Stephen Dunn - Getty Images
Jim Loney found his stroke after the All-Star break in 2011.
Our next look at Dodgers eligible for salary arbitration brings us to James Loney, the first baseman who forged an interesting path in 2011. In the first half of the season, Loney looked like he was following the Casey Kotchman path to a tee:
Kotchman, a year after making just over $3.5 million with Seattle, was forced to take a minor league deal in 2011 with Tampa Bay and had a nice bounceback year, hitting .306/.378/.422 in 146 games for a measly $750,000. Loney, making $4.875 million in 2011, was headed straight down that path to non-tenderville, but then something clicked.
Whether it was the change in hitting coaches from Jeff Pentland to Dave Hansen on July 20, or whether the looming reality of a massive paycut sparked a turnaround, or whether the occasional day off helped, Loney was a different hitter after the All-Star break. Loney hit .320/.380/.534 with 18 doubles and eight home runs in 67 games after the break, and ended with season numbers pretty much in line with his last three seasons, if not better.
So here we are, with Loney eligible for salary arbitration again, with five years, 12 days of service time. With first basemen, it's tough to find true comps for Loney because the best hitters at first base are among the best hitters in baseball, and many end up signing long-term extensions or are simply too productive and/or pricy to compare to Loney.
I found three first baseman roughly comparable to Loney, and here are their career numbers at a similar service time to Loney:
| Player | Thru | Svc Time | G | PA | 2B | HR | Runs | RBI | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS | OPS+ | bWAR | fWAR | Salaryn-1 | Salaryn | % Inc. |
| James Loney | 2011 | 5.012 | 782 | 3018 | 155 | 67 | 323 | 418 | .288/.346/.432 | .778 | 108 | 5.6 | 8.6 | $4,875 | ???? | ?? |
| Jorge Cantu | 2009 | 5.036 | 663 | 2724 | 170 | 90 | 309 | 404 | .278/.323/.456 | .780 | 102 | 1.5 | 5.3 | $3,500 | $6,000 | 71.4% |
| Adam LaRoche | 2008 | 5.000 | 688 | 2601 | 167 | 111 | 324 | 386 | .273/.340/.492 | .832 | 114 | 5.4 | 6.0 | $5,000 | $7,050 | 41.0% |
| Lyle Overbay | 2007 | 5.026 | 694 | 2711 | 183 | 71 | 317 | 324 | .284/.362/.454 | .816 | 111 | 9.0 | 8.1 | $4,200 | $5,800 | 38.1% |
I cheated a bit with Overbay, as he signed a four-year deal before the 2007 season, and his salary for 2007 was only $400,000 so I added his $3.8 million signing bonus and counted that for 2007, too. Overbay is the only one of the three comparable players who signed a multi-year deal.
Here's a look at the four first basemen in their launch seasons:
| Player | Year | Svc Time | G | PA | 2B | HR | Runs | RBI | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS | OPS+ | bWAR | fWAR |
| James Loney | 2011 | 5.012 | 158 | 582 | 30 | 12 | 56 | 65 | .288/.339/.416 | .775 | 110 | 1.1 | 2.3 |
| Jorge Cantu | 2009 | 5.036 | 149 | 643 | 42 | 16 | 67 | 100 | .289/.345/.443 | .788 | 105 | 1.3 | 1.0 |
| Adam LaRoche | 2008 | 5.000 | 136 | 554 | 32 | 25 | 66 | 85 | .270/.341/.500 | .841 | 122 | 1.7 | 1.5 |
| Lyle Overbay | 2007 | 5.026 | 122 | 476 | 30 | 10 | 49 | 44 | .240/.315/.391 | .706 | 85 | 0.8 | -0.1 |
If we just look at these three comps for Loney and their percentage increase in salary, a 38.1% raise for Loney would be $6.75 million while a 71.4% increase would be about $8.35 million. Last year I guessed a 38.7% raise for Loney and that turned out to be far too low. Loney got a 57.3% raise in 2011 and followed that up with arguably a better season than he had in 2010.
I'm revising my guess for James Loney to make $7.25 million in 2012. What's your guess?
Special thanks to Maury Brown's Business of Baseball, and to Jeff Euston's Cot's Contracts, which is now housed at Baseball Prospectus.
0 recs | 603 comments
1B options
the mccourt saga really screwed us at 1B when you look at the options that are out there in 2013.. its garbage. hopefully jim proves himself to be more than cantu/laroche/overbay..
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
McCourt saga meaning McCourt ownership? Because Fielder is really expensive for a lot of teams and if anything the McCourt saga (defined as divorce which led down the path to bankruptcy and eventual sale) opened up the door for higher priced free agents in the future.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I was just looking at the puke available at 1b for next year and felt like blaming someone for our lack of options.. I picked McCourt out of a hat.
Also would have been nice to have Fielder/Pujols/Pena rather than a bouquet of Hairston/Kennedy/Ellis/etc but Im just rambling now. Need more coffee.
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Sands, Van Slyke. We have some in-house possibilities down the road.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Votto will most likely be moved after this year
Pure Azure - January 11, 2012
Bet they lock him up.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
the baseball insiders don’t seem to think it’ll be possible in that market.
Pure Azure - January 11, 2012
They signed Griffey and were fine, with revenue sharing and TV contracts as they are I think you have to in some ways scrap the idea of the league being divided into large/mid/small market teams and look at it more as very large/large/small market teams.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I’d build my team around him, but the estimation is that it’ll be too much of a commitment for the Reds while trying to field a competitive team, much like the Brewers with Fielder. Of course there is no Braun in Cincy but I heard they’re also trying to lock up Phillips, who has more positional value.
There is still market disparity there, but we will see.
Pure Azure - January 11, 2012
They do also have Jay Bruce.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
From the last thread
Q:
Say a conference call or meeting is done before the All Star Game or at it and Dodgers are hovering at 3-7 games out, a few games under 500, perhaps a few games above. If this is the case and there are opportunities in the Wild Card as well. Do you think the Dodgers could get a nice infusion of cash and go for it? Or does ownership watch and pitch a few pennies and then clean house-preparing for 2014 when they have all of the TV money and some crap coming off the payroll.
A: It depends entirely on who the winner is and how they set up their corporate structure. If Mark Cuban wins, I imagine he’ll function more as a President/Chairman making approvals/rejections by himself. If one of these less top-heavy groups wins, you could see a Board of Directors which could have a slower decision making process or they could nominate a Chairman to make decisions quicker. From what I gather, the board/owner mostly just sets a budget for each department (including Baseball Operations) and lets them do what they will with it, and the approval process only really kicks in if they go above that budget.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
not sure why the blockquote fail
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
As to the first part of the question, I expect the new ownership group to be fully in control either on April 30 or at the opening of business on May 1. MLB is pre-approving each group (and charging each group $25,000 to cover the investigation costs, per Shaikin) so it is designed to be a quick transfer.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
No real changes until after the season
1. At the minor-league level, all assignments will have been made, coaches are hired and season only a month old.
2. Amateur draft will be 5 weeks away, scouts should have narrowed in on most likely players available. Only impact could be increased budget for signings (though that will be impacted by new rules regarding bonuses per new CBA).
3. Short of a catastrophic first month, I can’t see the new owners making any real changes in baseball operations until after the season. Now, could they add more money to this year’s budget to make some in season moves, sure but it is more likely they will do more things like more discounted tickets, autograph days, cut prices on parking and beer than sack Ned or anyone else during the season.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012 via mobile
I'll guess $7.75MM
Not far off your number, but I’m guessing on the high side (closer to that crazy Cantu comp)
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I would love to sit through a full arbitration hearing, or at least see the presentation and research materials prepared by one or both sides.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Do you know if Cantu won his arbitration hearing or something, because that’s such a crazy jump for a first baseman coming off a 105 OPS+ season. Worst of all, Cantu’s the most recent comp!
Michael White - January 11, 2012
100 RBI
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Good call
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I think they settled but let me find it….
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Yeah, he and Florida agreed to the contract, avoiding arbitration.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Thanks
Michael White - January 11, 2012
2010 turned out so bad for Cantu
Got off to the crazy start, with at least one RBI in each of his first 10 games.
Through May 9: .267/.308/.517 with 7 HR, 29 RBI in 31 games
Rest of season: .252/.302/.349 with 4 HR, 27 RBI in 96 games
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
stick figures, power point slides.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
I predict one year deal with a mutual option for 2013. 6, 12 (2/18)
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Do mutual options ever get picked up?
