Dodgers File For Bankruptcy

"The Los Angeles Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection in a Delaware court Monday, blaming Major League Baseball for refusing to approve a multibillion-dollar TV deal that owner Frank McCourt was counting on to keep the troubled team afloat.

The Chapter 11 financing permits the Dodgers to use $150 million for daily operations and buys time for the team to seek a media deal and ensure the team's long-term financial stability, the Dodgers said in a news release. A judge would need to approve use of the money and a hearing is set for Tuesday (Sportsline)."

This is the first step in McCourt trying to fight the MLB and keep his team. I don't think in the long run he will be able to hold on, especially if half the expenses that were rumored before are true. I wish they would just let a good owner come in, but with the way this is going it's going to take years to straighten it all out. What also makes it tough is that there are a ton of companies involved (one owns parking lot, ect). It's just a mess, and it's sucks for LA fans, because until this is all fixed they are going to be terrible.

Cuban Looking To Buy Dodgers

This is the "God I hope this is true" story of the day. Mark Cuban is interested in buying the Dodgers once MLB takes control of them, which seems inevitable at this point. His exact quote was "if they're fixable and the deal is right, then I'm very interested." Mr. Cuban you are a billionaire, everything is fixable in baseball with money.

Yet, there are still at lot of hurdles. Frank McCourt (Dodgers current owner) is going to fight tooth and nail to keep this team. He is also going to sue the MLB if he looses it. That could make such a mess of things that it might not be worth it for Cuban.

Beyond that there have been rumors the MLB wants no part of Cuban in the MLB. They don't like how outspoken he is, and would rather not deal with. This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. There is a billionaire that wants to own a team. At a time when 10 of your MLB teams are in debt, they should be begging him to join. Plus, he is a celebrity, and would bring some much needed press to the sport that has been lacking, since the NFL and NBA exploded on the scene. Shit, even the NHL is starting to get good numbers.

The MLB needs Mark Cuban. I know I have said it a million times, but owners like him do a couple things. They bring interest to the game, they will do everything to win, and to get a city like Los Angeles to have interest in baseball should be on the top of things to do in the MLB.

Manny Screws The Dodgers One More Time

Frank McCourt, owner of the Dodgers, is expected to be able to make his payroll for June 15th, but there are reports that there is no way that he will be able to make payroll for June 30th. A big reason for that is that Manny Ramirez being due $8.33 million of deferred salary, which brings the grand total to somewhere around $30 million (June 15th's was only $10 million). Once McCourt fails to pay his payroll the MLB will officially take over the Dodgers.

This is going to be a growing issue throughout baseball and I doubt the Dodgers will be the last team to be taken over by the MLB. The bottom line is that salaries are completely out of control, and at some point there is going to be a lockout and serious restructuring. McCourt didn't manage his money well from a lot of reports, so it may have been his own fault, but when you read there are 10 MLB teams with huge amounts of debt you know something it wrong.

MLB Takes Control Of Dodgers

"Major League Baseball is taking the extraordinary step of assuming control of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team increasingly paralyzed by its owners' bitter divorce.

Once among baseball's glamour franchises, the Dodgers have been consumed by infighting since Jamie McCourt filed for divorce after 30 years of marriage in October 2009, one week after her husband fired her as the team's chief executive. Frank McCourt accused Jamie of having an affair with her bodyguard-driver and performing poorly at work. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig told Frank McCourt on Wednesday he will appoint a trustee to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the club (ESPN)."

Listen to WEEI this morning sounds like McCourt's wife is a crazy bitch. Hiring people to figure out a plan to make her President of the United Stated, and having psychics give her "good vibes" for over $100,000 bucks a year. How true all that is I don't know, but what I do know is this is the 2nd team that is in serious trouble. The Mets are already fallen apart and I would think are eventually going to have to sell, and now the Dodgers look to be in a lot of trouble. Their owner says he is going to fight this, but the best thing for the Dodgers would be to sell the team ASAP.

All I hope is somehow Mark Cuban gets a team, because the MLB could really use a personality like his.

