LA DODGERS 2009 THREAD (1 Viewer)

[B Maverick]

Well, they made it farther then it looked like mid year. As i wrote elsewhere they need to pay Manny and keep him around. Hopefully he can help turn Kemp into the 30/30 guy that he has the tools to be.

Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, DeWitt is a good starting place.

Need a SS, 2B or 3B (DeWitt can play the other) and an OF if Manny leaves

Rotation of Billingsly, Kuroda, Kershaw, McDonald?

Resign Manny and Casey Blake

What to do with Furcal (FA) and Penny (Club Option or buyout) or Lowe (FA)?

A Jones, Schmidt possible back next year? Do we want them?

What about Pierre? Will anyone take him?

Goodbye Kent, Nomar, Maddux

Pitchers to sign? CC, Burnett, others?

Earlier this year 2B Brian Roberts was rumored to be available from Balt and was linked to LA. If LA doesnt resign Blake, maybe a move for Roberts would be good, esp if Furcal doesnt sign. Berroa did well at SS and DeWitt can move back to 3rd.

 

[Gadfly]

Furcal gone, Penny gone, Lowe gone. Don't want Jones or Schmidt, but do we really have a choice? Re-sign Manny for no more than three years. Trade Kemp in deal for Connor Jackson.

 

[Greco]

They need to invest some money in a set of gonads for Billingsley. HTH.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Responses in blue.

Well, they made it farther then it looked like mid year. As i wrote elsewhere they need to pay Manny and keep him around. Hopefully he can help turn Kemp into the 30/30 guy that he has the tools to be.

Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, DeWitt is a good starting place.

Need a SS, 2B or 3B (DeWitt can play the other) and an OF if Manny leaves

Rotation of Billingsly, Kuroda, Kershaw, McDonald?

Resign Manny and Casey Blake I agree with this, especially if we can get Manny on a 3-year or shorter deal.

What to do with Furcal (FA) and Penny (Club Option or buyout) or Lowe (FA)? I would like Furcal back, but I don't see it happening if Manny and Blake are signed. Buy Penny out pronto. I'd like to see Lowe back, but I think he'll get too much in free agency to be worth it.

A Jones, Schmidt possible back next year? Do we want them? No, I don't want them back, but nobody's going to take them. The Dodgers are stuck with them for one more season.

What about Pierre? Will anyone take him? Pierre's probably stuck here too.

Goodbye Kent, Nomar, Maddux

Pitchers to sign? CC, Burnett, others? They should go after CC, but only if there are weight clauses in his deal. Burnett wouldn't be a bad option either. Regardless, the Dodgers will need to fill out at least one starting rotation spot via free agency.

Earlier this year 2B Brian Roberts was rumored to be available from Balt and was linked to LA. If LA doesnt resign Blake, maybe a move for Roberts would be good, esp if Furcal doesnt sign. Berroa did well at SS and DeWitt can move back to 3rd.

I have to admit the prospect of so many important moves being made by Colletti scares the crap out of me. The guy has done very little right in his tenure as GM, in my opinion. Manny fell into his lap, and of course the Jones and Schmidt signings are completely on him.

 

[B Maverick]

Furcal gone, Penny gone, Lowe gone. Don't want Jones or Schmidt, but do we really have a choice? Re-sign Manny for no more than three years.

Trade Kemp in deal for Connor Jackson.

agree with the first part, not sure about the bolded part.Kemp, 24 years old, OF

176 hits, .290 ave, 93 runs, 5 triples, 18 hrs, 76 rbis, 35 SBs (5th or 6th in the league)

Jackson, 26 years old, 1B

162 Hits, .300 ave, 87 runs, 6 triples, 12 HRs, 75 rbis, 10 SBs

Pretty similar stats. BUT Kemp has more potential and the tools to be a 30/30 or better hitter with a great arm and tremendous range in center. Connor Jackson seems to be, well James Loney. And we already have Loney.

Loney, 24 years old, 1B

172 hits, .289 ave, 66 Runs, 6 triples, 13 hrs, 980 rbis, 7 SBs

and a future gold glove firstbaseman.

Kemp has the potential and is still young enough to grow into his ability. Loney is a stud at 1st (think Mark Grace). Jackson is still young and may improve but i think between Loney and Jackson I would rather roll with Loney. Trading Kemp for Jackson makes no sense whatsoever.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Kemp has the potential and is still young enough to grow into his ability. Loney is a stud at 1st (think Mark Grace). Jackson is still young and may improve but i think between Loney and Jackson I would rather roll with Loney. Trading Kemp for Jackson makes no sense whatsoever.

I agree - I liked what I saw from Loney this season, and I liked, to a lesser extent, what I saw from Kemp. If the Dodgers trade Kemp, they need to get a starting pitcher or middle infielder.Also, is Saito coming back? With Broxton doing better this year than last year in his stint as closer it doesn't seem to be as big an issue, but that's something that has to be worked out as well.

 

[B Maverick]

Kemp has the potential and is still young enough to grow into his ability. Loney is a stud at 1st (think Mark Grace). Jackson is still young and may improve but i think between Loney and Jackson I would rather roll with Loney. Trading Kemp for Jackson makes no sense whatsoever.

