text:
Vamos a Mexico!
It was great seeing some of the ITD faithful out at Canter's Deli yesterday. I didn't get to make it over to The Price is Right, but I heard it was awesome and can't wait to see it on air on March 18.
The caravan heads really far south now, as I'm blogging from an SUV en route to Mexicali, where we're announcing that we'll host the two top teams from the Mexican League at Dodger Stadium on May 16. Should be a really unique event and I hope you'll all be out there. We've got Fernando, Jaime and Pepe with us and anytime you can trek into Mexico with Fernando, who is the biggest name in Mexican baseball history, it's a pretty special event. Tickets go on sale today on dodgers.com and will be as low as $5 for the family section (alcohol free pavilions)…
And congratulations are in order for former Dodger groundskeeper Larry DiVito, who was named as the Twins' head groundskeeper yesterday. It's always great to see former Dodgers moving up throughout baseball and our own Guru of the Grounds, Eric Hansen, has proteges around the league, which is why our field is considered by many players to be the best in baseball. Of course, Larry was already the head guy in Washington before making the move, so apparently he likes starting new stadiums! Congrats, Larry.
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Allow me to be the first…FIRE BORAS…SIGN MANNY and SHEETS.
Kahli ~ short but oh so sweet!
Nice job Kahli!!!!
Rather than invest in players, Frank is re-sodding the stadium, even though what they had before was voted the best in the big leagues. That makes sense.
Was that a little catty?
Not catty, TRUE!
Sorry, couldn't resist this re-post from the last thread – more appropriate on this one:
LA will host Mexican League game
Diablos Rojos to face Sultanes at Dodger Stadium on May 16
Leave it to Frank to find a way to make money at the stadium without having to pay the players.
By brownpaperbag on February 5, 2009 7:55 AM
Mexican League game…uh, great???
We should repeat that often on this thread:
Leave it to Frank to find a way to make money at te stadium without having to pay the players.
…….by brownpaperbag – Feb. 5th, 2009
*red pen should be the
By the way, isn't that what Frank is planning to do for the 2009 season………..use the stadium without paying the players?
There was a link that I think dodgereric put on 2-3-4 days ago and one of the comments left at the bottom in regards to the article was [paraphrased], "I just plunked down my EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS for four front row season tickets… and I may have to reconsider that next year if they don't put a respectable team out there"
80 freakin' grand for 4 friggin' season tickets for the ground level seats? Plus the club already announced that season ticket sales are the same at last year.
If the Dodgers don't win a game, Frank's still guaranteed about 2.5 million attendance, and those aren't the cheap seats either. Those are all high priced season tickets and luxury seating.
But what the hell, we got new sod.
I remember that post. I couldn't believe how much the tickets were when nellyjune took me last year for my birthday! There are only so many "cheap seats" available and the rest are pretty pricey. Plus, the price of parking and the $5 bottle of water.
$80K?!?! No wonder why Frank does have any real sense of urgency to put some money back into the team.
All that jack is already in the bank, so he has no sense of urgency at this point in time to make upgrades.
cl ~ you didn't get your name back yet? Frank likes his wallet bulging!
…I am guessing you are a little miffed 🙂
This just sent to my inbox:
Ticket prices for Mexican League Game:
Family section $5……Top Price $100…………Field level $20 & 30……………Loge $20 & 10………all other seating $10………..parking $5
Now where are these prices when Dodger fans pay their hard earned money?
You can't even get into ST at those prices.
I've decided to move past peeved and miffed, now I'm irked.
LOL, you are right, bpb!
LMAO!!!!!….well I am sure you are thinking of much more colorful words than irked. It's just too bad they can't be used on here 🙂
I can't wait to NOT go to that game…all of this ancilliary stuff that the front office is doing is boring me to death.
brownpaperbag…funny and true comment about the prices
That's good…………irkedbrownpaperbag!!!!
or, whatthe%*%*brownpaperbag!!!!!!!!!!!
did you guys hear russell's comments on sportscenter this morning? i'm so glad he stepped up and said something publicly.. after bowa's comments (he's taken them back since) and just the general perception.. it's like to hear him be positive about the team.. spoken like a true captain..
red pen.. like = nice
Guess we can scratch Sheets – he may need elbow surgery. Obviously why no ones taken a chance on him.
I just saw that, bpb.
Good morning ITD boys and girls!
Heartruss – I'm so glad that you had a great time at Canter's Deli! The way you described the crowd NOT being, that REALLY makes me upset that I didn't go. After I made the agonizing decision not to go, I still held out that, perhaps, I could go. But no, I couldn't. But like I said, now I wish I did. Darn it! All I can say is that I'll make sure of planning my household chores in advance so I can take a day to go see my Dodgers!
brownpaperbag – You were talking about the possibility of the Dodgers signing Hudson. Yes, I am with you on this that this move would surprise me too. For me, the time to talk to Hudson was before we signed Casey Blake. That way we sign Hudson to play 2B, move DeWitt to 3B and resign Raffy (again, I still don't like the contract that we gave Raffy, but oh well. But even at this date and with who we have already signed, if we sign Hudson, I wonder too if the Dodgers trade DeWitt for pitching? I don't see them moving DeWitt to 3B and putting Blake in LF. I could be wrong, but I don't see that. But bottom line, I still don't see why we are talking to Hudson at this time.
Sara – I heard Russ' comments on Sportscenter. I am very happy that he stepped up and said something publicly. I LOVE hearing positive comments about the team – Manny or no Manny. You're right; spoken like a true captain!
Wow. Sheets needing elbow surgery. Talk about drama…
hey, cpompe.. how have you been?
o-dogg or no o-dogg, dewitt is not expendable at this time.. casey blake is aging and dewitt has too much upside. i really do think the organization thinks very highly on him.. not to say anyone is untouchable.. but i think he's up there on the list..
Nelly – Yesterday, you started off the 1st annual pre ST rock till they drop sock hop! Great idea! Sorry I wasn't here yesterday to participate. If it's not too late to make my submission, I just wanted a classic baseball song to get me in the mood for Dodger baseball!!!
Hey Sara! I've been fine. Just doing my shoulder exercises; heck yesterday, I worked out at Curves and pulled up weeds from my flowers. Boy, am I sore! No, don't get me wrong, I in no way want to see DeWitt gone from the Dodgers; not at all. But I just heard that Hudson report and thought if the Dodgers are REALLY serious about acquiring him, what will happen to DeWitt? No, at this point, leave the infield alone. Yes, I think I would rather have DeWitt at 3B, but that's not an option at this point. Like I said before, the time to consider Hudson is BEFORE you resign Blake; not afterwards. I'm so done with this stupid Manny talk, I just want him and Borass to go away. I'm not sure who said it, but there was a comment that said something like Ned should keep talking to Borass – right up until they sign someone else… (Or something like that)
i do believe that moving blake to LF is an option. he's capable of playing there.. and it's not really like he could be worse defensively than manny or pierre..
glad to hear you're sore.. not saying that your pain is good.. but being sore from working out is a positive! 🙂
Perhaps Sara. Has Blake played in the OF before when he was with the Indians? If he has in the past, then perhaps I can see this possibility. But personally, I would still leave the IF alone.
Yeah, I hear that being sore is good. 🙂
Well, I've gotta go for now. I'll be back later…
Good afternoon sara & cp ~ I wish I lived in your area. I would have loved to participate at Canter's Deli.
Good Afternoon ITD readers and writers!!!!
Josh – I appreciate the updates, but more importantly, what's happening with Andre and his negotiations? The Ethieraholics are getting very, very restless wanting this to be a good outcome and to be done preferably sooner rather than later.
Please Frank…do the right thing…give Andre the salary he so rightfully deserves…….
Pay dre……….pay dre,pay
pay dre……..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre…pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre……pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…….pay dre…….pay dre
pay dre……….pay dre.pay dre
Andre deserves every penny!!!!!!!!
Good morning ITD'ers! I'm glad you shoulder is getting some rehab done on it CP. Keep it up and don't stop. Even though you might want to, being consistent is the best thing you can do with that. Don't overdo, but be consistent.
I've seen Casey play 3rd. He has a pretty decent glove but not much in the way of range. I don't want to see him play the OF. I think that would be a big mistake.
I'm glad we didn't get Sheets. I was wrong about getting Jones last offseason, but this offseason I was correct with Sheets. Just looked to much like Schmidt to me with the problems in the last half of the season last year. I mean he even stated late September that he had a broken arm.
If we don't get Manny so be it. Obviously we are better with him than without. But as that catcher of ours (Who needs a C on his left chest!) said we can win without. He solidified the lineup last year but that was also due to we didn't have Raffy, and Dre wasn't playing regularly. The kids are a little older and hopefully wiser and more developed. After this year they will no longer be kids.
I'll keep this short due to my post last night.
Give Russ the C on the left chest!!!
Take care & Go Blue!!!!
Bring a Ring to LA in 2009!!!!
Josh–Thanks for the updates & have fun in Mexicali! I'm sure it's changed since the 80's-90's when I used to go there on a missions outreach with my church. There was this lady who ran a little hole in the wall that sold these tacos that were awesome. We could get 6 tacos & a large bottle of coke for $1.00. About 5-6 blocks from the border just off the main road to the left. I doubt she's still there but you never know! Also if you have time go, check out the bullfighting ring. It's pretty cool to see. There was no fighting going on when we went, but the stadium was pretty interesting to check out.
Hello there Nelly! You're correct…PAY DRE!!!
Good afternoon, dcollins ~ Your post from last night was my reading material for the day! jk………you always have important things to say.
Hi dcollins!! An awesome post as always!!!
Thanks Nelly. Nice to see your input as well! You are correct "he rightfully deserves" it!
