This weekend the Dodgers announced that Don Mattingly will take over the reigns next year. Rumors were swirling that Tim Wallach would be the next in line, but it seems that the Dodgers have been planning this all year….so much that they already gave Don Mattingly an extension before the season began.

If you read my last post, this wasn’t a big surprise to me.  It’s obvious that the Dodgers are holding to their core players, and Joe Torre didn’t want the job anymore.

Personally, I think it’s a good switch, but we’ll see if it works out. The Dodgers did need change. They counted on the kids and this year the kids went backwards. They either needed new kids, or someone who could better motivate the kids. As much as Larry Bowa and Joe Torre gave old school tough love, it just didn’t seem to be working.  The Dodgers have good talent, but it is obvious now how far down you can go on what you “should” be able to do, rather than what you actually do do.

To be frank, the last two weeks have just stunk up here in the Bay Area.  The Giants and Dodgers have switched roles this year.  The Giants are fighting to get into the playoffs, and the Dodgers are out.  The problem this year is that the Dodgers are so far out, they aren’t even trying to play spoilers.  They honestly look like they have just rolled over and died.  The starting pitching is a gem, but the offense is just pathetic.  That’s my only concern with Don Mattingly.  His job of making sure the offense works, hasn’t worked very well of late.  Hopefully that isn’t a direct translation to managing…which he hasn’t officially done before.

I do give the Giants credit.  When you are heading to the playoffs, you should be able to roll over the weaker teams.  The Giants rolled over the Dodgers in the last two series.  Clayton Kershaw was a one man team last week, but it’s just too bad he can’t pitch everyday.

I saw the Giants play the Brewers on Sunday, and they look good right now.  They picked up good veterans in Jose Guillen and Pat Burrell, and Buster Posey is a stud.  I hope he can play for a long time because he is fun to watch.  He has a sweet swing, and it just seems far to easy for him to drive it to the gaps.  If he can stay healthy, he will help the Giants for a long time.

The Giants look like a team ready for the playoffs.  They have strong pitching, offense and relief pitching, and may very well hold off the Padres.

It’s a funny thing living out of town when your own team stinks.  I have always been a baseball fan, more than even a Dodgers fan, so it is fun to hear about the struggles of the Giants and see them put together a good team.  I’m still not going to root for them, but good baseball is fun to watch, and right now their playing good baseball.  Ironically, hopefully the Dodgers can get back to this level next year.

On a personal note, the title of this post had a deeper meaning.  For now, this is going to be my last post.  I’ll leave the site up for now , but I have some new pursuits to go after, largely music.  I’ve enjoyed writing about the Dodgers, but it’s time for change.  If anyone is interested in taking over the site, please e-mail me at scott@sfdodgerfan.com.  The site will need a new banner though.  I love the picture of Manny at AT&T park, but alas his ship has sailed away. 

Many thanks to all of you who subscribed over the last 2 years.  I don’t know all of you personally, but I definitely appreciated your support. 

Happy Trails All – Go Blue.

Edgar Renteria from Mlb.com

So as the off-season started, the Giant’s seemed to be the only team working.  They quickly grabbed two relievers and then Edgar Renteria.  I actually think the reliever strategy is a good one.  Just ask the Tampa Bay Rays how important it is to re-stock with relievers.  It’s what gets you to your closer, and it’s what got them to the post-season.  With the Dodgers losing Biemel and Saito, I’m actually a little concerned about the Dodger’s bullpen at this point.

Honestly, I don’t know much about the relievers they got, but their numbers are decent, so it should be a help.  The pick up of Renteria is a good one though.  He consistently did good in the National League, and he should instantly help their offense.  He will play decent defense, and even though he won’t be as slick as Omar Vizquel, he will be good.

It was funny up here to see Brian Sabean’s reaction to the whole Sabathia signing.  It came across that the Giant’s were in the mix, but really they weren’t.  Apparently as a GM, he was mad that the fans were mislead.  Fair enough, but it was unlikely anyway since they have pitching and just recently signed Zito.

Given relievers and Renteria, they are only 1 or 2 bats away from really being good.  I thought they should go hard after Teixeira, but apparently he wanted the East Coast.  Burrell might be a good option for them, despite their want to go younger.  If they really wanted to spur on the rivalry, they could go for Manny, but that again doesn’t make sense with their want to go younger.