I agree - I liked what I saw from Loney this season, and I liked, to a lesser extent, what I saw from Kemp. If the Dodgers trade Kemp, they need to get a starting pitcher or middle infielder.Also, is Saito coming back? With Broxton doing better this year than last year in his stint as closer it doesn't seem to be as big an issue, but that's something that has to be worked out as well.

i believe saito is mid to late 30s and with his up and down year and arm issues i dont think they bring him back. Broxton showed he can handle the closers role and the NLCS experience can only make him better and smarter. I dont think we see Saito back

 

[Gadfly]

If the Dodgers could trade Kemp for Loney and have two Loneys, I'd be all for that. Here's what I like about Jackson. 59 walks and 61 strikeouts. Or, in comparison: 61 Ks for Jackson, 153 for Kemp. Guy has a great eye. His on base is .376 compared to .340 for Kemp. I think Jackson is the right kind of smart ball player. I think Kemp is a hacker who will never learn to lay off the bad pitches. He's like a less talented Mondesi.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Maverick, would you do me (us all) a favor and nix all that official and asterisks crap? We know what thread it is.

Pet peeve of mine, sorry.

...still feeling the sting.

 

[B Maverick]

If the Dodgers could trade Kemp for Loney and have two Loneys, I'd be all for that. Here's what I like about Jackson. 59 walks and 61 strikeouts. Or, in comparison: 61 Ks for Jackson, 153 for Kemp. Guy has a great eye. His on base is .376 compared to .340 for Kemp. I think Jackson is the right kind of smart ball player. I think Kemp is a hacker who will never learn to lay off the bad pitches. He's like a less talented Mondesi.

Ok, but where do you play your two loneys? Can Conner play 3rd?Sure Jackson has a great eye and less Ks then Kemp. I believe Kemp will hit .300 with 30 hrs and 30 steals. I would also rather have an OF with Kemp and Etheir then Juan Pierre, defensively that will be hard to beat.Kemp needs some guidance and hopefully Donny Baseball and retaining Manny can do that. Its a risk though, does he become Beltre or Konerko?

Maverick, would you do me (us all) a favor and nix all that official and asterisks crap? We know what thread it is. Pet peeve of mine, sorry. ...still feeling the sting.

No Worries.Done

 

[Gadfly]

Jackson played shortstop in high school, third base in college and outfield in the minors, then was moved to first with the Diamondbacks because it gave him the best chance to play. He prefers the outfield.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

No Worries.Done

 

[T Bell]

Don't trade the young'ins! Kemp has the ability to do what Adrian Beltre did in 2004, but to do that along with playing CF and stealing 30 bases. He had a bad postseason, but don't let that overshadow his good regular season and his potential. If he's traded we'll regret it because we're going to watch him hit like stud for a decade.

Dump Jones. I don't care how they do it, but they need to get rid of him. If he couldn't get motivated this year to get in shape and be serious about baseball with only a two-year contract following a poor year, then he won't do it next year either. I've never seen a player of his profile look less prepared to play than he was this season. He should be embarrassed, but I get the impression that he isn't. He's taking up space in that OF, and I don't just mean with that fat ### of his.

Resign Penny. When he's healthy, he's a solid #2 in the rotation and even a borderline #1 when things are going well. He's coming off an injury plagued season so the price shouldn't be too high, and they won't get a better deal for a starter of his quality anywhere else anyway.

Resign Furcal. He had an epically bad NLCS, but he's an excellent SS and leadoff hitter. When he's on, he's as much of a catalyst in that lineup as Manny was in terms of overall run production.

Resign Manny. I'd be ok with up to a four year contract, not because I think he'll be this good for four more years, but because he's so good it doesn't matter. He's a hitting savant. He makes a good 3 or 4 other spots in that lineup more productive just by being in that lineup, and he's completely clutch. He also added a much needed personality to a clubhouse that's been tense.

Resign Blake. He's a solid pro player who stepped up at the plate a lot of times when the team needed it. He seems like a quiet team leader, and a much better one to have in that regard than a sullen guy like Kent.

Resign Barroa. He can't hit much, but he's an excellent middle infielder to have.

Let Lowe go. I like Lowe, but he seems like he pitches down to the competition. He definitely suffered from bad luck in the run production department - I'd estimate there were a good 10 more starts he would have won during his Dodgers career with only average run production behind him in those games - and he's certainly a good big game pitcher, but I feel like they need to get someone younger there.

Find one more front line starting pitcher to replace Lowe, preferably a lefty.

Don't change the bullpen. Tim McCarver is full of ####. That bully was great all year, with or without Saito. They ended up having a bad couple of games against a very good hitting Phillies team, but they were very good. If Saito's gone, Wade and Broxton should be able to get them through the 8th and 9th innings; Beimel's still an excellent spot reliever versus lefties, and Kuo can be absolutely filthy. Between McDonald (who might end up being a starter), Park, Proctor, Troncoso and Brazoban they should be able to find good middle relief.

To me, that's the right balance of young and old, and that should be the sort of roster than can get to the playoffs next year.

 

[Gadfly]

Kemp will strike out 150+ times for the next decade. I'd much rather have a strong, smart hitter than a hacker that can steal 30 bases.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Kemp will strike out 150+ times for the next decade. I'd much rather have a strong, smart hitter than a hacker that can steal 30 bases.