Tru–I'm here to please! I guess that post was a sort of a free Readers Digest. It happens to me when & tired and really sick. I really tend to have a scrambled brian!!!
& no, that last part wasn't intended…
Time for a nap.
You do please, indeed, dcollins!
Everbody on ITD is getting sick………..an ITD virus is spreading and we will all be cured as soon as Frank SIGNS ANDRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey trublu! how's your day? 🙂
Sara ~ a little rainy but everything's great!
Here is an excerpt from this article between "Real Clear Sports" and Vaccaro about Joe…………there's more, but this pertains to the Dodgers specifically.
RCS: Switching gears to baseball if we may (amazingly, pitchers and catchers report in just seven days). Recently Manny Ramirez turned down a one-year, $25 million contract from the Dodgers, and despite ongoing talks, rumors persist that the Mets (and maybe even the Yankees) could be interested. Where do you think 'Manny Being Manny' occurs in 2009?
Vaccaro: Well, my personal credo has become to never count the Yankees out when it comes to any player until that player lands somewhere else. That said — and although I think and have written he makes perfect sense for the Mets, who seem disinclined to pull the trigger — I have a hard time believing the Dodgers won't ultimately do what's necessary to bring him back. As bad as the backlash is among Mets fans who want him, I have to think Dodgers fans would mount a full-scale revolt if he lands elsewhere
RCS: Sticking with the LA and New York baseball teams, many columnists, including you, have criticized Joe Torre in regards to his new book, "The Yankee Years." In fact, you wrote a column titled "Torre Managed to Ruin a Legacy." Considering that it "…is not a traditional as-told-to biography…[it] is really a narrative [Verducci has] written about the Torre years that includes a great deal of input from Torre," why haven't more people criticized Verducci's role in the book?
Vaccaro: Because Verducci didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't Tom Verducci who made his reputation preaching about trust, and honesty, and what's-said-in-the-clubhouse-stays-in-the-clubhouse. That was all Joe. I've read the book and it is a superb job of reporting by Verducci, great job of storytelling by him. It isn't on Verducci to explain to Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier or Jonathan Broxton that he won't violate their confidences, the way Joe does the Yankees. Verducci's only standard was to be true to himself as a journalist, and once you read the book there is no denying he did that.
RCS: Of course, Torre is currently the manager of the Dodgers. Do you think he's lost the trust of his current players, and if so, what can he do now to repair that trust?
Vaccaro: Torre is nothing if not smart and savvy; you know this is the first thing he will address at spring training. And it's funny: the very thing that always caused the Dodgers so much pre-Torre angst — the age and makeup of the kids on the roster — might help this. Kids probably won't be as prone to being wary and holding grudges as vets might be. Plus, whenever I was around that team last year it was evident they like playing for Joe. That's the biggest thing he'll have going for him.
yeah it's raining here too =*(
Fire Joe.
Fire the guy that hired Joe.
Fire the guy that hired the guy that hired Joe.
Just been awhile. Now I feel a little better.
new name, same guy 🙂
bpb ~ I take it you are still a little irked!!!!
This one's dedicated to Ned. Cher, Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down):
I said two and he said six
And now we both just act like *****
Franks sees red, Manny green
'gociations not what they seem
Bang bang, Scott shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, Scott Boras shot me down
Springtime came, I bided time
Got PVLS to save a dime
Bloggers always laugh and say
We ain't got us a team can play
Bang bang, Scott shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, Scott Boras shot me down
Frank he raise the parking fee
Water's five but breathing's free
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
After this year I'll be gone
But out in left there'll still be Juan
Marty says we'll be Okay
Don't have nuthin' left to say
Bang bang, Scott shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, Scott Boras shot me down
Artist: Moustache Wax
CD: Ned's Upper Lip
©NedCo Broken records 2009
NedCo – Hope's final resting place.™
bpb ~ dodgereric will be mighty pleased with that fine tune!
"Why is the National League's All-Star Game starting pitcher still looking for a job? …Ben Sheets may need surgery to repair the torn flexor tendon in his elbow, and his former employers may be asked to pick up the tab…"
Might help explain his availability.
We are not worthy!!
We are not worthy!!
We are not worthy!!
….of brownpaperbag 🙂
just fabulous!!!!
nellyjune ~ watch out or you'll make bpb blush!!!
I didn't notice it starred out the word d-yicks without the "Y".
brownpaperbag, isn't the flip side "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves," the saga of Boras Enterprises…???
bpb ~ I thought you did the editing. Like that is the worst word we've used here!
A few 45s to commemorate recent events:
"Heroes and Villains" (Manny and Scotty); flip side "Don't Worry Baby" (Scotty's nighttime kiss to Manny).
"I Don't Want to Spoil the Party" (Manny's text to Joe); flip side "Don't Let Me Down" (Scotty's plea to Manny)
"Shelter from the Storm" (Frank's promise to Manny); flip side "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" (Ethier's lament)
"Born to Run" (Manny's career autobiography); flip side "Brilliant Disguise" (Theo's ode to Manny)
"For What It's Worth" (Scotty's anthem); flip side "Mr. Soul" (Scotty's non-anthem)
"Spirits in the Material World" (Scotty's religion); flip side "Drive to Tears" (all Dodger fans)
Hello. Here's some more tunes for passing the time… thought they're not instantly baseball-related, I think that they fit the feeling of these negotiationless negotiations, as 3 are about running around in circles and/or getting nowhere. The last one's a nice, bittersweet song and reminder of what happened 50 years ago this week. Still tough for me to make it to the end of La Bamba…:
spinning wheel
higher ground
helter skelter
Nice selection Kahli and NS. What's new with you guys?
nsblues ~ Thanks for the memories. Hope you are feeling better today.
Not much bpb. Wondering how much time I've wasted reading about this years' Borass runaround, wishing it was the 14th.
Saw Torre on Letterman last night, where they said the Dodgers were the Yankees of the NL. I guess they're not accounting for Payroll versatility. I could hear certain LA front office-ers asking "But where does that put the Giants?"
Hey Tru. I thought I was feeling better, til I thought I was gonna pass out while driving to school. Then I swerved a little, then decided it was best to turn around and head home, heh.
Looks like I'll need that doctor's note yet.
The way this team is being run, it's more like we are the Twins.
nsblues ~ you had better take care of yourself or you are going to end up in the hospital.
In the spirit of Frank McCourt's comments the other day, I no longer will refer to Manny's agent by name other than to call him "the agent". Does the song, "Secret Agent Man" have any relevence here?
I'll be fine, Tru, I've got good people taking care of me
Hope you feel better NS.
How do they get we're the Yankees of the NL? We're not anywhere near the highest NL payroll (don't WE know that!!) Our team is youth more than veterans. And we haven't won anything since 1988. The only thing we have is Torre… and they can have him back!!
bpb, just trying to get rid of a headache brought on by teenagers, the flower of our society…Manny signed yet???
lbirken ~ the agent is okay with me! I think h has really done an injusice to Manny………..didn't realize the market value was going to be so low. Eliminate the Yankees' spending spree, which was generated by the new stadium somehow, and nobody is spending big bucks on players and there are a lot of free agents looking for a home.
We have plenty of money……….just considering the players who left us…………haven't spent much at all……….so, we should have been able to sign Manny and a couple of pitchers a long time ago.
Interesting… I heard that there are over 100 Free Agents still on the market and only something like 40 roster spots on 40 man rosters throughout the league.
Good evening, ITD. Last night, PBS aired the posthumous awarding of the Mark Twain award to George Carlin. Lots of hilarious rememberances and video clips. Those who focus on his use of profanity totally miss the point. Carlin was a comedic genius and a master student of the English language. He is sorely missed…..one more day closer to ST and still no new player acquisitions. Well….maybe tomorrow. Re: the Mexican game….YAWN!!!! Another revenue enhancer brought to you by the McCourts. Saw the Sheets story…. Well, at least, there's one mistake we didn't make.
It looks like we are battling the Giants for Manny's services.
They have been conducting team survey's around the league and this is the verdict, so far.
Frank dont Strike Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brownpaperrapper ~ George Carlin is my all time favorite. He was, as you said, a comic genius. I plan on getting the full set of his work as soon as i save up the money for it. Thanks for bringing up his name and making me smile.
Jones declines Yanks' non-roster invite
Free-agent outfielder looking for Major League contract
What planet is Andruw living on? He should be grateful someone even invited him to ST, let alone the Yankees.
He still doesn't get it.
My hats off to you Kahli and Nells and any other teachers out there in ITDland. I don't know how you do it – I know I couldn't.
Josh….it was wonderfull meeting you. I mean it when I say we appreciate all the support you give us on this blog and all the information you give us. I wish more of us from ITD could have been there! Hope to see you at Spring Training!!!
Tru– you're welcome. I grew up watching Carlin and listening to his recordings. I was fortunate to see him live once in the early 90's. It was great fun last night seeing some clips I had'nt seen before and the others brought back great memories.
bpb ~ I saw that early this morning about Andruw……..Dodger4life or nellyjune had it on Facebook and we all felt the same way you do. Just who does he think he is?
Good Evening ITD readers and writers!!!!
I just got in from having dinner and running my Thursday, school-related errands and I was listening to SF sports talk radio (KNBR). All I heard was "wouldn't it be great to take Manny away from the Dodgers" "Why would we pass up that opportunity to get a premier hitter like Manny and all the while taking him away from the Dodgers?" The fans are starting to like the idea and so are their radio hosts. FranknNed better know what the hell they are doing because if we lose Manny, it better NOT be to the gnats. It's hard enough living in this house with the Schmidt fiasco, but if they get Manny, I am toast. I will never hear the end of it for a very long 2009 season.
