Bang the drum slowly for another Dodger season. Now the long wait ’til next year. It was fun the first half, being at the top of the Major League food chain for, well, it seemed like forever. The southpaw, Clayton Kershaw, started out a little rocky, but he eventually found his way. Matt Kemp started the year like the MVP we all know he should be, then injuries plagued him. There were nice surprises in the infield, like Mark Ellis and Luis Cruuuuuuuz. But the boffo moves made mid-season seemed to put the kibosh on the chemistry, and no amount of bobbleheads could get some people to buy a ticket for a seamstitch, leaving the stadium eerily half-full much of the time. Anyway, we need to start looking forward, and not back. Something for the owners to keep in mind in their sophomore year: Dodger fans like likable players. Sure, they still have to hit, but they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Case in point, the awesome catcher A.J. Ellis. It took him a long time to be the Dodgers catcher, he did a great job, and he should still be here come April. Period. Same with second baseman Mark Ellis. Reliable and solid (that base-running blunder Tuesday was not the reason the team didn’t make the playoffs). And the aforementioned Cinderella story third baseman Luis Cruuuuuuuuz! (It can only be spelled with numerous U’s.) His ability, personality and attitude are the epitome of Dodger spirit. He is a joyous surprise, and we want him to stick around. See you next year, with new paintings and great expectations!

As Fate Would Have It

(Last game of 2012 season, Oct. 3, 2012)

As fate would have it
Cosmic autumn forces howl
Let’s close this blue book

From darkness and silence we explode.

(Image: Right fielder Andre Ethier)