Unconscionable

"Unconscionable." That was the appropriate word LA Times baseball writer, Bill Shaikin used to describe the Dodger ownership's lack of spending when they LED, not were among the top, but LED the Majors in attendance last year, (that means they outdrew the Yankees in their new stadium) while their ticket, concession and parking prices are through the roof. Shaikin's interview with Dodgers scouting director, Logan White was less than telling as far as I'm concerned. Logan White responded to Shaikin's questions about why the Dodgers no longer spend money on free agents, draft picks or international signings by playing the role of company man. "Since I've been here, I've always had the amount of money I need to spend," says White. Yeah, right. White contends that paying a lot of money for prospects is the wrong way to go. That you run the risk of guys ending up not reaching their potential and then you've wasted all this cash, I imagine, because he believes it could be spent better elsewhere. Ok. Where? I don't see Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee in Dodger uniforms. The Dodgers pitching is so thin, it's barely visible. So, then where does all this extra cash go that they haven't spent on huge signing bonuses and international talent? I wonder... This organization used to be based on their pitching prowess. What happened? Frank McCourt happened.

But then, what else is White supposed to say? I mean, there's actually a chance, if McCourt cares enough, that he'd read this article. White is afraid for his job, I'm sure. McCourt probably pays him a lot of money and is no doubt looking for a cheaper option at scouting director. How about me? I'll do it for less than half of White is making and when Shaikin asks me tough questions, I'll also tell him the thrift is my idea, not McCourt's. Shaikin is a very smart man, so I'm sure he doesn't think White is going to complain about having his hands tied by his employer to the press. But then, why even pose those hard questions to him? Shouldn't those hard questions be posed to the suddenly elusive McCourt?

The Milwaukee Brewers, who have a higher payroll than the Dodgers, hit town tonight. Sure, I'm happy the Blue have put together a little 3 game winning streak against the lowly Buckos, but it doesn't much raise my hopes. The Pittsburgh Pirates could well be the worst team in the Major Leagues and, yet, they certainly have a payroll that McCourt aspires to. I like McCutcheon and Doumit, and I thought a lot of Garret Jones but his swing has more holes than a bowl of Cheerios. Their pitching staff is simply muy, muy malo. Jeff Karstens is still in the Majors? Why? So, I take Andre Ethier's stellar weekend with a grain of salt, not to take anything away from him. I think he's great and I think his career is en fuego. He's going to have a fine season. In fact, right now, numbers-wise, he's the NL MVP. Wondering what happened to Kemp? Think he got his wittle bitty feelings hurt when Ned Colletti trashed him last week? Maybe. Or maybe it's the fact that he suddenly appears to be trying to hit everything in the air to right field instead of just putting his bat on the ball wherever it was pitched like he was doing most of April. Typical for young players, when they have a little success going oppo, to fall in love with it and lose their stroke. Anyway, the Brew Crew should give the Blue Crew a much more difficult time than the Bucs.

Mildly encouraged by the outings of Kershaw,, Billingsley and their new ace, Hiroki MedioKuroda. Kuroda is actually pitching real tough. Wonder how long that'll last and wonder when he'll go back on the DL. Kershaw is still a deer in the headlights early in games and it costs them. Billingsley is pitching better than he was, which is nice. And, maybe it's time to get excited about young Carlos Monasterios. Can you imagine if he actually pans out? That would make McCourt and Colletti look like a pair o' geniuses. Not thinkin' that's gonna happen, though. At least we no longer have to suffer through the starting pitching stylings of one Charlie Haeger. On top of all this rejuvenated greatness, no errors recently. In fact, that play at 3rd base by Belliard going into left field with his back to home plate ala the Say Hey Kid and turning and doubling up LaRoche at 1st was tres amazing. (Laroche was safe, but I'll take it.) Also, Loney and DeWitt are even hitting! But, don't get too excited yet. The pen still looks wobbly - George Sherrill - and they have Raffy back on the DL, where he must be really beginning to feel at home. Most importantly, let's wait and see what happens now that the Pirates will no longer be involved in the Dodger season. That's right, they're all done with the black and gold and it's only May 4th. I'm not so sure the Blue will perform as well against other colors. All I can say is Joe Torre sure has his work cut out for him compared to other teams in his division. With no starting arms like a Lincecum, Cain, Zito, Sanchez, Ubaldo Jiminez, Dan Haren or Wade LeBlanc, (that's right, WADE LEBLANC!) the Dodgers couldn't possibly pull this off.