Frank McCourt to the Los Angeles Dodgers "I Drink Your Milkshake!"

It was reported last night that 'Magic' Johnson a Hall of Fame Basketball Player with the Los Angeles Lakers, a studio  analyst for ESPN, and a business mogul. Now in the portfolio of one Magic Johnson is countless Fat Burgers, Starbucks, and Movie Theaters, are the Los Angeles Dodgers.  

Very happy to Dodger fans everywhere as now they have an owner to be proud of and an owner who ultimately help the Dodgers to become relevant (by relevant, I mean competitive) in baseball.  Major League Baseball is better when the Dodgers are relevant.  However, it has to be a bittersweet day for Dodger fans. Because yes... the bad man Frank McCourt can't hurt you anymore... but... he definitely got over on  you.

McCourt paid $430 million in 2004 to buy the team, Dodger Stadium and 250 acres of land that include the parking lots, from the Fox division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., a sale that left the team with about $50 million in cash at the time. The team's debt stood at $579 million as of January, according to a court filing, so McCourt stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars even after a $131 million divorce payment to former wife Jamie, taxes and legal and banking fees.

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McCourt bought the Dodgers, used them as an ATM Machine, financed a wealthier lifestyle than his previous Boston Based Parking Garage would have ever allowed him, gave his kids jobs earning millions for nothing.  Basically he treated your beloved franchise like a woman of the night, without so much as leaving a tissue paper to clean up the mess.  He didn't spend to keep your team competitive, he put your safety in jeopardy, he really hurt the credibility of the Dodgers.  Magic really does have his a lot of work to do to help restore the image.  Plunking down 2 Billion Dollars is just the beginning.  But where McCourt gets over is, he will walk away a richer man for pissing on the heritage of the Dodgers than he did before he purchased the team.  And he'll continue to get paid for you Dodger fans when you frequent the shopping centers, or the parking lot. 

Frank McCourt says to you Dodgers, the City of Los Angeles, and more importantly Dodgerfans... "I drink your Milkshake, I drink it up!!!"

Dodger Fans hate you Albert Pujols

In another forum, I was recently baited by a True Blue Dodger Fan. First and foremost, you never feed the trolls. Haters are going to hate. And Dodger Fans aren't a very happy bunch. The biggest 2 acquisitions the Dodgers made this off-season outside of extending Matt Kemp and signing Chris Capuano. Now the Dodgers for all they have been through aren't an awful team and with a few minor tweaks could be very competitive next year, but I had to share this hate.

That Albert Pujols signing was awful. LOL@those of you who think signing a guy with declining stats to a $200+million contract for 10 years is something to be happy about. I always thought/still think that Frank McCourt is an idiot, but Arte Moreno is an even bigger idiot for shelling out all that cash for a guy in his mid-30's (you're tripping if you think he's younger than 33).

Dodger fans, are you honestly telling me that you'd prefer James Loney and his paltry contract to Albert Pujols?  Are you also telling me that you wouldn't want an owner like Moreno over McCourt?  Lets see a guy who continues to spend, increasing pay roll, keeping concessions lower, parking reasonable, and over all one of the best sporting experiences in the country, or a guy who charges you $20 to park to sit at a dinosaur of a ball park and watch a sub-par baseball team?  When was the last time the Dodgers were in the playoffs?  When was the last time they won a World Series?  When was the last time Los Angeles Dodgers were relevant?

...but that doesn't matter and the fact remains that Albert isn't going to help the Angels win, his numbers will continue to decline (and when they do, attendance will decline too) and he's still going to be owed tons of money for a number of years. It's a terrible investment because that means less money for other free agents, international signings, and less money to spend on top draft picks.

Not only that, but the appeal of Albert is going to die once the Dodgers get new owners who will be willing to spend money on talent to go along with Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp (the real NL MVP, fuck Ryan Braun).

Pujols isn't going to help this team win?  I'm not saying the Angels are favorites to win the World Series, or even the West, but that has to be the stupidest comment with regards to this signing I have ever read.  I'm really starting to doubt this fans credibility.  My only response to this was this picture...

I'm not mad. I'm just wondering why people think that all this money invested in an aging veteran who was an obvious steroid user is such a great thing? I'm happy with having Matt Kemp, a guy who hasn't even reached his prime and is still young, and Clayton Kershaw (when he gets his contract) become the next Sandy K.

