where Ripley is and have seen the paper, long ago. Ripley is or was known regionally for great tomatoes and great numbers of them, IIRC, and is near Henning, birthplace of Alex Haley of "Roots" fame. Also not far from Tina Turner's Nutbush.

I was born in Humboldt and lived in Jackson a good while, in Murfreesboro for a long time now. There are a few other DT Tennesseans, if you didn't know.

To keep this from a TN threadjacking, how did you become a Dodger fan living in West TN? For me, as a 12-year old way many years back, it basically was deciding I didn't want to be a Cardinal fan like every one of my buds. So I bought the first of many, many baseball packs of baseball cards and said I was going to support the team of the first player I saw. It was a Dodger.

My loyalty through thick and thin has been richly rewarded. It was a VERY good thing that first player didn't play for the Royals. ;)

Being your thrifty sort--some might say cheap--even back then, I didn't want to let all that gum that came with the cards go to waste, so I chewed it. All of it. Tons of it. For several years.

Who knew this would lead to an eventful day in a dentist chair when he filled 10 teeth and pulled two, all the same visit? After not really waiting long enough for the Novocain to take full effect. He must have had a crowded schedule that day, I later thought. It might pass the DT Irony Committee muster that hs name rhymed with "pain."

Never have changed and never will change baseball loyalties from the Dodgers.

However, I was not so loyal to that dentist. IIRC, he didn't practice there too much longer after ambushing me. Then again, maybe I was just a small part of his "practice."Hope "practice" made perfect for his later subjects, er, patients.

[Jon Weisman]

Regfairfield's reaction time to any marathon-related post bodes well for a quick start, however.

[Maddz]

I'm actually going to try and run the L.A. Marathon. I say that now, I'll probably be singing a different tune in a few months.

[nsxtasy]

I don't think O-Dog will be back. It's not his performance that's the impediment; it's that he'll probably get more money and/or a longer contract term from another team.

I think we will hire another second baseman, probably for a one-year contract, possibly two but probably one. Ned probably has a list of all the several dozen second basemen with big-league experience, and he's looking at the price and chances of landing each of them. Hudson and Belliard are probably on that list, and so is Lopez.

Lopez has played for four different MLB teams in the past two years. That must be tops in baseball, I'm guessing. He tied for the MLB lead in errors by a second baseman in 2009.

[nsxtasy]

Lopez also had the 9th highest batting average in the NL this year.

[Kevin Lewis]

I have jogged/walk 3 LA marathons, but I skipped out on the last two because of the course changes and dates.

I have to say though, this new course does make me interested in signing up again. It looks like a really cool course.

[Branch Rickey]

Well there seems to be agreement here that we shouldn't give up on Billingsley. But isn't it obvious that the Dodgers wouldn't trade him for prospects or a pinch hitter? I imagine they'd field offers for him and perhaps be willing to include him in a trade for a clear #1 starter. But I don't think it makes sense to even speculate that they're ready to get rid of him for the sake of clearing a roster spot.

On a related subject, I believe they are very down on Russell Martin. I also believe they offered him in a couple of trades over the summer and couldn't generate interest. I love Russell and I know how loved he has been here but I believe that the Dodgers don't believe he's likely to rebound.

[nsxtasy]

I think we have to offer Hudson arbitration in order to get the draft pick(s) if he turns the offer down - is that correct? So we would make that offer and hope he declines...

[ceyhey10]

Spectacular route! I'm in. Dodger Thoughts team-in-training, anyone?

They changed the route here in Las Vegas (right down the Strip now), and it has made a huge difference.

[Kevin Lewis]

Branch,

I agree with that assessment. I imagine the front office has not been happy with Martin's performance, but what other options do they have at this point for next year? I think you just have to hope he can bounce back.

[Branch Rickey]

Kevin,
That may be the case. But I think it's one of their challenges for this off season. I think their disappointment isn't just in his hitting either. I realize an argument could be made that he handled a pitching staff that did pretty well with him behind the plate. I think that argument isn't one they believe in though.

