Too many cooks spoil the stew is an old saying you often hear. Who thinks these old sayings up, anyway?
However, if you really analyze that saying, it is sooooooo true. You have to have one guy in charge of the stew - whether it’s good or bad, so that you know who to commend or who to fire.
The Dodgers have had two hitting coaches for a couple of years with Pentland and Matttingly and Pentland and Hansen. Maybe the common denominator was Pentland, but I think one coach makes the most sense. I don’t care what anyone says, there needs to be one boss. Hitters need to have one place where the buck stops. Sometimes it’s not so much the method, but rather the “belief” in the method.
A hitters’ greatest ally is confidence, and belief in what he is doing is paramount. Dave Hansen is now the Dodgers ONLY hitting coach and I think this bodes well for the Dodgers. The reason is that they have two left-handed hitters who underachieved most of last season, namely Andre Ethier and James Loney. Dave Hansen happens to be a lefty as well, and I think that it can’t hurt to be able to rely on a fellow left-handed hitter to help with your swing… as well as your confidence.
I have read analysis of the fact that in some bloggers opinions, Dave Hansen taking over as the sole hitting instructor had nothing to do with James Loneys’ resurgence. OK, Whatever…. I just know what I see and I saw a different James Loney under Dave Hansen. Some say his resurgence started before that. Whatever …. I just use my eyes and James Loney was just a much better hitter under Dave Hansen.
Last season, James Loney was a lost cause the first half and Andre Ethier had less power than most Girl Scouts. Maybe ONE VOICE can make a difference to them – I know it would sure make a huge difference to how many games the Dodgers win if Loney could OPS .850 or so and if Andre Ethier could OPS .950 or so. They are both capable…
Pentland sure did not get it done.
I hope Hansen is the answer.
You are correct – if Loney and Ethier can have good seasons, the Dodgers should do well.
I agree with some of the writers — the Dodgers should go out there and sign Fiedler, thus moving the club up the ladder of quality for new ownership.
Without that kind of big bat to go with the present roster — the team will be pushing to win. With the big bat — the team will be in the drivers seat.
Also, notice that some 10 teams are talking to Broxton.
They are talking to Broxton because they think they might be able to get him on the cheap. He might re-sign with the Dodgers. Who knows?
I think Loney will get about $6 mil in arbitration unless they settle.
i wouldn’t mind signing broxton for a one year deal. so whats loneys status is he set to make more $ nxt year?
broxton is to fat…he need to do what the giants did to sandoval.and then maybe he can be a good picture again..
Broxton said that he wanted to be near his home in Georgia — so he is going to sign with K.C. — well, if you get back far enough from a map of the U.S. — K.C. is not really that far from Georgia.
I wish him the best . . .
Bye Bye Broxton. No more heated discussions about this clown. Don’t let the door hit you on your big a$$.
I have a source in KC telling me Broxton’s deal hinged on the amount of BBQ provided in the bullpen.
In related news the Dodgers have saved a tremendous amount of money now that Broxton’s one old pant leg can be used to make 2 full uniforms for Dee Gordon. I am positive the savings will be passed along to us fans.
Here is looking forward to another major splash in free agency. Juan Pierre is still available…..
Ned is now pulling “a Ned.”
Signing and about to sign some senior citizens to fill out the Spring Training roster.
1. Wil Ledezma. Age 30. Has had 7 different numbers in the major leagues: 41, 49, 49 (different club), 46, 41, 36, 58.
He has played 9 major league seasons with 7 different clubs: Detroit, San Diego, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Washington, and Toronto.
He has been in 192 games and started 40 of those games.
He has struck out 283 and walked a total (get this =) of 196. But in 396 innings at least it is not one per inning.
ERA is 5.40. That is the outer zone for pitchers before they are sent down, or back farther in the pen.
BUT maybe, Ned sees a jewel here.
2. Tony Jackson tells us the Dodgers might sign Adam Kennedy. Now 35.
He also has has 7 different numbers on his back. He has played for 5 different teams over 13 seasons.
Batting average = .272. Looking at his record, he never even once led the league in anything.
He has made over $20 million dollars in his career in salary.
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So who is next . . . the X man !!!! to come home.
I Knew Miles and Kennedy is no Aaron Miles.