I won't lie, I like the CJ Wilson signing, but the Angels have fucked themselves.

Here's how I replied: 
"Obvious Steroid User" You are trying to hard. You are aware that that "idiot" Arte signed a big boy television contract, right? 3 Billion Dollars. And season ticket sells are through the roof.

What's gonna happen in 2-3 years when Albert is batting .250 and hitting 15 homeruns a year? Will season ticket sales still go through the roof?

It's cool though. Arte spent a lot of money on a player who is past his prime and won't help the Angels. I guess he and his fans are more concerned about image and what massive world record publicity stunt they can pull off at that rat infested stadium.

The Moral of the Story, don't feed the trolls.  Just enjoy their frustrations as they implode.  No MLB World Series was won in December.  Or January.  But Certainly, the Angels have addressed a lot of the question marks they had at the end of the season.  They needed an upgrade behind the plate.  Iannetta is an upgrade over Mathis.  They needed additional bullpen depth, Hawkins adds depth.  They needed to added another bat in the line up and Pujols is the most prolific hitter in our era.  

Memo to Dodger Fans

With Frank McCourt days being numbered as Czar of the Dodgers, the villainy and evil that has held Chavez Ravine hostage like a 1980 Hijacker taking a plane bound for Atlanta to Havana, will be coming to an end.  Now freedom, shout it from atop the Ravine, Freedom, now like William Wallace as they are cutting out your innards, FREEDOM, the Dodgers are now free from this terror.

But McCourt has kind of left you all with a ticking time-bomb so to speak.  Sure Matt Kemp is locked up and even bought out some of his free agent years... but what about Clayton Kershaw.  But unfortunately the opportunity to sign another game changer is slowly passing you buy.  With no real owner at the helm, there is no real money to spend.  No way to leverage Prince Fielder into first base.  No opportunity to seduce Jose Reyes to play short.  No big time free-agent, no significant off season signings this year.

So although the light is at the end of the tunnel, you've still got a long stretch of road before you get there...
Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours Truly,

First2Third.net

This Team Looks Different from

Gonna go back in Time...

So before First2Third was born, I was blogging about baseball on my personal blog.  Can't believe how much this team has changed.  And with Tony Reagins out of the office, who knows what kind of team the Halos will be next year.  Here's a look at what the team looked like in 2008.  Four years later; Hunter, Mathis and Izturis are the only ones whom still remain. 

Napoli is in Texas, with the Rangers just destroying the ball.  Casey Kotchman and Sean Rodriguez are in Tampa playing for the Rays.  Both have been an important part of getting that team back to post-season play.  Figgins is on the terrible Mariners.  Wood is a Pirate, Rivera is a Dodger, Guerrero is will the Os, and Andreson and Quinlan are retired.  What a difference 5 years make.

The Battle for Los Angeles Means Nothing!

The rivalry is dead. And major league baseball killed it. Or maybe The Dodgers killed it. Regardless it was evident last night, that Dodger fans just don't feel as strongly about their ballclub as they used too. The true test will be how packed The Big A is tonight.

When I was a kid, the Freeway Series was a big deal. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who spent their springs in Dodger Town Florida, and the California Angels who spent their springs in Palm Springs, California, would meet for three games prior to the start of the Season. Because we all knew the liklihood of the Halos making it past the ALCS were slim and none, those games were meaningful, how often would the Angels play the Dodgers. How often could LA/OC Sports fans point and say "Shut up! My Team is better and that spring training W proves it!"

But long gone are the days when the Halos were entrenched in the basement. And in the past ten years, the Halos have played in more meaningful games in September than their BLUE counterparts. Yet, the Freeway Series means very little.

Inter-league baseball made the match-up a common thing, ain't so special now is it. We get six games through out the year, when we have our line ups set and a 25 man roster. Three games at home, three away. Although it means something for the ole Win Loss record, it doesn't have the same meaning as a guy wearing #99 hit the game winning single to crush an entire fan base.

Secondly, the Dodgers chose to move from their longtime home in Florida to Arizona, leaving the Grapefruit League to the Cactus League. Which again made the Pre-Season match up a more common occurrence. What's so special about the Freeway Series when it happens a handful of times in Tempe, Arizona and now the teams split an exhibition game before the season starts.

The next time the Freeway Series means something, it'll be in October for the Worlds Series, until then... You Killed It. Its dead. It means nothing.

