We did Christmas on Christmas Eve, and it was spectacular. My youngest son got me the coolest gift ever! I just re-did my office, and I had wall space for a nice three or four-foot picture or painting. I was not sure what I was going to put there. Of course, I raised Stephen to be a good LA Dodger Fan, and he and his wife surprised me with this:
My daughter-in-law was positively giddy when she came in. She said, “I can’t wait until you see what we got you.” And she was right. A signed Vin Scully photo was taken from right behind the mike at his point of view. After I mount it today, I’ll post the photo.
Today, we just chill… and I mean CHILL. It is 6 degrees F as I write this. It was -14 below F on Thursday, and by the end of this week, it is supposed to be back up to 60 degrees F. Wow! Someone said it best yesterday: The best gift is just the family together. My oldest son did not get anyone a gift. Instead, he announced that he was taking the entire family to the Dominican Republic in February for an all-expense 4-day getaway. That’s about 25 people. I said,” do you know how much that is?” He said, “dad, I got this!” He is s steady cam operator in NYC and just completed a job in Toronto where he made $3,800.00 a day for three weeks.
The movie he shot in the Dominican three years ago is ready to be released. It’s called “Winter Ball.” I’m anxious to see it. This was taken at San Pedro De Macoris as he was shooting! It’s a 75-pound rig that he sometimes has to run with.
Back to Dodger Baseball
There has been a lot of clamor from Dodger fans to trade for Bryan Reynolds. Bryan Reynolds is a nice player, but he is not a great defender, and many baseball people think he belongs in LF. I think he would be a nice addition, but at what cost? Some have suggested Trading Miller, Pages, and Pepiot for Reynolds… and I think the Pirates would make that trade. However, what are you giving up?
- Bobby Miller – He has ACE or #2 as a ceiling.
- Andy Pages – Think Marcel Ozuna (with a better arm and not beating his wife), and he could be ready later next season.
- Ryan Pepiot – This will be a #4 or #5 or at worst, a high-leverage reliever.
I think by wanting Instant Gratification with Bryan Reynolds, you will actually be a less-talented team. No to Bryan Reynolds (for now). Let’s address this at the Trade Deadline. Patience Grasshoppers!
Bear, I love your sarcasm and stupid T- shirt. I’m getting one made up!
Found mine at Wal-Mart. Merry Christmas Mark and all our site friends. Be safe and stay warm. Temps here are in the forties now after subzero temps for about 4 days. Still have some snow on the ground so it is a semi-white Christmas. Absolutely the best gift for a Dodger fan Mark! Awesome. I sure miss Vin’s voice.
Coolest gift ever:
Thank you, Stephen and Rhiannon!
Merry Christmas LADT brethren. Can’t wait for the calendar to turn to 2023 and soon thereafter pitchers and catchers will report to Camelback. I’m thinking a quick trip to Phoenix in March might be in order, assuming I can talk the wife into it.
I’ve been to ST many times to both Vero Beach and CBR and enjoy it every time. I try to go early and watch BP and the infield/outfield drills and then take in the game. A lot of fun. Anyone thinking about attending this year?
I am, but it is going to be tough because of several other trips and the fact that I have been having a lot of back issues. I have been in PT for five weeks. I see my orthopedic surgeon next week, then an MRI, and I will have a better idea. Right now, I am having a great deal of difficulty walking and can only stand for 2 or 3 minutes at a time. The good thing is that it does not hurt when sitting or laying down.
This too shall pass. I just don’t know how invasive the solution will be. I do plan to go to the Freeway Series in LA. I will be in Napa for a wedding the day before.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday, but especially those dealing with the “bomb cyclone.” Dang, that’s cold and pretty scary.
It’s the typically sunny and warm(ish) Christmas in SoCal. We came home from Hong Kong for the holidays and tomorrow the young uncles are taking the kids snowboarding at Big Bear.
As for the Dodgers….
Fully agree that Reynolds seems overpriced now, but another proven outfielder would be nice to have. Somehow I just don’t think Duggar is the answer. Or Heyward–but it would be fun if he gets some mojo back. League-average would be a win.
You can’t count on any of those guys… but sometimes crazy stuff happens, and we get to witness it. Never expect it, but be open to it. That’s the beauty of baseball.
Who would think that a shot of the back of his head could bring such emotions I got at first glance. I bet you stare at it almost endlessly. Just cool! Vin was the best example of a man ever!
Oh man, that is a great gift Mark! What a cool way to depict Vin looking over the field from heaven (his broadcasting booth).
I got a Vin present as well and I’ll be wearing it on opening day this year. It’s Time For Dodgers Baseball t-shit.