Dodger Thoughts commenter Bob Hendley passed along this photo of Leo Durocher and Laraine Day with his mother-in-law in Santo Domingo during Spring Training. 1948. Very cool.
Speaking of Durocher: Variety reported Wednesday that Christopher Meloni has been cast to play Durocher in “42,” the upcoming feature film starring Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey.
For more on Durocher, check out chapter 57 of 100 Things Dodgers Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die: “The Head-Spinning, Allegiance-Shifting, Authority-Defying Leo Durocher.”
Elsewhere …
- Josh Wilker of Cardboard Gods: still writing, still wonderful.
- Today in Jon SooHoo: Pitching in his first major-league game in Canada on May 17, 2001, Eric Gagne gets a standing ovation from fans in Montreal. In that game, Gagne allowed two solo homers in the first inning, then pitched two-hit, shutout ball over the next five innings, striking out seven and walking none — but the Dodgers lost, 3-1.
- Steven Cohen, one of the well-funded Dodger bidders, is pursuing a minority share in the Mets for the time being, according to Bill Shaikin of the Times. If Cohen ended up winning on the Dodgers’ front, he would then sell that Mets share. Shaikin notes that “Cohen has cleared a Major League Baseball investigation, the people said, which could bode well for his chances in the Dodgers sweepstakes.”
- “The Verducci Effect,” which states that young pitchers who have large increases in innings pitched will decline the following year, is built on faulty methodology, concludes Derek Carty of Baseball Prospectus.
- Former Dodger pitcher Vicente Padilla is facing legal problems in Nicaragua over child support payments. That could prevent him from reporting to Spring Training on time, although the amount in question has been reported to be only $4,200.
- Instant-replay reviews in sports aren’t as cut-and-dry as you might think, writes David Cohen in his column for Variety.
- Here’s a cute follow-up from Volkswagen to last year’s awesome kiddie Darth Vader ad for the Super Bowl.
Derek TC
Lol, I loved that Kid Vader commercial and this new one is great too.
Jon Weisman
Edwin Jackson signs with the Nationals, his seventh home. Guy always has to stay one step ahead of Dodger Thoughts.
Anonymous
Edwin’s legacy may be embodying the term “journeyman.”
Anonymous
That gives the Nats 5 starters (last year’s stats):
Lannan (26) 184 IP ERA+ 104
Zimmerman (25) 161 IP ERA+ 122
Jackson (27) 200IP ERA+ 106
Gonzalez (25) 202 IP ERA+ 130
Steven Strasburg (24) Coming off surgery
I like this group.
Donna
Jon,
Wasn’t aware of the site before the evil empire hookup but I’m a loyal reader now and will follow regardless of the local.
Derek TC
Hey Jon, ESPN magazine said that Pujols contract was a 20 year commitment involving him being in some role with the Angels after his playing days are over. I thought that was kind of interesting.
Anonymous
$4200 goes a long way in Managua.
Anonymous
I read it as $540. Perhaps that was $540 per month for 8 months, which would come to $4320. Or something. I can’t get $4200 out of $540.
Anonymous
Perhaps Jon needs a remedial multiplication course. Or a typing course.
Jon Weisman
The story I linked to at Hardball Talk reads, “He’s alleged to owe $4,200 in child support”
Anonymous
You appreciate, of course, that I was being facetious.
Jon Weisman
I was replying to Berkowit.
David Young
Oh, so you need a clicking course. ;-)
Jack Dawkins
I can never hear the name Managua without thinking of this ditty: http://tinyurl.com/7tq8onn
While looking it up I noted that in early 1947 this went to #1, #4, and #9 on the billboard charts, with three different bands.
cburkhardt
Hey Jon, I’ve been a daily reader for a number of years, but this is my first time commenting. Don’t know why, but the ESPNLA commenting section just didn’t seem that inviting. Keep up the good work! As a father of 3 kids (3yrs, 2yrs, and 2 days old), I definitely can relate to when family needs to take priority, but please keep sharing with us your thoughts on fatherhood from time to time too!
Anonymous
“…and 2 days old…”Congratulations Dad (and Mom)!!!
Anonymous
Kids’ music thoughts – our family always enjoyed Dan Zanes. It was great to discover him and not have to listen to the Wiggles on long trips any more.
Jon Weisman
Yeah, I like him a lot.
Anonymous
He’s fantastic. We like Laurie Berkner too for real young kids.
Anonymous
Dang it. I thought I had the “Buzz Buzz Buzz” song out of my head for the past 3 hours. Thanks a lot botkin.
Jason Ungar
thanks for this I will check it out. Currently I am stuck with Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Phineas and Ferb CD’s on auto repeat… which are both good, considering…
Joe Pierre
I’ve been trying to get your book,”100 things Dodger fans should know and Do before they die” for over a year now. Thanks.