He's Andruw Freaking Jones, that's who…hahaha. That guy need to come to grip with his new reality…you know, the one where he sucks!
brownpaperrapper ~ I even remember Carlin's appearances on the Tonight Show with Johny Carson. I wish I could have seen him in person.
*needs to come to grips…wow, my grammar was horrible in that comment.
cl ~ that's the problem with Jones…….he still thinks he's a good player. What an egotistical a**!
cl ~ somethimes we get so upset, it's hard to type with the feeling of anger raging!
Re: AJ.. I guess when you have a much larger level of unemployment compensation than most all of the unemployed, I guess you can be picky. Baseball's equivalent of a CEO's Golden Parachute. After all, what does he care. So many fast food joints, so little time.
kahli and nsblues – great song choices!!!!!
Andruw, Andruw, Andruw…………….what are you thinking? He's thinking the Dodgers are paying me to do whatever the hell I want, that's what he is thinking.
brownpaperrapper ~ so true about AJ!
nellyjune ~ how come you can say hell and not bpb's word?
I have no idea…….how come I can say hell, but not w*h*o*p*p*e*r…..what in the world did that word do to anybody………..maybe they have something against Burger King.
Good evening ITD boys and girls!
So Princess Druw is acting like he's actually worth more than a minor-league contract??? LMAO Princess Druw!!! I never thought anything you said or did would make me LMAO!!! That's a feat in itself!!! Well, gladly he is not our problem anymore. Now, can we make a deal to get rid of JP??? He doesn't want to be a Dodger; let's oblige his request!!!
I REALLY am upset at myself for not going to Canter's Deli yesterday! Darn it!
So how are my ITD friends???
As many of us on here know, time catches up with all of us and Jones hasn't figured that out yet. Just as a good hitter does in every at-bat, an athlete has to make adjustments if he wants to remain competitive. As a kid, baseball came easy to AJ and he's coasted on that talent ever since, being unbelieveably highly paid in the process. He's never had to develope a work ethic. Why would anyone expect him to do so now?
Hey CP!!!! How are you doing tonight? I am doing good……just wishing they would get Andre taken care of really. All this waiting for the Dodger management to make moves is just agonizing.
If Frank and Ned knew what they were doing Nells, we'd have C.C. and not Vargas. Their baseball savvy doesn't bode well for signing Manny. I just hope if the Gnats sign him its for 5 years at $125M.
Guess no one was impressed with Andruw's what? 4 for 27 in the DWL.
The LA Times is saying that the Manny "crap" might not be settled until ST………according to BorASS!!!!
I think Andruw is nothing if not stupid. If he got the kind of reception he did from the "Laid-back LA fans", imagine what he'd get in NY.
Of course, he'd have to make the big league club first. But I have a feeling he'd be spending a lot of time in Pinstripes in NY… Staten Island is still a borough, right?
bpb – I know….what am I thinking. They haven't had a decent thought process this whole off-season, so why would it change now.
Hey nsblues – You already answered earlier how you are feeling, but how are your classes going?
My Nellygirl!
Yeah, I'm with you – the Dodgers MUST take care of Andre – BEFORE the hearing! I truly think that in the end that the two sides will come an agreement before the 17th. At least they better – or else there will be an ALL OUT ETHIERAHOLICS REVOLT!!!
Other than waiting for management, I'm fine. My shoulder is slowly but surely getting better! I still have a lot of work to do, but it's much better than before. Did you see my earlier post and my semi-desperate move of taking the US Census Bureau's test? I'm getting sick and tired of being unemployed. But aside from that test, I just got another test to take with VCCCD (Ventura County Community College District). This is for an Administrative Assistant opening; should be easier than my last one. The last test I took thru VCCCD was for an Accounting Technician and it was WAY OVER my head. Oh well, I tried. So how is the Academy going?
That is great news about your shoulder, and I will keep you in my prayers in your job search. The academy is going really well. Brian Fuentes is doing a pitching clinic on Saturday….very exciting, even though he is an Angel.
Hey Nelly, classes could be going better, since I was only able to go to one this week. the rest of the semester will be different, though!
I know this is "Manny Talk," but I'm really upset with the hypocracy of the Michael Phelps suspension and loss of sponsorship. I'll bet half the people involved are drinking their fifth martini right now…and the other half are cheating on their spouse.
Kahli – It is just pathetic that they are blowing this whole ordeal way out of proportion.
nsblues – no doubts you will do just fine 🙂
Thx Nelly! I know I can always count on you and others on ITD! That REALLY is an encouragement to me – much more than you'll ever know! I forgot that Brian Fuentes would be at the academy on Saturday! Yes, very exciting indeed! Even for a halo!
Oh, and I don't know if I ever chimed in earlier, but WELCOME BACK KAHLI!!! I know you were kpookiman (or something like that), but I know many know you as your former name of Kahli! But I'm with you about the Michael Phelps suspension and loss of sponsorship. That just doesn't seem right. I know he made a mistake, but heck who of us hasn't?
I know this was short, but I'm getting tired. Have a great evening! I'll catch up with y'all later…
Welcome to night two of our pre-Spring Training music festival. Thanks to all who have contributed……..
Let's hope we have happy Dodger fans very soon 🙂
OK, I'm going to take the minority view on Phelps. Kahli's probably right about the hypocracy of the sponsors, but their hypocracy doesn't make what Phelps did right. He got caught doing something stupid for a person in his position. With endorsements and money come responsibility regardless of age, and 23's an adult by any standard. I'm sure there are morals clauses in his endorsement contract(s) that he either knew or should've known were in there. Did he have a right to expect privacy at a party? Absolutely. But as it turned out he didn't and he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He at least owned up to it after the fact, but I'm tired of athletes (or actors or congressmen, et al.) getting a free pass for their "little indisgressions." Have we all done things we regret, you bet. But are we being paid millions to be idolized by young and old and held up to the world to imulate?
Somewhere sometime, the Vicks and the Bonds and the Phelps have to be held accountable for their actions.
Well, not that I am excusing Phelps, but while listening to the ranting about the gnats wanting Manny all of the sudden, Phelps was brought up as well. Their thoughts were this is such a slow news week in sports that it is the reason it was getting so much attention. Like, if this story would have broke last week at this time…..it would be overshadowed by the superbowl probably with very little mention.
Good Evening ITD people!! 🙂 just dropping by to say HELLO!
I'm at a total loss for words with that one D4…
Dodger4life – that was good 🙂 Hey bpb – you can become quite a fashion statement with that outfit 🙂
Dodger4life – Couldn't help but think of you with this one 🙂
Personally, I would think anyone that would do "recreational", non "performance-enhancing" drugs would think twice before indulging at a party where everyone's cell phone has a camera.
Whether it was "just a little weed" or "use of an illegal narcotic", I could personally care less about what any athlete does in his personal time as long as he isn't cheating the game.
I'm sure every other swimmer in the Aquatic Center would be more than ecstatic to offer Phelps a bong rip or two before the big race (although he didn't use during competion or training). Half the Aussie team would gladly turn into Bill Murray in Caddyshack, "C'mon, CANNONBALL!! Cannonball comming…"
Regardless, not the best thing to do when you're the face of Wheaties and Club crackers. Not good for the kids.
I was laughing hard, when I seen it bpb… 🙂
Hi Jeannette, good to see you!
No worries Nells (and eveyone else), that's just my view (and possibly why I haven't been elected czar of the world.) They're probably right – maybe Phelp's greatest transgression of all is that he did it during a slow newsweek.
Hey !! Just finished some homework due tomorrow..wasn't much but been watching baseball and the Laker game so I couldnt get it done!!anyone keeping up with the Caribbean World Series? extra innings game again tonite!
Just think if I wear the crooked thong too Nells !!
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! …..oh bpb …….don't go there, but I am sure it's too late – LOL!!!
My stage name will be King Thong.
Try going to sleep now tonight with that image in your head.
LOL!!! bpb – it won't be the first time I have gone to bed with images of you in the many things you have conjured up in your mind.
There has been an image or two hasn't there…
Yeah, I like to think of myself as a heady mixture – a cross between Don Johnson and Don Knotts. I'm housebroken, but my spirit's not.
Hey that's good. I can put that in a singles ad. At this point in time I can only see one glitch in the program – my wife.
Well, let me cogitate on that one and catch up with ya'll tomorrow.
See ya bpb….. Take care
Good night bpb – let's hope someday you will be able to return to your normal self (well as normal as you can be – LOL) as enchantedsunset. Take Care and see you in the mornin'
Don Johnson and Don Knotts….sounds like a good mixture bpb – good night again 🙂
Wii bloggin again…
Hey Jeanette, yeah, I haven't been following the Serie Carribe as much as I would like, since I don't get MLBNetwork in my room. But I'm psyched that they do broadcasts in English now. My Spanish isn't as good as it once was, so that's a big help.
From what I've seen of Mexico, they're a good team, but then I look at the record, and wonder what happened in the rest of the game 😦 Oh well, if they have some of these guys on their team, Mexico could make a good showing at the WBC.
No more song posting for me tonight, tough to get links on the tabs-less Opera Wii browser. But I'm happy just to be online, yay. Just wish there was some Dodgers news to talk about… but I am glad Russ stood up for the team we have now. That's the attitude of a captain there. And it's pretty obvious to me that Borass has poisioned Manny's mind somewhat, if Manny really does want to be in L.A., his agent's doing a funny job of doing what his client wants. I just wish Frank was this tight with the purse strings in offseasons past if he's going to finally come to the conclusion that playing the kids is best (for his wallet).
Anyone sign up for the Marathon yet?
