Ned still sucks, and always will. Oswalt is a typical example of of a guy who was good, but it's mostly all behind him-perfect for Ned. It's wonderful that Ned couldn't close this deal for this has-been. In spite of promised fellatio to him by those who are giddy from the .240 hitting ex-batting champ signing, and the likes of League, he'll always be in the middle of the acquisition pack, at best, while smug Dodger fans laughed at the likes of Scutaro, who is on an offensive rampage. Whether it lasts or not, and it won't, we could really use an offensive rampage by a few guys, besides Matt. NOW at this point. IMO, anyway. Two months ago or thereabout, the posts were "we are a bat away"...now, we've had the big trading dead line signings , and the posts are ,"we are just a bat away". IDK, sounds like a pattern here...maybe it's me. While we are being shut down by last place teams who have the worst SP ERA in MLB, and (as per the CO announcers) , up there with the worst of all time (?), all is OK, because we were "picked by the experts" to be worse than we are so far. That logic escapes me; it's BB. ...and although who he has signed recently is better than we had (or have still), does it dawn at all on anyone that the reason they are better is because the quality of who he did sign before them were dismal failures inked by this GM? Maybe the Marlin series will ignite certain unnamed players, (SV looks like there's some spark coming back) and the 1927 Yankees-quality new version 2012 Pirates will lay down for us, like the Cards did for the "breezing" Giants. Yup. Go Dodgers! Go Ned! Make me eat my words, Ned.
Here's the MLBTR bit on TGJ: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/08/outrighted-to-triple-a-tony-gwynn-jr.html
fwiw... Bobby Abreu Clears Waivers By Ben Nicholson-Smith [August 9 at 10:36am CST] Bobby Abreu has cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Dodgers, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports (Twitter links). The outfielder must decide by this afternoon whether to accept the minor league assignment, and he is leaning toward accepting it, Crasnick writes. Though Abreu's power has disappeared, he continues to get on base at an above-average rate. The 38-year-old has posted a .246/.347/.340 batting line in 236 total plate appearances for the Angels and Dodgers this year. The 17-year MLB veteran earns a $9MM salary, but any team could sign him for a pro-rated portion of the MLB minimum if he elects free agency instead of accepting the minor league assignment.
Gwynn and Abreu accepting minor league assignments is perfect for us. We still have them available in case of injury and we will have their skills available come September. Gwynn as a defensive replacement for Rivera on games he starts in the outfield and as a very good pinch runner and Bobby A coming off the bench to pinch hit etc. Much better than most of our minor league call up options for a stretch pennant run.
They are decent veteran options for September, so good to see them in AAA. Strange that we are even talking about this when our club has 3 other players that should be cut outright, and a 4th who should be cut as soon as he's off the DL.
and, sadly, it's all too common... Indians To Release Johnny Damon By Ben Nicholson-Smith [August 9 at 2:57pm CST] The Indians will release Johnny Damon today, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports (on Twitter). The Indians removed Damon from their roster six days ago, after he posted a .222/.281/.329 batting line with four home runs in 224 plate appearances as a left fielder and designated hitter. Damon hasn't heard if any contenders are interested in signing him, but he wants to keep playing, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports (Twitter links).
I think this team plays down to the competition. MAYBE we need to be playing better teams who knows but I agree the board can get too enthusiastic about acquisitions but that is human nature. After emerging from the cloud of uncertainty it is only natural. Management is making moves and have been applauded league wide and it takes time to build a chemistry, we just have to hope that they can get their shit together soon or yes we will be toast. The following last 30 day statistics is telling. Kemp/Kennedy raking but the drop off is dramatic after those guys. http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp?c_id=la#playerType=ALL&elem=[object Object]&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable Player hitting§ionType=sp&statType=hitting&page=1&ts=1344545051331&timeframe=d30&split=&last_x_days=30