> OCTOBER 2003



October 30, 2003
"My house burned, but I got a bobblehead!"

Responding to the devastating wildfires in Southern California, the Dodgers stepped up on Wednesday, giving evacuees just what they needed: Dodger crap. During a two-hour visit to an evacuation center in San Bernardino, Jim Tracy, Glenn Hoffman, and Shawn Green handed out visors, Tommy Lasorda dolls, and bobbleheads. After deciding earlier in the week to buy out the remaining year of Brian Jordan's contract, the Dodgers were left with thousands of still-wrapped BJ bobbleheads. Jim Tracy initially brought them home to his children, but after they began tearing off BJ's limbs, the Dodger manager (of the moment, at least) decided to donate them to a more worthy cause. Hundreds of children at the San Bernardino evacuation center were given a BJ bobblehead, although many were seen immediately throwing them into the fire. Just days earlier, Tracy's Claremont home was threatened by the fire. The Dodgers organization, however, rebuffed Tracy's request to use Mike Kinkade and Jason Romano to hose down his roof.

October 25, 2003
Exciting news: Dodgers re-sign Kida

To the pleasure of hundreds of thousands of Dodger fans who know the future of the organization rests on his shoulders, the Dodgers announced on Friday that they have signed pitcher Masao Kida to a minor league contract. Kida was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three games for the Dodgers in 2003. Fans can now rest easy this winter. In other mind-blowing news, the Dodgers have announced that the entire groundscrew will be retained for 2004, the palm trees behind the Dodger bullpen have grown two inches since 1997, and the team will continue to wear hats. Meanwhile, the LA Times reported on Wednesday that Frank McCourt's 22-year-old son might have a significant role with the team once the ownership change is approved. Unless the kid can drive in 100 runs or work the Carls Jr. registers faster than the 95-year-olds who work them now, nobody needs him.

October 20, 2003
Dodgers to unveil new uniforms

While the McCourt group's purchase of the Dodgers has yet to be approved by Major League Baseball, wholesale changes have already begun. Dodger Blues has learned that the team will soon unveil a new uniform for the 2004 season, one designed with comfort in mind. "We feel that traditional baseball uniforms are a bit too restrictive," said McCourt advisor Corey Busch. "We've done some research and it's clear to us that the Dodgers' lack of offense in 2003 had a lot to do with uncomfortable pants. Those things can get hot." The new uniforms, designed to keep the Dodgers cool, feature cut-off jean shorts and a t-shirt tied above the belly. "We realize that it's a bit unconventional, and some people may laugh at us," said Busch, "but once we're leading the league in batting, we'll see who has the last laugh." A few Dodger players seemed to share that sentiment. "I think it's great," said Ron Coomer. "It'll keep me cool, and besides, I work really hard to keep my stomach flat. Finally I'll get to show it off." Dave Roberts agreed: "Coomer does work very hard on his tummy." One Dodger, however, didn't seem particularly excited. "Fuck if I care," yelled Mike Kinkade. "I just sit on the bench anyway."

October 10 , 2003
Fox finds a sucker

After five miserable years, the Fox Entertainment Group announced on Friday that they've finally come to an agreement on the sale of the Dodgers. Barring opposition from the other team owners, Boston real estate developer Frank McCourt will soon take over ownership of the Dodgers. We're not talking about the same Frank McCourt who won the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, but let's be frank: even the author could run the Dodgers better than Fox. Hell, a retarded duck would know better than to trade Mike Piazza. Speaking of retards, here's what Peter Chernin—president and chief operating officer of the Fox Entertainment Group—had to say about the sale: "We have been privileged to own one of America's most enduring sports franchises for more than five years." And here's what Dodger Blues has to say to Chernin: "Fuck off, Peter." As for the agreement to buy the team, inside sources reveal that McCourt will complete the sale only under one condition: Fox must take Todd Hundley with them.

October 5 , 2003
Dodger fans can experience pleasure after all

While the Dodgers' season gave fans little to get excited about, the playoffs have been a different story. The Giants have been eliminated—knocked off by the underdog Marlins in four games—and Dodger fans should take great pleasure in this beautiful event. Rub it in to your Giant-loving friends (whose friendship, incidentally, you should question). See how many times this winter you can mention J.T. Snow in a conversation. Or Jose Cruz, Jr. Sure, a Giants fan will probably make some crack like, "Well, at least we made the playoffs," but truthfully how magnificent is a 100-win season when you win just one postseason game? Now is the time for Dodger fans to forget about Daryle Ward's ass, Ron Coomer's gut, Brian Jordan's worthless bobble-head, and Darren Dreifort's wasted salary. Stop thinking about Dan Evans' pink shirts for a minute and celebrate the Giants' failure. Pathetic perhaps, to only gain pleasure through someone else's misery? Maybe. But enjoyable? Hell yes.