[dzzrtRatt]

I see no evidence that the Dodgers want to trade Billingsley. I see even less that they want to get rid of Martin. I think Torre considers him to be an excellent catcher. Maybe he'll never be a wonderful hitter again, which is too bad but not reason to trade him. They really can't get rid of Martin unless they trade him for another catcher. What would be the point of that?

The only Dodger front-line player who gets traded this year because the team doesn't want him anymore is Pierre. And it's not that they don't like Pierre. They just don't want to pay that much for a fourth outfielder, and his stock is high right now. I believe ESPN referred to him as an unsung hero and a key to the Dodgers' success 4,235 times during the post-season.

[underdog]

"what other options do they have at this point for next year?"

A.J. Ellis!

If he isn't traded to Kansas City. ;-)

[Craig88USC]

I absolutely LOVE the new route.

Challengin' all Dodger Thinkers...

Lace up your shoes, ipods on and LET'S GO! ; )

[Humma Kavula]

A.J. Ellis for Albert Pujols? Puh-leeze. That makes no sense.

It's James Loney for Pujols.

1. Loney is younger
2. Loney is cheaper
3. Loney has more years under team control
4. Loney has more upside, in that he can improve, while this is as good as Pujols is gonna get.

[kinbote]

A.J. Ellis _______:

A. Is untouchable
B. Exists
C. Exists, but only he knows it.
D. Is for some reason hot stove fodder
E. B & D

[underdog]

But seriously folks (sort of), if the Dodgers are going to bring in a poor-fielding 2nd baseman for next year I'd rather it be Dan Uggla. Who at least I know can mash with the bat. Yeah he's more expensive than some of the other rumored players like Callaspo, Lopez, etc. But he'd make more of an impact, imho.

Ow! I just burned my hand on the hot stove. Better wear a mitt next time.

[WBB]

Utterly unrelated query: I am driving from Oakland to LA Wednesday and staying at my elderly uncle's near Venice before flying to Chile on Thursday. Do any DTers have recommendations for dinner (probably by myself, as my uncle prefers not to eat out at night) and/or breakfast (he's loves going out for breakfast)? I will be close to the Abbot Kinney area.

[regfairfield]

For what it's worth, Callaspo and Uggla had almost the same WAR last year.

[underdog]

FakeTeams actually takes a look at the subject of Jon's previous post -- not just the Billingsley rumors but other Dodgers arbitration eligible players. The rumor put out there, as you know, was that one of those players is likely to be traded. Anyway FT has a pretty good breakdown of that rumor here:
http://bit.ly/4CdQ11

[SaMo]

Let us recall that when Roy Halladay was Billingsley’s age (24, in 2001), he too went through a rough patch, despite having dominating stuff. His 10.64 ERA made Chad’s struggles look like an off day, and he was sent all the way down to Class A Dunedin to rehabilitate his mechanics. Halladay wasn’t pitching for a pennant contender.

A year later, he went 19-7 with a 2.93 ERA, and won the CY Young Award in 2003, with a 22-7 record (3.25 ERA). I’m not saying Billz is going to have that kind of rebound, but it’s way too early to give up on a guy this young. Pitchers have up and down years. A year after his Cy, Halladay had an 8-8 record and a 4.20 ERA,higher than any single year in Billingsley’s career.

Halladay is now 32, and one of the top pitchers in all of baseball. Would I trade Billingsley for him straight up? Perhaps. But not for anything less. Billz is going to be a top flight pitcher. He just might take until he’s 26 to get there.

[underdog]

(And btw, I don't really agree with the trade and signing possibilities he posits at the end of that post, either. But just because it's on this subject...)

[Branch Rickey]

WBB,
There are LOTS of great choices near there. But if you like Italian, I highly recommend La Vecchia www.lavecchiacucina.com. If you're by yourself though, perhaps Library Alehouse (www.libraryalehouse.com). Both are technically in Santa Monica but not far from where you'll be.