We haven't had actually Dodger News to talk about (as far as signings) since Ausmus. It's been a very strange, long and somewhat of a let down of an off-season. Technically there is still time, but we were saying that back in December, and here we are…..8 days away from the start of ST and we haven't made any steps forward other than resigning Furcal.
Could be worse. We could be SD fans… Whatever happens with the McCourts, I hope they never divorce. She'd leave him with the Pavillions and half the parking lot.
I am happy that they're playing a Mexican League game at the Stadium. Marketing Ploy or not, making Dodger Stadium a global baseball site is a great idea… if only they were as savvy with maintaining the team on the field as they are with marketing the name on their jerseys…
nsblues – that is very, very true.
Even worse off (though in a different sport) are the fans of the Seattle Supersonics. There's some hardcore Sonics fans in Seattle, but all they could do is sit and watch as a millionaire from OKC bought their team, lied through his teeth, waited a couple of years, pulled up the stakes and stole their team away.
I guess Sonics fans feel solace that they get to keep the team name, records and colors (like the Browns), dooming the OKC Thunder to jerseys that look like a D-League affiliate of the New Jersey Nets.
North ~ I love to read your stuff, it is always informative, witty and humorous…. You Rock Bro….Keep it up 🙂
nsblues – you have a way about you even when you aren't at 100%. This is going to be a great 2009 season 🙂
Good Night ITD readers and writers!!!!!
Hey, made it back in one piece. I swung by Camelback on the way into town yesterday. It looks like it'll be a nice place – once they finish it.
No big surprise, nothing's been done on getting any players worth a crap.
IMO, this one-year offer is exposing the fact that no one else really wants him. Now would be the time for those other teams to jump in. I don't see anyone jumping.
Unless Boras is willing to go deep into ST without signing Manny (a very real possibility), now is when he should be coming down from his 4-5 year pipedream. He needs to make a counter-offer of 3 years and then they can settle on two. And if he thinks he's EVER going to get someone to give Manny 4 years, he's been hitting the bong with Phelps.
I guess now (unbelievable it's come to this) Wolf is the best SP available. Unless you believe in miracles:
Where did you come from ….other than Arizona 🙂
I am glad you made it back in one piece – How long of a drive is that for you? Sorry we didn't get your team together. I told enchanted he was in chargem, but he couldn't make anything happen either.
Dodger4life and I managed to start a new tradition………….ITD's first annual pre-Spring Training music festival features songs that remind us of baseball and the Dodgers, both on and off the field.
Eric, I am glad to see you made it back safe 🙂
red pen – "featuring" instead of "features"
Well it has been another fun filled day. The ITD Caravan is still rollin right on towards Spring Training, Opening Day and that treasured World Series Ring.
The Manny situation is starting to take little turns and twist's now, at least we are a little more informed as to who said what and when.
Regardless of the outcome, ( and yes Frank we still want Manny to help bring the ring to LA in 2009 ) we will be supportive of the guy's on the field.
Give it up for Andre…… the guy is a class act. Thanks Andre 🙂
Well I am going to leave you with a couple of songs the first is alot like this offseson it starts off slowbut picks up speed in the end.
Phil Collins : Something In The Air Tonight!!!!!
Let's take the energy from that and do this….
Rock Me Baby…..All Season Long!!!!!
Good Night Everyone ~ Have A Great Day Today ~ And God Bless Us All…. 🙂
In The Air Tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys and Gals,
I don't quite understand all the McCourt bashing in these comment sections. Granted I live in Utah and may not get all the scoop on them, but the Dodgers have made the playoffs 3 out of the 5 years they have owned the team. Whereas they only made the playoffs 2 times in the 16 years before the McCourts purchased the team.
On top of that, after signing Schmidt, Pierre, and Jones to big contracts and having it blow up in their face, should be enough evidence to cut them some slack when it comes to being cautious with FA's. The criticisms should be about their horrible signings and to be more cautious in the future rather than SPEND, SPEND, SPEND!!!
I understand and desperately want to upgrade the rotation and LF. But the Dodgers can't afford any more expensive mistakes. They have a lot of revenue, but nothing close to the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and Cubs. Those teams have anywhere from 50%-100% interest in their cable companies and those revenues are not counted by baseball or Forbes when they do their numbers each year. When the Dodgers get their own station, Dodgertown Network let's say, then they could afford more major mistakes.
The Red Sox model of building through the farm system, then making the occasional FA signing is the way to go and I applaud the McCourts for taking this approach and hope they stick with it. Sabathia and Burnett are pretty big risks. Burnett with his history and Sabathia after the abuse his arm and shoulder took last season. A lot of you were pleading for Sheets…maybe the Dodgers doctors would have caught the tendon problem, but maybe not. We could have been stuck with a 2 year contract when he broke down completely in the middle of spring training. I would have liked Garland with his durability history much more than Wolf…I hope I'm wrong about that.
As far as Manny goes, there is no way the Dodgers should give him more than two years for several reasons. His age, his defensive liabilities, and his ability to check out. Two years at $46 Million (to get above Texeira's avg.) would be my last offer. There are going to be some good hitters and pitchers available during the season as some small market teams panic and drop payroll. I may go with Dunn on a short term deal, but the Hudson idea is a bad one. He is coming off of wrist surgery and is a health risk. A one year contract maybe, but I would prefer to see more of Dewitt.
Go Dodgers!!!
I agree with no more than two years for Manny (with a possible 3-year team option), but if they are being cautious (and I agree they should be) then why take the risk in signing Ausmus, Mota and Estes? If you are willing to take a risk, why not stay with the youth who you are paying far less. I don't think our two-time All-Star catcher necessarily needs a mentor, and I don't think our young pitchers are going to learn much from the pitchers we have acquired thus far. These last few signings aren't exactly helping the team at this point, and I consider them risky as well IMO of course.
dishguy ~ are you related to the McCourts? Or are you their PR guy? Like nellyjune said, I too, am disappointed with the players who have been signed. We have been misled all off-season…………thinking we were getting CC, Garland and the hopes of signing Manny. Then Frank says we are committed to the youth, whic is fine with me, but doesn't give Andre the salary he is worth. I think the core of Matt, Andre, Russell and James is a good thing………….a good pitcher would be nice.
red pen *which
Hey, King Thong, how's it going? LOL
Good morning ITD , Dodgerfaithful,
It might be possible that these same small market teams, that are going to be shedding payroll this season, are going to require a show quality player with a resonably sized contract such as Dewitt. I am a little confused as to why we have been extremely frugal this season, if we are not going to improve the pitching situation with the best available player. Unless we are setting our sites on the return of Mr. Ramirez. This is still debatable at the present time. Maybe we will add several high quality players as the season progresses? Your guess is as good as mine. In the meantime Andre's contract status is still questionable to some degree. I can agree with bieng positive, toward our Dodgers, management included but we the paying public would like to see some positive actions from the movers and shakers of this organization as well.
Well said, dodger4life!
I agree that the pitching situation is severe, but the options were not that great either. In my opinion, letting Garland get away was the biggest mistake this offseason. With our young guns we needed a vet or two who could eat innings and Garland was the only guy with a history of doing that. Lowe would have been great, but Lowe made it clear he wasn't coming back. CC and Burnett aren't worth the risks involved at those immense dollars. That left a lot of average at best starters. And Garland was the only one with a history of durability.
I fully agree that Ethier needs to be locked up, but there is still time for that. I will be very angry if he isn't signed to a multi-year contract before April 6.
dishguy ~ I totally agree with your last two posts. I really think Andre will be signed and perhaps Manny. But, it would be nice to have things pretty much set for ST. Regardless of what happens, once the season starts, I will be rooting for the Dodgers as I always do……….GO DODGERS!!!!!
I am sure that if you crunch some numbers, do a little economic research and pay attention to the industry grapevine, coupled with how teams have been spending or not spending this offseason you might be albe to predict what will be available later in the year. Bieng ready and in position to take advantage of these situations would classify as a positive to me. But as I said earlier your guess is as mine.
Red Pen – Your guess is as good as mine. Sorry it is early.
dishguy, I agree with you about the McCourts. They may be cheap, but they "sorta" mean well. Our favorite pinata, though, is not Frank. It's Ned. And it takes a far more creative guy than myself to defend that little hire. Or as the Grateful Dead might sing when alluding to Frank (engineer) and Ned (monkey):
"One day the engineer wanted a bite to eat,
He left the monkey sitting on the driver's seat,
The monkey pulled the throttle, the locomotive jumped the gun
And did 90 miles an hour down the mainline run."
Kahli ~ I agree that Ned is the problem. Too bad he doesn't have the gift of persuasion, like BorASS does.
Criticism of Ned is warranted. The amount of guaranteed money for A. Jones was a horrible waste of resources and the signing of Pierre was one of the worst signings of any team in recent memory. Pierre proved in Chicago that he has no arm and is a liability defensively and his offense was on a downswing. The idea of two speedsters at the top of the order has merit, but Pierre was the wrong gut at the wrong time. Note: I love Pierre's work ethic and attitude, but I'd be a great guy in the clubhouse too…
And Ned's preference of Wolf over Garland baffles me, but we all hope he gets this one right. Go Dodgers!!!
dishguy – I appreciate your posts, and while Ned is a fair target, we must also understand that he gets marching orders from Frank. In the past (O'Malley era), Dodger GM's tended to have much more authority to make deals and then get them signed off. In Ned's case, he definitely has Frank looking over his shoulder at all times.
