Dodgers: One beat writer left

[dragonfly]

I don't think that's the case Moon...

From what I've heard, the decision was made to cover only home games, and if that's the case...

Not saying I agree with it, but honestly baseball is probably the most expensive beat to cover because of the sheer number of away games. I think this is going to start happening all over the place pretty soon, if it hasn't already.

 

[fishwrapper]

I don't think that's the case Moon...

From what I've heard, the decision was made to cover only home games, and if that's the case...

Not saying I agree with it, but honestly baseball is probably the most expensive beat to cover because of the sheer number of away games. I think this is going to start happening all over the place pretty soon, if it hasn't already.

Then why bother? If this paper -- AND THIS "GROUP" -- are not going to staff a hugely popular franchise with a dedicated fanbase and readership, then you it might as well become a mailer.
Dean Singleton focuses his anger and disgust toward Eric Schmidt when the assclown should look in the ****ing mirror. He has been dismantling franchises and institutions for over three decades and in that course has become a media icon or mogul. He is an opportunist making his way to a coffin on the dedication and service of poorly-paid professionals.
He has ruined our profession.

 

[GBNF]

I'm stunned. Just speechless. Wow. I...I...wow.

 

[trench]

Talk about pressure to break news... When you're the only traveling writer, how do you explain getting beaten by a phone call from AP or a press release?

 

[BYH]

And the way the Times is going, we'll be able to update this thread in a few weeks.

 

[MileHigh]

With all of the editing shifting to Chicago, perhaps the writing will soon follow.

How soon before the Chicago Tribune covers a Dodgers-Cubs game at Wrigley for the Times? And vice versa?

 

[SoCalDude]

From the 70s and 80s, the heyday of the beat, here are the papers that traveled regularly and some of the writers:
Times: Mark Heisler, Gordon Edes, Sam McManis.
Herald-Examiner: Lyle Spencer, Ken Gurnick.
L.A. Daily News: Toby Zwikel, Gurnick, John Lowe (and also columnist Bob Hunter).
Pasadena: Terry Johnson, Steve Hunt, Matt McHale.
Santa Monica: Dave Daniel, Mike Martinez, Chris Long.
Torrance: Chris Mortensen, Terry Johnson.
Long Beach: Gordie Verrell.
San Bernardino: Steve Dilbeck.
Orange County Register: John Strege, Pete Schmuck, Randy Youngman.

 

[BillyT]

A question from someone not tuned into MLB coverage: How many writers are traveling with other teams.

I am sure it's not this bad, but there have to be fewer papers on the beat alll the time now.

 

[Birdscribe]

From the 70s and 80s, the heyday of the beat, here are the papers that traveled regularly and some of the writers:
Times: Mark Heisler, Gordon Edes, Sam McManis.
Herald-Examiner: Lyle Spencer, Ken Gurnick.
L.A. Daily News: Toby Zwikel, Gurnick, John Lowe (and also columnist Bob Hunter).
Pasadena: Terry Johnson, Steve Hunt, Matt McHale.
Santa Monica: Dave Daniel, Mike Martinez, Chris Long.
Torrance: Chris Mortensen, Terry Johnson.
Long Beach: Gordie Verrell.
San Bernardino: Steve Dilbeck.
Orange County Register: John Strege, Pete Schmuck, Randy Youngman.

Wow. Bit O' talent there...

Gotta love that Toby Zwikel guy. ;D And Chris Long, Steve Dilbeck and John Strege aren't bad fellows either.

RIP Terry Johnson, a former president of the SoCal Chapter of the BBWAA.

 

[Tracy Ringolsby]

From the 70s and 80s, the heyday of the beat, here are the papers that traveled regularly and some of the writers:
Times: Mark Heisler, Gordon Edes, Sam McManis.
Herald-Examiner: Lyle Spencer, Ken Gurnick.
L.A. Daily News: Toby Zwikel, Gurnick, John Lowe (and also columnist Bob Hunter).
Pasadena: Terry Johnson, Steve Hunt, Matt McHale.
Santa Monica: Dave Daniel, Mike Martinez, Chris Long.
Torrance: Chris Mortensen, Terry Johnson.
Long Beach: Gordie Verrell.
San Bernardino: Steve Dilbeck.
Orange County Register: John Strege, Pete Schmuck, Randy Youngman.