[SaMo]

WBB: Hal's on Abbot Kinney is a nice place for dinner alone: convivial atmosphere, good food, vibrant bar scene, not terribly expensive. Or if you like Japanese, try Hama Sushi on Windward Circle. Good atmosphere and good fish.

For breakfast, walk down to the beach and hit Figtree Cafe. The food isn't anything special, but the location, overlooking the sands, can't be beat.

[Craig88USC]

The chances of the Dodgers trading ANY of our starting youth = Horned Frogs in the Rose Bowl

[Craig88USC]

Oops... I better take that back.

[regfairfield]

Diamond Leung: Los Angeles is expected to move at least one of its many arbitration-eligible players via trade.

[blue22]

And Placido Polanco out-WAR'd both of them. I can't believe I might be getting on the Polanco bandwagon, but he'd be cheap and probably not cost any picks (the Tigers probably won't offer him arb. If they do, then NEVERMIND). He'd be decent enough insurance for DeWitt at 2nd, and could even form a decent little platoon with Blake.

[Craig88USC]

Does Diamond have a source? ;)

[twerp]

RE Martin's defense, seems like he used to get high praise for moving his body in front of pitches, preventing many passed balls.

In limited times I saw the team this year, more than once he just made swipes at the ball with his mitt--and some got by him.

If there was some physical reason, that's one thing. Otherwise? Or did I just happen to see a few times when he didn't move, and he usually still does?

Not to ignite any long-ago stuff, but seems like Martin moving in front of pitches was one way he was judged superior to Navarro.

[regfairfield]

Polanco would be great if we can get him for one year. He's got solid defense and he puts the ball in play often enough that he might randomly hit .320 and get some MVP votes.

[Humma Kavula]

Diamond Leung: Los Angeles is expected to move at least one of its many arbitration-eligible players via trade.

I feared this. It's something of a surprise, I guess, but surely has always been a possibility. We'll just have to wait and see who is traded and for whom. No Dodger, not even my favorite, the Bison, is untouchable, but the Dodgers have to be very careful as they deal this talent.

[lawdog]

Ahhhh, where is Don Corleon when we need him, eh?

You can "transmute" community property into two sets of separate property if the parties ro the marriage choose. Both parties must have counsel (which they do) and the division must e close to equitable (nearly 50-50). The parties had the added incentive of making it harder for Fox to get at the Dodgers in the event of a foreclosure for failure to pay one of the $25 million installments as they came due each year The parking lot was the security in that agreement, not the team itself. A huge boo-boo by Fox.

But all that real estate and personal property probably was with close to what the "equity" in the Dogs was worth measured by what had been paid. The real estate market when in the shitter thereafter while the baseball team's value soared. Jamie is still left in the position of arguing she is an incompetent attorney and/or the transfer was made in an attempt to defraud their creditors (Fox--who let a baseball franchise go in exchange for a parking lot and the parking lot was overvalued by Frank to boot. Never let it be said that Fox has never been outfoxed nor Rupert ever played for the naive Aussie that he really is).

Jamie could hire the best lawyer in the world and still come out screwed blue on this one. Still, the judge will probably give her everything else they have and alimony in the Steinbrenner atmosphere--keeping Frankie in old rags, mooching Dodger Dogs, half-drunk, stale beer and Peanuts for food and sleeping on the trainers table in the Dodgr clubhouse...

High priced FAs for the 2010 team? Fuhggheedaa 'bote it! This team is about to go through 7 years of being progressively worse bottom feeders thanks th the McCourts. The MCourts have done to the Dodgers what Wall Street did the the US in September of last year.

[Jonny (TAFKAJ)]

Billingsley (given Nolan Ryan's intent to work on Texas' pitching....)....to Texas for Ian Kinsler.....

