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So many of us know the classic song ”Take Me Out to the Ballgame” like the back of our hand.  Well now, MLB and Baby Ruth have launched a contest looking for the “most talented performance” of the song by a fan.  Full details will be available on the contest’s Web site as of March 31, but the best part is that the winner of the contest gets to lead the crowd in singing the historic song at the 2008 All-Star Game in New York City!  Pretty damn cool.

PS - In the spirit of full disclosure, I should note that I work with Baby Ruth on this project.  Still, it’s such a cool promotion that I know I would have mentioned it even if I wasn’t involved. 

No sooner do I finish my post on Hu’s potential move to 3rd base, that I see the following bit o’ news from the Kansas City Star:

The rumor mill is picking up. One has the Royals discussing a deal to send utilityman Esteban German to the Dodgers for right-handed pitchers Jonathan Meloan and Miguel Pinango.

This is one of those potential trades that makes me cringe. A trade like this says the Dodgers just don’t have the confidence in Hu or DeWitt, either of whom I’d love to see the Dodgers at least give a shot to at third base. If I were to describe German it would be ho-hum at best. Listen to these 2007 numbers: 264 average, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 11 steals. A serviceable starter, but that’s about it. Note: he was a bench player on my fantasy team last year so I’ve kept a close eye on the guy over the course of the past season. In short, nothing special.

Let’s look at the Dodgers rumored to be involved in this deal: Meloan was the MLB.com Double-A Relief Pitcher of the Year and a Baseball America Double-A All-Star who ended the season in Triple-A. A good potential set-up guy for the future. Just based on these stats, I’d like to keep the guy. Pinango is a Triple-A starter who went 10-7 with a 4.20 ERA. Don’t know much about him.

The real question is what does German bring to the Dodgers that Hu and DeWitt do not? DeWitt is a stud in the making. Sure, he’s young and starting in the bigs is probably a huge step for the kid, but again, does German help the team significantly more than the guys we already have? German is versatile, and can play around the infield, but I’m not sold on him. You know what I think, now share your opinion!

As reported in numerous media outlets, the Dodgers will try Chin-Lung Hu at third base as a possible short-term replacement for Nomar and Andy LaRoche.  I actually really like this move.  What I don’t want to see is the Dodgers trade for some aging third baseman and give up one of the kids in the process.  I know the blogs are full of people doubting Juan Pierre and are eager to see him go, but I still think he brings something to the table with his speed and am glad to see him in the lineup for today’s game (along with Hu on third).  Let’s see how Hu does today and if the infielder can adapt to the quicker pace that the corner position demands over his usual second base.

After reading about how the Dodgers will be bringing many of the great physical landmarks from Dodgertown back to Glendale, AZ as well as to Dodger Stadium, it got me thinking about how this memorabilia should be displayed.  Coincidentally, the same topic was being discussed on the Loose Cannons radio program on KLAC-AM this afternoon.

Personally, I’m a fan of constructing a Dodgers Hall of Fame of some sort on the grounds of Dodger Stadium.  It would be a tremendous way to showcase the great history and spirit of the franchise, while also celebrating the team of today.  With Dodgertown most likely shutting its doors for the last time, this makes even more sense then it did a few years ago, as it gives fans a chance to experience this monumental place - a place that many have not had a chance to see in person.

What I would love to see is the Dodgers establish a small park back behind the left and right field pavillions where the spirit of Dodgertown could be brought to life.  Imagine the old lamp posts and street signs of former Dodgers greeting people as they make their way from the parking lots to the stadium.  If done properly, it could be a place for families to picnic before the game.  I commend the Dodgers for bringing their history with them.  Now let’s see how they bring it to life for the fans.

It’s hard to believe the Dodgers last game in Vero Beach is tomorrow (Monday).  I for one am more than a little sad to have not been able to make the trip out there for all of the great history and memories that the place holds for the franchise.  That said, I’m also becoming very excited about the Dodgers new home in Arizona!

I’ve had the good fortune to have good to Spring Training games for the Mariners for several years in Peoria, AZ and there is something special about being able to drive to see any number of teams play on a given lazy Spring afternoon.

In any case, be sure and check out the following article from Monday’s USA Today.  Tommy gives his final reflection back on Vero, and I think it’s appropriate we give this special place it’s due as we begin the transition to Arizona.  It’s only fitting that Lasorda manage the team’s last game in Vero Beach.  It’s a fitting tribute to one of the greatest personalities to ever be associated with the Dodger franchise.