MLB Previews: LA Dodgers

2010 Record: 80-82

Offense:
Projected line up:
Rafael Furcal, SS
Andre Ethier, RF
Matt Kemp, CF
Casey Blake, 3B
Juan Uribe, 2B
James Loney, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Xavier Paul, OF

Yes the Dodgers offense lost Manny Ramirez, Russell Martin and Ronnie Belliard, but lets face it those guys are all names at this point of their careers. None really helped out too much so the under appreciated Juan Uribe, Rod Barajas, and Xavier Paul should do no worse then "the names" last year.

Where the lineup will sink of swin is with the trio of Ethier, Kemp, and Loney who are all in the prime of their careers. Matt Kemp should be able to bounce back from hitting .250 and Ethier and Loney should improve on their numbers last year. If Rafeal Furcal can come back from a disappointing year and be productive at the top of the line up that will be very conducive to the whole line up.

Rotation:
Clayton Kershaw
Chad Billingsley
Ted Lilly
Hiroki Kuroda
Jon Garland

Other then 22 year old Kershaw the Dodgers have a lot of good veterans out there (I know Billingsly is only 26 but whatever), in fact, the 2011 Dodgers' starting rotation consist of five proven guys, each of whom had an ERA of less than 4.00 in 2010. Not many teams can say that. I like all of their SP, they are all able to get 10+ wins and if any of them fail they turn to one of my favorite pitchers of all time Vincente Padilla. The big concern when it comes to the Dodgers is their RP which did a nice job in 2010 but also has a lot of unproven guys other then Jonathen Broxton, Hong-Chih-Kuo and Padilla. Other guys is Ramon Troncoso, Ronald Belisario, and Blake Hawksworth had disappointing 2010 numbers and they are going to be concerned with the lack of left handed arms in the pen as well.

Overall:
The house that Nomo built has a challenging year ahead of them, but a year that I think they isn't out of reach. The Giants are coming off a World Series championship in their division but lets face it, they overachieved. I like the consistency of the Dodgers SP and upside of their core players on offense. If they stay hungry and get some consistency and timing of hitting they should be right there with the Giants.

Record:
90-72

Manny Hits Waivers, Probably Going to White Sox or Rays

So the Dodgers put Manny on waivers and it seems that he won't make it past the White Sox or Tampa Rays. Manny is having a rough year with a .313 batting average 8 hrs and 40 rbis, but on an AL contending team he could be very dangerous. The Rays desperately need some protection for Evan Longoria and he would be a perfect fit and Manny would slot in nicely between Carlos Quinten and Paul Konerko in that White Sox line up too. After this year, Manny will probably be an AL DH type of player and that will be huge for him.

I don't care that Manny was a D bag on the Sox and got caught with HGH or whatever it is, he's a hell of a player and has at least another great 3 or 4 years left as a DH.

Sox Interested In George Sherrill?

It wasn't long ago that Sherrill was a productive closer. Now, he has been put on waiver by the Dodgers. No one will pick up his contract, but he does have the right to refuse assignment to the minors and become a free agent. If that is the case the Sox could gain interest.

I was to start by saying I have read no rumors that the SOx will make a run at him, but to me it makes a lot of sense. Even though Sherrill as been terrible this year (7.32 ERA) he has still been solid against lefties (.211 BA and only 1 HR in 38 ABs). That happens to be one of the Sox biggest problems. Sure this won't solve the whole bullpen problem, but at least they could throw someone out there to get lefties.

Anyways, just something I think they should take a look at.

Manny Returns to Boston

For the first time in ten years, famed slugger, Manny Ramirez will step in the batters box at Fenway Park, as a visitor. Manny has not opposed the Red Sox since 2000 when he was a member of the Indians. In between now and then, Man-Ram enjoyed seven and a half seasons in Boston, where he averaged 36 homeruns and 126 RBI, earning a trip to the all-star game each year. The fruits of his labor paid off in 2004 when he led the Red Sox to their first World Series in 86 years. In four games against the Cardinals, Manny batted .412, with a homerun, and 4 rbi. For his efforts he was rewarded world series most valuable player.
In 2007, Ramirez carried the Sox into the World Series where they won a second championship in three years. He hit one of his most memorable homeruns in a Boston uniform off superstar closer, Francisco (K-rod) Rodriguez to clinch the ALDS against the Angels.

After making upwards of $20 million each year, Manny’s salary began to decrease and he was looking for a new contract, a contract that the Red Sox management was not interested in doling out to the 35 year-old slugger. After reports that Manny had “mailed it in” and caused an infamous confrontation with a Red Sox traveling secretary, the team had had enough of Manny’s antics and traded him to Los Angeles in a 3-team deal that involved the Pirates and most notably, left fielder Jason Bay.

