ESPN Creates A Potential Story, Then Riffs On Said Story

ESPN has done a pretty good job at creating stories out of nothing, and then having their talking head pundits continue the story. Deadspin has a good example of how ESPN "created a story out of thin air" on the 49ers' Colin Kaepernick.

Here's one they have created about the Dodgers. First, Buster Olney's column indicated that big things are going to be afoot for the Dodgers this offseason (link insider only):

The tentative schedule for 2014 was released Tuesday, and you can already look forward to some interesting dates for next year, beyond those first two games played in Australia between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers on March 22-23.

1. April 4: The Dodgers unveil their latest acquisition at home

OK, so we don’t know who exactly it will be. Maybe it’ll be a manager, if Don Mattingly isn’t retained. Maybe it’ll be a new infielder. But the Dodgers are like the Lakers now, in that they are always looking for new and better, and That Guy will play his first home game for the Dodgers on this date, against the Giants.

Not a bad hypothesis, to be sure. Olney wants an excuse to trumpet the Dodgers-Diamondbacks' 2014 season opener in Sydney next year; and, it's not entirely unexpected that Stan Kasten and company will continue to spend to upgrade the team, at any position or management slot.

But then what gets wonky is, ESPN's AJ Mass also riffs on Olney's story, expounding on they hypothetical, in "Who will be "that guy" for the Dodgers?" (link insider only):

So let's speculate on exactly who "That Guy" could be by nominating three potential candidates who might end up fulfilling Buster's prophecy:

Mike Scioscia: Given how close Mattingly was to getting the axe earlier this season, he certainly could get a pink slip should the Dodgers get bounced from the playoffs in their first series. After a frustrating season in Anaheim, and rumors of a rift between Scioscia and general manager Jerry DiPoto, owner Artie Moreno could end up having to let one of them go. Scioscia is signed through 2018, but staying in Los Angeles might be appealing to him, and the Dodgers could be interested in their former catcher as well. Hmm, if a deal can be arranged in which the Dodgers unload Andre Ethier's contract to the Angels in return for the manager, this could be a win-win.

Robinson Cano: If Mattingly stays, his historical ties to the New York Yankees could give the Dodgers a leg up in negotiating a deal with the free agent second baseman. Certainly paying for Cano rather than exercising a $5.75 million on the much-older, less-productive Mark Ellis makes a lot of sense for a team without many payroll restrictions. Of course, Cano is 31 years old, and the team has expressed a desire to guarantee contracts only up to the age of 36. A five-year deal might not be enough to seal the deal, but given the solid supporting cast Cano would have in Los Angeles, perhaps it could get the job done.

Tim Lincecum: The Dodgers have already grabbed ex-Giant Brian Wilson, giving him a chance to revive his career following Tommy John surgery. Why not take a stab at getting "The Freak" as well? Lincecum's struggles over the past two seasons certainly will give the Giants pause in terms of overpaying for what they might feel is a pitcher who has already given them the best years of his career. But Lincecum still has more mileage left in his arm than current Dodgers southpaw Chris Capuano. An upgrade might be in order.

These are all pretty serious grenades for Mass to be dropping in the room. Scioscia would mean replacing a manager who was on the hot seat earlier this season, but has led or at least presided over one of the most remarkable runs by any MLB team in history, post-All-Star break, as well as a playoff berth. Cano is obviously one of the gems of this year's free agent class, and will come at a high price tag. The prospect of adding San Francisco Giant Lincecum is obviously controversial not only because of his history with our hated rival (which tends to not be a prior experience that yields dividends for the Dodgers (see: Jason Schmidt)), but also due to his declining velocity and effectiveness.

It's almost like Olney and Mass (whose experience base is fantasy sports) set this 1-2 punch all up just to stir up controversy. Let's all calm down on the conspiracy theories for future events, and enjoy the here and now a bit more.

Game 63 Thread: June 12 vs. Angels, 7p

Aaron Harang (5-3, 3.95 ERA) vs. Jerome Williams (6-3, 4.02 ERA)

It's Opposing Manager Bobblehead Night! (The first of two this season, actually.) I wonder what kind of bad juju can come about from thousands of mini-Scioscias lurking about the stadium. He looks pretty good in Blue, though. Better than this, anyway. That one looks like it isn't blocking any plates, if you know what I mean.