[jujibee]

Which arbitration eligible players could be traded??? I'd like to think that Kemp is a lock to stay, as well as Martin, Loney, and Brox. Maybe they try and sell high on Ethier if they feel he was playing beyond his capabilies this year? Maybe Sherrill? Atlanta could use both those guys, and have extra starting pitching, hopefully we could coax them into an Ethier and Sherrill for Hansen swap, if we had to trade with Atlanta.

[Humma Kavula]

Polanco would be great if we can get him for one year.

Second base is so tricky for the Dodgers. I don't want to give up on DeWitt even a little, but there should absolutely be another plan if he's not ready in 2010. As Canuck has pointed out, a championship team can afford to carry a player like DeWitt, even if he doesn't perform, but if Martin and Loney don't improve next year, then they're carrying three such players. (And Blake will likely regress next year. Four. And if there's an injury in the outfield, Pierre plays. And then all of a sudden the lineup doesn't look so good.)

That said, what kind of other plan can the Dodgers make that would (a) surely be better than DeWitt and also (b) not block DeWitt?

Not easy.

[Branch Rickey]

On the subject of the divorce, I'm not a lawyer but I spoke to my brother who is one... he was saying that in California, judges are pretty strict about the "were you represented by council" question. Seems like if you're a lawyer, an MBA and a CEO you should have good legal judgement. But the courts want to avoid having to make a determination of who should have known better and who couldn't have. So they avoid the question by ignoring it and sticking with were you represented or not?

[Humma Kavula]

As Canuck has pointed out, a championship team can afford to carry a player like DeWitt, even if he doesn't perform, but if Martin and Loney don't improve next year, then they're carrying three such players. (And Blake will likely regress next year. Four. And if there's an injury in the outfield, Pierre plays. And then all of a sudden the lineup doesn't look so good.)

I feel this is unclear.

Canuck pointed out the first clause: that the Dodgers can carry a player like DeWitt.

Everything that follows that is my own opinion and certainly not Canuck's. I apologize for the confusion.

[Branch Rickey]

HK- I posted this before but I believe firmly that the Dodgers plan for DeWitt is 3rd base in 2011. So any solution at 2nd should not be seen as blocking DeWitt's path.

[lawdog]

Ahhhh, where is Don Corleon when we need him, eh?

You can "transmute" community property into two sets of separate property if the parties ro the marriage choose. Both parties must have counsel (which they do) and the division must be close to equitable (nearly 50-50). The parties had the added incentive of making it harder for Fox to get at the Dodgers team in the event of a foreclosure for failure to pay one of the $25 million installments as they came due each year. Frank must have talked like a dutch uncle but in the end he got Fox to accept his Boston parking lot as the security for the unpaid purchase price in that agreement, not the team itself. A huge boo-boo by Fox.

But all that real estate and personal property probably was worth close to what the "equity" in the Dogs actually was worth worth at the time if measured by what had been paid. The real estate market went in the toilet shortly thereafter while the baseball team's value soared.

Jamie is still left in the position of arguing she is an incompetent attorney and/or the transfer was made in an attempt to defraud their creditors (Fox--who let a baseball franchise go in exchange for a parking lot and the parking lot was overvalued by Frank to boot. Never let it be said that Fox hasn't been outfoxed and Rupert played for the naive Aussie that he really is).

Jamie could hire the best lawyers in the world and probably still come out screwed blue on this one. Still, the judge will probably give her everything else they have and alimony in the Steinbrenner atmosphere--keeping Frankie in old rags, mooching Dodger Dogs, half-drunk, stale beer and Peanuts for food and sleeping on the trainers table in the Dodger clubhouse for shelter after hours.

High priced FAs for the 2010 team? Fuhggheedaa 'bout it!

[Alex41592]

The Diamond quote comes from Buster Olney's ESPN blog on Sunday.

Nothing more than that.

