LAist: Dodger Review

Jimmy Bramlett

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:28:21 -0800

As for Colletti, like I said before I don't want the same mistake to happen like when DePodesta got fired. I know a lot of people didn't like him - hell I still don't like him - but if we gave him some time to fully execute what he wanted it probably would have done some good. So I'm willing to give Colletti another year or two to see what he does. As for the Ramirez as MVP, his VORP is 89.5 which means he gave the Marlins 89.5 more runs this season than an average replacement player at shortstop would have contributed. If that's not valuable, I don't know what is. Although I do have to admit I came close to picking Matt Holliday given the emotion of that play-in game. And one more example of a horrible team getting the MVP named: Alex Rodriguez in 2003 when he was with the Texas Rangers. The difference with Rodriguez in 2003 and Ramirez this season is that Ramirez doesn't make the money ARod makes nor gets the media attention.

ishXdavid

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:23:01 -0800

About the MVP. If there are no clear-cut front runners for the award, then I can see throwing a bone to a player having an outstanding year on a crappy team (Hanley Ramirez). Don't get me wrong, Hanley Ramirez is stud, but how valuable is a player when his team finishes in last place 20 game below .500? I guess the Fish could've ended up 30 or 40 games below without Ramirez in the line-up, but does that constitute winning the MVP for the league? Matt Holliday carried his team on his back through September the way Vlad did in 2003 en route to his MVP. Jimmy Rollins just had a 30-30 season or a 20/20/20/20 season whichever impresses you more. He also pulled a Joe Namath by calling the division title back in the Spring and was the catalyst in that prediction coming to fruition. Personally, I think it's a toss-up between Holliday and Rollins. I agree with your other picks though.

ishXdavid

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:08:23 -0800

I hope #5 is being sarcastic. Colletti and Little got a vote of confidence from the Dodger brass which is both a good and bad. Good because that means there isn't enough heat on Colletti to scrap the current plan and make a bunch of band-aid moves to win next year to save his job. Bad because it still means Colletti and Little are still employed by the Dodgers. I think Colletti has gotten by so far on not being Paul DePodesta, but if you were to turn your attention to the moves he has made he's a mediocre GM. Schmidt, Pierre, Gonzalez, Baez, Hendrickson, Mueller, Tomko... he's gotten all the credit in the world for not trading our prospects. Thank you? I guess? While I agree that the Dodgers have needed some veteran leadership, I don't think Colletti went after the right ones. Nomar is too introverted/injured/inconsistent to lead our youngsters. Kent is too surly and aloof. Gonzalez is a great clubhouse guy except he's washed up and playing for field time and the next contract. I agree with the previous commentors who said that our acquisitions need to fit into the long-term plan of the club. The Kemp-Kershaw for Johan rumor has been floating around for a while although I believe it would take more than that to acquire him. I'd love to throw Pierre in the deal just to get rid of him and his salary and I think the Twins would want another proven big leaguer in the package. I've been following Kemp's career since he was in Single-A ball and Kershaw since fatefully fell into our laps in the draft a couple years ago, and while it would hurt to deal such talented youngsters you have to listen if the best pitcher in baseball is available. I'd be happy with an A-Rod signing and no other deals, but that looks like a long shot.

Tony Pierce

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:43:36 -0800

Tiss Tiss? now im offended.

guest

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:33:54 -0800

I'm with the above poster. I've never posted a comment before in regards to an LAist post, but the blatant use of homosexual slurs in this post makes Jimmy and (unfortunately) other authors on this website seem like juvenile, bigoted, assholes. Tiss Tiss, a public apology is indeed needed!

erickissack

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:10:13 -0800

Seriously?!? You're gay-bashing on the high school musical guy?!? I'm shocked and appalled at seeing that kind of language on this blog. I believe a public apology is needed immediately.

Jimmy Bramlett

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:09:47 -0800

Back in June I would have agreed with you, but he got injured unfortunately. Last month I would have said Ryan Braun, but then I watched a Brewers game and saw what a liability he is on the field. Ouch.

csharp7

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:01:13 -0800

Only disagree with your NL Rookie Pick - Hunter Pence all the way! You said it yourself, don't punish the player for the bad performance of the team.

Jimmy Bramlett

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:58:34 -0800

Gonzo is not coming back next season. He only had a one-year contract. I totally agree with you about making long-term moves. I can stomach not making the playoffs but being competitive if it means seeing more James Loneys and Matt Kemps playing for the Dodgers. That is why I'm not throwing Ned Colletti totally under the bus. Yet.

sofubi

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:42:36 -0800

No joy in Dodgertown. Kemp should be in centerfield next year, Pierre in left. If gonzo grumbles, let him stew or move him to right (platoon w/ethier). Vets need to take their off-field/dugout duties seriously -- it isn't all about playing time. Make off-season moves only for the long-term, give the kids a chance to prove themselves next year even if it means missing the playoffs again. It's a pyrrhic victory to make the playoffs if you trade away your future.