Torre Speaks

The quotable Torre is captured by Baseball Prospectus.

"I guess it must be my nose, because people know who I am when I walk down the street."

"[Kemp] has been trumpeted as the heir apparent and a guy with a big upside, and it's all true, but there are certain subtleties and nuances. Andruw was young at one time. He can give a young player the benefit of his experience."

"Nomar's experience will certainly play into this thing. There are going to be tough decisions here, and when you have a lot of young players, they can't all play."
--Torre, on playing his young guys.

Here are some quotes about Torre.

"We had a quick chat on the field, and the main thing is he wanted me to know what to expect. I've got to listen to a guy with his experience. He pretty much said he wants me to have a day off a week."
--Dodgers catcher Russell Martin

"His demeanor is a kind of soothing, calm, classy approach. I think that works well with a club."
--Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti

Story Link: BP:

Collection: Vintage Dodger Postcards

One of the great and unheralded of all vintage collectibles has been postcards. They are not as sought after as baseball cards, but they can be harder to find in decent condition. They typically feature great photos of our favorite players, and, on top of that, can be very affordable. The group of 16 postcards I just recently scanned was purchased several months ago on eBay for under $10.00. I thought it was a great deal. See the rest of the postcards in my photoalbum here.Postcard Photoalbum here.

This Just Makes Me Shake My Head

By all accounts Matt Kemp has come out of the gate this Spring playing very well. Unfortunately, he might have to share outfield duties this year with the other Dodger youngster Andre Ethier.

What is yet to be determined is how often Kemp will get that chance to scare pitchers. Torre has hinted at being open to a regular outfield alignment of Kemp in right and Ethier in left, which would force veteran Juan Pierre and his $8 million salary to the bench. But the more likely scenario is that Pierre will play because the Dodgers need his speed in the lineup.

Meanwhile, club officials like the idea of Ethier and Kemp jockeying for playing time on the theory that each one will push the other into becoming a better player.

No, No No! Both Kemp and Ethier deserve the opportunity to play regularly this year. I would love to see what 600 at-bats each might produce.

Story Link: Tony Jackson: