It's Been Awhile...

Let's see..what has happened since I've been gone? I started a facebook account and deactivated it yesterday. The Dodgers come up short again in the playoffs, pain ensues. The hated ones win the WS, again..misery. The A's giveaway shirts referring to playing in October. They don't play in October. The Ports come up short in the playoffs. My cousins have their first daughter, beautiful. I have another little girl, more love.

Wow, that's a lot in a (somewhat)short period of time.

"It wasn't easy, but in the history of the Brooklyn and L.A. Dodgers, nothing ever has come easy." -Vin Scully

Once again, a season ends without a championship for my beloved Boys in Blue. The Dodgers have plenty to work on and plenty of trades and free agents to think about, not to mention, the management and staff situations that have changed.

Of course, everyone wants to talk about Don Mattingly, Clayton Kershaw and Hanley Ramirez. My 2 Cents...Donnie has gotten better. Just look at the numbers from when he initially was hired. He has progressed the team little by little since 2011.

Kershaw of course, is getting heat from all sides for performance issues in the last few games he appeared in against the Cardinals. I will just say this, one of the greatest pitchers(for the Dodgers or otherwise), Sandy Koufax, had 4 no-hitters, was a 7x All-Star, 3x Cy Young Award winner, 2x WS MVP, 3x Triple Crown winner and had perfect game, but wasn't much of a pitcher until his 8th year with the team. Clayton Kershaw is a 4x All-Star, a Triple Crown winner, has 2 Cy Young Awards, is a 4x ERA champion, is a 2x strikeout champion, has a Gold Glove and pitched a no-hitter this year. Next year is his 8th year with the team.

Hanley Oh Hanley. One of my favorites on the team. One of the most beautiful swings since Jr. But this year wasn't the greatest year and even that's not fair since he was injured much of the time. He did play more this year then last year and was more effective, however, he has now opted for free agency and has stated he is willing to move from SS to another position. I would like Hanley to stay because I think he still has some great years ahead of him if he stays healthy but, on the other hand, we have plenty of up and coming SSs(Arruebarrena, Seager, etc.) and Uribe for another year at 3rd, which would be the only other position I would put Hanley. I can hope the Dodgers find a spot for him and make him a decent offer but if not, I wish him the best.

As far as the rest of the Dodgers are concerned, I have some issues with our rotation and bullpen. No surprise there. I hate to say it and he himself will admit it but, Dan Haren is the weakest link in that chain. He gives me what Italians call, 'agita'. We have him for another year since he has used his option and is staying with the team but, where will they put him? Another issue is Brian Wilson. We have him again for another year after he exercised his option. No longer the ace closer or even a proper setup man, where will management put him too? Our catching situation isn't great either. AJ Ellis, although a 'good' catcher, doesn't have the hitting ability that they require for his place in the lineup. Our backup catching isn't as good as it should be either. Our outfield situation is going to be interesting to say the least next year. Carl Crawford should be traded. The only issue with that is the money problem. They owe him quite a bit. Either they just eat it or they deal with his mediocre hitting and lack or arm strength in left field. Yasiel Puig has proven he can be the center fielder they need. Matt Kemp, in my opinion, has been the most improved player this year and is solid in right field. That brings up the subject of Andre Ethier. Another one of my personal favorite players with a beautiful swing, he hasn't performed to what he needs to be in order to keep. I say, pull the band-aid off quick, trade him for a catcher or a solid middle reliever. Dee Gordon and Justin Turner, keep these guys forever. Juan Uribe, in my opinion, should have had a Gold Glove this year. I hope we find his like in a couple years. Adrian Gonzalez, keep this guy and get him his ring, he deserves it. Joc Pederson, has plently of growing to do but well worth investing in and seeing what he can really do in his sophomore year with the team. Scott Van Slyke is a nice big bat off the bench. He will continually improve and be an asset. Darwin Barney, Ryan Jackson and Miguel Rojas will be good backups for any team. Train hard this offseason, boys! Let's get em in 2015!

What's up with the A's? Ask Brian at the Elephant Farm

As for my collection, I've acquired a few autos and some other items I wasn't prepared to post pictures of yet. My boss gave me an auto'd bat a few months ago. I was extremely grateful even though, the autos seem to be mostly of the hated ones. I have added Vida Blue to it, who happened to be signing at the local grand opening of Dick's Sporting Goods here in town. I've been buying blaster boxes here and there. I have slowed a bit to save cash and hopefully buy a box or two of something nice to possibly sell off or do a box break. We will have to see how things go.

I hope to be posting regularly again. I haven't posted much since my new job and new baby. But since the season is over, I hopefully will have some time to write...hmm..2 kids now...WE WILL SEE!

#GoDodgers

#Section117