He reminds me of Mondesi on anything down and away.

 

[T Bell]

Kemp will strike out 150+ times for the next decade. I'd much rather have a strong, smart hitter than a hacker that can steal 30 bases.

If he's hitting .290+ and driving in 100 runs, who cares? It's not like he's all you got in the lineup. You can hit him 5th or 6th, or even 4th if his power numbers increase, and pretty much accept his production as a bonus. I happen to think he'll become more disciplined in his approach over time, and can be another Matt Holliday.

 

[Gadfly]

Apparently the Padres are willing to deal Peavey to the Dodgers. I think the Dodgers should go after him hard. I'd be willing to trade Kemp for Peavey and put Pierre back in center.

 

[T Bell]

Apparently the Padres are willing to deal Peavey to the Dodgers. I think the Dodgers should go after him hard. I'd be willing to trade Kemp for Peavey and put Pierre back in center.

I wonder what Mariano Duncan thinks of that proposed deal. I do NOT want Pierre in the same outfield as Manny. Frankly the only way I want Pierre in the outfield is as a LF anyway - he's got the worst arm in the majors. I love him as a pesky hitter and base stealer, but it's just not worth the trade off. I don't like trading Kemp in division, even for Peavy.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

......Really bummed right now........

 

[B Maverick]

Apparently the Padres are willing to deal Peavey to the Dodgers. I think the Dodgers should go after him hard. I'd be willing to trade Kemp for Peavey and put Pierre back in center.

I wonder what Mariano Duncan thinks of that proposed deal. I do NOT want Pierre in the same outfield as Manny. Frankly the only way I want Pierre in the outfield is as a LF anyway - he's got the worst arm in the majors. I love him as a pesky hitter and base stealer, but it's just not worth the trade off.

I don't like trading Kemp in division, even for Peavy.

Plus it would probably take adding in a Kershaw or McDonald. You do not trade a LEFTY with Kershaw's stuff and MacDonald looked good in a short stint vs Phi.Pierre has asked for a trade, esp if he isnt going to play and according to the same article on dodgers.com A Jones doesnt want any part of LA and the fans booing him. He is a bit scared. BABY

Also, rumors Schmidt may have a season left in him. Latest surgery and he says his shoulder is 100x better. I am not counting on it but that could make it interesting.

They have a club option on Penny and Torre says pitching is the biggest need. Kent, Nomar probably gone. Doesnt look like Casey Blake will be back unless he is cheap. Torre seems to like DeWitt at 3B. Colleti wants Furcal back.

Didnt realize Beimel and Park were FAs. Need Beimel, Chan Ho can take him or leave him. He has value as long relief spot starter though.

*****************

article

"I still think pitching is something you have to pay attention to," said Torre, whose club could lose pitchers Derek Lowe, Brad Penny (the club holds an option), Joe Beimel and Chan Ho Park. And that doesn't count the uncertain future of closer Takashi Saito, who will be 39 and coming off an elbow injury.

"We all get caught up in the offensive part, but pitching should be front and center as far as being addressed."

Without Lowe and Penny, the thinned-out Dodgers rotation would be headed by 16-game winner Chad Billingsley and postseason star Hiroki Kuroda. Next on the depth chart is 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw, followed now by fellow rookie James McDonald, who looked quite comfortable in the postseason pressure cooker with all of six regular-season Major League innings on his resume.

Greg Maddux could return as a swingman/player coach at age 42, Scott Elbert isn't far away and, believe it or not, Jason Schmidt might be able to salvage the last season of his contract as he reports "instant relief" after his second shoulder operation.

Nonetheless, it looks like a rotation that could use a CC Sabathia, for example, especially if the bidding for Ramirez gets too frothy, not that Sabathia wouldn't be seeking $100 million or so.

"From the scuttlebutt I get," said Torre, "it will take some length to sign [Ramirez] and I think you have to think hard about that. He was certainly an 'A,' No. 1 citizen and I enjoyed having him here. To say I don't want him back, I'd be crazy. When you're a free agent, you're not doing yourself justice without seeing what's out there."

Ramirez obviously is the biggest piece in an outfield that also has dilemmas in Andruw Jones, who was a bust in his first season, and Juan Pierre, who was quietly unhappy about becoming a bench player. Two starting spots figure to be held down by Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, unless one of them is traded.

The Dodgers also have free agents in the infield to deal with. Colletti has said he will try to re-sign shortstop Rafael Furcal. For all the praise given Casey Blake for his role in solidifying the lineup before Ramirez arrived, it's not clear the club wants to pay free-agent money at third base, especially after Torre said Thursday that he sees Blake DeWitt, who finished the season at second base, as a third baseman.

If the Dodgers go that way, second base becomes a position of need. Jeff Kent said he had not decided whether to retire, but the Dodgers are not planning to bring him back. Nomar Garciaparra is another free-agent infielder who said he was considering his future, and there are indications he might retire because of health issues.

 

[T Bell]

I agree about Schmidt. They've invested the time and money in him anyway, you may as well see if he can still be a #4 or #5 starter, or even middle reliever for you. If so, that would be a big deal.