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I noticed that Stephen Drew and AZ have a 10m mutual option on the table for next season.. dude should be highly motivated to bounce back from his horrific injury..
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
very rarely. I want to say Mike Cameron had his $8mil mutual option with milwaukee picked up a few years ago, and that’s the last one I remember. They aren’t given out enough to really see a trend, but it’s unlikely to be set at a price both sides feel is fair, especially since most of them are 1 year options.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
shockingly, i’m wrong about Cameron.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
You keep sticking to the option scenario for these guys who are too close to free agency.
No reason for Loney to do that deal because he can get more than $6 million this year and if he hits well enough he can hit the free agent market that could be light on first basemen, setting himself up for a multi-year deal. If Loney doesn’t hit well enough in 2012, his option won’t get picked up anyway.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I picked 12 as a number that was probably higher than he could get in 2013 if he had a typical Loney year in 2012, in exchange for the team’s savings of ~$1mil this year, and if he does turn into Jim he can just turn down the option. If he thinks he can get more than 12 for 2013, more power to him, decline it.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
But the number wouldn’t just be $12m, it would be closer to $10.5 or so since Loney would be giving up some money this year, and he would be postponing a shot at a multi-year deal. It’s a situation in which he can’t win; either he doesn’t hit well enough (wouldn’t get the option) or he hits well enough to be an attractive free agent and would rather leave.
It would have be structured with a buyout or something to get Loney closer to what he is going to make in 2012 anyway, but then you’d have to question the Dodgers’ motivation.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I’m very much on board with the Andrew Grant 3 year plan, but don’t think it’ll happen, and if it does, it won’t happen at a price that sits comfortably.
Maybe 3/30?
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I’d rather eat pork blood.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I’d rather talk Star Wars.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Han Solo: Fired first?
Thoughts
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Greedo
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
I started to type a long winded thought on the matter and the 3/30 figure was included but ended up deleting it because I second guessed myself. It’s in regards to a risk analysis of Sands/VanSlyke’s potential, and Loney playing like Jim as opposed to James making our 3 year committment at $30M worth it.
It’s tough to gamble on a 2 month trend vs. a 4 year consistent history……bleak 1B FA market over the next few years or not. Plus as Eric mentioned….without a hefty buyout, why would Jim/James do it?
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
because assuming he makes 7 nest year regardless, 23/2 is probably more than he gets over those two years as a free agent
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
no reason for the Dodgers to do it. Too much risk, too much money.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Dream killer.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Come to think of it, there is no three-year deal for James Loney that would satisfy both of these criteria:
1) I would like it
2) Loney would like it
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
That seems high
nolander - January 11, 2012
I’d consider 3y/$24 mil.
2012: 6 mil (helps out the team)
2013: 8 mil
2014: 10 mil
kinbote - January 11, 2012
If he has even an okay year, I think he’ll make at least 18/2, which would be reason enough for him to not accept that contract.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
he hasn't had an overall ok year in 3 years
nolander - January 11, 2012
he’s crazy due
kinbote - January 11, 2012
That due might have been paid in Aug/Sept.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Settlements approved
Shaikin tweets:
Judge Gross approves settlement between #Dodgers and Fox.
MLB attorney: Our agreement with #Dodgers requires each bidder to pay $25,000 to MLB, covering costs for league to investigate bidder.
Judge Gross approves settlement between #Dodgers and MLB.
berkowit28 - January 11, 2012
—LATimes
Little Blue Bicycle - January 11, 2012
Reported here last night.
berkowit28 - January 11, 2012
Must be nice to have the kind of money that you can afford to spend 25k just for the chance to bid on something.
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
“Here’s $25,000 to investigate me!”
Just hope they do a better job than they did with McCourt.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Drew’s have walked away from higher dollar figure options in the past
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
his career ops+ is 98
he should be happy to be making 10m..
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
I’ll say it, James Loney has the prettiest swing on the Dodgers.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
he just needs to lock it in
dude was looking amazing at the end of last season.. he just needs to stop fiddling with his swing every day.
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Yep, approach is the great equalizer
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Disagree completely. His weight transfer is inconsistent and often atrocious. A swing isn’t just about how the bat moves.
Ethier and Kemp both have better looking and more consistent swings.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
I disagree. Kemp and Ethier both look foolish far more than Loney does.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Loney has better pitch recognition and contact skills, but his swing is not balanced. His weight transfer is awful and produces all those soft grounders and liners to short.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
I don’t think his weight transfer has nearly as much to do with it as how much he hunches over sometimes and the timing of his stride. Agree to disagree.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Fair enough.
All I can say is watch his hips. They are way ahead of his swing most of the time and that is the #1 problem when he doesn’t hit the ball hard. With his contact skills, if he just kept his weight back more he would hit the ball hard all the time.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
his hips get ahead when he guesses wrong and he blows his hips early, then tries to hold his hands back rather than just taking the swing he started with, missing, and getting another pitch to hit.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Going to have to just agree to disagree I guess. I’ve watched him do it for 5 years now on fastballs down the middle and he’s not guessing wrong on those.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
People always say lefties have better looking swings
I’ll say Kemp has the best looking swing on the team, Ethier behind.
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Kemp has a gorgeous swing.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
There’s something about the way the ball flies to right center field. It looks so effortless.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I can't remember a right handed hitter crushing the ball to CF like he does so often
His home runs to CF look majestic
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Manny’s power was all to RCF
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I remember Piazza hitting quite a few to RCF.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Piazza was a beast hitting to RCF.
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
Piazza had a different swing though. He kept both hands on the bat and stood up straight after contact (almost like a golf swing). He had the most opposite field power I’ve ever seen.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
I remember Manny as more of a pull hitter for some reason
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
bobbleslam
nolander - January 11, 2012
The NLDS (Cubs) on one leg HR
Freakin half way up the LF bleachers.
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
golfer
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
The follow through adds to it, when he just holds the bat up there after he has tagged one.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Hong Chi Kuo
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
streaky :)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
no doubt
too bad he sucks
NotJoeTorre - January 11, 2012
There’s some terribly perverted logic that says Loney is the best first basemen available in 2013, and honestly we’re not gonna get Joey Votto, so why not just wrap him up for three years.
James Loney will never leave.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Has there ever been anymore said about the car crash?
Little Blue Bicycle - January 11, 2012
I think it was Brandon that said Mattingly mentioned the other day that the tests came back clean.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
but what did they say about drugs?
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
He was referring to the STD report….the drug report is still TBD
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
hiyo
They did a brain scan and the tests were negative
kinbote - January 11, 2012
it’d be scary if they found something
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
not really…I think they have quick fixes for ghonorrea and the clap….it’s the ninja you gotta watch out for. RIP Eazy E *pours .40oz
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
oh, I was still punning…they did a brain scan and didn’t find anything : )
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
I’m not opposed to it at all…..since a Prince is not possible. My my how that would change the landscape of our offense.
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
I’d rather take my chances WITHOUT signing Loney to a three year deal.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
I’d much rather see Sands step up as our future at 1B
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
Yep
Cost controlled and cheap. Like Loney use to be.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
But with more grit
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
bigger teeth, for sure
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Like “The Mask” played by Jim Carrey?
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
Brandon’s scouting report on Van Slyke made me a believer
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I’ve been excited about him since he was drafted….the only thing that made my faith wane was his age at AA
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
Van Slyke at 1B, Sands in RF. Use the savings on someone else, Josh Hamilton maybe.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Would rather have Yadier Molina.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
all he said is that he was big and could hit batting practice fastballs into the bleachers
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
That’s what I was thinking too.
I think HJ could do anything Van Slyke did in that BP session. Throw him a big league slider and see what happens
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
That was enough for me
Michael White - January 11, 2012
That and his performance last season. I think he’s got a good shot at being a productive big leaguer.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
welcome aboard!
nolander - January 11, 2012
The last part of what you said is kind of haunting
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
James Loney is Hotel California. (sorry, Marty)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
{guiter solo}
kinbote - January 11, 2012
missed the madson conversation (if there was one)
I’m kinda shocked that Madson was looking at 4/44 from the Red Sox month or so ago and now all he has this season is a 1yr deal from Cincy where his numbers could look pretty bad. I thought all GMs were interested in spending a fortune on closers?
