The Days of Being Outraged by Kevin Brown's Private Jet Are Over

From "Baseball contracts check out the bonus room" (reg.) by Kevin Baxter at the LA Times:

Japanese players, meanwhile, have never been shy in requesting perks -- so much so that the size and breadth of those bonus packages have become a status symbol back home.

When pitcher Masahide Kobayashi negotiated his contract with the Cleveland Indians in early December, in addition to a $3-million annual base salary, the big league rookie got the club to agree to pay for eight round-trip business-class plane tickets between Japan and Cleveland, plus a translator, a personal trainer, a car and a moving allowance of up to $25,000.

He also got the team to promise not to demote him to the minors without his written consent.

So when Hiroki Kuroda signed with the Dodgers two weeks later, he made sure to one-up his countryman, asking for eight first-class tickets, an interpreter for his family as well as English lessons for himself, a personal trainer who doubles as a masseuse and a moving allowance of $30,000.

And the Dodgers, who will also pay Kuroda's visa fees, agreed that he, too, cannot be sent to the minors without written consent.

I guess we just got married to Kuroda, because we're stuck with him for better or for worse.

Colletti and Torre Leave Lineup Decisions to Some Guy Named Tito

Witness Ken Gurnick's latest Dodgers mailbag:

Why do you predict Juan Pierre in the starting lineup over Andre Ethier when Ethier is the stronger fielder and by far the stronger hitter? What will Pierre bring to the table that Ethier won't? --Dave C., Santa Barbara, Calif.

I'll let Tito from Gardena, Calif., begin the answer: "I'm tired of all the baseball experts criticizing the season Juan Pierre had. All he did was lead the team in at-bats, runs scored, hits, triples, and -- more importantly -- played in all 162 games! There have been countless Dodgers players hurt for so many games that it's great to see a player come to the ballpark for every game and actually play! What a concept. All Pierre did was what we signed him for: play every day, get close to 200 hits, steal 60-plus bases, and score runs."

Pierre also is a logical leadoff candidate if Rafael Furcal gets hurt and, looking ahead, if Furcal leaves as a free agent after 2008.

Pierre, of course, has his obvious drawbacks, particularly throwing, although that is less of a handicap playing left field than it is in center. He still might get traded. He might sit and watch Ethier play. But general manager Ned Colletti gave Pierre a five-year deal because he liked his game and Pierre's stats, as Tito pointed out, were pretty much on par with his career average.

So, if there isn't a trade, I'm guessing at this point -- before they even show up at Spring Training -- that the veteran with the long-term commitment and the World Series ring is the incumbent until beaten out of the job. And, it's just a guess.

Since Ken Gurnick is using his Dodgers mailbag to play matchmaker amongst fans (rather than answer the question himself, btw), let us here at SoSG further the deal. After all, Dave C. and Tito clearly have a lot to discuss.

First, according to google maps, it's less than a two-hour drive from Santa Barbara to Gardena. Second, I don't know if this could possibly be Tito of Gardena fame? Or maybe he's the proprietor of this taco stand (not to be confused with the famous Culver City Tito's Tacos)? In any event, there's only about 60,000 residents of Gardena, so hopefully you can locate Tito and make a Dodgers connection, continuing the Pierre debate in person. Who knows, perhaps you have other common interests to discuss, like favorite opening chess moves, the prospect for political stability in an increasing multipolar world, or new quilting techniques?

And for the rest of us, let's hope Mr. Gurnick isn't right.

The Dodgers Should Totally Do This

From "D-backs reach out to fans with hardship" by Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

PHOENIX -- Derrick Hall was amazed as he listened to the story.

A season-ticket holder explained to the D-backs' team president that her financial situation had changed dramatically and she could no longer afford her tickets. One of her fellow season-ticket holders purchased last year's tickets for her and made sure she got to the games.

"It really moved me what our season-ticket holders would do for each other," Hall said.

And so he began to think about what the organization could do for its season-ticket holders that were struggling.

The result is the first-of-its-kind season-ticket scholarship plan for fans experiencing financial hardships. The D-backs plan to award tickets, free of charge, for all 2008 home games to at least 12 families.

"They're going to be good seats, too," Hall said. "It's important that the D-backs experience be all-inclusive regardless of economic status. If we can create an outlet for some of these fans to escape some hard times and daily troubles as they rearrange and improve their lives, we will enjoy perhaps our greatest victory. It's something we are committed to."

..."We're going to give priority to current season-ticket holders that have seen their economic situations change," Hall said. "After that, it will be fans who can demonstrate financial need along with their love of baseball and the Diamondbacks."

Depending on a family's circumstance, the team may also contribute concessions, parking or transportation relief in addition to the tickets.

Those that are chosen will receive the same ticket book and will be afforded identical benefits of those given to paid season-ticket holders.

"We feel really good about this program," Hall said. "I'd love to have it grow even larger in the future."

That's former Dodgers senior vice president of communications Derrick Hall, by the way.