I'd love Maddux back as a player-coach. He's one of the rare guys who'd do a bang-up job on that.

Park I think you let go. The club got a great season of middle relief from him, but I've never trusted him on the mound in important situations. Maybe you consider keeping him if he comes cheap and you're having trouble filling spots on the staff.

 

[Gadfly]

Peavy has a no-trade clause and has listed the Dodgers as one of five teams he would accept a trade to, along with Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis and the Cubs. I don't see why Kemp wouldn't be enough to get Peavy. Of course you don't put in Kershaw. If it took Kemp and McDonald. maybe we can work something out.

 

[B Maverick]

i would hate giving up Kemp. I like Peavy and he would be a great acquisition but Kemp is going to be a stud. I would move McDonald and some other minor leaguers in a package similar to the santana deal for NYM. But if we are talking about major league ready players i think Kemp and McDonald are too much.

I dont think SD will take Kemp by himself in a straight up deal. Mostly for all the reasons you think they shold trade Kemp.

 

[Gadfly]

Perhaps not, but if SD really wants to deal Peavy then I'm not sure they can do better than Kemp elsewhere.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I'm a huge Kemp fan as well, but lets be honest, his attitude is a question mark at this point. No way do you get Peavy for Kemp straight up.

Kemp and Kershaw is almost exactly what the Friars are looking for, as there's a hole in CF and losing Peavy means the Pads need arms. I think that gets it done, perhaps with some lessor names on both sides included.

BLUE looks awful tough with Peavy atop that rotation...

 

[Gadfly]

Dodgers aren't going to give Kershaw and Kemp. And the Padres aren't going to get close to Kershaw and Kemp from anyone. Seriously, who are the Padres going to get better than Kemp and McDonald or Kemp and a maybe a minor-league prospect?

 

[T Bell]

I'm a huge Kemp fan as well, but lets be honest, his attitude is a question mark at this point. No way do you get Peavy for Kemp straight up.Kemp and Kershaw is almost exactly what the Friars are looking for, as there's a hole in CF and losing Peavy means the Pads need arms. I think that gets it done, perhaps with some lessor names on both sides included.BLUE looks awful tough with Peavy atop that rotation...

I agree that Peavy would look great in that rotation, but a Kemp-Kershaw price tag is waaaaaay too high. We may look back in four years after Kemp's failed to reach his potential and Kershaw's not panned out and wished that deal had been made, but for now that's just not good value IMHO. Both Kemp and Kershaw both look like future 5-star players to me.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Um, Kershaw won't be going anywhere...

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Um, Kershaw won't be going anywhere...

No way in hell - I'd personally run Colletti over with my car if he did that. I can live with a Kemp + minor league stud + low level minor leaguer with promise for Peavy, but Kemp/Kershaw? That would confirm my suspicion that he has been an anti-Dodger spy.

 

[commisholio]

Um, Kershaw won't be going anywhere...

No way in hell - I'd personally run Colletti over with my car if he did that. I can live with a Kemp + minor league stud + low level minor leaguer with promise for Peavy, but Kemp/Kershaw? That would confirm my suspicion that he has been an anti-Dodger spy.

We up here in Giant land like to refer to him as "Special Agent Ned Colletti."

 

[Regular Crust Pizza]

Um, Kershaw won't be going anywhere...

No way in hell - I'd personally run Colletti over with my car if he did that. I can live with a Kemp + minor league stud + low level minor leaguer with promise for Peavy, but Kemp/Kershaw? That would confirm my suspicion that he has been an anti-Dodger spy.

We up here in Giant land like to refer to him as "Special Agent Ned Colletti."

 

[B Maverick]

ESPN

Dodgers reportedly OK with Manny money over short term

There could be a Manny Ramirez sequel in Hollywood if a blockbuster deal can be worked out.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will talk to the slugger's agent, Scott Boras, and according to an SI.com report on Wednesday, average salary might not be an issue. The duration of the contract is another matter, however.

"We don't have too many six-year deals,'' Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said, according to the Web site. Actually, nobody on the Dodgers has a six-year contract.

Ramirez has said publicly that he is looking for a long-term deal. Sources told SI.com that the Dodgers might be willing to pay Ramirez Alex Rodriguez-type money, but only for two years.

"We'll know more after we sit down with Scott to gauge what's happening and see if there's some place we can meet in the middle,'' Colletti said, according to the site.

After the Dodgers were eliminated by the Phillies in the NLCS, Ramirez said: "I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I."

The Yankees, Phillies, Mets and even the Blue Jays could possibly pursue Ramirez, but some will likely balk at paying him more than $20 million per season.

"It would really be a long shot for us to bring him to Toronto," Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said on Wednesday, according to FoxSports.com. "He's on our radar, but maybe not on our radar like some people will report. I don't see us getting involved in unbelievable, astronomical numbers. We would not go down that path."

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 homers, 53 RBIs, 36 runs scored, 74 hits and 35 walks in 53 regular-season games, leading the Dodgers to the NL West title.

He was even more potent in the postseason, hitting .520 with four homers, 10 RBIs, nine runs scored and 11 walks in eight playoff games.

The 12-time All-Star has hit 527 career homers, with another 28 in the postseason.

The Dodgers realize what Ramirez does for the team.