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
The Reds are quietly putting together a nice looking team.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
87.7 wins.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Is that .7 a Madson blown save? ;)
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Madson doesn’t have a closer mentality.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Hahahahaha Madson is getting less money than Matt Guerrier baseball is so dumb.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
$6.75M
is my estimate after
heavily analyzing thisthrowing darts.Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
It
Will be interesting to see if attendance rises after the sale with the number of fans saying they wouldn’t go back until McCourt is gone.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Obviously not every day is spent in court
but I’m sure the legal bills were sky-high and ongoing through the process. I found this number from Shaikin eye-popping:
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
807
Days. Back in the day, civil cases took 5 years to get to trial.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012 via mobile
even billion dollar ones?
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Yeah
But that was a while ago, now it is more like 18 months to a 2 years.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Being a parent must be so hard.
My long time next door neighbors son has just started surgery that is expected to last 14 hours today. The surgeons hope to somehow rebuild his crushed pelvic bones and contain/manage the internal bleeding that is his biggest obstacle to living. Jason Ryan Cordova was in a horrific car accident on Saturday Night and has been fighting for his life ever since. This will be his fifth surgery.
The Good News:
a. The hole they drilled into his skull to replace pressure has worked and so far the specialists believe he’s had no brain damage
b. His heart is strong
c. His lung is starting to come back
d. no damage to his spinal cord
The bad news:
a. Multiple broken ribs
b. compound fracture of his right arm
c. fractured kneecap
d. crushed pelvic
e. internal bleeding
f. four surgerys in three days
He’s been in an induced coma since the accident. If he lives, the road back to simply walking again will be brutal. He’s not going through anything more then any young son who was blown apart in service to their country, but when a 58 year old father almost sags into your arms after telling you the news, you wonder how this countries families cope every day as a lifetime of wonder and hard work evaporates in a second.
On Saturday I spent the day playing with my one year old grand nephew and wishing I had made the commitment to parenthood. By Sunday Night, I’m not sure I’d have been strong enough to do it.
Jason is a lot like most of you. A young man who has finished school and was starting out his young life. Hopefully he gets to continue.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
That’s terrible Phil! My condolences :(
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
Wow. Thoughts and prayers to Jason.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
+1
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Good luck
And best wishes to the family.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012 via mobile
That is awful. A couple years ago, family friends had a son who was in a bad car accident and was in a medically induced coma for a week or so. He eventually pulled through and is a normal young adult now. It was amazing to think that he pulled through, so it does happen, but it is certainly hard on the parents. My best to them.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
I get worried
from a case of the sniffles or a fever. Can’t imagine going through anything like this. Stay strong!
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Thoughts and prayers
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Sorry to hear that Phil, thats very sad…. but yeah being a parent is very hard, and thats even with good health…. I would think every parents biggest fear is their child dying before them, and thats something that should never happen. No parent should have to bury their child. I hope Jason pulls thru it! I would think the recovery process isnt as hard for a parent as long as your child survives, you just want your kid to live, whatever you gotta do after that, you’ll do.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
I really hope
he pulls through Phil. It sounds like you are being a great friend to the father.
mleadman - January 11, 2012
All the best to that young man and his family. Nice of you to be there for them, as much as you can.
TopDeckTrueBlue - January 11, 2012
I am hoping for the best outcome
It helps to be a bit of an optimist as a parent. You know bad outcomes can happen, you hope they don’t and you don’t dwell on them.
It also takes a strong man to be the friend that can be leaned upon. It is good that you are there for them.
David Young - January 11, 2012
I’m not sure anyone has perplexed me more as a Dodger then Mr. Loney. Maybe Mike Marshal.
If Loney has turned around his career, 2012 could be a fun year, if not I don’t see how this is more then a .500 team. They really need a strong left handed bat.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
This is so true. When Loney first came up it really seemed like he hit everything on the screws, lots of line drives. Somewhere along the way he started hitting weak dribblers. I certainly think he is the lynchpin on this offense. Kemp and Ethier will do more or less what they have done, but Loney needs to take that step up and provide something similar to what he did in the second half.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Stubbs was a bit baffling.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
he struck out a ton, I liked the power but never held out much hope for him.
Karim Garcia, even though he was not a Dodger long, I really thought he’d be a player.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I remember when Garcia came up. He hit a home run in San Francisco and I was excited. I was thinking, “Yep, here is yet another Dodger Rookie of the Year”
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I specifically remember him getting a hit off a lefty sometime during the 1988 WS and thinking he would finally make it. He must have been injured in ’89 and had his best year in 1990 before being traded.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
I need to find old spring training stats. I think Stubbs led the Grapefruit League in home runs one year, or was close at least. I thought that was going to be a huge year.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Remember when Jason Heyward was good?
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Too bad he's done now ;)
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
He’ll always have the RotY… er, runner up.
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
I’ll always have the grand slam off Todd Worrell.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
See: another similarity with Loney. Famous grand slam.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Marshall was streaky. When he was on, he made heaven a place on earth,
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Nice Belinda Carlisle call back. I’m still embarrassed that as a 4-5 year old Dodger fan that I couldn’t have picked a better favorite Dodger than Marshall. Luckily by 6-7 I wisened up and went with with Guerrero….Saxy being a close second.
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
I fully expected Mike Marshall to become Frank Howard
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
He hit a Grand Slam in Spring Training and I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. You don’t get out much at 5.
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
AAA @Albuquerque
amirite?
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
won the triple crown there, no?
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Yep
1981. .373, 34 homers, 137 RBI in 128 games.
One Flap Down hit .401 in 47 games and 204 PA with the Phoenix Giants, but didn’t have enough PA to qualify.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Marshall was my favorite too. I saw him at a Lamps Plus as a rookie, and he signed the 8×10 “To a Super Buddy.” It didn’t matter to me that he wasn’t a star.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Lamps Plus
I’ll bet they were having a half-off sale
mleadman - January 11, 2012
What if James Loney battles Matt Kemp for the 2012 NL MVP, hitting 36 HR 130 RBI, .310/.390/.560
And then asks for a 6 year, 100 mil extension.
Do you do it?
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
ignore
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
:)
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
We wonder when Loney became such good friends with Ryan Braun. :)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I’m having a hard time coming up with the word that describes the mood I’m in this morning. Surly, maybe? What does surly mean?
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Meercat on a good day
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I'm in a good mood because I managed to drag myself out of bed early
to play video games
nolander - January 11, 2012
That sounds like a tough thing to do
I commend you sir
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
it originally meant haughty and arrogant (literally sir + ly) but has come to mean bad-tempered and unfriendly
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
but like, with a snarky connotation. Name that word!
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
saucy implies impudent, showing a lack of respect, and flippant, but it’s sort of archaic now.
I think cranky works, but perhaps not serious enough. You say you’re cranky, people are like “oh go eat some chocolate”
Smoldering could work, feeling barely suppressed anger
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
smoldering is also sexy
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
same with saucy, it’s an issue with the line between bad boy and piece of shit being so fine
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
but I think smouldering captures the, “takes me one step closer to the edge, and I’m about to break” element
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Snippy?
Nolij - January 11, 2012
oh I like snippy. Similar to having a smart mouth
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
snippy is good, but with some aloof thrown in there
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I got it! Churlish, rude in a mean spirited and surly way
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Word of the day or the TBLA word forever
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
“Hey Ryan, its James Loney. I’m gonna be in Milwaukee this week and was wondering if you had any ladies you could introduce me to…?”
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
Yes
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Silverwidow? :P
If Loney hits 36 jacks I’m betting he gets tested every day for a month, lol.
IF that does happen, i’d be fine with an extension like that, because he’s clearly the next Jose Bautista!
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
The Loney Saga
Number one pick – tears up the rookie leagues as an 18 year old and even gets 64 at bats in high A ball and holds his own – sky is the limit
1st Spring training as a 19 year he impresses everyone with that beautiful swing – I think he’s going to be a star
After the rookie pro season never does much to merit the hoopla but some blame injuries – I downplay my expectations, even to the extent I believed more in Cory Dunlap then Loney. Canuck says to keep the faith
In 2006 he makes the team due to Nomar injury, struggles, goes back to minors – I say to myself, see, he’s no big deal.
