August 1, 2005

Or, if that’s not available, Paul DePodesta.

Harvard education? Please. Look, we get the “let’s not mortgage the future” line. Like, that hasn’t been beaten to death.

And Vinny did a yeoman’s job selling DePodesta’s proposition that adding two nice prospects and Jose Valentin to the roster was as good as any trade out there. We get it, OK.

The Dodgers can spin it any which way but loose, but the truth is, manangement failed to react to either the team's injuries or their obvious shortcomings, and declined to open the pocketbooks. They waited, deluded and defended themselves, waited some more and then did nothing. Zip, zilch, nada.

July 31 deadline, my bleep. An artificial May 31 deadline would’ve been more like it. DePodesta’s thinking, like his talent evaluating skills, is just plain lame.

The 2005 Dodgers are for all history, Paul DePodesta’s baby. Nursed too slowly and all around neglected; but certainly not spoiled…

Again with the bunt!!?? Again with the bunt!!?? Enough with the bleeping bunt!!!! Enough with the bleeping bunt!!!!! Rip the play of the bleeping playbook!!!!!!

Who Goofed: It’s gotten so bad in the National West that Espn.com had the Padres even trailing themselves for a couple days: So help me, I couldn't make this up.

Hmm: Conversation in the Dodger Stadium press box the other day focused on the need for a rule prohibiting sub .500 division winners from participating in the postseason. Yeah right, since the situation presents itself all the time. Contraction is a better solution. Pretty much works for me with all baseball’s ills… 

Hall of Fame: Hey, high fives all around for Wade Boggs. As deserving a first ballot Hall of Famer as there is. A true champion. Just wondering though, am I the only guy who remembers the kinky chicken before ball games superstition, or the even kinkier undergarment affair?

More Cooperstown: Props to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci for his thoughts on Gil Hodges and Jim Rice, the two most deserving players not yet enshrined. Verducci sums up Hodges perfectly:

“How good was Hodges? Think of him as a better version of Hall of Famer Tony Perez -- better plate discipline, better power and a better glove. He outslugged Perez (.487, .463), reached base more often (.359, .341), made more All-Star teams (eight, seven), won more Gold Gloves (three, zero) and had just as many 100-RBI seasons (seven). At the time of his retirement Hodges was the all-time NL leader in home runs among right-handed hitters. He was the premier defensive first baseman of his era and -- as part of his overall contribution to the game, which must be considered -- he was a highly respected manager who crafted one of the most unlikely world championships in history (the 1969 Mets) and he was the idol of many baseball fans for his integrity and character.”

Steve Garvey should be in anyway, but had he opted to play and DH into his early 40s, he would have gotten the extra 400 hits for 3000, and been a lock.

Garvey was the dominant player at his position for a decade, was the best and most valuable man on a team that appeared in five World Series, was an MVP of his league, of the NLCS for two franchises and an All-Star MVP twice. He hit .338 in a stellar postseason career, and a Cooperstown-worthy .356 lifetime in the World Series.

Six 200 hit seasons, seven times a.300 hitter, four Gold Gloves and the National League record for consecutive games played, 1118…

Last Add HOF: I was right, everyone else was wrong. No Hall of Fame for Rafael Palmeiro. Period...

DH Trivia: If you don’t know who the first designated hitter was, well, that’s for me to know and for you to figure out. I know you are but what am I? Besides, it’s right in front of your face. The real question is, who was the second DH? That one is almost right in front of your face… 

Investors Wanted: Unlike the Dodgers, BaseballSavvy.com will address its needs and will spend the money necessary to field a winner. Act now and be a part of it…

Statue for Sandy: The Koufax in bronze campaign continues, so please scroll down to the photo below and vote yes on 32…

Remember, glove conquers all….