Comments on: There’s Still Some Good News Here

By: Casey

Casey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:39:47 +0000

I guess I’m one of the few that still has some faith in Martin. Granted, he lost his swing completely last year, but he’s a fierce worker–I think he’ll get it back. Catchers don’t usually come along that are as fast and nimble as him, either. Even if his real batting profile is somewhere between the best and worst that we’ve seen of him, that’s still a quality catcher right there.

By: mk

mk — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:04:41 +0000

I think it is foolish to give up on Bills at this point. So he’s had a case of the yips a time or two. He’s young. If he can get the mental part under control he can still be quite a pitcher. I look forward to a one/two punch of Kershaw and Bills for many years to come. And with Lincecum/Cain up north, we’ve got a good rivalry to look forward to (that is, if the franchises can hang onto these guys for awhile).

The good thing about Joe Torre is I think he’s an excellent coach for young players (as long as he doesn’t wear them down). I think he’s particularly good in terms of staying cool and poised and just not freaking out. The mental part of the game. For a guy like Ethier, who has a tendency to push too hard, Torre is a positive influence and presence. So is Manny, Mister Loose Goose, and we’ve see AE blossom under these conditions.

I’m hopeful that many of the younger Dodgers will continue to benefit from this arrangement. Loney, Kemp, Ethier, Bills, Kershaw: there is a very good young core on this team. They just need to bring these guys along, getting them some more maturity, experience, and confidence. If this group continues to stick together, work together, and learn together, I think we might see something special.

On the downside, I’m not so sure about Martin, he just seems kind of broken, and I also have a feeling that we’ve already seen the best from Manny that we’re going to get. And I think with Furcal it is all about health.

Anyway, I’m not ready to give up on this team yet. I think they still have great potential, and I think we’re fortunate to have Torre at the helm.

By: Justin

Justin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:24:31 +0000

Okay. We’ve heard some pretty wild comments about Chad Billingsley in the last year… but “useless”? How does a stretch of 10 or so bad starts after two years of success (at 24 and 25, nonetheless) make you “useless”? If you want to trade him and get some value out of him and go a different direction, at least that makes some bit of sense. MSTI has been over and over the similar struggles that guys like Halladay and Lee had, and to have no faith in Chad (USELESS???) to come back is just plain silly.

By: Dodger Tony

Dodger Tony — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:31:54 +0000

Where to start? The fact that, as Dodger fans, we have to go into each season uttering the words “what if”, as opposed to “let’s see”, is already an affront. The Dodgers should have a $200 Million dollar payroll each and every season, based on the city and the fan attendance. Obviously, no team is guaranteed success simply based on payroll, yet to cut and paste a team with these kinds of resources is appalling. While your analysis is sound, I disagree with large swaths of it. I do not think Manny Ramirez will return to pre-suspension form whatsoever, nor do I expect any of the Martin/Furcal/Loney triumvirate to improve at all, or make an appreciable dent in their declines. Furcal will remain at the very bottom of the league both offensively and defensively, with Martin and Loney returning to what they were. The power numbers of the lineup will be regrettable, and they will lead the league in batting average while bringing up the perennial rear hitting with runner’s in scoring position.

As far as pitching is concerned, Torre will continue to overuse his staff arms, placing undue strain and stress on a young Kershaw. I do expect improvement from the 4 and 5 starters. I will not comment on Chad Billingsley whatsoever, as I believe him to be useless, as I believe Torre does as well.

The bench will be youthful, lacking power of any kind, while bringing some speed. Ellis, Paul, Repko, Ausmus, et al., are minor league serviceable.

This is a third place team, at best. California law is clear on community property, and the pre-nuptial will not stand.

The team will be sold after that.

By: Mike Scioscia's tragic illness

Mike Scioscia's tragic illness — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:26:55 +0000

J, i couldn’t agree with you more. Is Pineiro better than Garland? Yeah, probably, but he’s not going to be an “ace” and there’s more risk with him. I think getting a (nearly guaranteed) 200 league average innings has a lot of value to this team.

By: J

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:23:51 +0000

I’m with you. I’m hopping on the positivity train. I think the biggest issue we’ll face in the NL West this year will be the Rockies, with their young core and mostly intact roster from last year (+ Jeff Francis).

As for us, we still do need that fourth starter. In this instance, I think I almost prefer a solid guy like Garland who will give you 200 innings instead of a question mark like Sheets or Bedard … though picking up one of those two as well wouldn’t be a bad thing. The fifth starter can be an internal option.

Ideally, I’d also like to add a power threat for the bench (is Jonny Gomes still available?) but barring some kind of injury, we should be set for 2010.

The real test is going to come the weeks and/or months following the draft. McCourt might not be willing to shell out millions for something the casual fan doesn’t pay attention to. Luckily, I trust Logan White to find quality in later round draft picks who’ll come cheaper. I guess we’ll see…

By: bluetrain

bluetrain — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:38:15 +0000

good analysis,.and for onw i think the same.