In 2006 he comes back and goes bat shit crazy – I say, damn, I’m wrong again, this guy is better then anyone even said he could be
In 2007 he doesn’t make the team, goes to AAA and hits one home in 261 PA in the PCL – I have no idea what to think
In 2007 he comes back and again goes bat shit crazy and after two partial seasons totaling 485 plate appearances the man has an OPS over .900 – I say, damn, I’m wrong again, this guy is better then anyone even said he could be
From 2008 – July 2011 – he’s a barely tolerable option at 1st base. For a few years his production is okay because he’s making squat. In 2011 he’s killing the team – Each year from 2008 – 2011 I championed Loney, now I’m sure he simply sucks
Aug – 2011 – super bat shit crazy – HE IS DRIVING ME FUCKING NUTS
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
That is as good a summary as any. I might have added when Loney was sent down in 2006 after hitting .936 in spring training (rough estimate of his batting average) there was murderous rage by many, myself included.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
2006 jim loney made me think we had a olerud on our hands
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
He wore a helmet in the field?
That’s still the only thing I remember about John Olerud
Michael White - January 11, 2012
Man, Olerud was good. Like Mark Grace v2.0
I think it was 1993 when the Blue Jays had the top three in the AL in batting average with Olerud hitting .363.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
just lookin at his bbref page.. look at that crazy 1993
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olerujo01.shtml
.363/.473/.599 with a 186 ops+
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
17 seasons in MLB with a career 128 OPS+. Ya, that’s an awesome career.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
500 career doubles. That’s how you do it..
kinbote - January 11, 2012
On base heavy with great defense, it really is.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
I want
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Closest thing today to an Olerud is ………… ( must be a 1st baseman)
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I wish Sean Casey was still active
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Hee Seop Choi
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Derrek Lee?
kinbote - January 11, 2012
maybe 38 year old Derrek Lee. Prime Derrek Lee should have won an MVP when he hit 46 bombs
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I was just looking at that year (2005). Damn straight.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
I was thinking Berkman
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Still think of him as an OF.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Maybe Helton?
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
good
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Maybe Hosmer.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Excellent
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Nick Johnson might have been the closest
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
The Myth of Nick Johnson. He was the Platonic ideal for a time.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
solid OB% guy for a while
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
From 2000 – 2011
OBP > .385
SLub <=.470
BA <= .310
502 plate appearances.
Nick the Stick heads the list but only qualified one year.
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 1/11/2012.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Man Daric Barton would have been a good answer this time last year.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Yup
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
ooh good call
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
Adrian Gonzalez
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Rickey played with a guy like that once.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
standing rec
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Not the .363 batting average.
He was an incredibly consistent hitter between. Between the age of 23 – 33 he had eight seasons of .285 – .300 but with two flukes in there of .363 and .354.
I guess I should focus more on the OB. From age 23 – 33 never lower then .375 with nine seasons over .390 ending with a career OBP of .398.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Not the .363 batting average.
He was an incredibly consistent hitter between. Between the age of 23 – 33 he had eight seasons of .285 – .300 but with two flukes in there of .363 and .354.
I guess I should focus more on the OB. From age 23 – 33 never lower then .375 with nine seasons over .390 ending with a career OBP of .398.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
yeah my tunnel vision comparison was left handed, capable of high BA, not a ton of power but a solid contributor
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
So, Mark Grace.
James Loney is destined to give up a bomb to the next great David Ross.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
There is a name I haven’t thought of in a while. A reliable source told me back in 04 that Lowe was less than excited about Ross being his battery mate. Something along the lines of “Do you know who it is I’ll be pitching to this year?”
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
He should have worn his helmet in the field.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Funny how people often referred to Ethier as “streaky”. Loney has been the definition.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
uh
they both are
nolander - January 11, 2012
Who isn’t
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I remember a friend on my softball team a decade ago asked me if there were two hitters who would end up with identical stats, say a .333 batting average for one, would I rather have the streaky hitter or the one who went 1 for 3 every night.
I told him obviously the 1 for 3 every night guy because he could clearly handle the pressure of dealing with the media crush of his record-breaking hitting streak. :)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
nice answer.
I take the streaky guy.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Velez
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Streaky bad counts
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
crap
I almost said Pujols but he was insanely streaky last year.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Corey Dunlap looked awesome at one time. Like our own little poor mans Greek God of Walks :D
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
It was the zero power from a mammoth 1b that was a warning sign though . . .
kinbote - January 11, 2012
He had power, he simply ate himself out of baseball.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dunlap001cor
By 2007 he weighed 300 Ibs and didn’t care.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
IIRC I was the pot calling the kettle black, saying if Dunlap had simply done laps he would still be in baseball. :)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
The Ricky Williams model.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
I think you have outlined an article for yourself. Or have you written that one before?
David Young - January 11, 2012
Are we at the point where good hitters are not actually streaky but simply go through stages of good and bad luck with BABIP?
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
There are times when guys feel more “locked in” and they will be seeing the ball better and hitting the ball harder.
That said, if all you believe in is stats, I’m sure you could make that claim and find some evidence.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
Right. Don’t look for BABIP trends to find streaky, look for LD% trends. BABIP will be affected by LD% trends, but it gives you a better idea of who is having quality at bats while taking luck out.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Hey, Hu didn't?
underdog - January 11, 2012
(should be "good" at end, not "go")
underdog - January 11, 2012
Not sure what reaction I should have.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
that's probably the appropriate reaction
{shrugs}
I did think he’d be better than he has been, I’ll say that.
underdog - January 11, 2012
He makes a mean pot of coffee.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
I’ll always miss yelling “HUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!” when he came up to bat at Isotopes games.
Granted, I was the only one in the stands doing it, but it was still fun.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Nice callback.
David Young - January 11, 2012
Woah
apparently Jim Rome is joining CBS NFL Today. The show that gave us Brent Musberger : (
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Another show I won’t see Jim Rome on.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
do you just avoid the Sunday morning bro-fest altogether?
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Yes
All of those pregame shows are crap. Plus, I try to sleep in on Sundays anyway.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I watched the fantasy football pregame show on ESPN 2 during the fantasy season. A lot of good that did me.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
Never follow the Lemmings
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I kind of like Edge NFL matchup (the one with Jaworski and all the video breakdowns) but I rarely watch it.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Best NFL show ever. Too bad they only showed it at like 1 am on Saturday nights and 6 am Sunday mornings.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
It was paired with Perspectives. :)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Jaworski is pretty amazing. He’s like a NFL video savant.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I like Hoge on that show as well.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
those shows seem to just be an excuse to put lumpy men on TV. I will say that I was helped through the playoffs through ESPNs “dark horse pickup” articles
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
On those shows, the analysts talk rather than scream. They answer a ton of questions and pretty much stay on point. It’s the opposite of the screaming, over-laughing nonsense that the networks and ESPN have on pre-game.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
i hear that. CBS at least seems to stick with highlights, injury analysis, picks, every week, which is at least useful; whereas Fox will bust out the occasional terrible skit, and ESPN is two hours long. Two hours? For college on site, sure, but NFL in a studio? No way.
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Up at 6am everyday of the week except Sunday. I try to sleep in like I could back as a teenager and never make it past 9am.
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
love the stat
that says 10% of the time spent on those shows is dedicated to the bro hosts laughing at each others stupid jokes
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Does that mean his current radio talk show is toast? Hope so.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
nope. Separate entities. This is TV Rome.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
That and he has never done his radio show on the weekend anyway, so theres really zero conflict.
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
At the end we realized Hu wasn’t good and that he had to go
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
which player was that?
(sorry reg!)
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Hu do you mean?
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Good lord am I glad that this man is no longer relevant.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Dodger Owners are a com'n ...
Josh ‘Italian Stallion’ Macciello is relishing the role of the underdog. what most don’t know is in another life he was UFC fighter Tank Abbott.
Tom Barrack has $34 billion in assets, casinos, fiendish henchman, and James Bond on his tail.
Venergy - January 11, 2012
Wake me up when the super star Chris Paul shows up
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Rather ordinary line last night (I didn’t watch that game as I was watching Kobe go off). I will be watching Clips tonight though.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Switched over to the Kobe game and caught his 4th quarter act. Rather impressive series of plays against Grant Hill. The knees look great, but not sure the supporting cast is going to be enough this year to do much damage. That is not a very good Sun team they had trouble putting away until that spurt of his in the 4th.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I agree
They have won seven straight at home, but in pretty much every game they need some late run to put the game away against teams they should wax. That said, I do like the way they play defense.
I do think they eventually give in and trade for Howard near the March 15 trade deadline.