Also, Frank receives the brunt of my criticism because he deserves it. He is quick to take credit when things are going well (he was all over the place when the team had Manny drop in their laps), but he disappears whenever criticism starts to creep in (parking fiasco anyone)? He preaches accountability, but he doesn't practice what he preaches. Also, even though he has been the owner during the last three playoff runs, the foundation of the team (the young guns) was actually put together by previous management/ownership. At the rate the team keeps trading prospects, Frank's love for good, cheap labor will no longer be a reality because there won't be as much good left (Carlos Santana and John Meloan for Casey Blake so we don't need to pay any of the remaining $2 mil). Instead, we will be left with over-the-hill veterans (Ausmus, Mota, etc) or AAAA guys to fill slots (Maza, Castro, etc). While on the surface this seems like a baseball operations issue, one must remember that baseball operations gets it marching orders from the business side, especially in the McCourt regime.
I could go on for hours about the McCourts transgretions, but I've got to get back to work.
cy – You may be right; Frank may have demanded the bad signings and deals over Ned's recommendations…it would answer why Ned is still around. And some mistakes are going to happen with the best organizations. Like I said I am insulated from a lot of what goes on, although most of what I miss is sportstalk radio in LA and I don't trust those agenda driven opinions at all. I will say this, I love Frank's committment to the traditions of the Dodgers and his stated committment to youth. I may be blinded by hope, but 3 out of 5 in the playoffs, even from a weak division keeps my hope and faith alive…for now. Go Dodgers!!!
Buenos dias ITD boys and girls!
I was at the ITD also! Wish I would have known where you were sitting.
We had the second booth table closest to the restroom. There was three of us, my friend Eric, my brother Vic and I . We sang the Loney song when Loney made it to the table. We did not stand in line. To tell you the truth, I liked the restaurant event at Panda Inn in Pasadena better because it was better organized and we trully got one guy per table and last year we had Loney and Pepe at our table. We started the "Let's go Dodgers" chant also. Eric and I sang the Loney song as we exist also. It was so cute when Loney came to our table and gave me a hug as he recognized me. My brother pulled his hat down jokingly when Eric and I started singing.
Loretta was very nice. He was telling us he grew up in Arcadia.
Good Morning All.
I had a dream that I got signed to 2 days (yes days) 2.1 million.
I was so happy because I knew I had all the money that I ever needed and that I could pay off all my debts. It was fantastic.
But then I woke up and I remembered that I am still poor and it was sad.
can you imagine. 2 days, 2.1 mil? how awesome! hahaha.
dishguy – He is committed to traditions that he thinks will make him more money. McRanch instead of Vero Beach is not tradition driven; it is the exact opposite (Josh insists it is really about the fans, but I keep telling him I don't buy it). My kids are now part of the Jr. Dodgers instead of the Blue Crew Fan Club; great tradition that Jr. Dodgers program. True, he does bring old friends back into the fold and that is great, but it only looks great because FOX didn't do it; the O'Malley Dodgers always had old friends around. The traditional Los Angeles on road uniforms is nice, but having Dodgers across both uniforms is just as traditional as that. I'm actually struggling for more of the traditions that he has held on to? Can anyone out there help me with some I'm missing?
Dishguy – just to be clear, I also have heard Frank talking about holding onto the traditions of the Dodgers and I actually somewhat think he trying to do it. However, after starting the last post, other than the two that I could think of, I'm having a hard time coming up with examples of others. That is why I asked for help. In no way was I taking any shots at you. I just wanted to make that clear.
cy – No offense taken whatsoever. Good debate and conversation without name calling is what this should be about. I began posting because I wanted honest and fair responses and I really appreciate your insights. To be honest, with so many teams changing their colors and uniforms, just keeping the traditional hats and colors has been enough for me. Changing the name of the kids club is bizarre and I didn't know about that.
dishguy ~ I appreciate all of your input. And, welcome to ITD. It is a great place to express our views and there is no name calling…………sometimes a few choice words for Frank and Ned, but out of concern for our Dodgers. We are a great group and, as time goes on you will see just how versitile we are. Once again, welcome to the ITD family.
Eventhough I haven't commented since this morning, I am enjoying reading the healthy debate between cy and dishguy. You are definitely giving me food for thought – thanks!!!!
Dodger4life – you rock!!!! Life is good today 🙂
oh and by the way…..so I don't forget my Ethieraholic responsibilities……..
Please Frank…do the right thing…give Andre the salary he so rightfully deserves…….
Pay dre……….pay dre,pay
pay dre……..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre…pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre……pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…….pay dre…….pay dre
pay dre……….pay dre.pay dre
Andre deserves every penny!!!!!!!!
Thanks to trublu44 and everyone for their warm welcomes.
You are welcome dishguy 🙂
Is there any legitimate word on Schmidt's progress, if any?
Dishguy – almost forgot, welcome to ITD. I like how your posts make me think. I'm looking forward to reading more as you get more and more addicted to this site like the rest of us are:)
To me Frank is what he is – ill equipped to own a major league franchise. None of us will ever truely know if some of the bad signings were Ned's incompetancy or Frank's insistance or a combination of both. If it was all Ned, the incompetancy speaks for itself. If it was Frank, it more than likely was purely PR driven because there surely was no baseball acumen behind them. If it was both, then we're doomed to failure.
As far as baseball goes, make no mistake that we got lucky last year and caught lightning in a bottle. If they're hanging their hats on that as a strategy on a yearly basis, that's just plain dumb.
But back to Frank's responsibility, he charges premium prices for both spring and summer. Premium prices require a premium team. If I'm paying my $80,000 for front row field season seats, I want at least to see a bonafide superstar or two, not Huggy Bear and Ausmus. And Schmidt, Pierre and Jones are a copout because he more than made up their salaries and thensome (hence $79M in homes in Malibu and Beverly Hills.)
My whole beef with Frank is that he has the capacity and wherewithall to obtain a superstar or two, and I mean a real one in his prime, not the Schmidts and Jones of the world. Name one true superstar he's obtained – there aren't any. So the flip side is, if you want to go cheaper and youth, hey that's fine, but also make the tickets cheaper as well. I haven't even been to the stadium since the mid 80's, and I'm irked by it. I can imagine it irks regulars even more. All Frank's done since he took over is raise prices, not by a liittle, but significantly.
Now I know that the Yankees and Sox have sweetheart TV deals. Well, that's Frank's fault too because he either wasn't smart enough get them, or in order to add to the purchase price he let Fox retain them because he was already overly leveraged. But in 2-3 years when he can make that sweetheart TV deal himself, does anyone here think he'll use it to acquire premiere players?
OK, I'm off my soapbox – again.
And welcome dishguy!!! Glad to have you aboard!! Have you seen the deep end yet?
bpb – Awesome post. I couldn't have said it better myself.
I see you are up and at 'em, bpb! Great job as usual! i can't wait until dishguy gets the full treatment from the rest of the folks here. LOL
Interesting tidbit: The Twins are backing off on an $8M deal for Crede………….price is a little too steep and guess who his agent is? BorASS!!!!
cy and bag – thanks for the nice welcomes.
brownpaperbag – good points, but my thoughts differ somewhat. The prices are what the market will bare, so I don't have an argument with that, especially if they are competitive each year. Now, I only attend 3 games each season, so I have little invested in tickets…Also, I am fine with Frank deleveraging while building with youth. We will all benefit if the McCourts have less debt and are truely committed to the longterm health of "our" beloved franchise. The offers to Manny have been more than fair market value based on the competition. In reality, the offers have been way too high considering it appears they are the only true suitor. But what Manny brought us last year deserves a fair salary, just not 4 years in the NL. My fear is that fan pressure will cause Frank to overspend on marginal FA's rather than maintain the Red Sox current path. Over the past twenty to thirty years the Red Sox (until the new management), Cubs, and Mets have tried to make big splashes in the offseason to make their impatient fans happy just to strape their teams with huge contracts without performance. Here is Theo Epstein's recent quote which I think speaks to my thought process, "You get caught up in the offseason and … it seems like the dynamic becomes, you're trying to win the offseason," said Epstein earlier this winter. "The reality is you're not trying to win the offseason. You're trying to win during the season. Sometimes uneventful offseasons can be the right path to help you win during the season and to sustain success. We'll see. We'll try to make the club better, but we're not trying to make a splash. We're not trying to win the offseason. We're focusing on winning year in and year out during the season." Now, whether Frank's plans are similar to Epstein's or just PR is up for debate. I'm just hoping they are similar. This forum is awesome, by the way.
I have not had time to read all your comments. Been very busy so I need to catch up with work and reading here.
I saw Josh at Canters but not at the RBI dinner Thursday night at the Biltmore. Now I know he was in Mexico.
brownpaperbag, as far as Frank acquiring a superstar or two…the best way to acquire them is to "grow" them, otherwise you pay through the nose or get 'em in decline. That's why we NEED to pay MartinLoneyKempEthierKershawBillingsley (maybe even DeWitt…we'll see) and KEEP them. Then hopefully, someday, other teams will be salivating to have such superstars.
bpb – you may go on your soapbox anytime 🙂
Kahli – very well said 🙂
dishguy – I thought I had seen your name on here before, but maybe not……..welcome to ITD!!
Good morning ITD boys and girls!
Some lively reading this morning! Thanks! I needed it! Welcome to ITD Dishguy!
Dodger4life – Last night (well, I know technically it was early this morning), you posted that youtube video of the little league games! That was great! You're right, no Boras needed here!!!
Welcome back from AZ Eric! Sorry we couldn't secure Manny for you before you came back though.
So how are my ITD friends!
Welcome to the ITD family! just in case you do not know this, you can have a blank space between paragraphs by keying a dot (.) in a line. I know there is another way but that is the way I do it.
I'll come back to post more and give some comment right after I get some work done.
Oh, and crzblue2 – sorry I missed you too at Canter's. Darn it, I REALLY wished I went!
Definitely Kahli! I'm with you on the kids.
