Blame management, not the vets or the kids

The Dodgers have been extremely interesting to watch for all the wrong reasons.

Here is a big-market team with a huge payroll, yet their fans seem content with a youth movement.

With a growing payroll, most of a roster back from last year’s playoff team, and a theoretically great farm system, how are the Dodgers in fourth place? And how are their fans not up in arms about this? The Dodgers have to be the biggest disappointment in baseball this year.

Last week, Jeff Kent spoke up against the organization for entering a youth movement, and since, there has been reaction against the veterans and against the youth movement. But I haven’t seen many fingers pointed at management by prominent media members or bloggers, with the exception of T.J. Simers, who as much as I love his work, few seem to ever listen to what he says.

The real issue is not whether the veterans or the kids are the better players for the Dodgers right now, it’s why the Dodgers had to go to a youth movement in the first place. If they spent their money wisely, and hadn’t signed Juan Pierre to that monster contract, hadn’t signed Nomar Garciaparra to a multi-year deal, hadn’t given Jason Schmidt a multi-year deal, hadn’t trusted Randy Wolf to be healthy this season and hadn’t given Rafael Furcal that huge contract, not playing the young guys wouldn’t even be an issue.

Links of the Day: In case you forgot, Steve Phillips is an idiot

Ever wonder how accurate all those people who made baseball predictions back in April did? Well, Vegas Watch did their homework and found out. Anyone who watches ESPN can guess who had the worst predictions. (Vegas Watch)

A blogger who was actually in the Angels’ clubhouse during their AL West-winning celebration. That must have been very cool. (Have Adrenaline — Will Travel)

Jose Offerman has to know that there’s pictures of him swinging a bat at a pitcher all over the place. So how is he pleading not guilty? (Hugging Harold Reynolds)

Which NFL division sucks the most? (Signal to Noise)

Cubs fans are being forced to root for the Cardinals this week (they play the Brewers). They’re not exactly enjoying it. Baseball is great. (A League of Her Own)

Maybe the San Diego Chargers should be yearning for the days of Marty Schottenheimer. Or you could just check out the video of Dr. Rivera from The Simpsons. (We Suck at Sports)