I did crack on Twitter last night that with Grant Hill getting so much praise on defense as he was getting torched by Kobe, it was the most praise given such a defensive performance at Staples Center since Tyrron Lue in Game 1 of the 2011 NBA Finals against Iverson.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I think they need atleast 1 more solid player, and hopefully its a PG… Id love to get Mo Williams from Clips but not sure how. They need to upgrade that PG position though IMO. But thats been an issue for a long time now.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Mo Williams
is awful on defense. Awful! Yet, he might be an upgrade for the Lakers. :)
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
yeah exactly. My thinking is Lakers would play enough team defense to cover for him, in exchange for the offense he’d provide compared to Fisher or Blake. He’s still an upgrade as you say. Obviously I’d love a Deron Williams, etc, more so. But if not a star, atleast get an solid upgrade at the position.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Is he worse defensively than Derek Fisher? That’s like arguing that Rod Barajas is slow when you have Bengie Molina.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
I think Mo would be perfect because he played under Brown so knows his system, his style. He is very quick which is what we need. He is talented. He is also making 8.5 this year, with a 8.5 player option next season, and Lakers have that 8.9 TPE. So Lakers could trade that and a 1st round pick or so for him? Maybe we should of tried to trade the Clips Odom 1st, he could of stayed in LA and be happy. Maybe Clips would still be interested in the TPE so they could use that for a player at a position they need. With Paul and Bledsoe returning (not sure when) Mo seems expendable, but maybe not, I dont know.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Mo would be a great fit for the Lakers but why would the Clippers be interested in making their team weaker and the Lakers stronger since they should for all practical purposed both be in the hunt for best record in the Pacific West? Unless of course you think they should do it for the good of the city
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
No I understand what you are saying and agree. But my theory is they need some depth upfront more then they need MO right? or no? Is Bledsoe hurt, or just not getting PT right now? See I really dont know their exact situation.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Hurt
Michael White - January 11, 2012
Ofcourse they could just trade Mo to a team for a bigs depth on their own…. Or maybe they could use that 8.9 TPE and picks to get it, or get a SG they’ll need after this season? I dont know… I know wouldnt happen, just looking for an idea
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
What about Devin Harris.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
He would be good too… not sure how they could get him… basically im trying to figure out a way they Lakers could get someone with the 8.9 TPE…since they gave away Odom for it, they better use that shit on something….. what sucks is the TPE cant be combined with players, or other TPE, so I dont really see how its useful unless a team is just looking to dump salary. Maybe the Lakers were just dumping salary and wont use it, which would suck.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
One of Foye, Bledsoe or Mo is going to get traded. Of course, the Lakers have nothing to offer.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I want to see what Morris can do, but yes they need a PG bad.
If Walton is healthy enough to keep playing like last night, the depth will be better than expected at SF/PF once everyone is healthy.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
I think Walton played well because it was the Phoenix Suns defense. But still rooting for any Laker to do well.
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Could be, but it was good to see him getting rebounds, loose balls, playing good D, hustling, etc…A lot better than just seeing him as a log on the bench.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
I’d like to see what Morris can do too, but being a rookie, with this short season (lack of practice time) we may not see much of him this season. I wonder why Lakers didnt go after Nate Robinson on a 1 year veteran deal he got from GS. I think he’d be very useful off our bench.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Lets say James Loney is a FA
Which he will be in 2013 right? Well, does he really get more than 7 million?
Seems like because of salary abritration guys like Loney get more than they really should.
Dodgerblue8188 - January 11, 2012
His 2012 season will determine his 2013 value
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
i understand that
but what my point is if he was a FA this year..does he really get as much as everybody is projecting?
Dodgerblue8188 - January 11, 2012
it's like SA
is helping him get a raise is it not?
Dodgerblue8188 - January 11, 2012
Good question. On Aug 10th he was a certain non tender candidate who was likely to follow the Casey Kotchman path of simply hoping to get a major league invite. Everything changed, now the question for us, did it really?
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
There is also the caveat that through arbitration it’s just a one-year deal, while he could possibly have gotten a multi-year deal in free agency. But fair point.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Probably not since there’s not too many teams that have money that would get better by adding James Loney.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Has that ever stopped MLB from handing out silly contracts?
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Ask Ryan Madson.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Angels avoided arb with Kendrys Morales, signing him to a one-year deal. Now the question is how much?
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Break a leg, buddy.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Lukewarm to Longterm Loney...
if he can get $7 million for 2012 what would be reasonable for 3 years? ANSWER…too much!
The settlement of the Fox/McCourt issue opens the door for Fielder (yes I am saying it again…he’s coming to the Dodgers!) Fielder can sign a 3 year $60 million deal and hit the jackpot again in 2015…Dodgers can pay him $15…$20…$25…and he can hang with Kemp.
BaldBilly - January 11, 2012
Why would Fielder sign a short-term deal that’s worth less in average annual value than he could get on a longer deal?
A short-term deal for Fielder is something like 3/$75 or 3/$80 IMO.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
DONE!!!! Oh wait I don’t have the authorization to make such decisions :(
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
Did I tell you guys that he’s the only guy from my home town that has ever started on Varsity as a 7th grader?
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
8 years puts him at 35 when he hits FA again...
3 years puts him at 30 is my short answer
BaldBilly - January 11, 2012
I don’t think that answers anything actually.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
He can get more than $20 million per year on a longer deal than 3 years. No reason for him to take less years AND less money.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
But the point is, why would he go to three years unless he is getting more than $25M per. There has to be incentive for him to do so.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Let’s spitball on this…who is going to pay him $25 long term or short term? Nationals? Cubs? Marlins?
BaldBilly - January 11, 2012
He is probably going to end up at $22 or $23m per somewhere for at least 5 years, if not longer.
Why on Earth would he take fewer years and fewer dollars per year?
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
IMO the market is soft…the big money has been spent…he can do better long term in 2015 while he is still young…time will tell. I would love to see him sign with the Dodgers for more and longer and be forced to admit I was wrong about the $$$
BaldBilly - January 11, 2012
WHY WOULD HE TAKE FEWER DOLLARS PER YEAR
nolander - January 11, 2012
The Nationals still seem like a good destination and I wouldn’t count out the Marlins on Mariners. You may be right on one thing though, he may have more suitors in 2015. However, he is still going to want more on a short term deal.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
So the answer to “why would Fielder take less money and fewer years” seems to be because you want him on the Dodgers.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
old, bald and tunnel vision…I’ve got a lot going against me
BaldBilly - January 11, 2012
Yes.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
20mil a year would be a discount for Fielder. I think if he signs for 3 years, it’s closer to 75/3.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
3/80 semantics ;)
VeroJoe - January 11, 2012
My computer apparently isn’t loading in comments more than every few minutes.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Best signing of the offseason: Mets give an NRI to Scott Kazmir.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
I thought that was refuted earlier, that Matt Eddy misread Kazmar and thought it was Kazmir.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Twitter lied :(
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Wilpon and Alderson were having a rager last night and when DJ DePo asked what everyone wanted to play, Wilpon yelled KASHMIR!, but Alderson heard Kazmir and here we are.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
dick pederson will fix that dude in 15 minutes
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
If I was Prince I would resign with the Brewers for one year, win the World Series they didn’t win last year, then become a Dodger in 2012. JMO
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I think I’ve said this everytime Prince comes up. Otherwise he’s going to end up signing a long term deal with the Mariners or Nationals and regret it. Unless Texas gets involved but who wants to be playing in Arlington in August for the next eight years. Yuck.
That is what Yu said when he learned the Rangers had won the bidding rights.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Might not regret the Nationals. They’ve got a lot going for them.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
I’m surprised he’s not a National by now. Seems like the perfect fit.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
I think Werth is the only thing giving them pause.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Washington in August is death. I can still remember Hondo sweating ten pounds simply kneeling in the on desk circle.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
He would regret the Mariners, but I think he’d like the Nats when Harper and Rendon come up. That offense is going to be nasty in 3 years.
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
I think Strasburg is the 4th highest paid national this coming year.
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I'm a little unclear on your point
is it that they aren’t built to compete yet?
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
just kind of an amazing fact
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
What do you think about their 2012 chances
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
If they were in the West I’d make them favorites if they signed Prince.
East is tough, I expect them to compete for the 2nd Wild Card spot.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
.500ish
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Harper testing the Marucci Cat 5
Just vicious vicious swings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm7EGidMjUM
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
Scintillating news
Preston Mattingly has signed with the Yankees.
