Going Going Gone

As Vin Scully has said for so many years, "going, going, gone" appears to apply to Shawn Green, right fielder and first baseman for the Dodgers. The probable trade to the Diamondbacks are for catcher Dioner Navarro and pitcher William Juarez, two strong prospects who will have to prove themselves.

When Frank McCourt bought the Dodgers it was rumored he would raze Dodger Stadium and build condos. In fact, it's Paul DePodesta, Dodger GM, who is apparently razing the Dodger team, all under the careful eye and approval of McCourt.

Here is a list of who will not be back in 2005:
Dave Roberts, Juan Encarnacion, Shawn Green, Alex Cora, Adrian Beltre, Paul Lo Duca, Hideo Nomo, Masao Kida, Jose Lima, Tom Martin, Guillermo Mota, Rodney Myers, Paul Shuey, Scott Stewart, Mike Venafro; Todd Hundley, Tom Wilson; Jose Hernandez, Robin Ventura and outfielder Steve Finley.

And if the Dodgers do not re-sign free agents Odalis Perez or Brent Mayne by Saturday, January 8, they will join the expanding list of former Dodgers, too. Who is left from the opening day 2004 lineup? Second baseman Cesar Izturis and center fielder Milton Bradley.

I just hope they get it right this time. The new structure must be strong, durable and long lasting. At least lasting more than one year.