Mattingly Doesn't Appear to be Going Anywhere and the Case of the Petulant Child

After a media firestorm that had prognosticators predicting the imminent firing of Don Mattingly as soon as today, I think it's fair to say that this ain't going to be happening any time soon.  As reported throughout the day, Dodgers team management is supportive of Mattingly.  Via Jayson Stark at ESPN:

When Dodgers manager Don Mattingly abruptly criticized the lack of fight and competitiveness on his team's "All-Star" roster Wednesday morning, he wasn't aiming that critique at the front office, despite widespread assumptions to the contrary, sources said.

In fact, general manager Ned Colletti agreed on Mattingly's sentiments, sources told ESPN. And multiple sources say Mattingly is in no imminent danger of being fired.

I wasn't on the side that believed Mattingly was on the chopping block.  Nor did I believe that he was actually criticizing management.  I just thought that Mattingly was making the point that management put together a team of All-Stars in order to win, and it's on the players to deliver on that promise. In fact, he had said as much.

"All grit and no talent isn't going to make you successful. But all talent and not grit isn't going to get you there either."

You see, the former is a certain loser, but we have a team with talent.  Therefore, it's on the players to provide the grit in order to win.

As for Andre Ethier, I really wish he would stop being a baby, and stick to putting his head down and playing ball.  As reported today by Mark Saxon on twitter.

(twitter link)

As I wrote the other day, Andre shouldn't have taken anything Mattingly said personally.  He needs to look at it as an opportunity to get better.

In fact, I'll quote Stealing Home at All Trade Bait, All the Time who made this same point in a much more articulate manner last night.

Mattingly didn't bench Ethier because he doesn't have any fire, it's because Andre internalizes and misdirects it.  All athletes feel the emotion of the game; it's how they handle it that separates the great ones from the Milton Bradleys.

So, Andre... time to "man up".  You are owed no explanation.  Heck, I'm certain he's been spoken to about this kind of thing before.  In fact, Mattingly confirms that they spoke about it before the game on Wednesday.  Via David Vassegh on twitter:

(twitter link)

So wait a minute, here.  Considering this, isn't it clear that he hasn't yet been able to process the criticism in a manner that would provide beneficial results if he's still "stung" by it today.

Folks, we have a problem here.

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Some Awesome Vintage Baseball Photographs

I am often astounded by the quality of memorabilia that is found on eBay and sold by HYEE Auctions.  They are definitely not your run of the mill eBay seller.  For this holiday weekend they have a huge collection of vintage photographs and original negatives for sale and I thought I would take moment to highlight some of my favorites.  I suggest taking a moment or two to check out everything they've got before they close because I think the Baseball fan in you will be very happy.

Check out the great Christy Mathewson in this 1922 Underwood & Underwood press photo as he peers through a sheet of Christmas Seals Stamps.  Mathewson was the Hall of Fame ace of the NY Giants staff and was nicknamed "The Christian Gentleman".

(Auction Link)

HYEE Auctions also has a large group of original negatives originally taken by famed Baseball photographer George Burke.  Below, Lou Gehrig sits with a young girl who hopes to get his signature on a ball.  According to the auction description, Gehrig visited Comisky Park in Chicago in 1934 as part of a marketing campaign set up by Goudey Gum Company in sponsorship of the "Knot Hole Club".

(Auction Link)

From the same event as above, Gehrig poses with a large group of kids.

(Auction Link)

Here are the hands of a legend.  This is Satchel Paige in this circa 1960's Miami Herald press photo.

(Auction Link)

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ITPC: A Vintage Dodger Doll

I thought I'd take this time to post up about something I really love - vintage Dodgers memorabilia. 

Check out this circa 1950's Brooklyn Dodgers doll made by the Flagg Doll Company.  It stands 7" tall and appears to be in excellent shape.  Heck, it even has a wooden bat attached to it with twine, and its original box.  

This Dodger appears to be dancing.  He's got his arms up in the air and his knees bent, as if ready to boogie.  Better yet, he's got some dancing shoes on.  Hopefully, we'll see the current incarnation of the Dodgers feeling the same way soon.  The season's been too much of a downer.

The doll is available at In The Park Collectibles current auction.  See it here.

(auction link)

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Blog Kiosk: 5/24/2013

The 5th edition of the Dodgers Playbill debuts with Dodger Hall of Fame Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín on the cover. See it above.  Fans receive the playbill when they enter the Dodger Stadium parking gates.

• "Appreciating the greatness of Clayton Kershaw," via Alex Kienholz at Beyond the Boxscore.
• Via Greg Zakwin on Yahoo, he makes the case for demoting Luis Cruz.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA we learn that former pitching prospect Aaron Miller has been moved to the outfield.
• Panini shares even more pictures from the Father's Day set that will be give away at local card shops throughout the country.

• Ken Rosenthal on twitter shares some comments from Dodgers President Stan Kasten on Mattingly's recent comments.  Interesting. 

• Via David Lauterbach at True Blue LA, "Dodgers links: Mattingly receives support from Kasten and Colletti."
• I think Stealing Home of All Trade Bait, All the Time gets deep down to the crux of the issue when it comes to Andre Ethier in his piece entitled, "Mattingly vs. Ethier Round One".

Mattingly didn't bench Ethier because he doesn't have any fire, it's because Andre internalizes and misdirects it.  All athletes feel the emotion of the game; it's how they handle it that separates the great ones from the Milton Bradleys.

This is exactly how I feel.

• This is excellent.  This Scott Bradlee guy is a great musical composer/ arranger.  Here is a 1920's style cover of PSY's song "Gentleman"

Video Link:

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