Angels' Third Base Internal Options for 2011

Listening to sports talk radio or visiting baseball rumor sites and it seems like people forgot where the Angels were prior to the 2002 World Series Championship Season.  The Angels did lose out on their alleged first choice free agent Carl Crawford to hated rivals Boston Red Sox.  In fact the Red Sox's great improved their team this off-season by free agency signings and a blockbuster trade with the Padres that landed them Adrian Gonzales.  Seemingly, the 2nd Choice Free Agent for the Halos is Adrian Beltre.  The Former Los Angeles Dodger, Seattle Mariner, and Red Sox has put up pretty good numbers in both offense and defense.  Will he radically change the team?  No, but his offense would be a god-send for a team who had trouble scoring last year.  

But the rumors have it that Beltre's demanding agent Scott Boras will only allow his agent sign for at a six year deal, which the Angels are too particularly found of.  As the sands fall through the hour glass and the free agent market becomes more and more bleak, what do the Angels do if they can't land their 2nd Choice?

As some have reported the trade market is down right now as well and the Angels might not have the prospects (not named Mike Trout) to land a big trade.  So what is a franchise to do?  Forgotten are the upgrades made to the pitching rotation and forgotten is the raw power of Kendry Morales.  

Scenario #1 

Do nothing.  Callaspo was a decent option at third base.  Reagins made the trade to bring him back to the Angels family last season.  Getting acclimated to return to the Angels might have just need some time.  Now with half a season under his belt and a full spring training with the Halos might prepare him for better year with the Angels.  Any upgrade in performance would benefit the Angels woes at 3rd.

Scenario #2

Brandon Wood had a real bad year last year.  But also was under a lot of pressure to perform.  Perhaps another go behind third might get him right.  Wood had some big shoes to fill last year with the departure of Figgins.  But maybe Wood can find his bat?  Maybe his short time in the Arizona Fall League helped him to regain his confidence.  Maybe every day at bats might get him going again.  The Angels must find some value in Wood, otherwise he might have been designated for assignment in lieu of Kevin Frandsen.  

Scenario #3

This one is my favorite option.  Long before Kendry Morales ever hit a home run in Anaheim, he was taking fielding at 3rd, 1st, Left, and Right.  Perhaps moving Morales to the hot corner is what the Angels need.  By moving Morales to Third Base, you also free up a spot at First base for Mike Napoli.  Napoli was the best fill in option at first when Morales was injured.  And although Napoli would probably prefer to be the every day catcher, its obvious that Mike Scioscia sees him more as a back up.  And with the emergence on Hank Conger whom could earn the starting catcher spot and provide some Napoli like power into the line up, who could blame him.  And with this line up you can still use a platoon of Juan Rivera & Bobby Abreu at LF/DH.

Scenario #4

Would involve elevating Mark Trumbo to third base.  Most of his background is at first, but putting him at third might be the quickest way to get him a look at the Major League Level.  Putting Trumbo at third might re-create a Brandon Wood like environment or might allow him to blossom.  This option is about as much of a roll of the dice as would be playing Wood. 

Ultimately I see the Angels signing Adrian Beltre.  And I also forsee Mike Napoli playing on another team next year.  But all I want for Christmas is Mike Napoli in the line up.

The Battle of Los Angeles 2010 Interleague Play Begins

Regardless of whether or not you enjoy interleague Baseball, you can't dispute the fun of rivalry games.  Some cities don't have cross town rivals.  The Yankees have the Mets (The Subway Series), The As have the Giants (The Battle of the Bay), The White Sox and the Cubs (I don't know if they have a clever name) and the Angels have the Dodgers (The Freeway Series.)  The key differences between those other cities ans Los Angeles is that the Dodgers and the Angels have never faced each other in a World Series Games, but not for a lack of trying.

The Dodgers although handcuffed with the McCourt divorce and lets be frank the Dodgers haven't been real big spenders during the McCourt era have managed to make the playoffs the last few years.  They have been in the mix for the NLDS Four of the last Six years and are currently ranked #1.  The last time the Dodgers have won a World Series was 1988.  

The Angels similarly have been very successful in the American League West the past few years, winning the American League West Title Five of the past Six years.  The last time the Angels won a World Series was their first win, 2002.  