"Manny had a great run with this club," Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said after L.A.'s season ended. "I certainly hope he's back, but it takes two to tango. He had a great impact on these fans."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report

***************

2 or 3 year deal for 60 to 100 mill? Could make this very interesting in LA

 

[B Maverick]

In other news:

The Dodgers declined the $5.5 million option for 2009 on infielder Angel Berroa. His previous club, the Kansas City Royals, is responsible for paying a $500,000 buyout.

Berroa, technically, remains under Dodgers control because he has less than six years service time and is not eligible for free agency.

Berroa was playing under a four-year, $11 million contract from the Kansas City Royals signed during his second season that paid him $4.75 million in 2008. The collective bargaining agreement prevents players other than free agents from receiving a pay cut of more than 40 percent. That would mean for the Dodgers to keep Berroa, he would earn a minimum of $2.85 million, more than a utility infielder could command.

He is eligible for salary arbitration but is most likely to be non-tendered a contract in December.He could re-sign with the Dodgers after that.

The Dodgers still have option decisions to make on Brad Penny and Gary Bennett. Penny has a $9.25 million salary or $2 million buyout. Bennett has a $900,000 option or $50,000 buyout and is expected to be bought out. Penny's option must be exercised within seven days after the end of the World Series, Bennett 10 days after the World Series.

***

I dont see them keeping Penny or Bennett. Berroa will prob be back at the reduced price.

 

[NorrisB]

I would non tender Furcal, and Manny. Id like to keep Lowe, but its obvious he doesnt wanna be back as he sold his house already. I would put Hu at SS, DeJesus at 2B and try and reup Blake at 3B.

C- Martin

1B- Big Game James

2B- Dejesus

SS- Hu

3B- Blake

OF- Ethier

OF- Andruw Jones

OF- Kemp

SP- Kuroda

SP- Billingsly

SP- Kershaw

SP- Maddux

SP- Chan Ho Park/Stolts/Schmidt

CP- Jonathan Broxton

Thats probably what I would do, I would like to land a closer, hopefully Saito returns to form, but I doubt it.

Im guessing this lineup would put us at $90M, McCourt was disappointed in ticket sales so I think he'll unload some payroll.

 

[This_Guy]

I would non tender Furcal, and Manny. Id like to keep Lowe, but its obvious he doesnt wanna be back as he sold his house already. I would put Hu at SS, DeJesus at 2B and try and reup Blake at 3B. C- Martin1B- Big Game James2B- DejesusSS- Hu3B- BlakeOF- EthierOF- Andruw JonesOF- KempSP- KurodaSP- BillingslySP- KershawSP- MadduxSP- Chan Ho Park/Stolts/SchmidtCP- Jonathan BroxtonThats probably what I would do, I would like to land a closer, hopefully Saito returns to form, but I doubt it.Im guessing this lineup would put us at $90M, McCourt was disappointed in ticket sales so I think he'll unload some payroll.

What exactly are your trying to accomplish with this line up?

 

[B Maverick]

I would non tender Furcal, and Manny. Id like to keep Lowe, but its obvious he doesnt wanna be back as he sold his house already. I would put Hu at SS, DeJesus at 2B and try and reup Blake at 3B. C- Martin1B- Big Game James2B- DejesusSS- Hu3B- BlakeOF- EthierOF- Andruw JonesOF- KempSP- KurodaSP- BillingslySP- KershawSP- MadduxSP- Chan Ho Park/Stolts/SchmidtCP- Jonathan BroxtonThats probably what I would do, I would like to land a closer, hopefully Saito returns to form, but I doubt it.Im guessing this lineup would put us at $90M, McCourt was disappointed in ticket sales so I think he'll unload some payroll.

What exactly are your trying to accomplish with this line up?

I am not sure but it makes no sense. Hu is a bust and not worth playing at SS. Resigning Berroa is a better idea. He is still under LA control so he may be back for a reduced price. Maddux is most likely gone. His best move would be to pitching coach. he doesnt have much if any left. Chan Ho isnt a starter. Stults could be interesting and Schmidt could still come back.I bet we will see a signing at Pitcher and a competition between mcdonald elbert and stults for #5.And A Jones doesnt want to play in LA since he was booed and Sucks. Its either Pierre or a signing i think. Maybe Repko or Young if they can be healthy? Kind of missing Jason Wurth now. too bad he couldnt stay healthy in LA, now he is ion the verge of a WS title with Philly.

 

[NorrisB]

I would non tender Furcal, and Manny. Id like to keep Lowe, but its obvious he doesnt wanna be back as he sold his house already. I would put Hu at SS, DeJesus at 2B and try and reup Blake at 3B. C- Martin1B- Big Game James2B- DejesusSS- Hu3B- BlakeOF- EthierOF- Andruw JonesOF- KempSP- KurodaSP- BillingslySP- KershawSP- MadduxSP- Chan Ho Park/Stolts/SchmidtCP- Jonathan BroxtonThats probably what I would do, I would like to land a closer, hopefully Saito returns to form, but I doubt it.Im guessing this lineup would put us at $90M, McCourt was disappointed in ticket sales so I think he'll unload some payroll.

What exactly are your trying to accomplish with this line up?