Although baseball analysts will argue that Bay was not only an adequate replacement statistically, but also came at a much cheaper rate, and no excess baggage. As for the Sox fans who felt betrayed by Manny’s childish actions in his final months here, they were able to embrace Bay for what he was, a good outfielder and a good hitter, with the personality of a dead moth.
For the real Sox fans out there, who fell in love in the spring of 2001 when Manny made his first appearance in a Red Sox uniform I hope you can overlook a speed bump in the career of one of the best right handed hitters to ever play in Fenway. The truth is, the Red Sox are struggling to find another left fielder, despite Bay’s production, he never seemed to gel with the team nor did he have the extraverted personality that thrives in a media hotbed like Boston.

Regardless of what the pink hat populous believes in regards to Manny, you know the truth. You know that he was one of the hardest working players to put on a uniform. You know his style of play, his personality, and his smile, yes his smile, will be missed dearly when he decides to call it quits. I hope you will stand with me and cheer one of the greatest Red Sox of all time tonight.

P.S. Rookie Felix Doubront takes the mound tonight for the Red Sox. All signs point toward Manny putting a souvenir in the monster

2010 MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

2009 Record: 95-67

Key Transactions

Acquired Pos.
Reed Johnson OF
Jamey Carroll IF
Alfredo Amezaga IF/OF
Luis Ayala RP
Russ Ortiz SP
Angel Berroa SS
Brian Giles OF
Josh Towers SP

Departed Pos.
Jon Garland SP
Randy Wolf SP
Orlando Hudson 2B
Juan Pierre CF
Eric Milton SP
Guillermo Mota RP
Will Ohman RP
Juan Castro SS
Jason Schmidt SP
Jim Thome PH

Hitting:

C - Martin
1st - Loney
2nd - Belliard/Carroll
3rd - Blake/DeWitt
SS - Furcal
LF - Manny
CF - Kemp
RF - Ethier

Say what you want about Juan Pierre and Orlando Hudson, but they did make this offense better. I am not impressed by this lineup, and though I have faith in Torre I don't see this team being able to put up a lot of run. Unless...Manny starts playing like he did when he first came to the Dodgers. After Manny got back from his steroid suspense he has not been the same player. Whether it is age, lack of steroids, or something is amiss in Manny's little world, the Dodgers have to figure it out and get him back on track. Casey Blake and Ronnie Belliard are getting old, Martin and Loney are terrible, so this offense is really banking on guys like Either, Manny and Kemp to carry them. Still, the biggest problem with this team is depth, if one of their stars goes down this team will fall apart fast.

Pitching:

SP - Billingsley
SP - Kershaw
SP - Kuroda
SP - Padilla
SP - Stults/McDonald
CL - Broxton

Billingsley and Kershaw are two good young pitchers, but after that Kuroda is probably the only guy I trust. Padilla's engine has to be running on fumes, plus he is always a drink away from disappearing or killing someone, so I don't put much stock in him. Overall it isn't a bad rotation, but they are going to need to be stellar to carry this lineup. Their bullpen is very solid, and is actually one of their main strengths.

Overall:

I thought the Dodgers had a terrible offseason, and they will pay for it this year. Manny isn't going to be the player he once was, and for the Dodgers to do anything this year they need him step up. I don't think he does, and I think a couple injuries sends this team into a tailspin.

2010 Predicted Record: 81-81

Manny Says This Is His Last Year With Dodgers

Manny Ramirez came out and said that this will be his last year with the Dodgers. Not that you can really take anything this guys says seriously, but this is sure to cause a stir in the Dodgers camp. Honestly, I don't think this is a big deal. He knows that he is getting really old, and probably can't play the field too much longer. If he decides to play after this year it will most likely be in the AL, so that he can be a DH.

So, I was fine with all of this until he said...

On the subject of this probably being his final season in a Dodgers uniform, Ramirez continued to gush about the season and a half he has spent in Los Angeles. "That has been great,'' he said. "I wish I could have been there a long time ago (ESPN).''