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
fuck'd em
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Nah
he’s stuck in the friendzone
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
I feel his pain
lol
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Fernando Martinez claimed
by Astros
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
They might as well
Good move
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Eat more Twinkies
Just don’t go all Dan White on us:
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-twinkie-bankruptcy-20120111,0,3764438.story
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
Luke Scott is a Ray, on a one-year deal plus an option. No terms yet.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Seems like a good pickup for them.
BFDC - January 11, 2012
Very nice pickup
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
nice signing
I’ve wanted him for 3 years now.
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Between him and Josh Lueke the Rays are pretty damn easy to root against.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Jags hired a new coach. What a bunch of Mularkey.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
I was thinking last night
isn’t Wilson Betemit still out there? Would like to have him if so.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Whats up with Casey Kotchman?
he is still a FA?
nolander - January 11, 2012
yep
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Funny, I thought both Boom Boom and Kotchman had signed with the Pirates
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
I’m kinda wondering where some of these guys are going to end up. Derek Lee and Carlos Pena are still out there as well.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Someone has to end up a Brewer
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
About a week ago, I think it was the ESPN NBA Today podcast, talking about 5-5-5-5 games, as in players with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals in the same game.
The play index on Basketball-Reference shows 14 such games in the last 25 years (they have game logs back to 1986), which features a whole lot of Hakeem Olajuwon. Look at some of these games:
1990 vs. Run TMC: 29 points, 18 rebounds, 11 blocks, 9 assists, and 5 steals
1987 against Seattle: 38 points, 17 rebounds, 12 blocks, 7 steals, and 6 assists, though it was a 2-overtime game
Then, there was Vlade in 1995 against the 76ers: 19 points, 12 boards, 8 assists, 5 blocks, 5 steals. Good times.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
what is Run TMC
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Golden State Warriors, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullen if I remember correctly
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
The Warriors had a team in 1990?
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
yes thats it… hmmm, so thats where Run DMC came from? now I get it.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Run DMC = 1980s
Run TMC = late 1980s / 1990s
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
yeah that DMC, im talking about Darren McFadden,….. isnt he called Run DMC? or is that just among a few Raider fans?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
there was also a fairly famous rap trio called Run DMC in the 80s
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
yeah thats what Eric listed, they were tight too, back then. They couldnt make it in todays rap game.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Kids.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
I don’t know what’s wrong with these kids today!
Kids!
Who can understand anything they say?
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
My 1st 2 real rap tapes ever that I got for xmas as a kid were Run DMC, and The Fat Boys….. The 1st 2 CDs I bought on my own as a teenager were Mariah Carey and MC Hammer hahaha, ah man, memories.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Then you are well aware that there is no “todays rap game [sic]” without Run DMC.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
sic?
really? cold blooded
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
well yeah, I understand all that. But lets just say there was a rap game even without Run DMC, and then Run DMC just came out today, they wouldnt make it.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Didn’t we have the “comparisons across eras” debate yesterday?
fbihop - January 11, 2012
citizen kane
GO
nolander - January 11, 2012
Not as good as Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
fact
nolander - January 11, 2012
And then a hero comes along
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
going to guess
Chris Mullin
Tim Hardaway
Mitch Richmond
Maddz - January 11, 2012
I like how you did it out of order.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
copy and paste my friend
copy and paste
Maddz - January 11, 2012
and then there are the 3 known quadruple doubles since 1986 (I would imagine Wilt and Bill Russell had a few)
Alvin Robinson in 1986: 20-11-10, with 10 steals (Robertson was a badass)
Hakeem in 1990: 18-16-10, plus 11 blocks
Mr. Robinson in 1994: 34-10-10, plus 10 blocks
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
That Hakeem 1987 game is the only NBA player game since 1986 (at least) with at least 7 blocks and 7 steals.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
On a basketball kick this morning
Jason Kidd once averaged 8.2 rebounds per game in a season.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Came into my mind because as of this morning LeBron James is averaging 29.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game (through nine games, still early).
There have only been 20 player seasons before this year with a player averaging at least 7.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists:
Oscar Robertson 6 seasons (first 6 of his career)
Magic 4 (including one 37-gamer)
Fat Lever 3
Wilt 2
Kidd 2
Bird 1
Jordan 1
Darrell Walker 1
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Two names I have not heard in years so far this morning Alvin Robinson and Fat Lever
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Classic 1980s NBA
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Alvin Robertson was the DPoY one year, I’m pretty sure.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Man, you are taking your baseball mindset and applying to basketball, sweet.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Going to suck when LeBron suffers a season ending injury tonight when Evans takes ball handling to a new level.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
yeah maybe DeAndre can fuck up Lebrons wrist like he did Kobes… lets even the playing field here… or court.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
It wasn’t even that hard a fall.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Hakeem Olajuwon might be one of the least regarded all-time greats of the era in which Ive been paying attention to the NBA. Seems like he’s not really talked about much and yet dude was just totally awesome.
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
He was so good.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Played from the Magic-Bird era into the Jordan era. Overshadowed by bigger personalities/storylines.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
he endorsed a 25 dollar shoe
nolander - January 11, 2012
Loved Hakeem, loved how he developed his offensive game from the Phi Slama Jama days in College
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Because he played with David Robinson and Patrick Ewing, who were also very good in their own right, people forget that he was even better than them.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Anyone read the Buster Olney article today that Dodegrs should sign Fielder? haha…. is there more to it other then ofcourse they should?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
I heard that of the 13 bids for the team, four of the included provisions to sign Fielder and they would increase their bid by two times the amount of his contract.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
HEY GUYS
THIS GUYS A PHONY, A BIG FAT PHONY
nolander - January 11, 2012
He had me for about half a second before I realized no one is close to making a bid yet.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
TBLA playlist
I’ll do the TBLA playlist thing again today. If you don’t know what I’m talking about…
I take suggestions for two (2) songs from each TBLA member who wishes to participate. I will find the songs and create a playlist. Everyone’s first songs will go in the playlist, in order, followed by everyone’s second suggestion (not necessarily in order). I will listen to the songs, no matter their length. But, please, don’t make them super long, annoying songs.
Here is what it looked like last time:
…and go.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Rick James – Cold Blooded
Foreigner – Cold as Ice
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby
Ice Cube – It Was A Good Day
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
Oh man, Reg must have suggested the Unbreakable SUCH A GOOD SONG
Maddz - January 11, 2012
He didn’t get the full 10 minute experience though!
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
fucking humble machines
Maddz - January 11, 2012
I am currently listening to
pink moon by nick drake
its weener time in my office
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
one more from me
dancing with mr d – rolling stones
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Beck – Earthquake Weather
Fleet Foxes – Montezuma
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Love Earthquake Weather. Great funky little intermezzo in it.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
my latin professor admitted that he didn’t listen to any nonkid music after he had his son, so the three of us made up a mix CD for him, and those two songs were on it.
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Funny
Beck IS “kid” music to me. Listened the s—- out of that album when my boy was tiny.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Well my current infatuation with Gojira probably doesn't fit here
hmmmmm
nolander - January 11, 2012
“Good to be on the Road Back Home Again” by Cornershop
“Lights” by The Jayhawks (cover of Victoria Williams song)
kinbote - January 11, 2012
damn that cornershop song is bitchin
who’s the lady singing at the end? I forget..
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Paula Frazer
though I have no idea who that is. Amazing voice.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
You win so far for having the hardest to find songs.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
hah
album is ‘when I was born for the seventh time’ for cornershop
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
Which featured the “hit” single Brimful of Asha
Nolij - January 11, 2012
everybody needs a bosom for a pillow
mine’s on the 45
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 11, 2012
And a great “Norwegian Wood” cover.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Wasn’t trying to be difficult. The Jayhawks song is on a tribute album called “Sweet Relief.” I’m definitely no hipster.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Found ’em both.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Diggin’ your choices
Nolij - January 11, 2012
2 songs of what? current songs, or favorite songs?? IF nothin but a G thang by Dre Dre and Snoop Dogg arent on this list then we got problems. Greatest rap song ever, and completey changed the rap game forever.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Don’t over think it, just give him two songs you like.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
hmmm, ok
Nuthin but a G thang – Dre Dre and Snoop Dogg
The way I am – Eminem
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Bond- Duel
Murry Head- One Night in Banghok
Michael White - January 11, 2012
Very nice choice for the 2nd song
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Bond – Duel, is that from a James Bond soundtrack?