Speaking of eating, the Dodgers are still hungry for a home win, after losing five straight. Last night, they got a heaping helping of Trout instead.

Let's hope Williams is serving meatballs tonight.

Photo: @Dodgers

First Look: Mike Scioscia Bobblehead

Bobbleheads to Anticipate in 2012

From a Dodgers press release:

Dodger Stadium Greats Bobblehead Series

Saturday, April 28 vs. Nationals
Maury Wills with Don Drysdale

Tuesday, May 15 vs. Diamondbacks
Orel Hershiser

Tuesday, May 29 vs. Brewers
The Infield: Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey

Tuesday, June 12 vs. Angels
Mike Scioscia

Thursday, June 28 vs. Mets
TBA

Saturday, July 14 vs. Padres
Tommy Lasorda with Walter Alston

Tuesday, July 31 vs. Diamondbacks
TBA

Tuesday, August 7 vs. Rockies
Sandy Koufax

Tuesday, August 21 vs. Giants
Fernando Valenzuela

Thursday, August 30 vs. Diamondbacks
TBA

Looking forward to seeing what those TBA bobbleheads will be. Can you say Chris Capuano Bobblehead Night?

NLCS Game 6 Thread: Cardinals @ Brewers, 1 5p

"Thanks, Mike Scioscia!"

Edwin Jackson (1-0, 3.48) vs. Shaun Marcum (0-2, 12.46).

Who will face the Rangers in the World Series? The Brewers have lost only one game at home this postseason, but they'll have to win two straight to earn the right to face Texas. And Shaun Marcum, who had a solid regular season but who has been disastrous in the playoffs so far, has to show up today. Oh, and the defense can't make four errors. That kind of stuff kind of makes it harder to not lose.

Arte Moreno Wants to Win Your Heart

The good ol' days, according to Arte Moreno.

From @joe_block:

#Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela will throw out the first pitch in Anaheim tonight to his old catcher, #Angels manager Mike Scioscia

From @BillShaikin:

#Angels to wear "LA" caps vs. #Dodgers Sunday, on national ESPN telecast (Throwback uniform game, #Dodgers wearing Brooklyn unis)

Like the good guy who never trashed you even after you spurned him (is this how these things work? I don't know), Angels owner Arte Moreno just happens to be walking down the street outside your place, bouquet of your favorite flowers in hand. Remember the Dodgers of yore, like Fernando and Scioscia? Remember when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were actually the Los Angeles Angels? The door's always open, disgruntled Dodger fans....

No! It'a a trap!

cartoon Ackbar from Shelf Life Graphics

Thursday Linkfest

• Our fave McCourt divorce writer Molly Knight updates us on the kids' latest shenanigans. Jamie McCourt wants more information (ESPN The Magazine)
• It'll never happen, but the thought is nice. Enjoy sports -- life -- go offline (Steve Rushin, SI.com)
• Who knew Mike Scioscia was such a cheeky (rally) monkey? Angels’ Scioscia is a purposeful prankster (Steve Henson, Yahoo! Sports)
• "Promising young players simply turn baseball people gooey." Sound familiar? Frenchy And Hope (Joe Posnanski, Joe Blogs)

This Is My Town? Episode III

Thanks to Orlando Zepeda for this contribution!

Found at Katella and State College.

Caption Contest

Caption Mike Scioscia's exclamation to umpire Joe West during Sunday's Angels-Red Sox game. Here's one to get you started:

"I can't believe I ate the whole thing!"

UPDATE:

Thanks to Wicks submitting the most Photoshoppable caption!

"Jazz hands!? You have a problem with my jazz hands?"

original photo by Wally Skalij/LA Times

1985 vs. 1988: The Ultimate Battle

In Rocky Balboa, a fantasy battle between the current champ and aging restaurateur Balboa leads to a real 12-round fight. This got mild-mannered blogger Delino thinking about the storied history of the Dodgers. Who was their best team in the 1980s? Which year made for better Orel, Sax? If you ignore the very real risk of 1988 Scioscia crashing into his younger self, thus causing a paradox that could destroy the universe, then this fantasy matchup proves to be remarkably insightful. For this historic game, I employed only the most modern of gaming technology: RBI 3 for the original Nintendo Entertainment System.