The two teams aren't only battling for respect, but to keep pace in their own division and market share.  In 2005 Angels owner Arte Moreno re-introduced the Angels as a Los Angeles brand.  Complete with a marketing campaign in the inner cities of Los Angeles.  Although the Angels play in Anaheim which is in Orange County.  The Angels have often fought over baseball free agents as well.  Vladimir Guerrero was expected to sign with the Dodgers, before donning his Halo.  And before the Angels signed Gary Matthews Jr., it was rumored the Dodgers wanted him.  And most recently, the Angels signed Torii Hunter before the Dodgers had an opportunity to pick him up.  

All the magic will happen on the field tonight.  Game 1 of a 3 Game Series from Chavez Ravine.  The Dodgers return the favor in a few weeks.  But Round 1 starts tonight!  We'll see how the Angel Dodger Rivalry translates in 2010.  And see what impact, if any the wins and losses will have on the respective clubs drive to the post season.

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I Be The Angels Can get 100000 Fans Before The Dodgers

Its not that I hate the Dodgers or anything like that. Their are some really good/nice True Blue Dodger Fans. Probably as many as real Red Die-Hard Angel Fans. What gets me are the fringe fans. If you have to make a choice, why would you chose the Dodgers. No, they aren't horrible... but the Angels are superior to the Dodgers. Its not just opinion, its fact!

The Angels Return to Anaheim-- TONIGHT!

April 5th is the Official Opening Day for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  But TONIGHT is the first night of the new year for the Anaheim Stadium.  The Angels come home for two games... one against the San Diego Padres and one against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Surrounded by National League Baseball teams, it is up to Mike Scioscia's 2009 American League Western Division Champions to showcase the American League dominance in Major League Baseball.

The Padres have had a fairly good spring and although these games are still technically Spring Training Games, there are some bragging rights involved.  The Angels are set to put out their opening day line up.  Eric Aybar at Shortstop is slated to lead off, with Right fielder with Bobby Abreu batting second, then; Torii Hunter, Hideki Matsui, Kendry Morales, Juan Rivera, Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli, and Brandon Wood.  This is a veritable murder's row that the East Coast Media Bias is sleeping on.  And for anyone who keeps talking about the Angels missing John Lackey, again people that's why we traded for Scott Kazmir.  And  Joel Piñeiro signing is looking better and better, especially his influence on Jered Weaver.  The Angel starting rotation looks real good, again nobody in the Media is really talking them up.  And then our bullpen.  Sure the loss of Darren Oliver as a lefty specialist/setup man stings... but, Scott Shields is awesome as a setup man.  Not to mention, the acquisition of Fernando Rodney and then traded Matthews Jr. for Brian Stokes.  And that's in addition to Brian Fuentes, who is in better shape, and Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger who are both a year older and a year better. 

So come on National League teams... show the Angels what you've got.  Because TONIGHT, the campaign begins, TONIGHT, the Angels plan to silence the media, TONIGHT the ANGELS RETURN to ANAHEIM!

Angels-Dodgers Rivalry summed up pretty well

If you are an Angel Fan and don't know who TrueGrich is, you are missing out on one of my personal favorite Angel Bloggers.  His post are witty and well written.  Case in point, when he talks about this supposed Angels - Dodgers Rivalry.

Over the years a lot has been made of this supposed rivalry between the two and I’m certain that on some level there is a rivalry of sorts. After all, it’s only natural.

As for myself, I really don’t get caught up in that too much. Sure, I have a little fun with some co-workers who are Dodger fans, but that’s about it. Some of them even read this blog (at least those that can actually read). The others will look at the pictures and watch the videos.

I’m kidding, of course. Besides, most of them don’t even know how turn on a computer, let alone find this blog. Again, I’m just having fun.

You see, I can’t get too worked up over the Blue Crew. For one thing up until recently they hadn't been very relevant. I mean they haven’t won a World Series since Mike Scioscia was their catcher and even Scioscia will tell you that was a long time ago.

Then again, the Dodgers have actually stuck it to the Angels pretty good in recent years. They seemed to have caught lightning in a bottle a couple times with good performances out of the likes of Steve Finley and Jeff Weaver, both of whom came to the Angels after leaving the Dodgers to stink up our place pretty good.
...

The Dodgers have some good things going for them. There’s Vin Scully for one. He’s easily the best in the business at what he does. There’s also… um, well… that Vin Scully is great, isn’t’ he?

To read the rest of the TrueGrich article: Angels are Red, Dodgers are Blue click here.