I am not sure but it makes no sense. Hu is a bust and not worth playing at SS. Resigning Berroa is a better idea. He is still under LA control so he may be back for a reduced price. Maddux is most likely gone. His best move would be to pitching coach. he doesnt have much if any left. Chan Ho isnt a starter. Stults could be interesting and Schmidt could still come back.I bet we will see a signing at Pitcher and a competition between mcdonald elbert and stults for #5.And A Jones doesnt want to play in LA since he was booed and Sucks. Its either Pierre or a signing i think. Maybe Repko or Young if they can be healthy? Kind of missing Jason Wurth now. too bad he couldnt stay healthy in LA, now he is ion the verge of a WS title with Philly.

I dont think Furcal, Manny or Penny will be back and Im saying this is what have to work with heading into free agency. I think Blake will be back I cant imagine they wont bring him back as 3B has been a pain for us to fill.

 

[NorrisB]

SP Kuroda 13.5

SP Billingsly 0.475

SP Kershaw 0.415

SP Park 1.5

Sp McDonald 0.415

Subtotal 16.305

RP Takashi Saito 1.5

RP Biemel 1.8

RP Brox 0.75

RP Cory Wade 0.42

RP Kuo 0.425

RP Troncoso 0.41

RP Elbert 0.4

DL Jason Schmidt 15.5

Subtotal 21.205

1B Loney 0.6

2B Dewitt 0.41

3B Blake 7

SS Hu 0.4

C Martin 0.7

OF Andruw Jones 17.1

OF Ethier 0.625

OF Kemp 0.6

subtotal 27.435

BN Juan Pierre 10

BN Repko 0.6

BN Young 0.41

BN Ardoin 0.4

BN Scrub for ozuna 0.4

subtotal 11.81

Dead Bennett 0.9

Dead Penny 2

coach Torry 5

GM Colletti 0.9

Total $85.555M

This probably be our new payroll before we sign the new guys.

 

[This_Guy]

SP Kuroda 13.5

SP Billingsly 0.475

SP Kershaw 0.415

SP Park 1.5

Sp McDonald 0.415

Subtotal 16.305

RP Takashi Saito 1.5

RP Biemel 1.8

RP Brox 0.75

RP Cory Wade 0.42

RP Kuo 0.425

RP Troncoso 0.41

RP Elbert 0.4

DL Jason Schmidt 15.5

Subtotal 21.205

1B Loney 0.6

2B Dewitt 0.41

3B Blake 7

SS Hu 0.4

C Martin 0.7

OF Andruw Jones 17.1

OF Ethier 0.625

OF Kemp 0.6

subtotal 27.435

BN Juan Pierre 10

BN Repko 0.6

BN Young 0.41

BN Ardoin 0.4

BN Scrub for ozuna 0.4

subtotal 11.81

Dead Bennett 0.9

Dead Penny 2

coach Torry 5

GM Colletti 0.9

Total $85.555M

This probably be our new payroll before we sign the new guys.

I'm pretty sure the Manager and GM's salaries don't factor into this equation. Not sure about buy outs but I don't think they factor into the next seasons payroll. That factored in, assuming these numbers are accurate that puts the number at 76.755. I think they will spend at least $100mil next season.Without a doubt they are going to sign a FA SS. It may be Furcal, may not. They are not going to go with Hu. The guy proved this season that he either isn't ready or wont ever be.

I would also expect them to sign another SP. Park isn't going to start and McDonald may or may not make it to LA to start the season next year.

I think there is a good chance A. Jones isn't on the roster next year. Not sure how that whole thing is going to shake out but I don't think they really want him and he doesn't really want to be there. $17Mil+ is a lot but he was a disaster and I think they would be happy to have him off the team at any price. They have made it clear they aren't keen on Pierre so I would expect a bigger name FA here.

Blake could be back. I know he didn't like the idea of staying in LA when he was first traded but warmed up to it as the season went on. If he doesn't reup they will need to sign either a 2B or 3B to fill the hole. I imagine in they will sign the same type guy as Blake.

Point being they are not going to stand pat with what they have at $80 Mil. They are going to sign some players.

 

[B Maverick]

I'm pretty sure the Manager and GM's salaries don't factor into this equation. Not sure about buy outs but I don't think they factor into the next seasons payroll. That factored in, assuming these numbers are accurate that puts the number at 76.755. I think they will spend at least $100mil next season.Without a doubt they are going to sign a FA SS. It may be Furcal, may not. They are not going to go with Hu. The guy proved this season that he either isn't ready or wont ever be. I would also expect them to sign another SP. Park isn't going to start and McDonald may or may not make it to LA to start the season next year. I think there is a good chance A. Jones isn't on the roster next year. Not sure how that whole thing is going to shake out but I don't think they really want him and he doesn't really want to be there. $17Mil+ is a lot but he was a disaster and I think they would be happy to have him off the team at any price. They have made it clear they aren't keen on Pierre so I would expect a bigger name FA here.Blake could be back. I know he didn't like the idea of staying in LA when he was first traded but warmed up to it as the season went on. If he doesn't reup they will need to sign either a 2B or 3B to fill the hole. I imagine in they will sign the same type guy as Blake.Point being they are not going to stand pat with what they have at $80 Mil. They are going to sign some players.