1985 Dodgers - Manager, Delino Deshields.

1988 Dodgers - Manager, Sony Vaio.

2nd Inning. After '85 and '88 Orel pitch one inning of perfect ball, Greg Brock knocks in Pedro Guerrero with a single. '85-1. '88- 0.

3rd Inning. An errant throw home from Kirk Gibson turns Guerrero's double into an in-the-park homerun. '85-3. '88-0

Top 4th. '88 Orel is pulled despite only throwing 45 pitches.

6th Inning. John Shelby puts the 88 Dodgers on the board with a solo shot. '85-4. '88-1

Bottom 7th. 3B Dave Anderson and LF Ken Landreaux have first of several bizarre miscommunications, as both players run in identical circular patterns.

Bottom 8th. A controversial double and the 4th error of the game puts two batters on as Mike Marshall walks up to the plate. One swing later, the '88 Dodgers are back in business. '85-5.'84-4

Bottom 9th. Two outs. Fernando Valenzuela's pitching. With all pinch hitters used up, the Sony Vaio is forced to use Jesse Orosco as a hitter. And he delivers, knocking in the tying run.

Top 10th. Jesse Orosco's heroics are short-lived, as he plunks the next two batters. With a fastball maxing out at 49Mph, Orosco is out of gas. Player of the game Guerrero knocks in the winning runs for the '85 team.

Final Score: '85 - 7. '88 - 5.

Yep, it was an exciting day on the Nintendo Mame Emulator. History be damned: The 1985 Dodgers are the GREATEST.

An Anecdotal Antidote for the Dodger Fan's Holiday Blues

Dodger blues (the depression, not the website) got you down? Can't believe we're paying Juan Pierre $44 million for five years? Crying in your eggnog because you really, really thought J.D. Drew would stay?

If you don't have blessings to count, then you can always take solace in the misery of others. For instance, check out an excerpt from this interview by Barry Wittenstein with Stuart Miller, author of The 100 Greatest Days in New York Sports:

BW: What are the top two worst days in Mets history?

SM: The Mets have had many unique ways to break our hearts or give us agita....in the book, I have Dwight Gooden giving up that homer to Mike Sciosia [sic] in 1988. And I have to say, I'm a Met fan, and I love celebrating all these moments, top 100, and the top 25 on the road, but Met fans, and Knick fans, unlike Yankee fans, invariably ask about the worst moments, and spend as much passion on them. They'll ask, "Do you have the Charles Smith game, or do you have Gooden giving up the homer to Sciosia?" I was 22 in 1988, so for people younger than me and older than me -- every age group -- I think they remember that. If a team wins the World Series twice in three years, you’re a dynasty, but Gibson’s home run off McDowell (ruined that possibility).

BW: I remember the Sciosia home run, but not the Gibson homer.

SM: It was that same game. Gooden giving up the home run to Sciosia in 1988 only tied the game. They've got a 4-2 lead in the 9th inning. Gooden is pitching a three hitter. And if they win, the Mets are up 3-1, which you have to figure is pretty tough to come back from. And then Gooden walks the lead-off hitter and Mike Sciosia comes up and hits this home run. And your jaw drops because Sciosia had only three homers the entire year. So that only tied the game and made it 4-4. The Mets still could have won it, but it went to the 12th and then Kirk Gibson, who of course, hit his famous home run in the World Series off the A's, homered off McDowell.

BW: Funny how the Gibson home run takes a backseat to the Sciosia homer.

SM: Right. People remember the Sciosia home run, and the reality is, not only did that just tie the game and not win it, but the Mets left on two guys in the 11th and in the 12th, after Gibson's homer, they got two guys on again, Greg Jeffries [sic] was called on to bunt, and failed, and then, with the bases loaded, Strawberry popped out. But you know who's pitching at that point for LA? Jesse Orosco. Orosco comes on to get the lefty Strawberry out, then they bring in Orel Hershiser who pitched the day before, and Hershiser gets Kevin McReynolds on a weak fly-out. But it was kind of that double indignity of Orosco helping to beat the Mets and McDowell, his replacement, giving up the homer. So, that's just a bad day in so many different ways.

Ah, 1988.