40YO M C-A M Seeks MLB Team with No Arrogant Youth

C-A means "Cuban-American"

Generally considered "good guy," though lack of attention can lead to visible discontent.

Location: SCOTTSDALE, AZ
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

If you'd rather not peruse craig's list for the rest of the details, you can read all about it in Jerry Crasnick's wistful and longing ESPN.com post:

Gonzalez also hit .294 in April, May and June [2007]. But as the season progressed and he and other Dodger veterans began losing time to prospects, generational tensions bubbled to the surface. The veterans thought the young players were coddled, and they chafed over fundamental lapses. Outfielder Matt Kemp, in particular, displayed a little too much big league attitude for the veterans' tastes. [There we go, bagging on "disgruntled" Matt Kemp again; do we really need to reference the horrors of the trash-can incident again?]

When Jeff Kent chastised the youngsters in September for their inability to "get it," James Loney and Kemp fired back in the papers. The Dodgers went 3-11 down the stretch to fade from contention, prompting owner Frank McCourt and general manager Ned Colletti to fire manager Grady Little and replace him with Joe Torre.

In hindsight, there was plenty of blame to go around. Little, by most accounts, was woefully out of touch and incapable of healing the rifts.

"The kids came up with some arrogance," said a person with knowledge of the Dodgers' situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "They've been told how great they are for so long, they think they're accomplished when they're not. But when things start to falter, you look for the veteran guys to steady it. When [Gonzalez's] playing time decreased, he started to become a little less of a team guy."

In October, Gonzalez went on Dan Patrick's radio show and said the Dodgers sacrificed winning for the sake of development in 2007. "We had no game plan," he said.

Although Gonzalez prides himself on his mentoring skills, an official with one of his former clubs said he can be critical of young players who spend too much time in the trainer's room or fail to play the game with the requisite fervor.

"I like Luis," said another person with ties to the Dodgers. "He's a nice guy. But under that smile, he's got a little pit bull in him."

"I'm an old-school player," Gonzalez said. "I'm a ballpark rat. I get to the park early and I stay late, and I haven't changed that approach. Nothing was ever handed to me as a young kid all the way up. I had to earn everything I've got."

Can he still back it up between the lines? Gonzalez has a notoriously weak throwing arm, doesn't run well and is adequate at best in the outfield. He also tailed off drastically last season, posting a .855 combined on-base and slugging percentage before the All-Star break and a .684 OPS after it.

I really don't see how "earn everything I've got" meshes with public discontent when one's OPS falls almost 200 points down the stretch. Nor do I see how someone who "prides himself on his mentoring skils" can show conflict when those mentees outperform the veteran. But hey, that's an issue for another team in 2008--not for the Dodgers. Right, Ned?

SoSG's Google Ads Present "Mike Piazza on Beliefnet"

Besides providing me with enough bank to buy a Wii Gun, Google Ads is also helping the readers of SoSG click their way over to a special story on former Dodger Mike Piazza's spiritual side. Since the banner has now been replaced by an ad for car insurance, I am reposting the link for "All-Star Christian Baseball slugger Mike Piazza on praying for home runs, forgiving opponents, and passing judgment on Barry Bonds."

Piazza looks at peace. And if I married a Playmate, I would be too.

Why Google ads don't bring our loyal readers to her website is a travesty.

Dodger Rose Parade Float Picture (SoSG Exclusive)

Apologies in advance for uploading this a day late. I had great seating at the Rose Parade yesterday and got an up-close photo of the Dodgers' 50th Anniversary Float. Enjoy!

A Look Back at 2007

Happy New Year (a day late) from SoSG. For those of you who are just now emerging from the haze of your 2006 New Year's Eve celebrations and missed the past 366 days, no worries - I've got you covered in the world of sports (though you may have some explaining to do to your employer). Here's my 3-minute take on all the past year's probable, improbable, exhilarating, and depressing sporting moments that didn't include the words 'Vick', 'Bonds', or 'Donaghy'. Enjoy!

Dodger Hitter Tests Positive for HGH

At the Rose Parade this morning, the Dodgers acknowledged that one of its hitters may have overdone the usual protocol for taking human growth hormone. Rest easy, Dodger Fan, the player still has a smaller strike zone than Vladimir Guerrero.

Dodger Pitcher Gives Royal Wave

Brad Penny and Takashi Saito wave from the Dodgers' float during the Rose Parade.

photo by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

Camille Johnston Is a Real Trouper

Dodgers executive Camille Johnston shows off a star covered with hundreds of glued-on corn seeds to be used on the [Dodgers' Rose Parade] float.

photo by Ben Platt/MLB.com

Merry Christmas from Sons of Steve Garvey

A Delino Christmas Gift to All....

Now, I could post the relevant and surprisingly topical Simpsons' 'Talkin' Softball" as my cheap non-denominational holiday gift. But instead, here's a clip that makes me laugh every time I even think about it.