[Humma Kavula]

HK- I posted this before but I believe firmly that the Dodgers plan for DeWitt is 3rd base in 2011. So any solution at 2nd should not be seen as blocking DeWitt's path.

I've seen the DeWitt-to-third idea, and that might be right. However:

1. Defense aside, there's debate right now about whether DeWitt will hit well enough to stick at second base, much less third base, a power position. Perhaps this debate is for nothing: that is, perhaps DeWitt will either hit, in which case you can stick him at either second or third, or he won't, in which case he isn't a major leaguer. I don't know.

2. Casey Blake, love him or hate him, will still be a Dodger in 2011. Under the DeWitt to third scenario, is 2011 a transition year, where Blake starts and becomes a bench player as the season progresses? How do you see that working?

[Craig88USC]

Next season; Loney should be better, Martin should be better, Kemp should be better, Manny should be better, Raffy should be better and DeWitt should be just fine.

Look for improvement in Chad, Clayton and even Brox but signing a Wolflike quality pitcher (like WOLF) is, I think, critical for a third straight NL West title.

Plus, we need a better bench (except for JP). And, more cowbell.

[Jonny (TAFKAJ)]

Funny, philosophical question for you guys regarding the off season..............

"Do you build a team to be a solid and deep, to withstand the rigors of a long season?".......with your division in mind?

or

"Do you build a team to have as much high-end talent as possible, perhaps at the expense of depth?".........

I know what I think, how about you?

[Kevin Lewis]

It seems like Martin and Chad's value had diminished, so I doubt it would be one of them. I think Kemp is untouchable unless it is some blockbuster deal. So, Loney or Broxton? I would be fine with either one being dealt if we get good value in return.

[Kevin Lewis]

I thought I liked the idea of Molina if we traded Martin, but then I saw Molina's OBP last year. I would like to pass on that one please.

[Humma Kavula]

Craig, that is a highly optimistic point of view. It could all happen, but I wouldn't put any money on it.

Then again, I wouldn't put any money on anything. Gambling is a fool's bet.

[WBB]

It's also worth pointing out, Kevin, that Bengie once scored from third on a double. Gnats' broadcaster Jon Miller on a ball in the gap: "Molina's rounding first...he's heading for second...he's heading for second...he's heading for second...he's heading for second...he's heading for second..."

[Craig88USC]

Just don't put your money on the Padres, Diamondbacks, Giants or Rocks when tempted by the bright shiny lights (and appealing, I call them "lollipop" odds) of Vegas. ... 8 > )

"Lollipop lollipop. Oh lolly lolly lolly.

Lollipop lollipop oh lolly lolly lolly

lollipop lollipop oh lolly lolly

lollipop! (pop) Call my baby lollipop ..."

[Craig88USC]

Crazy me - "Next season; Loney should be better, Martin should be better, Kemp should be better, Manny should be better, Raffy should be better and DeWitt should be just fine.

Look for improvement in Chad, Clayton and even Brox..."

-While I wouldn't lay down a bet of ALL the above happening,
I would bet anyone on any one of them coming true in 2010. :)

[Humma Kavula]

While I wouldn't lay down a bet of ALL the above happening,
I would bet anyone on any one of them coming true in 2010. :)

Way to go out on a limb there. :-)

[blue22]

Posted already?

Dylan Hernandez tweets that LA is not going to be bidding on Chapman:

http://twitter.com/dylanohernandez/statuses/5564291466

[Craig88USC]

And to refresh the memory in case you've forgotten, here's the Pac-10 bowl lineup for this season:

Rose Bowl --- Pac-10 No. 1 goes here on Jan. 1 or to national title game.
Holiday Bowl - Pac-10 No. 2 goes here on Dec. 30
Sun Bowl -------- Pac-10 No. 3 goes here on Dec. 31
Emerald Bowl ---- Pac-10 No. 4 goes here on Dec. 26
Las Vegas Bowl ---- Pac-10 No. 5 goes here on Dec. 22
Poinsettia Bowl ----- Pac-10 No. 6 goes here on Dec. 23

Last season the Pac-10 was UNDEFEATED in all their Bowl games. Let's do it again...