I just think though that if you're going to spend $128 million on crap (Schmidt, Pierre & Jones), either get somebody that knows baseball talent and can spend it wisely, or spend it on a player that is worthy of the money. That said, if you choose not to spend it, don't jack prices on everything. $15 for parking your car? $5 for a bottle of water? That's just outrageous. Also don't have your wife opine that $30 mils "a little weird" when you've just plunked down $46 mil for side-by-side homes in Malibu after you just purchsed 2 homes in Beverly Hills.
Obviously I have an opinion about Frank…
Don't get me started on Ned.
BPB is on a roll…
6 guys (Kemp, Loney, Brox, Bills, Kershaw, Dewitt, ) making under 1 milion this season will have to play a huge role for this team to win. let alone other players who will emerge (Kuo, McDonald etc..). And this dose not count Martin and Ethier who both will way out produce the under 5 million in salary they will get. We owe it to those guys to get them some help. Because Manny really does make our lineup alot better..
10/4 636566!!
I live in OC and go to more Angel Games than Dodger games. I can careless if the Angels win but you all see me here everyday. I go to a few Dodger games a year as well..but everything in Angel Stadium is cheaper, the staff is nicer, the food is better, it's easier to get in and out of, parking is 7 bucks cheaper, their team is better, beer is cheaper, the and the overall product is better for the family, they as they have kids areas and stuff. As a baseball purist because of alot of what i just said. Give me blue heaven every time as Dodger fans care much more about the game…. but as a family man…….
Hey Jungar! How's Benjamin doing? he's over a year now isn't he?
It's 1958: Ted Williams signs contract with the Red Sox for $135,000 making him the highest paid player in major league history.
Boy, have times changed!!!!!!
And, Happy 75th Birthday, Hank Aaron! Truly one of the best hitters I've seen.
Jungar – I'm originally from the OC and I still have some opportunities to go down there once in a while. I usually will "slum it" with some friends at an Angel game on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately, to your point, it really isn't "slumming it" because things don't cost as much and seem to be better maintained at Angel Stadium. It makes me sick to my stomach because that wasn't always the case. Like you said, I am never happier than when I go to a Dodger game (season tix for a while now), but man I sure do get more bang for my buck in Anaheim. It actually hurt to type that…
good late morning/ afternoon ITD!!!!
Its been WAAAAYYY to long since I've been on here!! i think about a month… but how is everyone doing!?! I missed you all! I have been getting on here every day to see how the 2009 caravan and how all the trades are going..
TruBlu- hello there! its been a long time! how are you doing?
CPO- Hi! how are you? man its been so long since I've been on here! hows everything going?
and yes we are going to BRING THE RING IN 2009!!! Andre deserves EVERY PENNY!! he has done SOOO much for this team!! not only is he an ETHIERIFFIC player on the field, but he also does so much for this team off the field!!
Wow, it sure has been a long time, Acardona! I was just mentioning you to nellyjune last night……….saying it's been a while since we've seen you. It must be ESP because, here you are!
Hey Acardona! Great to see ya here! For me, not much has changed. Still unemployed. But doing well otherwise. Not sure if you knew that I've had a soar shoulder for a while now. It's better with physical therapy. Not sure if you read earlier, but I was SO intent on going to Canter's Deli on Wednesday, but couldn't go. I'm so upset for not going. Heartruss gave a good description of it. She said that it wasn't crowded – crzblue2 also went. Not sure if there were any other ITDers that went (I don't think so) but I could've gone and I would've had a blast going. But I didn't.
red pen: "sore" not "soar"
Haha!! ESP.. too funny! but yes its been way too long! I have been checking here as often as I can to see what the latest trade talk is.. I really do think they should give Andre what he's asking for! I've also been checking up on the caravan! I really wish i could have gone to one of the events! did you and Nelly go to any?
Pay dre……….pay dre,pay
pay dre……..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre…pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre……pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…..pay dre………pay dre
pay dre…….pay dre…….pay dre
pay dre……….pay dre.pay dre
Yes, I'm just copying Nelly's!!!
jungar, I live behind the Orange Curtain as well, but will not set foot in the stadium of the Los Angeles Angeles of AnaheimOrangeCountyCaliforniaUSAPlanetEarth…except to see a Monster Truck show…and that hasn't happened since my boy outgrew that stuff. I also CRINGE at Dodger Stadium prices. I always park outside near the Police Academy, and try to hit fast food somewhere in East L.A before the game. Memo to Frank: Thanks for making my Dodger experience so convenient…
acardona ~ I wish I could have gone to the carvan but it's just too far away. I'm saving up for ballgames and can't wait.
Kahli ~ I think it really is Boras being BorASS!
CPO- I'm sorry to hear that your still unemployed! Its so hard now with the economy problems we've been having! and yes I remember you mentioning your shoulder and I'm very glad to hear that the physical therapy is working!! 🙂 as for me.. I've just been busy with work.. I'm still having problems at work.. but I've been dealing with it.. other than that I keep getting sick 😦 which is no fun! I so wish I could've gone to one of the events!!
caravan events*
Kahli – That article is SO TRUE!!! Especially that last paragraph:
"But more importantly, they (Manny & Borass) need to be very worried about their next move. For, if they keep screwing around in the midst of an economic crisis, it could be their last."
TruBlu- the caravan events weren't to far for me but I had to work so I couldn't go.. but yes I am also saving to go to the games!! I can't wait either!!
Acardona – I'm kinda stepping "out of the box" a bit, but I've gotta test with the US Census Bureau on Monday. Heck, I've gotta have something. If I'm able to do this, I'll MAKE it work for a couple of years until the census is over. Sorry to hear that you're having problems at work. Yes, keep that chin up and do what you can…
Hello All ITD
Kahliforni & Jungar: I'm from Riverside and I've also been to more Angels game than dodger's game (not by choice ex-employer always gave away tickets to Angel's game). But I was born and raised as a Dodger fan and I love my dodgers. But I agree Angels stadium is just way easier to get to and parking is easier. But you know what…I do like how Dodger's stadium is between hills, but yeah the roads/street leading to them sucks. You must really know LA just to get around. Don't blame Frank…L.A. just has way more history than Anaheim…
Another piece of history: Alot of the houses that were located where Dodger's stadium is were bought from Universal Studios, so alot of the house you see in films and when you take that Universal Studios tram are from the Dodgers stadium property.
ACARDONA: Hey girl long time no see! I'm like, just check everynow and them to see what's up with my Boys in blue.
Rose (aka Dodgersrules1655)
CPO what are those Census testing? I walked into my local library yesterday and they were testing there for that.
Hi Rose! how are you doing girl!? I know its been quite some time since I've been around… but I had today off so i thought okay I really need to get on and see how all my dodger fans are doing!
CPO- I know what you mean girl! its HARD not having a job! I was out of work for about 2 weeks at the beginning of the year.. I wasn't unemployed but I didn't have any hours at work.. but yeah I hope everything goes well!! I'm sure you'll find something soon! 🙂
ACARDONA – I'm doing fine, surviving the economic crisis…my hours were cut from work, but thank God I still have a job. In December we had a lot of over time, now we have 8 hours less a week. OUCH! we are hurting. I'm all excited about the games…can't wait til they start. I'm waiting to hear that Andre got his well deserve-high-pay and waiting on Manny. But hey I sort of understand Dodgers Management (afraid to do the Same mistake as with Jone) and I understand Manny (wants to make sure that he has a job in the fututre). I just hope they compromise and sign. Maybe less money for 4 years than what Manny for wanted. We are in a recession/depression…whatever.
Msrussyethier – The US Census Bureau is the US office that is responsible for, how should I say it, counting everyone that lives in the United States. Every 10 years, a census of our population is taken. The results help determine the representation in government (I would imagine it has a lot to do with redrawing district lines for political purposes). The census is also used to see how well federal funds are spent in a particular community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety. I'll be testing to become a census taker – most are out in the field knocking on doors and talking to residents about the census but there are some office jobs. Perhaps some people do both. I don't know. I'm sure I'll know more after Monday.
CPO – Good luck and thank you for the info.
MsRussyEthier (aka Rose & Dodgersrule1655)
msrussy- absolutely! I'm VERY thankful that i even have a job!! (even though its not the best of jobs) I still have one so I can't really complain. Andre totally deserves what he's asking for! and even though manny is kind of a diva I still would like to see him in dodger blue again this year!
CPO- wow that's interesting! I didn't know what the census was either! GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING my fellow Ethieraholic 🙂
are we having problems with "the invasion of the name snatchers" again!? haha
Well, I'm starting to get hungry, so I'm gonna sign off for a while. It's good to talk to everyone! I'll try and come back later today!
No…New year, new president, new hope…so I figure I changed my name aswell. It is taking people time to get use to it….that's why I'm still throwing the Dodgersrule1655, but I kept my two favorite dodgers in it. From 1655 To Russy Ethier….love them!
Enjoy Lunch CPO!
bye CPO! it was good talking to you!
So where is the other Amy….our Disney buddy!
msrussy- got it! 🙂 I still love your name! my favorite is Andre (as we all know) but right next to him is Russy!! then Matty and James! what can I say!? I love my youngsters!! lol
I don't know.. I haven't been on in so long so I haven't really talked to anyone on here in a while!
I wish the front office would come to its census.
Before the Gnats GM does!!!!!
I'm here, I'm here 🙂
it's been a hectic morning. I have been working hard. Good to see you guys are out today. The ITD 24/7 hangout thing ihas faded out for a bit, but I'm happy that most people are starting to come back on and say hi.
It's still rainy and cold. I decided not to worry too much over the off season drama. Just be happy for our boys and anticipate some Dodger baseball.