Jon Weisman
Trying, but failing?
Anonymous
his name IS Pierre after all :)
Anonymous
That’s a low blow, Marty.
Anonymous
But Pierre NEVER strikes out! What would be the internet-shopping equivalent of a popup to the left side of the infield?
Anonymous
Uh, there’s a link in the right-hand column (and always has been, at every location this blog has occupied). First item under “Other Writing by Jon”.
Anonymous
Has anyone been cast to play Clyde Sukeforth yet?
Anonymous
What about Red Barber’s character?
John Stodder
So, Jon, how does it feel? How does it feel, to be on your own? Like a rolling stone?
Jon Weisman
I need a lot of verses to answer that question.
Andrew Shimmin
But not a harmonica. Nobody ever needs a harmonoca.
Anonymous
Perhaps Jon could substitute an accordion or even a bandoneón.
Jack Huber
I think it was Confucius that said: “A gentleman is a person who knows how to play an accordion but doesn’t.”
Anonymous
I’m anti hurdygurdy
Jon Weisman
Glockenspiel?
Terry Pruett
All of the glockenspiel’s in the world are locked up in Bruce Springsteen’s garage in New Jersey.
David Young
man.
Jon Weisman
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox along with the Pima County
Sports and Tourism Authority and the Tucson Padres today announced that
the two Major League clubs will play a Spring Training contest in
Tucson next month with all proceeds going to the Christina-Taylor Green
Memorial Foundation. The game will be held at Kino Veterans Memorial
Stadium on Friday, March 23, at 1:05 p.m.
underdog
I hope this isn’t a rule 5 violation to say that I really am rooting against Steve Cohen as owner of the Dodgers. Yes, he’s rich, but I’ve heard and read some terrible things about him that sour me on the whole idea. Go Magic (and co.), go!
Anonymous
Unless you’re explicitly citing his political preferences, whatever they are, I can’t see how this is a Rule 5 violation. What I’ve read about him, however, does suggest that he’s ethically challenged.
Anonymous
Just a guess that most, if not all, of the main players in this purchase share political views.
underdog
Yeah I guess it’d be less political per se, though still opinionated. :) Yes, “ethically challenged” seems to be a good way of putting that. Let’s go with that one. He also likes art! <— a summation that doesn't quite doing him justice
John Stodder
Trying again, with less extra potential Rule 5 verbiage: John Stodder = Dzzrt Ratt
Anonymous
Yo Dzzrt Ratt. Always enjoyed your long intelligent posts.
Jason Ungar
Not that we have a choice, but going back to that article that says EJAX might become Schmidt, who would u all rather have, him or Billingsley going forward…?
Anonymous
Key word to me is Might. I’ll take Billz.
Anonymous
I wish both, and not Capuano and Harang was an option.
Anonymous
Amen to that.
christopher
Billingsley
Gary Smith
I notice that some posters names are a link to email and some are not, mine included. Is this a setting ? if so where ?
Anonymous
I think it depends what you’re using to sign in with… Im trying to figure it out too, I aint trying to use Christopher as my ID.
Anonymous
Saint Christopher would be nice
Anonymous
Christopher and Joseph. This is the highbrow Dodger blog.
Jim Hitchcock
And St. Stephen, with a rose.
Ken Arneson
If you logged in with a Disqus account, you can go to Disqus.com and edit your profile. There’s a field to put a link to a website. If you logged in with Twitter, Facebook or Yahoo, it will link to your profile on those sites. It should not link to an email address.
Gary Smith
Thanks Ken, I see what your talking about now
Jon Weisman
Life magazine: Natalie Wood: 25 Rare, Luminous Portraits
bit.ly/yBcZZW
Anonymous
pretty lady
Anonymous
Those are nice. Thanks.
Michael Green
I have to make a comment about Meloni as Durocher. He’s a terrific actor and I bet he’ll be great in the part–in a way I cannot, for the life of me, envision Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey; Robert Redford was to play him before and while that is a little better, I am unsure there. I wonder who would be the ideal Rickey now. But Meloni has showed he can do that part.
Anonymous
If they could reincarnate Lionel Barrymore, that would be perfect. Nowadays, perhaps Albert Finney?
Anonymous
Like it Marty – the role requires heft
Anonymous
You don’t think Branch Rickey was an action hero?
underdog
Keep in mind though that today’s Harrison Ford is a bit longer in the tooth, not exactly the same action-y guy he was in the past. Tell me this doesn’t look a little John Goodman-ish, though:
http://www.baseball-statistics.com/HOF/Player-pics/rickey_branch.jpg
(Though today’s Goodman is a bit… wider in the gut.)
David Young
Thought they would rename the character Richard Limb and cast Jonah Hill.
KT
Test Again
KT
checking avatar
Anonymous
What’s up KT?