[El Lay Dave]

Victor Zambrano's mother kidnapped in Venezuela.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4636766

[Linkmeister]

From the last thread, Victor wrote about Billingsley: " the fact is that he doesn't have the mental make up to become a top flight pitcher"

And your evidence would be one half-season where he might have had some nagging injuries?

Save the parlor psychoanalysis, please.

[regfairfield]

I'm going to be a good person and not make a tasteless Rick Peterson joke.

[Jack]

I dont see Furcal or Manny getting better next year. They are both on the downside of their careers.

Martin/Loney might bounce back, but I think its more likely they stay the same.

I think if there's 1 arbitration eligible player that the Dodgers get rid of ---> it'll be Martin. Dodgers can save money by not paying Martin, and his production (the team sees) probably isnt difficult to replace.. (he was outslugged by Juan Pierre this year)...

The problem with guys like Martin is that once the league figures out he cant hit for power, he's going to walk less & less bc pitchers will just pound the zone with Ks knowing he cant hurt them deep.

[El Lay Dave]

The Boston Marathon is also a one-way course.

I suggest the LA Marathon runners depart the finish area via Santa Monica city bus (75¢) and head to some other place for someone to pick them up.

[Jack]

I'm also a bit surprised the Phillies declined Pedro Feliz option. I believe it was just for 5 mils.

Which player is going to play 3rd base for them next year?

[Jonny (TAFKAJ)]

Linkmeister.....easy big boy!

Such disrespect.....calling someone's opinion "parlor psychoanalysis?".....

You may not like what Victor said about Bills, but Chad certainly has some issues.......

[David Young]

If an arb-eligible is traded, I'm guessing George Sherrill. He can be shopped as a closer, and his likely salary is going to be pushing $4M, which seems a bit steep for Colletti to want to pay for a set-up man.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave

[Sam DC]

WBB -- your uncle seems like an interesting dude.

[kinbote]

This is going to be a long offseason . . .

[Horace Andy]

WBB: Hal's on Abbot Kinney you can sit at the bar and meet nice people, very friendly atmosphere. Food is good but not great. Gjelina has oustanding food, probably not as much action at the bar for a solo diner. Axe has excellent food, a bit quieter though.

[Craig88USC]

El Lay Dave, you can always try running back. But the bus is a really good idea. :)

Jack, glass a lit'l half empty, you think? Who's better in the West? :)

[WBB]

My uncle was shot down over France in WWII and made his way to Switzerland, posing as a deaf mute, with help from the French Resistance. So, yes, he is interesting.

[Horace Andy]

David Young, good thought. That's $4m that could be used on a starter, and Kuo is as good if not better than Sherrill (assuming he's healthy, which no one should assume, but still).

I think Loney will be the only player to improve from the group listed. It would be great if Martin had a really good backup and played in even less games to keep him fresh.

[David Young]

Jonny - I think Linkmeister's comment is accurate, not mean-spirited. None of us fans and commenters have even the first clue what Billingsley's - or any player's - "mental make up" is, unless we somehow know that player personally.

[David Young]

WBB - Given that story, your visit on Wednesday, Veteran's Day, seems mightily appropriate.

The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.

[Marty Leadman]

I'd be willing to trade Loney before any other arb-eligible player.

[JimBilly4]

Russell Martin is not that replaceable. He is a catcher and that is a very tough offensive position to fill. While his power numbers were roughly horrific last season, he still managed an OBP of .350, a hundred points higher than his average. To repeat, he was hitting nothing for power, batting .250, and still managed to work walks like crazy. At his age I find it highly unlikely he is on a downward path. While sadly I am beginning to believe the 2007 numbers were probably a fluke, I see no reason to believe the 2009 ones aren't similarly atypical. I think his 2008, .780 OPS is probably what I would expect from Russell. Maybe not the perennial all star I thought we had two years ago, but actually fairly good for a catacher and difficult to replace. Doubly difficult to replace when we traded away our best catcher prospect.