Hi Amy! how are you doing!?
Acar- it's been a while!!! no worries though…I'm not on too much myself. I'm glad to see you doing well 🙂 I am ready for winter to be over and spring training to begin. I can't wait to see our guys on the field!
I hope you will find a job soon and that your shoulder continues to get better. You could have shown at Canters. I had reservations for 5 but there were only 3 of us.
we got to Canters at 8:30 and had breakfast then we walked to CBS and inquired about "the price is right" I had the tickets for the show but they said we needed to be there at noon for the 4 p.m. so we decided we rather be at Canters. We walked thru the Farmers Market on 3rd and fairfax and had aligator bread which was delicious. Then we headed back to Canters to get online but closer to the time they let whoever had reservation in first. I only had the matso ball soup because I already had enough to eat. My brother & Eric had full sandwich with potato salad & cole slaw. Like I said the event last year was better organized. i guess it did not help that the boys in blue were at least 45 minutes late. Still, we loved being there. josh stopped by our table and talked to a few of our Dodgers and other Dodger personnel that was there.
I love your dream. that would have given you money for all sor of fun events.
ohoh. I just got an invitation and the first thing I need to look is the Dodger schedule. What can I say? "I live for this!"
amy- yeah I try to come on to check up on the trade talk and to watch the caravan videos but I never really have time to stay on and talk for a while.. but I had today off so i really wanted to get on and say hi to everyone. I'm so excited for the season to start!! I can't wait!! I want to go to the "under the lights" event in April!
Amy…hey girl…hey I kept thinking about you with all this Small World attraction reopening…so are you going anytime soon to check it out. I need an insiders point of view…LOL!
EMMA- I'm glad you got to go to Canters…sounded delicious. So what does Josh got to say?
BPB-do they ever?
ACARDON – LOVE MY YOUNGSTER TOO! You have them in the same order as me. But depending on my mood it varies who on my #1 list either Ethier or Martin.
Emma- good to see you too sweetie. I'm glad your Dodger fan-ness is in full swing. I loved my dream tpp. You can tell that contracts and baseball are on my mind. I can't escape
Acar- I know what you mean. I really don't have the time either to stay here now that I work 2 jobs. I am glad that you came. Any Under the Lights would be amazing to attend…oh well. Maybe one day 🙂
Rose dear.- sorry to hear about your hour cut back, but it's good to know that you and your family seem to be doing well!
any Disney trips lately??
well I'm getting pretty hungry so I'm going to head out. It was nice catching up with you all!! I'll come on here more often!
Acardona = Ethieraholic and Dodger fan for life!!!
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Told ya the gnats want him if we don't get him first, and their fans are starting to like the idea since it's taking away from the Dodgers. I hope Frank and Ned know what they are doing. I am at the point, I don't care whether we get Manny or not, but I certainly don't want him playing at Dodger Stadium in orange and black in the opening series since I have the chance of being there with my family, who are gnat fans. Come on Frank, don't let this happen, please no!!!! …and Frank, one other thing, sign Andre soon……this also is just agony for this particular Ethieraholic – thanks!!!!
AMY-no due to the Cutback I can't afford Disney right…it sucks cause the 2fers are going on right now….aaahah! This hours cut back is allowing me to spend more time with my kids so that is the positive side. In the negative…I might be loosing my house..but I'm not that stress out over it. I'm not the only one going through that. If I loose my house, we have families that will help us out. But hey God is always with me and I haven't lost hope. I just need for the Banks to let God in their hearts…
sorry – Dodger4life – thanks for the link. Life is good today 🙂 GO DODGERS!!!!!
ACARDONA – it was nice chatting with you and have a nice lunch!
OH GOD …. that would be a big mistake! Imagine if Manny plays for the Giants….oh man…sorry for those that live up there…TRU/NELLY you guys will be the ones to hear it more.
Rose- well stay positive about the changes and i hope everything works out. I think about you when I reminence about Riverside food and I always wonder if you get to enjoy the yumminesss. I've been at Disneyland a lot already in 2009. I don't have any plans as of yet to go back until march, but I will be there in March for sure. Luckily for me I don't spend much when I go there so I make it affordable. Otherwise, I wouldn't go at all and that would make my heart sad.
Viva Los Dodgers!
Amy I haven't been to Mi Tortilla or Jose's in a very long time. They've opened up a new Mongolian BBQ place over by UCR across from the Theather center place there and I just love Mongolia BBQ. My friend from work knows the owner so we get the hook ups.
Okay, now that my tummy if full, I'M BACK!!!
Hey Emma,
Reservations? Did you need to make reservations beforehand for Canter's? I just kinda thought that it was first come, first serve basis.
In my last job, we went to a taping of The Price is Right. When you see it on TV, the studio seems A LOT BIGGER than it really is when you see it in person. But we had fun there. Someone from our group got called up to bid for prizes to get up on stage. He actually did very well. On the last item up for bid, his bid was very close – up until the last person bid $1 over him and won and got up on stage. That was frustrating! He was on the 2nd half of the show, so he had a couple of different chances to get up on stage, but the last one was the closest. But overall, he did very well. I'm glad that Josh stopped by your table. Did I ever say "darn it" for not going??? 🙂
AnyW – It's great to see you too! I've read your posts from time to time lately, but things happen and I'm not able to post at the same time you are! Hope all is going well!
Oh, and Rose – LOVE your new name! Yeah, Dodgers rule, but I LOVE your new name!!! 🙂
CPO thanks…well thanks…I'm glad you got to go to the Price is right…Martin was looking gooood! Well i saw the the pics…do you come out on the pictures from the Dodgers website?
Oh, no Rose – I didn't see the Dodgers' Price is Right; I would've loved that! No, that visit to The Price is Right was several years ago! But I saw the pics and the video – yes, Russ does look good! But tell me, when doesn't he look good!!! 🙂
Ohhh! I was getting to spot you out in the crowd during when the show airs…LOL! Yeah I'll be looking forever…LOL!
Well Martin looks extra good when he wears Dodger Blue!
Yeah Rose – So now I see what they did! I've got the date, March 18, circled on our calendar! I can't wait to see it! Had I known that the Dodgers would be an integral part of the show, I would've tried to show up for the taping of that show! Small studio or no small studio – that would've been fun!!! Especially if I got picked to bid on a prize, I would've been in 7th Heaven!!!
But Emma, did you come out on any of the pictures on the homepage from the deli?
Oh, and in the spirit of some of the ladies being know as their REAL first names:
I called several times at Canter 'cause I wanted to make sure I would not be left out so I made reservations. Still the people that did not make reservation just waited a little longer outside. The lady sitting us did not look too friendly once I told her that there were only 3 of us instead of the 5 In the reservation list. The other two could not make it.
From my posts you all probably know that my favorite Dodger is James Loney. He is so sweeeeet. But you know that I love them all!
I told Loney "our favorite waiter is here!". He said "but I am out of practice now". As I mentioned b4, he was our waiter last year. Last year he kept asking us "is there anything else I can get you, food…autographs, pictures…". He is a little shy but so so nice.
I also went to the Caravan at L.A. Live. They had two lines there one was for Andre, Garvey, DeWitt, Rudy Law. I told Dewitt that I loved what he said about Kent. He told me "Kent is a good guy" and that he helped him while he was there. I got pictures with DeWitt, Garvey and Andre. I told Andre that I posted on his blog. I asked him for a place to have good margaritas in Glendale. He told me he does not drink after a game. before getting to me, he was staring at this kid with a scary look on his eyes. I think maybe the kids did not ask nice or did not thank him. Andre is second on my list after Loney.
Ok, got to go now. I will report about the RBI event next.
Emma – Sorry that the lady sitting you wasn't none too pleased that your other two in your party couldn't make it, but I'm sure you had a good time there! I know you love them all! Hey, there are plenty of Young Guns to go around!!! Yeah, Andre is my fav, but I love them all!!! I just can't wait to meet AND talk to them someday! Yeah, I already met Andre (at his signing last year), but I was so tongue-tied that I couldn't get an intelligible word out!
Well, I've gotta go now. My husband and I are going to go see Frost/Nixon! I can't wait! Catch up with y'all later…
Good Afternoon ITD readers and writers!!!!!
What happened to all the boys? Did they all get sent to their rooms. I see the girls got to come out and play all by themselves for a while. Great posts by all 🙂
The homepage is stating we are close to a deal with Wolf……………sigh 🙂 Nothing to get excited about really. Get Andre signed, and I will have something to be excited about.
…………as far as signings go. I can't wait for the start of Spring Training. Now that I am excited about.
Tim Brown from Yahoo! Sports says the deal is done pending a physical.
Is it just me, or does it excite anybody that we are getting Wolf ?
Good afternoon
So we at least are signing a starter. That's good. Hopefully Randy Wolf has a great year
Welcome to the ITD Jungle, Dishguy! Debate makes this place great. My only qualms with the owners are that they had to go into debt and take out loans to buy the team for FOX, who was waiting for someone with enough money and a lack of foresight to buy the TV rights for the baseball team in the 21st century. They found their buyers, and since, I haven't heard Vin Scully refer to Dodger Stadium as "The Best Buy in Town®" the way he had from when I was a toddler to when I was a teenager when the FOX sale went down.
Mainly because the McCourts are pricing the average Joe out of the Dodger Stadium Experience. I could go on and on, but that arguments already been done better in this thread.
And as they drive up the prices to their consumers, the owners themselves are pinching pennies, packaging #1-in-the-country prospects in trades because they don't want to spend $2 million extra… because that $2million was earmarked for buying the LA Marathon, Buying two mansions in Malibu, buying another in Beverly Hills… etc… things not pertaining to the Dodgers.
