Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2019 20:15:36 GMT -5
Los Angeles, CA - Today, the Dodgers made a stunning move by dealing away starter Don Hood who had been the team's ace for the past 5.5 seasons.
Hood signed with the Dodgers on February 3rd, 1980 for 6 years and $119,999,994. The signing was a curious one at the time, as new ownership had taken control of the team and was purging veterans for prospects - cleaning out the old to rebuild with "their guys." The signing was widely panned at the time - some shocked that Hood got 6 years, others shocked at the money. But the move turned out to be a symbolic one for LA.
While moving out their other veteran pitchers and turning to youth, the Dodgers knew they needed a veteran presence to lead by example. Hood was young enough that the Dodgers felt he would still be at the top of his game when they planned to contend. So they made the jump and offered Hood a lot of money to get his innings and show the young guys what it takes to be a major leaguer on some not-very-competitive teams.
In 1980, the club went 66-96, finishing 4th in the division and 49 games out. Hood earned every last dollar, somehow going 17-7 on a team that was 66-96. They were 49-89 in games not decided by Hood. In 1981, Hood suffered a torn tricep and bone chips in his elbow which sodelined him for roughly 18 weeks combined. The club managed to go 80-82 despite Hood missing most of the summer. Hood was excellent when healthy, pitching to a 1.73 ERA but he only made 22 starts. They were still 4th in the division, but crept up to 30 games out. That set the stage for their big jump in 1982. The club went 105-57, a 25 game improvement over the previous year, and leapfrogged everyone to go worst to first in the West. Hood led the way, going 17-6 in 33 starts with a 1.92 ERA over 248 IP. The season ended in disappointing fashion however, as LA was eliminated by the Wild Card Giants. Everything came together for the club in '83 as Hood led the Dodgers to a World Series Championship in his worse season with a 14-10 record and 2.95 ERA. He was back to 18-8 2.93 in 1984 in 242 IP.
However, he entered the last year of his contract with the Dodgers in 1985. Truth be told, the Dodgers had been planning for this and building this team to move on from Hood at the end of his free agent contract. Hood was brought in to change the culture and begin changing expectations. The club drafted Tom Henke and Jeff Calhoun to groom and learn under Hood. Today the torch has been passed.
Henke and Calhoun have proven to be ready to be the veteran leaders on the staff and its their turn to help groom Sid Fernandez, Billy Taylor and other young arms. The writing has been on the wall since the day the contract was signed - set to turn 36 in October, it was never likely an extension would happen. The club decided to officially turn the reigns over to the young pitchers and move on from Hood 2 months early in order to get a return on an expiring asset. The club feels confident in both their younger pitchers and their depth.
The Kansas City Royals, with the league's leading offense, a bottom half pitching staff, and the desire to make a move provided the perfect storm to be able to strike a deal.
It was an extremely bittersweet day as the Dodgers will forever be greatful for Hood's experience, leadership, and work ethic. He was the quintessential Dodger both on and off the field.
Hood ends his Dodgers career with 170 starts for the Dodgers covering 1224.1 IP. He had an 82-41 record across 5.5 seasons, good for a .667 winning percentage. In those 1224.1 innings, he allowed 774 hits, 262 walks, 377 runs, 338 earned runs, struck out 888 with 34 complete games and 15 shutouts. He pitched to a 2.48 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 6.52 K/9 and 3.39 K:BB ratio.
In addition to his dominant regular season performance, he also started 9 playoff games in 3 seasons for the Dodgers, going 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and and 0.82 WHIP.
There is no doubt the Dodgers will miss his veteran leadership, but they firmly believe Henke and Calhoun are ready to carry the torch.
We wish Don the best of luck and hope he pitches the Royals into the World Series.