[Marty Leadman]

I have a friend who's father (he recently passed away) I had always thought was kind of a pleasant, but senile old man. I found out later that he founded the Green Berets, and was working on a plot to assassinate Hitler when the Hitler took care of it for them. Also, he used to parachute into his wife's town to visit her when they were courting.

[Linkmeister]

Jonny (TAFKAJ): What else is somebody indulging in when he claims someone he's never met doesn't have the "mental make up to be a top flight pitcher?"

[Jonny (TAFKAJ)]

Really David?....

I agree completely that, when evaluating or commenting on another's "mental makeup," knowing them personally is best. No question.

However, we as people make value judgements on people we don't know all the time...and, baseball scouts are paid to do this for a living.

Remember that Yoggi Berra quote about "the game being 90% mental...the other half physical?"

If you take out any commentary on the apparent mental aspect of the game, then can you only comment on the physical?...The other half? 10% ...I don't know....you do the math. :-)

[Jon Weisman]

New post up top.

[Branch Rickey]

Q: Who did Russell Martin live with in his first year in the big leagues?
A: The teams biggest star who is now known to have been using steroids.

Does that mean Russell is guilty? Absolutely not. Is it a worry given his seemingly odd drop off in production? Absolutely.

And I don't like spreading rumors or making accusations but unfortunately, I think this has become a legitimate question to ask within the scope of a baseball conversation in 2009.

[nsxtasy]

>> I thought I liked the idea of Molina if we traded Martin, but then I saw Molina's OBP last year. I would like to pass on that one please.

Which Molina brother?

[fanerman]

Scouting the arm strength of someone you've never met is different than judging the "mental make-up" of someone you've never met. One is definable and measurable. The other is not.

[nsxtasy]

>> I agree with that assessment. I imagine the front office has not been happy with Martin's performance, but what other options do they have at this point for next year?

None. There really is no option other than trading for someone or signing a free agent. The only in-house options are A. J. Ellis, who is at best a major league backup, or Lucas May, who is not ready yet. And no, Carlos Santana wouldn't have been ready yet, either.

[nsxtasy]

>> The only Dodger front-line player who gets traded this year because the team doesn't want him anymore is Pierre. And it's not that they don't like Pierre. They just don't want to pay that much for a fourth outfielder

There's no reason to trade Pierre. The problem, as you note, is that his salary is way more than he's worth. No other team would accept him in a trade unless the Dodgers pay most of the remaining salary on his contract - and if we're going to do that, it's worth the difference to keep him on the bench.

[nsxtasy]

>> A.J. Ellis for Albert Pujols? Puh-leeze. That makes no sense.

>>It's James Loney for Pujols.

Actually, that makes some sense, since his salary is such a big part of the Cardinals payroll, and they will be under financial pressure to get something back for him before his contract expires (there's a club option for 2011). And also because they play the same position.

However, it will never happen. The only way a team can give up a superstar without turning off its fans is to let him become a free agent at the contract's end.

[nsxtasy]

>> Utterly unrelated query: I am driving from Oakland to LA Wednesday and staying at my elderly uncle's near Venice before flying to Chile on Thursday. Do any DTers have recommendations for dinner (probably by myself, as my uncle prefers not to eat out at night) and/or breakfast (he's loves going out for breakfast)? I will be close to the Abbot Kinney area.

Here's a place that does an interesting breakfast right in the Abbot Kinney area (their apple pancake is highly recommended):

3 Square Café + Bakery
1121 Abbot Kinney
Venice, CA 90291
310-399-6504
http://www.rockenwagner.com/cafe.html

I've also been recommended the orange pancakes at this place in Santa Monica:

Cora's Coffee Shop
1802 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-9562
http://www.corascoffee.com