Andruw Jones to the Dodgers

Reports are that Andruw Jones has agreed to a 2-year deal to play centerfield for the Los Angeles Dodgers. LINK THIS. Dodger fandom won't let me say anything other than this is a great signing. One year does not a career make, and for some reason he was crap in 2007. Normally, bats come to Dodger Stadium to die, career 300 hitters sign and next thing you know-they slump themselves right out of baseball. Something tells me that Jones, one of the best young players in the history of the game, is aiming to put up monster numbers for 2 years in search of a 5 or 6 year mega-contract. Next step? Two moves would make the Dodgers favorites to win the NL. First, trade for Scott Rolen. His value is low, and I suspect he can be had for two top-tier minor leaguers. As always, you try to throw Juan Pierre in on any deal you make. His signing was a disaster, and you have to get rid of him somehow. Next, you sign that Japanee pitcher everybody is after. Give Kuroda 10 mill a year and see if he can get you 10-12 wins as your fifth starter. See! Its so simple!

It's Official...

Torre is new Dodgers manager

The former Yankees manager signs a three-year deal to replace Grady Little, who resigned Tuesday. News conference is scheduled for Monday.

By Dylan Hernandez, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
2:17 PM PDT, November 1, 2007

It's official: Joe Torre is the new manager of the Dodgers.

Torre and the Dodgers finalized a three-year deal today to replace Grady Little, who resigned Tuesday. The contract is believed to be worth around $4 million a season.

"Having grown up in Brooklyn, I have a great understanding of the history of the Dodger organization and I am committed to bringing a world championship back to Los Angeles," Torre said in a statement released by the team. "I consider it an honor to be a part of this organization, which is one of the most storied franchises in all of sports."

Said General Manager Ned Colletti: "Few managers in the history of the game have accomplished what Joe has delivered. Throughout his career he has demonstrated the ability to turn a vision for success into results on the field and we welcome his passion and leadership. We have tremendous fans and they deserve no less."

A news conference has been scheduled for Monday at Dodger Stadium.

Torre became available Oct. 18, when he parted ways with the New York Yankees after turning down an incentive-laden contract with a base salary of $5 million to return for a 13th season. Torre led the Yankees to the playoffs in every season he managed them and won four World Series titles.

Colletti made it clear Wednesday that Torre was the organization's top choice.

"When you look at his resume and what he's done and the market he's done it in, certainly, you have to start from there," Colletti said.

Torre was said to be negotiating for the right to appoint his own coaches, among them Don Mattingly. He also wanted assurance that he would have input on player personnel moves, which could lead to the free-agent pursuit of Alex Rodriguez.

Torre is taking the place of Little, who managed the team for two seasons. The Dodgers won the National League wild card in Little's first season in 2006, but were 82-80 and finished fourth in the NL West last season.

The Dodgers were able to expedite the hiring of Torre by receiving permission from Commissioner Bud Selig's office to skip the mandatory interviews of minority candidates. The exemption was granted because of the Dodgers' hiring record.

Assistant general managers Kim Ng and De Jon Watson are minorities -- Ng is an Asian American woman and Watson is African American -- and Dodgers President Jamie McCourt is the highest-ranking female executive in baseball.

Phoenix Blue

Many of you know how excited I am about the Dodgers finally pulling their head out and moving Spring Training to Glendale. Here is an update on the progress from the LA Times:

A race to the finish for Dodgers' spring training site

The Arizona ballpark is expected to be completed in February 2009. Busting that deadline would be costly for Glendale.

By Dylan Hernandez, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 1:32 PM PDT, October 31, 2007
If the Dodgers' new spring training facility in Glendale, Ariz., is completed in time, it will be done so with few days to spare.Construction of the complex, which will be shared with the Chicago White Sox, started Monday and should be completed for spring training in 2009, according to project manager Tom Harrison of M.A. Mortenson Co.Site preparation was done last week.A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively set for Nov. 19.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-spw-dodrep1nov01,1,843143.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger

That Didn't Take Long - Grady Resigns

I have to admit, the news makes me a little sad. Grady was a damn good manager and certainly not the reason why the Dodgers fell apart last year. You can always nitpick managers, but the fact is that nearly every one of the GM's moves failed to pan out. Oh well, Torre! Torre! Torre!

Sports: Will the Circle Be Complete?

For those of you who don't know the story... Alex Rodriguez was a hot commodity prior to his being drafted (duh). The Dodgers had the first pick in that draft, and right in line with their philosophy for some 50 odd years, they took pitching by selecting Darren Dreifort. True Dodger fans love Dreifort, but cannot deny the fact that he was a major bust. The story is that Rodriguez's agent called LA to ask that the Dodgers draft him. The Dodgers passed, opening it up for Seattle to take him at number 2.....

anyway, I found this list of odds on Bodog for where ARod will end up

What team will Alex Rodriguez be playing for on Opening Day '08?

Los Angeles Angels 3/1Los Angeles Dodgers 4/1Chicago Cubs 9/2Detroit Tigers 5/1Boston Red Sox 6/1New York Yankees 6/1New York Mets 9/1Philadelphia Phillies 9/1San Francisco Giants 10/1Field (Any Other Team) 5/2