And with Camelback Ranch, the PR was that they were making it more affordable to the L.A. fan to go to spring training. Since, with the release of the ticket prices to see major leaguers play an inning or two in 100 degree weather, one wonders if the fans they had in mind are those in the Dugout Club. (which, believe you me, if I had the money, I'd be there every day/night, but baseball was made great because it pulled all segments of American society together, even making sure there were knotholes in the fence for the kids to peek thru)
Don't get me wrong, the McCourts are EXCELLENT caretakers of the Dodger Stadium property. Our ol' girl at the Ravine will probably still be standing long after most of us have lost our eyesight to see it. Yet it remains a straw house if they don't have a foundation to build it on.
They need to be committed to keeping The Dodger Tradition from being something we read about in dusty books and see in Ken Burns specials, and start making it a Living Dodgers Tradition.
I have faith that they'll eventually come to that point (and am happy that we have a family running the team once again), but where will we be when they get there?
nsblues – Outstanding post with excellent points (I especially like the McRanch comment you made). I don't think many of us could've said it better.
Wolf is a nice 4 or 5 starter to round out a rotation. My biggest fear is that the front office feels that he is more than that because he is a veteran. He is what he is: an ok lefty who can get on a roll every once in a while, but usually will need some good run support to win the majority of his games. Serviceable, but not exciting.
With the limited choices left among FA starting pitchers, I guess I'd rather have Wolf than not have him, so it's a step in the right direction. Not sure that he replaces what we had in Lowe, but our young pitchers should at least have ample chance to perform, and that's all to the good, especially with Wolf getting only one year.
At this point I actually believe it is more important to treat Andre fairly and make him an offer for $3.5 million, so we don't go to arbitration and make things sour for the guy who may be our best player for 2009.
As far as things go in general, I only have this to say:
F Manny!
FF Borass!!
FFF Ned!!!
Frank and Jamie – just more of the same!!!
My wish for the Power Couple is that they would go bankrupt with all of their loans, and maybe we could get some owners that know what they're doing. My second wish is that they would get divorced and have to sell the team in order to square accounts.
Excited about Wolf – no. Necessary acquisition – yes. They need somebody in the rotation to eat up some innings to save the BP. Who knows, maybe he can even mentor Kersh a little.
So what does that leave us? Bills, Wolf, Kuroda, Kersh, Huggy Bear?
Nelly – I'm glad we signed Wolf now that Garland is gone…as long as he's healthy. He did get 190 IP last year and a good K:BB ratio 162:71.
nsblues – Thanks for the welcome. Is it certain that the Blake deal could have been done with the $2 M? I have no idea. It just seems strange that the McCourts pinch pennies like that, then spend crazily on Schmidt, Pierre, and Jones and offer $45 M to Manny.
dishguy ~ how's it going this evening? Are you having a good time? If you think this is fun, just wait until the season starts!
nsblues ~ feeling better today?
bpb ~ or should I say King Thong, now that Wolf is probably going to be with us, it's time to get Andre signed before arbitration and I believe we will have Manny signed to a 3-year deal.
No, he does not replace a caliber pitcher like Lowe, but at this time with pitchers reporting next week, we needed to make this move. Not Manny more moves left to be made.
I did not have lunch today so I am hungry like a wolf 🙂 well better get going. Is raining outside and I got to walk 5 blocks to the train station.
woohoo! I am getting a ride! Talk to you all later.
NSB, Hope you are feeling better.
anyone going to the truck sendoff?
Wow – just got done watching one of those post card New Mexico sunsets out my office window…
I still think that leaves us with a one #2, 2#3s, a #4 and a guy that shouldn't even be in the rotation. Seriously, they'd better keep Stults, Troncoso, McDonald and even Estes for some L-O-N-G relief.
Does anyone think that McDonald will break into the rotation by August to get his feet wet? A 2010 rotation of Bills, Kuroda, Kersh and McDonald would be pretty strong.
bpb ~ it would be fantastic if McDonald moved into the rotation.
bpb ~ I see gray skies and clouds out my window!
New thread
I'm bored and so I stole an idea from nelly, namely, seeing what we had to say exactly one year ago today. The most ominous post was actually northstatesblues, 13 minutes into the next day, but it wins!!!
Could be worse. We could be SD fans… Whatever happens with the McCourts, I hope they never divorce. She'd leave him with the Pavillions and half the parking lot.
By northstateblues on February 6, 2009 12:13 AM


text:
They don't have a choice. There are, however, some sober challenges which I discuss below.
The growing presence of older Americans in the workforce is a fact. Our economy is already relying increasingly on 50-plusers working–even if we don't always feel the love from our employers.
- The percentage of people 65 and older in the labor force increased from 12.1 percent in 1990 to 16.1 percent in 2010. The increase was greater for women, according to new analysis of Census data.
- The Census also projects a 67% increase in the 65-and-older population between 2015 and 2040, when one in five Americans will be 65 or older,
- The Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College says that by 2019, workers 55 and older will comprise 25 percent of the workforce.
- The Urban Institute predicts workers 50 years and older will account for 35 percent of the labor force by 2019.
Living longer means working longer
This is great news for the economy. Really.
Older workers with earnings boost payments into Social Security, and they spend on all kinds of things from meals out to clothing to vacations which keeps the economic engine purring.
From an employer's perspective, older workers contribute experience and are often willing to work part-time. And you know what that means–employers are generally spared from shelling out for pesky benefits like medical insurance.
On the surface, employers get it. At least they're giving lip service to the realization that something new is afoot. A joint poll by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and AARP shows that more than seven in 1o human resource professionals polled say the loss of talented older workers is "a problem" or "a potential problem" for their organizations.
They plan to hire retired employees as consultants or temporary workers, offer flexible work arrangements and design part-time positions to attract older workers.
(More: Employers Really Value Older Workers)
But most aren't doing anything–yet.
Corporate executives and policy makers would be wise to focus on how they can keep older workers productively on the job longer.
Here's why. As the economy gains momentum, plenty of jobs will be created between now and 2030, and there will not be enough younger workers to fill the need as millions of boomers leave the workforce.
Unmapped demographic terrain.
This may sound ridiculous at a time when U.S. unemployment floats around 8%. Workplace experts, however, predict that there will be a future shortage of trained workers for key jobs in a broad swath of professions from education to engineering to healthcare and beyond. Older workers will need not only to stay on the job, but have core training to stay relevant.
Here are the challenges:
1. Who is going to pay for that training? Most labor market experts I have interviewed say the government and private employers need to ramp up more training programs for older workers and create workplaces that make it easier for them to do their jobs.
Employers don't want to spend for it. They've already cut to the bone to stay competitive globally in recent years and this kind of spending is a tough sell.
Conceivably, as I discussed as a panel member at a recent Federal Reserve Workforce Development conference, one way to provide the needed training is through the community college system. The coursework could be offered at an affordable cost for the worker. Depending on who foots the bill, employers or employeees could receive tax incentives to ease the tuition bill.
2. What skills will we need? There's a palpable need for employers to provide a roadmap, so we're all pulling in the same direction. The key will be for employers to cast an eye to the future and identify what skills need to be ramped up so older workers can stay on the job productively.
The training disconnect already exists. I speak frequently to 50+ workers around the country about the need to keep their skills up-to-date and to constantly being adding to their toolkit to keep a toehold in the workplace.
Many are willing to add the training at their own cost, but have no idea what they should be concentrating on, where the demand will be, and how much they should invest in their future.3. How can we retrofit the workplace? An aging population is inevitable, but that doesn't have to mean a drop off in productivity. Here's a great example of what one employer has done.
Management at BMW's plant in Dingolfing, Germany anticipated the average age of workers to increase from 39 years in 2007 to 47 years in 2017, I first learned about this effort in a Harvard Business Review report.
To get a grip on how to cope with an older worker, the automaker rejiggered an assembly line and staffed it with a mix of workers typical for 2017.
These were BMW small ergonomic design and equipment changes, such as new wooden floors, special orthopedic shoes, adding barbershop-type chairs so workers can work sitting down and the installation of magnifying lenses to help workers distinguish among small parts, reducing eyestrain and mistakes. In addition, a physiotherapist developed strength and stretching exercises for the workers to do on a daily basis while on the job.
The 70 changes which cost about $50,000 to implement increased productivity by 7 percent in one year, bringing the line on a par with lines in which workers were, on average, younger. The company is now testing and refining these kinds of changes in plants in the United States, Germany, and Austria. The goal is to incorporate it across BMW's global manufacturing organization.
4. How can we change employer attitudes toward older workers? Older job seekers may want to work and need to work, but it's tough sledding when it comes to landing new positions. I've studied this phenomenon extensively, interviewed and consulted with hundreds of workers 50 + who are struggling to land a job.
The pump the brakes approach to employing or reemploying older persons is rarely discussed, but ever present beneath the surface. It's not politically correct to actually verbalize that form of discrimination. But it lingers.
Right now, many employers don't feel the need to woo older workers and are unlikely to adapt until they do. But as the labor market constricts, as I see it, older workers will have more say in choosing the kind of jobs they do, when, and how they work.
So to older workers, I relay this quote posted by my friend and career expert Miriam Cohen Salpeter on Facebook and Pinterest:
"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not."
Don't think you are too old for the job. You're in the driver's seat. Just wait for the light to change.
More Forbes Fun:
Follow me on Twitter, @KerryHannon I'm the author of Great Jobs for Everyone 50+: Finding Work That Keeps You Happy and Healthy … And Pays the Bills (John Wiley & Sons), available here www.kerryhannon.com. Check out my column at AARP. My weekly column at PBS's NextAvenue.org is here.

subset: commoncrawl