FUCK YOU. How can you say that? Boston poured it's heart out for you through all your bullshit. You were my favorite player growing up. You won 2 championships here, made a shitload of money, and basically got to do whatever you wanted. You think "Manny being Manny" would have be OK with a team like the Yankees? No.

So, fuck you Manny, I really can't believe you pissed away all the love in just 2 years. Between the steroids, demanding to be traded, giving up on the Sox, and now this bullshit. Go fuck yourself!

Dodgers Look To Aaron Harang

"With Randy Wolf now signed, sealed and delivered to Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers need some starting pitching. Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times writes today that the Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for Aaron Harang. Hernandez writes that the Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded. Harang was just 6-14 in 2009 and had the season cut short by an appendectomy. But he did have back-to-back 16-win seasons in 2006 and 2007, so the potential is there (ESPN)."

The Dodgers have had a terrible offseason, which is being caused by the lack of money they have to spend. I don't know if they can eat a salary like this, but I think Harang could bounce back nicely under the right coaching, and a change of scenery. It would be really interesting to see what the Reds would like in return, but they also might just want to get out of his inflated salary.

White Sox Acquire Juan Pierre

"The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor-leaguers and cash, according to major league sources. Of the $18.5 million left on Pierre's contract, the White Sox will pay $3 million in 2010 and $5 million in 2011. Pierre will be Chicago's leadoff hitter and it likely means Scott Podsednik will not return to the South Side. The Dodgers will select two pitching prospects from a list furnished by the White Sox, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. The pitchers on the list are all pitchers who could pitch in the big leagues by 2010, the source said (ESPN)."

The Dodgers have having some financial trouble, and in turn have had a terrible offseason. Juan Pierre actually had a very solid year while filling in for Manny, and he will give the White Sox some speed at the top of the order. The White Sox have a much different looking roster this year. They finally have got rid of a lot of those aging sluggers, but it will be very interesting to see how this team comes together...

Scutaro's Top Two: Dodgers/Red Sox

"In an interview with the Venezuelan newspaper Diaro Panorama, Marco Scutaro said the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mariners and Rangers have expressed an interest in signing him.

"There are two teams that would interest me, which are the Dodgers and Boston, as it would have the opportunity to be in the playoffs,” Scutaro said.

The Red Sox want Scutaro as a shortstop, the Dodgers as a second baseman and the Mariners as a third baseman. Scutaro would prefer to play short or second (Boston.com)."

Though I am a Scutaro fan I just don't see him coming to the Sox if the Jays offer him arbitration, which they are supposed to do. If Toronto offers him arbitration it would mean that any team that signs him has to give the Jays 2 first round picks. Sorry, but a mid-30's SS is just not worth it. I think he would be a great fit, but just not at that price. This leaves the Sox in an interesting position since Gonzalez signed with the Jays, and that would mean Lowrie is the opening day starter as of right now (and the Sox just can't feel good about that).

Tigers Want To Deal Edwin Jackson

This rumor kind of shocked me...

"The Detroit Tigers are looking to trade right-hander Edwin Jackson to clear a little payroll space, reports FoxSports.com. Jackson is arbitration eligible for the second time and is due to a significant raise from the $2.2 million he made in 2009. His resume for such a raise is solid, including an All-Star appearance this past year. The site wrote that there are no ongoing negotiations at this time and that the Los Angeles Dodgers could be an ideal trade partner for Detroit, suggesting George Sherrill as the return (ESPN)."

I am a big Edwin Jackson fan, and think that he is a great #2 or #3 pitcher for any team. If the Sox aren't able to make a big deal for Halladay or Felix, and lose out on Lackey, then this would be a great option. The Tigers could use some bullpen help, so a deal that had Delcarmen and Wagner might not be too bad of an idea. Not sure how true all of this is, but certainly something that has sparked my interest.

Vicente Padilla Recovering From Gunshot

"Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Vicente Padilla was treated for a minor gunshot wound suffered Tuesday during a hunting accident in Nicaragua, his agent said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Padilla's agent, Adam Katz, said the pitcher's right thigh was grazed by a bullet. Padilla sought treatment at a local hospital and was discharged after 30 to 40 minutes, the newspaper reported.

"He's fine," Katz said.

The Times said that according to media reports in Nicaragua, Padilla was injured at a shooting range. At least two reports stated that Padilla, 32, was accidentally shot by a bodyguard who was attempting to fix Padilla's gun (ESPN)."

