Odds And Ends

[Silas]

I see the Mariners have hired Lloyd McClendon to be their new manager. As I live in the "Root" sports network area, I am compelled to watch Mariners baseball if I want to watch a "local" game. The Mariners have some decent players, but overall are not a good team. Things are not going to get better with the hiring of McClendon. The Mariners are in for another long season.

But, McClendon beat out Tim Wallach. Poor Tim manages to make the final cut, but lacks that "special something" to get hired. It would be interesting to know why Wallach falls just shy all the time.

Looks like he may be the Bench Coach next season and may succeed Mattingly one day.

Should Puig be the ROY? He certainly has a shot and I believe he made more of an impact on his team and the game than any other Rookie. Hopefully the Writers won't hold some of his on field antics against him.

 

[Old1949]

Silas, what do you make of the contract talk surrounding Kershaw? The sports writers would like to portray it as a feud between Kersh and the owners. Apparently he did turn down a $300 million lifetime contract, whatever lifetime means. I'm not sure if he felt the money wasn't enough, or if there was something about lifetime he didn't like. As much as I like Kershaw, it's very hard for me to imagine any player being worth $300 million, or even more perhaps. The risks for the club in agreeing to that kind of contract are immense. If he doesn't sign with the Dodgers, there could only be a few, if any, other clubs that could even consider paying that much. Kershaw seems to be a level headed kid. What do you suppose he's thinking?

 

[Silas]

It seems, from what Kershaw has said himself, that he is curious about exploring Free Agency and he's greatly committed to his pursuits in Africa. There are certainly things that go on behind the scenes that we fans don't know about. I'm of the belief that there are things concerning the Dodgers that Kershaw doesn't like, but I don't believe they are enough to cause him to leave L. A..

Kershaw wants to win the WS and make enough money to aid his charitable pursuits. I believe Kershaw will lean toward staying with the Dodgers. If there is some internal unrest he may decide to take the FA route and may look to going to Texas.

I agree, $300 million is too much to pay ANY player; especially a pitcher, even the great Kershaw. Some will say give this kid the moon if he wants it. I say give him plenty, but be sensible. If the two sides don't agree, you have to let him walk and hope he ends up in the AL.

I expect the Dodgers will over spend to keep him and Kershaw, like most of the Players, will take the money.

 

[Silas]

I watched a little bit of an AFL game last night and the umpires reviewed a play under MLB's pending instant replay rules. The "contested" play was a groundout at 1B.

Can you imagine reviewing those kind of routine plays day in and day out?

Even though I believe umpiring skills overall have deteriorated over the years, I'm not keen on expanding instant replay reviews to this extent. In fact, I believe instant replay should be scrapped. I'm sure folks will offer a dozen reasons why baseball needs replay, and probably good reasons, but I like the old fashioned way of letting the game, umpires and players take care of themselves.

 

[Villain]

Don't believe anything you read about the Kershaw contracts. I've heard everything from 300M to 190M... Just wait and see. I'm sure he will sign this winter.

If Wallach becomes bench coach, then firing Hillman will make that much more sense.

 

[Villain]

If Wallach becomes bench coach, then firing Hillman will make that much more sense.

Called it.

Dodgers name Tim Wallach bench coach, Lorenzo Bundy third base coach - True Blue LA

 

[ksudodger]

Lorenzo Bundy??? Al's brother?? or Ted's brother??

 

[Silas]

Hopefully not Ted!

 

[Villain]

I haven't really done much homework on him but any references I have heard have always been positive (whatever that's worth...?).

Any, 3B coaches don't really matter as long as they aren't egomaniacs like Larry Bowa. Just gives Bundy something shiny for his resume and hopefully a pay raise.