:( However, I dont think they want to pay Blake when they consider DeWitt to be a 3B of the future. Reports are they want to resign Furcal and I am guessing Berroa will be back as well. He can play 2B too.Brian Roberts or Dan Uggla may be available and either would be a great addition at 2B. Not sure what to think about A Jones and Pierre, but i have heard neither want to be back although Pierre would stay if he was going to play. I agree on the pitching. McDonald will probably get the Kershaw treatment, which is fine. There will be some solid FA Pitchers out there and some that will outperform their price. Sheets is not one I would target since he is essentially Brad Penny.

 

[B Maverick]

SP Kuroda 13.5

SP Billingsly 0.475

SP Kershaw 0.415

SP Park 1.5

Sp McDonald 0.415

Subtotal 16.305

RP Takashi Saito 1.5

RP Biemel 1.8

RP Brox 0.75

RP Cory Wade 0.42

RP Kuo 0.425

RP Troncoso 0.41

RP Elbert 0.4

DL Jason Schmidt 15.5

Subtotal 21.205

1B Loney 0.6

2B Dewitt 0.41

3B Blake 7

SS Hu 0.4

C Martin 0.7

OF Andruw Jones 17.1

OF Ethier 0.625

OF Kemp 0.6

subtotal 27.435

BN Juan Pierre 10

BN Repko 0.6

BN Young 0.41

BN Ardoin 0.4

BN Scrub for ozuna 0.4

subtotal 11.81

Dead Bennett 0.9

Dead Penny 2

coach Torry 5

GM Colletti 0.9

Total $85.555M

This probably be our new payroll before we sign the new guys.

found this on CBS sportsline:Offseason Outlook: Los Angeles Dodgers

Next up in our Offseason Outlook series, the Dodgers. Their likely 2009 commitments are below. Remember, this is not a projection of the actual '09 roster. I use only internal candidates here as a way of showing depth and needs.

C - Russell Martin - $500K+

C - Danny Ardoin - $400K

1B - James Loney - $411K

2B - Blake DeWitt - $400K

SS - Chin-Lung Hu - $400K

3B -

IF - Tony Abreu - $400K

IF -

LF - Juan Pierre - $10MM

CF - Matt Kemp - $406K

RF - Andre Ethier - $425K+

OF - Andruw Jones - $15MM

OF - Delwyn Young - $400K

SP - Chad Billingsley - $415K

SP - Hiroki Kuroda - $10MM

SP - Clayton Kershaw - $400K

SP - Jason Schmidt - $12MM

SP - James McDonald - $400K

RP - Takashi Saito - $2MM+

RP - Jonathan Broxton - $454K+

RP - Hong-Chih Kuo - $400K

RP - Cory Wade - $400K

RP - Scott Proctor - $1.115MM+

RP - Ramon Troncoso - $400K

RP - Yhency Brazoban - $540K+

Buyouts: Brad Penny - $2MM, Gary Bennett - $50K

That's about $59MM committed, plus arbitration raises for Martin, Ethier, Saito, Broxton, Proctor, and Brazoban. A few of those guys figure to be non-tendered (Berroa for sure), but raises could push the Dodgers close to $70MM. The Dodgers entered the '08 season with a $118MM payroll, so theoretically Ned Colletti could have $48MM to spend (more than any team, as far as I can tell). Makes sense, since the Dodgers have the most free agents.

First issue: Manny Ramirez. I can't see the Dodgers (or any team, really) stretching beyond four years, $85MM or so. Just a few months ago I wouldn't have thought Manny could get four years. Will Scott Boras ultimately be reasonable, or will he stick to the "iconic" talk and aim for a contract well beyond $100MM?

As far as clearing the salaries of Pierre or Jones, I don't see it happening. Of course, it's worth exploring what, if any, bad contracts might be offered in return. Elsewhere on the trade front, dealing Martin seems unlikely. Any replacement would be a downgrade.

The Dodgers need to address the left side of their infield; it could be considered more crucial than the Manny situation. Interest is mutual with Rafael Furcal, and he's the best available option. A return of Adrian Beltre would be intriguing at third base; otherwise options like Casey Blake and Joe Crede can be considered.

It's unclear whether Penny will be back, but Derek Lowe is expected to sign elsewhere. The Dodgers may have two open rotation spots. The big names are legitimate options - Jake Peavy and C.C. Sabathia. The Dodgers will have the money for Sabathia, especially if Manny signs elsewhere. The Dodgers may not get either ace, but they seem likely to sign a veteran starter (Randy Johnson could work).

The back end of the bullpen looks pretty good (Broxton/Kuo/Wade). Colletti will still probably consider signing Joe Beimel and/or Chan Ho Park, or other veterans of that nature.

Bottom line - it should be a very active offseason for the Dodgers.

***

Sounds good. Want them to sign Beimel but NOT RANDY JOHNSON. He is done as an effective starter. Might as well keep Maddux then.

 

[T Bell]

They need to sign Manny, as much to have a valid excuse to unload Jones as to have Manny himself. Jones is probably going to be traded for some minor league prospect and the Dodgers will have to agree to pay part of his salary, but it'll be worth it. You can put whatever savings that works to towards Manny's salary, so I see those two guys in tandem.