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Not that I’m aware of. Bond is a female British string quartet
Michael White - January 11, 2012
now i’m intrigued
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
OK, getting a lot of James Bond stuff, will try to sort through to find it.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
I flipped yours so I have more time to find the Bond — Duel song.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
White Rose Movement – Girls In The Back
Phoenix – Run Run Run
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
that phoenix song seriously rules
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Their best one. When I saw them at the Wiltern they did an 8 minute long version that was amazing.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Explosions In the Sky – The Birth and Death of the day
Hot Water Music – All heads down
nolander - January 11, 2012
I saw the Draft perform in Dublin, they were a lot of fun
Maddz - January 11, 2012
TIL of The Draft
I’m pretty new to HWM, but thanks for turning me onto the draft
nolander - January 11, 2012
it’s what HWM became :)
Maddz - January 11, 2012
sorta
but apparently they only ever released one album. Their new singer actually did sound a lot like the old guy though.
nolander - January 11, 2012
I don’t claim to be a music buff, but I seriously don’t recognize 95% of the artists or songs that have been mentioned.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
I was just gonna say the same thing OB… are these underground bands or what?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Must be, Nothin’ but a G thang was the first one I knew.
OB12 - January 11, 2012
Christmas in Hollis — Run DMC
Funky Cold Medina — Tone Loc
Nolij - January 11, 2012
There was a really good song on that Tone Loc album. I want to say it was called “Cheeba”?
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Misirlou – Dick Dale
Lost in America – The Gathering Field
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
The Beatles – She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Bob Dylan – Subterranean Homesick Blues
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
So much for
Echoes and Inna Gadda Da Vida.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
give me the list when it's done
because i would love to have some new music
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Will post a pic when it is done.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
twbfs
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Tom Petty – Southern Accents
Maxi Priest – Close To You
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Higher Love – Steve Winwood
In Your Eyes – Peter Gabrielle
I’ve been loving these songs the last few months
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
I thought that said Stevie Wonder. I almost had “He’s Misstra Know-it-all.” That song rules.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
THINK ABOUT IT
THERE MUST BE A HIGHER LOVE
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Such a great flow
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
Making love high is pretty awesome.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Don’t fuck faded.
Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache - January 11, 2012
Uncle Tupelo – Midnight Shift
New York Dolls – Pills
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Mistake
Tupelo song is Graveyard Shift
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Belouis Some – Some People
Honeydrippers – Sea Of Love
Xeifrank - January 11, 2012
Ice Cream Man- Van Halen
Raiders March- John Williams
Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache - January 11, 2012
ohhh I love Dru Down version of Ice Cream Man.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Update: 32 songs so far.
Longest song is Raiders March by John Williams at 10:37. The shortest song is She Came In Through the Bathroom Window by the Beatles at 1:57. A two hour and 24 minute playlist.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
That’s a long version. Most are usually 5 min or so
Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache - January 11, 2012
i love that you ask for this stuff every once and a while
makes for good conversation
Ivdown - January 11, 2012
I do it for purely selfish reasons. It gives me something new to listen to for two or three hours.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
hope im not too late
David Bowie – Soul Love
Justice – Phantom Pt. II
funkyjam - January 11, 2012
Not too late! Just on Christmas in Hollis. And it is kind of weird to hear it in January.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
Damn, I miss Justice
Saw that they’re going to play Coachella. Saw them in ‘08 and thought it was one of the best Electro performances I’ve ever witnessed. Great set.
Newjack by Justice is pretty sweet.
Julio Nievas - January 11, 2012
Will get the people jumpin
funkyjam - January 11, 2012 via mobile
George Michael – Freedom
Wham – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Freedom just isn’t as fun without the video.
EMDarrow - January 11, 2012
You’re the worst.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
It’s weird seeing comments from posters on this blog on another blog. Just saw your comment on hitfix.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
Ha. I love Sepinwall.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
#CIADennys
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
If anyone is looking for great mid price range speakers
These are the shit:
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/tower-speakers/Image-T5-Tower
mleadman - January 11, 2012
I was thinking about getting that bullet, as seen on TV.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Here Come The Warm Jets — Brian Eno
Come Back Margaret — Camera Obscura
Pure Azure - January 11, 2012
The black keys-gold on the ceiling
stone temple pilots- big empty
Taylor Maricle - January 11, 2012 via Android app
shit that gets me pumped up
Three 6 Mafia – Sippin On Some sizzurp
Carcass – Corporal Jigsore Quandary
NotJoeTorre - January 11, 2012
Stuff i'm listening to thanks to Google Music job (stuff their writers are writing about
and got me listening)
I dig ’em!
Fu—ed Up, David Comes to Life
Snow Patrol, Fallen Empires
Rachael Yamagata, “River”
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, “Longer and Stronger”
the National, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
underdog - January 11, 2012
Okay, I’ll settle for Pink Floyd – One of These Days, and Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
I’ve listened to so many covers of Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah and yet I’d only heard the song for the first time about three years ago from a female Canadian singer. When done right, it simply sends chills down my spine.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Did not mean for Jeff Buckley to get in there.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Video of Buckley’s version:
http://www.last.fm/music/Jeff+Buckley/_/Hallelujah
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
It’s a great song.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Rufus Wainwright’s version is wonderful, also, but Buckley’s cover was the first I heard and the one that stands out to me.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
Someday I should listen to something by Rufus, always thought he had one of the great names.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
“Poses” is a good album. Strange and definitely not subtle, but some good tunes.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
That one episode of The West Wing where Mark Harmon died, the song was perfectly haunting.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Yeah, was one of the best West Wing’s ever.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
Today in baseball history
What happened today, January 11, 1973 in baseball?
Michael White - January 11, 2012
In baseball.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
That should be a
Rule violation on TBLA.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
I’m guessing the DH was approved.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Nicely done
Michael White - January 11, 2012
It was the offseason
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Did the Dodgers trade Frank Robinson, et al for Andy Messersmith, et al?
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
About a month and a half late!
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
or was it the adoption of the DH?
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Bingo
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I didn’t realize that the DH was used in every game of the World Series in alternating years from 1976 through 1985.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
My first full year of watching baseball was 1985; I guess I didn’t notice it at the time but yeah, looking back it can be a little funky.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Joe Morgan farted?
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Google is your friend, uchris.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
google what?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Google what would give you far too many responses.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
haha ok… are you talking about all those bands and songs ive never heard of? nah its cool, im not that big of a music fan… Its something to bump when driving, but thats about it.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
So when is this Mayweather vs Pacquaio fight going to be announced already?? I really think its going down forsure this time.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
If I had to guess…never
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
The day after Loney’s three-year extension.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
I would of used right after Dodgers sign Fielder personally haha…. but thats going to happen too, so good thing you didnt use it.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
I cant blame you for saying that. But I just got this feeling about it haha. Arum supposedly flew to the Phillippines this past weekend to dicuss for opponents for Manny (none of which are Mayweather) but I havent heard any announcement or anything from Arum since. But then you have the Phillippines paper where Manny says he wants Mayweather. Mayweather calls out Manny, Step Up Punk. I think its being worked on right now.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
I sure hope so anyways… because if not, then Manny is the punk and scared. I hope not, because I love Manny.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
I'll say this for Floyd
the man is trying:
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
nice shoes BTW
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
and I agree, nice shoes, love how this dude matches.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
They way I look at it is that after Mayweather saw Pacquiao-Barrera, he knew he can beat Pacquiao. So now he’s calling him out.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
you must mean Marquez
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Yeah, Marquez. Barrera was a while ago.
fbihop - January 11, 2012
and whatever the reason being, lets just do it!… Its up to Pac man now, tell Arum you want Mayweather, and only Mayweather, and its done.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
You mean Pacquaio- Marquez? The Barrera fight was 5 years ago
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I don’t doubt that Mayweather also thought he could beat Pacquaio five years ago too :)
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
since we were just talking music, this fight would also allow us to see ring intos by Jimi Jamison and 50 cent…. Can it get any better?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
How much would the PPV be for this fight??
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
I doubt they’ll materially jack the price up. $80 at the most (for HD)
Michael White - January 11, 2012
Somebody (I forget who) said it best regarding Mayweather’s feelings on Paq in the past. He knew he’d probably beat Pacquiao, but there was some doubt. Unlike guys like Ortiz, Hatton and Marquez who stood no chance against Floyd.