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Padilla is such a fucking mess. He pisses every team he joins off. He is a drunk, and now he has been shot. Nice job Padilla...by the way you are only 32 and you look like you're 50.

Manny To Return To Dodgers

"According to SI.com's John Heyman, Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez plans to exercise his player option for 2010, one that will pay Manny $20 million to be Manny (ESPN)."

Smart move by Manny. There was no chance he was going to get a better contract, so why not stay put? I think Manny is still a very good player, but I don't think we will ever see him put up the numbers he did in the 2nd half of last season. Still, he is one of the better 3/4 hitters (batting order) in the game.

Mannywood being Mannywood

"The showers at Citizens Bank Park must be nice and hot. You know, the kind with the rotating head that goes from pulse to stream to rainfall. Relaxing and soothing enough to explain how Manny Ramirez possibly thought it would be OK to spend the ninth inning of the most important game of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season covered by suds. Ah, to live in Manny’s world, where accountability and solidarity take back seats to … personal hygiene? As Jimmy Rollins turned on a Jonathan Broxton fastball with two outs in the ninth inning Monday night and drove in two runs for a 5-4 Philadelphia victory, Manny was blissfully unaware that his season was one game from being over. He’d been removed for defensive purposes before the inning began. When I came out,” he told reporters, “they were turning the TVs off and everybody was coming in.” Instead of being on the bench to celebrate the presumed victory – and, eventually, lament the crushing loss – he was rinsing off and getting ready to towel himself dry. “It’s really nothing different than he’s done before,” Torre said. “I don’t think it’s disrespect of anything. He wasn’t going anywhere until the game was over, and we can’t put him back in the game.The way it turned out,” Torre said, “it probably doesn’t look good.” More

C'mon LA what do you expect. This is what happens when you take Manny out of the NLCS. Did they really expect Manny to sit around and watch the rest of the game? Because if they did, they didn't follow Manny in Boston at all. I mean the guy can barely pay attention when the game is happening. I love how this is going to be a "controversy" in LA, but if it happened back in Boston it would be a normal occurrence. Either way, Manny hasn't been what he has been this whole year, and it is pretty remarkable the Dodgers were this successful without him playing at the level he did last year. The Dodgers are going to lose tonight anyways, so this is really a non issue.

5 Philly, 4 Dodgers

This was a hell of a game. I'll admit that since the Sox got bounced I haven't really cared that much about baseball, but we stayed up and watched the game and it didn't disappoint. Rollins lined a two-run double with two outs in the ninth inning off All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4 Monday night for a 3-1 lead in the NL Championship Series. The defending champions can earn their second consecutive pennant with a victory at home in Game 5 on Wednesday night when the Dodgers face World Series MVP Cole Hammels. The comeback began when Broxton walked old friend Matt Stairs on 4 pitches, then hit Carlos Ruiz. Then Rollins who has been terrible this series, going 3 for 18 ripped a 99 mph fastball to right-center and the ball rolled to the wall. Then Carlos Ruiz scampered home with no throw coming close to getting him.

Anyways, I rooting for the Phil's because I believe they could be strong enough to beat the Yankees.

11 Phillies, 0 Dodgers

Cliff Lee is really good. 8 innings, 3 hits, 0rs, 10 Ks. The Phillies lead the series verse the Dodgers 2-1.

Bloods 8, Crips 6

It may have not been Cole Hamels best start but he got the job done anyways. Cole went 5.1 in, with 4 er, and 4 ks, but he didn't need to pitch better when your offense puts up 6 runs against Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw and 3 off reliever George Sherrill. On offense the Phils Carlos Ruiz and Raul Ibanez hit three-run homers. And how big of a pick-up was Raul Ibanez? He is the most overlooked player in baseball constantly and is just flat out nasty. For the Dodgers Manny Ramirez homered, but grounded out weakly with two runners on against a struggling Madson to end the Dodgers' two-run rally in the eighth. Their 14 hits set a club record in a single LCS game, but they stranded 10 runners. Lidge tip toed around a single and a walk in the ninth, helped by a double play that made him for 3 for 3 in save chances this postseason.(he posted three saves against the Dodgers in last year's NLCS.)

Anyways the terrific matchup of Pedro Martinez vs Vicente "Floatilla" Padilla is set up for game 2.