Wow. Bit O' talent there...

Gotta love that Toby Zwikel guy. ;D And Chris Long, Steve Dilbeck and John Strege aren't bad fellows either.

RIP Terry Johnson, a former president of the SoCal Chapter of the BBWAA.

From LA Times don't forget Don Merry, Mike Littwin and Ross Newhan. Back in the 70s the times also switch beat writers with the Angels at the All-Star Break.

 

[Piotr Rasputin]

I'm stunned. Just speechless. Wow. I...I...wow.

After what happened with Steve Dilbeck (and Kevin Modesti, and Paul Oberjuerge, and numerous others, etc.) absolutely nothing shocks me about the LA Daily News or the entire Singleton group at this point.

OK . . . .truly, nothing shocked me before that. The big problem is, Singleton has become a trendsetter in this business. He consolidated pro coverage in a big market like LA, and others followed. This will not be the last time we hear about a major market dropping MLB road coverage - and isn't the first time, sadly.

 

[21]

From the 70s and 80s, the heyday of the beat, here are the papers that traveled regularly and some of the writers:
Times: Mark Heisler, Gordon Edes, Sam McManis.
Herald-Examiner: Lyle Spencer, Ken Gurnick.
L.A. Daily News: Toby Zwikel, Gurnick, John Lowe (and also columnist Bob Hunter).
Pasadena: Terry Johnson, Steve Hunt, Matt McHale.
Santa Monica: Dave Daniel, Mike Martinez, Chris Long.
Torrance: Chris Mortensen, Terry Johnson.
Long Beach: Gordie Verrell.
San Bernardino: Steve Dilbeck.
Orange County Register: John Strege, Pete Schmuck, Randy Youngman.

Wow, those are some names....and a lot of memories of starting out in the business. But didn't Toby Zwikel work in PR for the Dodgers?

 

[Birdscribe]

From the 70s and 80s, the heyday of the beat, here are the papers that traveled regularly and some of the writers:
Times: Mark Heisler, Gordon Edes, Sam McManis.
Herald-Examiner: Lyle Spencer, Ken Gurnick.
L.A. Daily News: Toby Zwikel, Gurnick, John Lowe (and also columnist Bob Hunter).
Pasadena: Terry Johnson, Steve Hunt, Matt McHale.
Santa Monica: Dave Daniel, Mike Martinez, Chris Long.
Torrance: Chris Mortensen, Terry Johnson.
Long Beach: Gordie Verrell.
San Bernardino: Steve Dilbeck.
Orange County Register: John Strege, Pete Schmuck, Randy Youngman.

Wow, those are some names....and a lot of memories of starting out in the business. But didn't Toby Zwikel work in PR for the Dodgers?

Yes he did, 21. For eight years.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

Hey, Mr. Scott Newman traveled with the Dodgers at some point.

 

[SoCalDude]

Toby covered the Dodgers before he worked for them.

 

[SoCalDude]

Hey, Mr. Scott Newman traveled with the Dodgers at some point.

True fact. Pasadena. Mark Langill also covered for Pasadena, too, before going to work for the Dodgers.

 

[YankeeFan]

Back in the 70s the times also switch beat writers with the Angels at the All-Star Break.

Why'd they do that?

 

[21]

Back in the 70s the times also switch beat writers with the Angels at the All-Star Break.

Why'd they do that?

Cubs and White Sox writers also used to switch at the All-Star Break, I don't know if they still have any writers covering those teams do that.

 

[YankeeFan]

Back in the 70s the times also switch beat writers with the Angels at the All-Star Break.

Why'd they do that?

Cubs and White Sox writers also used to switch at the All-Star Break, I don't know if they still have any writers covering those teams do that.

Kind of cool that they got to visit all of the American & National League cities.

 

[Joe Williams]

Back in the 70s the times also switch beat writers with the Angels at the All-Star Break.

Why'd they do that?

Cubs and White Sox writers also used to switch at the All-Star Break, I don't know if they still have any writers covering those teams do that.

Kind of cool that they got to visit all of the American & National League cities.

Which, of course, is why their papers let them do it! 8)