As for what changed now? It’s possible Marquez cemented Floyd’s opinion that Manny isn’t on his level, but we already knew that Marquez could give Manny problems (they had a draw and split decision in the past.) Maybe Mayweather was concerned that Manny was juicing, hence the line in the sand he drew about blood tests and it’s possible that Manny juiced since the 2 prior fights with Marquez. Really, Paquaio had been superman in the recent years (before the 3rd Marquez fight.)
Michael White - January 11, 2012
I like that he has an app on his phone that lets him take pictures from a ceiling camera.
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Where is Manny at on twitter? Somebody needs to get Manny a twitter account asap.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
@NoBloodTest
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
haha
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
@HowDeepIsYourLove
Nolij - January 11, 2012
I said Manny, not Dru Hill.
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXkvJGpkmhs
Nolij - January 11, 2012
Great news from Fangraphs/Mariners SB Nation blogger David Cameron:
fbihop - January 11, 2012
had no idea he was sick. that’s great news
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
oh god bone marrow biopsy that shit is painful
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Settlements
With the new owner not able to negotiate for future TV rights until December 1, and perhaps not receiving any payment until some new agreement takes effect for the 2014 season, it means that the new owner will need to have ready cash available to run the team through 2012-13. I hope that MLB’s investigations of prospective owners takes account of their fiscal means after paying McCourt the sale price and before new TV rights are sold. Are they likely to? To what extent will new owners be able to borrow the money needed to pay operational costs, like McCourt did, and to what extent will MLB be looking for solid means? (I’m sure a lot of owners borrow money.)
It’s possible that these settlements with Fox and MLB may strengthen the case of prospective owners with ready money after sale with MLB. McCourt only cares about getting paid. MLB will/should want more. Is this true, or just wishful thinking on my part? Will MLB be more likely now to reject bids that don’t show this capability, or would they have been looking for this anyway? I hope the new owner does not need to rush to make an extension with Fox. Fox’s only advantage in this settlement would be that the new owner might want to rush to extend TV rights for a few years anyway, to get paid now rather than wait until 2014.
berkowit28 - January 11, 2012
Yes, I’m going to guess that the court and MLB will be looking into the ability to pay operational costs within the first year of ownership.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
madness
nolander - January 11, 2012
Sure they could look but in the end
McCourt will want whoever pays him the cash now. Which is what MLB gave him when they gave final approval to him. Plus he gets to negotiate with the approved owner, not MLB.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
The creditor’s committee would go ape-shit if a bid was presented which did not have adequate “ready cash” to pay go-forward obligations (since the pre-petition creditors will likely continue to do business with the Dodgers) and the Judge wouldn’t allow that bid.
MLB also said McCourt gets final approval, but MLB has to approve the bid initially (if I understand it correctly) and they aren’t going to accept a bid which is tight on opening liquidity. They won’t want to go through this shit again.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
MIke at MSTI talked about this
and I have expressed concern too about the purchase price. There are two things in play here, one is the debt that the new owners take on (and I mean their financing for the purchase). Now, they should have a good idea of what cash they will need to run the franchise in 2012 based on current ticket sales, media deals, etc.
I believe that once the purchase price exceeds $800M, you have to believe that there is a chance they whomever buys the team will need to find some new streams of revenue. Unless they bring a slew of smaller investors who ponying up a couple hundred million cash in reserve.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
NEw streams of revenue? Vin Scully records your answering machine message for $1,000 a pop!
fbihop - January 11, 2012
I wonder if new owners will continue with plans McCourt had for the parking lot area in the outfield?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
Or actually, would McCourt still own that area? and then maybe with that money, he continues with his plan for those restaurants and shops, and that park, etc?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
This is why I’m unable to believe the price gets above 1 Billion and that it will not include everything.
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Two years.
berkowit28 - January 11, 2012
Taking off April 2nd-6th
Just perfection if you ask me.
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
Some Del Taco convention?
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Dodgers play 3 meaningless ST games Monday - Wednesday
and then open up on the road in San Diego.
NFL draft isn’t until the end of the month. MLB Amateur draft isn’t until June. Nobody makes trade the last week of ST.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
wait, didnt we get Milton Bradley last week of ST? or had season just started?
uschris0304 - January 11, 2012
End of Spring Training because Eric Wedge had a big dumb temper tantrum.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
Yeah, it was all on Eric
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Eight MLB teams. Hard to believe there will be a ninth.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
That is correct yes.
regfairfield - January 11, 2012
My point was
SW would not take off that week just for the chance of any baseball deals going down right before the season not discounting the Bradley deal.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
Yep
I already have July 30-August 3 off. The one in April is for obvious reasons.
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
Really
unless you need 3 days to drive to San Diego to Kershaw pitch, the obviousness escapes me. Final Four, Super Tuesday primary.
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
He’s walking to San Diego!
Michael White - January 11, 2012
lol
kinbote - January 11, 2012
We have any posters in the following locations?
Seattle, Santa Barbara, Berkeley, NYC, Princeton NJ, Chicago, Philadelphia, Oxford UK.
Maddz - January 11, 2012
yes
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
:P
I want to know if I will have Dodger friends
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Going on a tour?
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Seattle
Well the old DT days there is Stan in Tacoma.
Santa Barbara – Berkowitz and mintxcore
Berkeley – you have the Bay area group – underdog, dodgersf and old DT pals like Louis, trainwreck etc.
NYC – there are some plus you have JayJaffe and Mike at MSTI
Princeton NJ – can’t think of anyone
Philly – if you include the NY guys
the UK, man the UK is tough it 8 hours ahead so a night game is at 3 AM. But I do I like London and the area so I would come out again to visit that part of the UK
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
I think BCDB is in NY, and Pure Azure is in Chicago
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Didn’t Lex recently move to NY?
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
He did
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Brooklyn specifically. He went reverse O’Malley.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
Flatbush FTW
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Yes, I am in NYC. Think I need a new screen name lol
BFDC - January 11, 2012
if I end up going to Oxford, all are welcome to visit.
Maddz - January 11, 2012
it's a pretty town and campus
Pure Azure - January 11, 2012
Plus my mom and stepdad are in SB!
and sometimes rent out their backroom. ;)
underdog - January 11, 2012
Sorry
Chicago – well I think nxtasy is from there and Joey purports to be from that area
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
/crosses chicago off list
Maddz - January 11, 2012
I live there!
JJ is downstate methinks
Pure Azure - January 11, 2012
You will have to take one with you
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
Who is in Oxford?
silverwidow - January 11, 2012
Hopefully Maddz in 18 months
G.Scott - January 11, 2012
Minxy is in Santa Barbara, but you didn’t ask for posers :)
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Careful. He’ll photoshop you.
kinbote - January 11, 2012
What is
a PHD program I’m going to enroll in?
mleadman - January 11, 2012
There’s a personal hygiene joke in there, if anyone wants to make it.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
spot on!
Maddz - January 11, 2012
If you go to England
Just don’t give Gary a pen
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Are you saying Maddz Daddz is an . . . embezzler!?!?
kinbote - January 11, 2012
Never heard of a school in Oxford. Is it new?
Michael White - January 11, 2012
lol?
Maddz - January 11, 2012
Yes
You can learn a trade in shoe making.
jim hitchcock (railway) - January 11, 2012
Yes.
Michael White - January 11, 2012
600 years
of schooling sniveling Brits
mleadman - January 11, 2012
more than that, surely….earliest days of Oxford are 1096
Josie Becker - January 11, 2012
But that
was teaching the earth was flat and the sun orbited around us
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Someone watches Jeopardy too often
underdog - January 11, 2012
Yes, as reported above, I’m in Santa Barbara. (Also an excellent Religious Studies PhD program, but you know that. A couple of the faculty there are affiliated with my department as they do ethnomusicology, and maybe some grad students there too.)
berkowit28 - January 11, 2012
I used to correspond a little with an ethnomusicologist. About religion strangely enough.
David Young - January 11, 2012
FYI
Dodgers pitchers and catchers report February 21. First P&C workout is February 22.
Full squad reports February 27, with first full workout Feb 28.
Eric Stephen - January 11, 2012
What date should we commence panicking?
kinbote - January 11, 2012
I ws going to ask
When does the DL report to camp?
mleadman - January 11, 2012
Which is the best time for autographs and pictures
before games but after they are required to report. (I believe March 1st is the deadline, it is in the CBA)
bhsportsguy - January 11, 2012
NPUT
http://www.truebluela.com/2012/1/10/2698593/dodger-mvp
Phil Gurnee - January 11, 2012
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