Happy Holidays. Enjoy the bowl games and egg nog, and if anybody wants to buy my Rose bowl tickets, let me know. (USC vs. Illinois - really, who gives a S--t)

Merry &$*%!#@ Christmas, Dave Kingman

In the spirit of the season, we present an uncensored transcript of Tommy Lasorda's infamous response to reporter Paul Olden's seemingly innocuous question, "What's your opinion of Kingman's performance?"

"What's my opinion of Kingman's performance? What the fuck do you think is my opinion of it? I think it was fucking horseshit! Put that in, I don't fucking—opinion of his performance? Jesus Christ, he beat us with three fucking home runs! What the fuck do you mean what is my opinion of his performance? How can you ask me a question like that, what is my opinion of his performance? Jesus Christ, he hit three home runs! Jesus Christ! I'm fucking pissed off to lose the fucking game, and you ask me my opinion of his performance? Jesus Christ! That's a tough question to ask me, isn't it? What is my opinion of his performance?...Well, I didn't give you a good answer because I'm mad, but I mean, that's a tough question to ask me right now, what is my opinion of his performance? I mean, you want me to tell you what my opinion of his performance is....That's right! Jesus Christ! Guy hits three home runs against us. Shit, I mean I don't want to, I don't mean to get pissed off or anything like that but, you know, you ask me my opinion. I mean, he put on a hell of a show, he hit three home runs, he drove in, what, seven runs?...Eight runs! So what the hell more can you say about it? I didn't mean to get mad or anything like that but god damn, you ask me my opinion of his performance."

December 23, 2006: Merry &$*%!#@ Christmas, Dave Kingman

photo by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

HOLY CRAP!!!

Strange but true fact of the day. SoSG's Delino DeShields and the (slightly more) real Delino DeShields are both from Delaware! (As is Judge Reinhold) Both went to college in Philadelphia! And both brought more frustration than glory to Dodgers nation!

I'm amazed it took me so long to discover this fact, especially since most people from Delaware have been in my house... all at once. In fact, Delino is the 37th native Delawarean to play in the majors. Other notable Blue Hen/tax free shopping MLB stars include Ken Szotkiewicz (one season, .107 BA), some guy named Happy Townsend, and legit current player Ian Snell. You can read about it here at a site called www.delawarebaseball.com, but I'm guessing you won't.

THEY'RE COMING TO GET YOU, BARBARA...

I was enjoying my Pumpkin Patch health shake at Jamba Juice when a young man entered like a cold breeze. He looked me in the eyes and asked, "Are you a Dodgers fan?" Several answers rushed through my head - "Not since they left Brooklyn," "Only players under 26 years old," "What is this Baseballs?" "I only carry small bills." But honesty prevailed, as I hid my Treo from his intense yet reassuring gaze. "Yes, yes I am. I'm actually a writer for...." Then I stopped myself: What if this guy was a spy sent by Steve Sax?

Turns out, this industrious whippersnapper was part of a team going door-to-door in Los Feliz with the Dodgers deal of the century.

$40 for six "2-for-1" vouchers AND a pair of free tickets. I did the math, and came up with a savings of $200 to $300. My wife did the same math, and came up with a net gain of -$40.

So if you should see a trio that looks like Jehovah's Witnesses, rest assured. They've been sent by the Dodger gods to get your butts in the seats and save you money. Either that, or I just lost my beer money for the month.

P.S. - Contest. What does my seemingly nonsensical title refer to?

Don Sutton. Match Game.

Everybody Sing Along!

LA Times: Kuroda expects to feel pressure

Howie Clark: 3*

Because not every player in the Mitchell Report is a household name...

Creative inspiration from abovetheinfluence.com's "I Feel Bad" ad.

Kuroda Chooses Dodgers. Youth Movement Saved

Source: Pitcher Kuroda, Dodgers agree to 3-year deal (ESPN.com)

earlier: Kuroda Chooses Dodgers? Youth Movement Saved?

Front Office Turmoil Continues

From Tony Jackson:

Camille Johnston, the Dodgers senior vice president for communications and chief spokesperson for the past two years, said on Friday that she is leaving the organization....

Johnston's departure, which is officially being termed a resignation, comes just two weeks after the club named Charles Steinberg as executive vice president for public relations and marketing. Steinberg's hiring effectively inserted an additional bureaucratic layer between Johnston and Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt that hadn't previously existed since Johnston joined the organization in October 2005....

Despite Johnston's claim that she is resigning, multiple sources within the organization confirmed that she is being forced out....

After bringing in Johnston, the McCourts seemed, presumably on Johnston's advice, to fade into the background. The result was that they avoided much of the public criticism that had plagued their first year and a half after buying the club from NewsCorp in February 2004.

But the McCourts have long coveted Steinberg, a longtime Boston Red Sox executive who has worked for the Dodgers as a consultant since April. Johnston's departure makes her the fourth communications chief to resign or be dismissed while the McCourts have owned the team.