KT
Hey package, nothing much, still trying to decide if I’m going to make the trip up to LA on the 11th
Anonymous
Hey KT!
KT
Hey Bob, How’s it going? Is it spring time weather there in DC yet?
Anonymous
It certainly is springtime for the Nationals!
underdog
Anyone who feels about Bleacher Report as I do will especially find this funny:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/1000-bleacher-report-writers-descend-on-super-bowl,27259/
(check out the last line, too, for a Dodger connection of sorts)
Anonymous
I guess I know why I couldn’t log in at work. I was logged on at home.
Jon Weisman
I’m not sure that should matter.
Anonymous
There’s always the possibility I’m an idiot.
Anonymous
I stll can’t reply to others posts. Anybody else?
Anonymous
I seem to be able to reply to yours.
David Young
And I to yours.
Anonymous
Hmm
Anonymous
That worked. Of course when to tried to edit it didn’t. Errr
Anonymous
I was able to reply to my own post below :)
Anonymous
testing……old LAT commenter…..new name
Anonymous
LAT, gang is coming back together
Anonymous
Hi Jon. Had some computer issues getting to this site but now I’ve found it. This is your Vero Beach-Dodgertown-History Professor in Missouri reader. Started with the Toaster and have been on ever since. Best blog out there and the only baseball blog I read. Thanks for all of the work that you put into this for your readers.
BTW, how about the recruiting class for Florida State!
Jon Weisman
Go Stanford! :)
Daniel Zappala
I’ll second that. Gotta fend off that Cal contingent.
Anonymous
Just wanted to stop in – feels like home in here. DT was my first intro to the world of Dodger blogging and even participated in the DT BBQ in Elysian park where we had the infamous whiffle ball game. Since DT left the toaster, I moved back to the LA area, got engaged, got married, got a cat, bought a home, and my wife is now expecting. I’ve been on TBLA more recently, but now will definitely drop in more often back to this “home.”
Anonymous
Hello to all. I’ve read here in the past but never posted. I’m going to try to post from time to time & really look forward to this season and the changes that are starting. It’ll be fun to talk about baseball for a change!
Andrew Shimmin
It’s been, like, two hours, since anybody said anything. New DT has gotten stale and predictable. I’m going to go see if All-baseball.com has come back, yet.
Linkmeister
Snort!
Anonymous
Toaster/Times DT had an east coast morning crew…anybody up this morning?
Anonymous
Just us chickens.
Anonymous
It’s morning in Virginia.
Anonymous
I’m off to class in Alabama.
Terry Pruett
Leo Durocher was a fascinating guy…not always admirable…but sometimes very admirable. And sometimes downright dispicable. He managed of and on from 1939 to 1973 (he managed Pete Reiser, Willie Mays, and Cesar Cedeno!) but only won 1 World Series, which is somewhat surprising. I was always thought that a first class writer working with Durocher’s life story could write a biography that would be a representative overview of a mid-century America that no longer exists. He did have an entertaining, ghost-written autobiography published, called “Nice Guys Finish Last” which was highly entertaining, and probably about 50% true. If you can find it in a used book store or on Amazon, check it out…
Jon Weisman
Nice Guys is definitely a good read.
Linkmeister
Agreed. It’s on my shelves.
Anonymous
So is Kershaw going to arbitration? When is his date? What do you guys think?
Anonymous
As of now his “court date” is Feb 14..Dodgers are offering 6.5MM, Kershaw wants 10MM. Timmy got 8MM in his first arb eligible contract (the largest ever..but also coming off his 2nd Cy Young). I’d say Klaw will get right around 8-8.5MM..not a bad raise from last years $500,000..
Anonymous
I’d be pretty surprised it were to go to arbitration. They’ll settle at the 11th hour. That’s usually how it works.
Anonymous
Agree. I can’t see management wanting to drag your new young CY winner to court for a paltry 2MM or so. Then again, the whole “management” term may throw a wrench into the works..
KT
I’ve have a problem with trying to respond with my phone.It let’s me type my response but then asks for my login info, I can type in my user ID but when I try to scroll down to type in my password the screen scrolls and then the password box can’t be accessed to type my password in. How can I stop it from scrolling? I have a blackberry bold
Ken Arneson
Try going to Disqus.com first and logging in there.
KT
Thanks Ken….good suggestion…didn’t work….Have to try a different browser
Anonymous
And the Dodgers have not actually gone to arb in eons. Surely they won’t with the best pitcher they have produced, and I’m biting my lip as I type, ever. Back to can’t reply again. :-(
KT
testing avatar again
KT
Can anyone help me with this? It’s showing me as having one in Disqus
Jon Weisman
The avatars are disabled at this site for now.
KT
Thanks Jon
Jon Weisman
NPUT