I like Juan Pierre and I always have. I recognize his shortcomings - not enough walks and a very weak arm - but he's just a pain in the ### to opposing teams at the plate and on the basepaths. If he's agreeable to being the 4th outfielder, and filling in whenever Manny/Kemp/Ethier are resting or injured, or as a pinch hitter or pinch runner, the guy would probably still end up with 150 games played and 400 at bats. If he's not cool with that, then you move him I guess.

I want Penny back as he's a very good starter when he's healthy and it's doubtful the team can get someone as good for the money. The only exception I'd make is if they can land Sabathia, in which case I'd be willing to let Penny go elsewhere.

Lowe's gone.

Furcal is a must resign. They have no better alternative option, and the guy is a flat out dominant player both defensively and offensively. I've contended that Furcal was as valuable to the Dodgers in April when he was on that hot streak as Manny was in August-October. The two of those guys together at the top of the lineup could be tremendous. I'll take the injury risk, especially with Berroa, who I also want resigned, to spell Furcal.

The bullpen doesn't need Saito back and should be fine as consituted. Broxton's ready to step into the closer's role. Wade and Kuo are great set-up men, and that should be a fine back end. Brazoban, Proctor and McDonald (if he's not a starter) should be perfectly fine as the middle relief.

Beimel should be resigned as the lefty specialist.

Let Nomar, Kent and Maddox go, but try to keep Maddox as a pitching coach. He's a natural for that.

That's pretty much how I see this. There really shouldn't be that much change on the roster from the end of the season despite all of the free agents.

 

[DropKick]

They need to sign Manny, as much to have a valid excuse to unload Jones as to have Manny himself. Jones is probably going to be traded for some minor league prospect and the Dodgers will have to agree to pay part of his salary, but it'll be worth it. You can put whatever savings that works to towards Manny's salary, so I see those two guys in tandem.

I expect Manny to bail for every last dollar. Forget the talk of "retiring as a Dodger" or "Mannywood"... Manny is all about Manny...

 

[Gadfly]

If Manny and Boras want to be unrealistic, then F them. But I think something their camp has to consider is that Manny can get far more in endorsement money in L.A. Far more than in New York even. L.A. with the Latino base loves him.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

If Manny and Boras want to be unrealistic, then F them. But I think something their camp has to consider is that Manny can get far more in endorsement money in L.A. Far more than in New York even. L.A. with the Latino base loves him.

I agree that LA is the best place for Manny in terms of off-the-field earnings, but Boras wants the biggest contract, because then he can use that as another example when he tries to convince other players to sign him as their agent. Not every player is going to be as marketable as Manny could/will be in LA, but they all look at the kinds of contracts Boras gets for his players.I hope Manny comes back, but Furcal is extremely important as well. McCourt better get ready to write some big checks, or Colletti (or Ng) better get ready to negotiate some good deals if LA wants to have a strong 2009.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Sorry guys, baseball contracts are guaranteed. You can't just "get rid" of Andruw. You're going to either keep him, or pay ~ $15-$17M for someone else to take him.

 

[This_Guy]

Sorry guys, baseball contracts are guaranteed. You can't just "get rid" of Andruw. You're going to either keep him, or pay ~ $15-$17M for someone else to take him.

Did someone say something otherwise? It is worth $18 Mil to not have A. Jones on the team. I will not be surprised at all if they just cut him.

 

[T Bell]

Sorry guys, baseball contracts are guaranteed. You can't just "get rid" of Andruw. You're going to either keep him, or pay ~ $15-$17M for someone else to take him.

Did someone say something otherwise? It is worth $18 Mil to not have A. Jones on the team. I will not be surprised at all if they just cut him.

For example:

They need to sign Manny, as much to have a valid excuse to unload Jones as to have Manny himself. Jones is probably going to be traded for some minor league prospect and the Dodgers will have to agree to pay part of his salary, but it'll be worth it. You can put whatever savings that works to towards Manny's salary, so I see those two guys in tandem.

 

[B Maverick]

So early reports are that Boras expects Manny to get paid like Bonds and A Rod did. Both contracts extended until they were 42 years old. Boras expects a 6 year deal for Manny as a franchise player

IMO the difference between Manny and Bonds is that Manny is not chasing the HR title which is why people were coming to see SF. Boras says Bonds put players in the seats and Manny will provide the same. He is overlooking the HR chase.

Too early to tell on ARod's deal as well. But when its done, not sure the Yanks will even be happy.

I am not sure anyone gives him 6 years. Everyone wants to say the Yanks but they have that much money tied up already in AROD and to pay 2 guys that much that long into a career?

I hate Boras

 

[Twilight]

Don't expect Maddux back

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Greg Maddux, the eighth winningest pitcher in major league history, is almost certain to retire, his agent, Scott Boras, said tonight."He hasn't made a final decision, but for now it is doubtful he will play (any longer)," Boras said at the GM Meetings. "As it stands now, he is not going to play."Maddux is a certain Hall of Famer. He won four Cy Young awards in a row from 1992-95. Maddux is 355-227. He began last season with the Padres and finished up working mainly out of the pen for the NL West champion Dodgers.Only Warren Spahn with 367 wins has more victories in what is considered the live ball period of baseball, since 1920, than Maddux.