Dodger fans July is upon us and though the hot stove hasn't quite heated up yet there is plenty to look at as we approach the July 31 trade deadline. The Dodgers have some definite needs and have the prospects and flexibility in payroll to make a deal or two. One big difference in 2009 is the Dodgers are the best team in baseball. They find themselves in a position for the first time in many years where they don't have to make any moves. In years past they have been a few games out of it and they are pressing to pull of a deal that will enable them a trip to the post-season. This year Colletti holds all the cards and will have the ability to play hardball simply because he has the best team in baseball. The team is playing exceptionally well and has already placed themselves as the early NL West winners.
Every year there are buyers and sellers, and a few that fall somewhere in between. The NL East is up for grabs except for the Nationals who are completely out of it once again. The same goes for the NL Central where anyone can still win it there. For now let's identify the clear buyers and sellers in order of record that may make some moves in the next 30 days or so.
Buyers
Los Angeles Dodgers
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Detroit Tigers
Tampa Bay Rays
Milwaukee Brewers
Sellers
Washington Nationals
Cleveland Indians
Arizona Dbacks
Kansas City Royals
Oakland A's
San Diego Padres
The Nationals are in full rebuilding mode now and figure to be looking to move any players that are not part of the future. Adam Dunn, Christian Guzman, Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns, and Josh Willingham could all have new homes in the near future. The Indians are always looking to play "Deal or No Deal" as are the Pirates who may be in NL Wild Card hunt. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays are competing for the AL East spot and likely AL Wild Card spot so expect all three of them to be very active.
The Dodgers have matched up well in the past with GM's Mark Shapiro from the Indians, Jim Huntington from the Pirates, and Theo Epstein of the Red Sox. All three teams will be looking to make deals let's look at some of the Dodgers needs heading toward July 31.
The Dodgers need pitching, and what team doesn't? The Red Sox and O's are probably the only teams with a true surplus of pitching and the price will likely be high. The Dodgers would like to add one solid starter for the 2 or 3 spot in the rotation. The Dodgers have also been searching for bullpen help since the beginning of the season. The Dodgers have some depth at a few positions and will likely be active in the next several weeks.
Some targets that the may be on the Dodgers radar as well as some players that are likely to be dealt in the next several weeks.
Jarrod Washburn has been a recent target, as well as Cliff Lee. Dodger fans are crossing their fingers and toes at the thought of having either one of those guys in a Dodger uniform. As Ken Gurnick recently suggested, why not give Jason Schmidt one last shot? Can he really do any worse than Eric Milton at this point? What a comeback story that would be. Jon Garland and Doug Davis are both available as the Dbacks are absolute sellers. Jon Garland almost signed with the Dodgers in the offseason so he could be a target despite being in the same division. What about a package for David Price? If Roy Halladay was made available you know Colletti would be on the phone, the price would be astronomical remember the deal for Sabathia last year? Huston Street may be made available, and Pittsburgh has plenty of trade targets in the pitching department to look at especially John Grabow, he has Dodgers written all over him.
Juan Pierre remains the most likely Dodger starter to be traded. There is a lot of interest in James Loney and why wouldn't there be? However you could put him in the list of the untouchable players and we all know the names on that list. Here are some realistic trade pieces we have to work with this July.
Jason Repko-Tons of talent just hasn't been given real opportunity in the majors. He will likely never make it with the Dodgers and is likely to be traded.
Blake DeWitt-The former starter at 2nd and 3rd base has been dethroned by Orlando Hudson and his awesome 2009, as well as Casey Blake who has been exactly what Torre ordered since acquiring him in July 2008.
James McDonald, Eric Stults, Chin-lung Hu, Scott Elbert, A.J. Ellis, Jamie Hoffmann, Mitch Jones, and Xavier Paul have all been showcased and we could definitely see a package built around two or three of these guys for a starter or the bullpen help we are searching for. We also have some solid prospects that will be used if necessary. Devaris Gordon, Josh Lindblom, Trayvon Robinson, Andrew Lambo, and Josh Bell. These guys are all studs and will be required in any deal with a name like Cliff Lee, or Roy Halladay in it.
Dodgers Injury Updates
Here is the latest on the Dodgers disabled list.
Jason Schmidt is still recovering from shoulder surgery and was transferred to the 60 day DL on June 16th. There is no timetable for his return, and it is becoming more apparent that he may never pitch again in the majors.
Hong-Chih Kuo is still nowhere close to resuming baseball activities and last years setup man of the year winner is once again having trouble staying healthy. He has struggled with injuries his entire career, however when he is healthy he is one of the best relievers in the game. Hopefully Kuo can get healthy enough soon to make an impact in 2009.
Doug Mientkiewicz is still recovering from his dislocated shoulder. He has surgery back in April and best case scenario is a return shortly after the all-star break.
Claudio Vargas who has yet to make an appearance in 2009 is still recovering from his elbow injury from during the offseason. He recently threw three innings at AAA and is currently scheduled to return from the disabled list in the couple weeks.
Eric Milton, Xavier Paul, Eric Stults, and Will Ohman are all recovering well from their minor injuries. All four players are on schedule to return around the end of June. Paul will head back to the minors upon his return. Joe Torre will have to do some juggling of the roster to accomodate all of the pitchers he will have. The Dodgers will likely move back to a 13 man pitching rotation sending A.J. Ellis and Brent Leach back to the minors.
Jason Schmidt is still recovering from shoulder surgery and was transferred to the 60 day DL on June 16th. There is no timetable for his return, and it is becoming more apparent that he may never pitch again in the majors.
Hong-Chih Kuo is still nowhere close to resuming baseball activities and last years setup man of the year winner is once again having trouble staying healthy. He has struggled with injuries his entire career, however when he is healthy he is one of the best relievers in the game. Hopefully Kuo can get healthy enough soon to make an impact in 2009.
Doug Mientkiewicz is still recovering from his dislocated shoulder. He has surgery back in April and best case scenario is a return shortly after the all-star break.
Claudio Vargas who has yet to make an appearance in 2009 is still recovering from his elbow injury from during the offseason. He recently threw three innings at AAA and is currently scheduled to return from the disabled list in the couple weeks.
Eric Milton, Xavier Paul, Eric Stults, and Will Ohman are all recovering well from their minor injuries. All four players are on schedule to return around the end of June. Paul will head back to the minors upon his return. Joe Torre will have to do some juggling of the roster to accomodate all of the pitchers he will have. The Dodgers will likely move back to a 13 man pitching rotation sending A.J. Ellis and Brent Leach back to the minors.
Dodgers Looking To Add Pitching Depth
This isn't much of a rumor or news to anyone as every team is always looking to add a pitcher of some sort. However the Dodgers are in full buying mode as they are currently sitting on top of the MLB. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti is actively looking for a starter and possibly a reliever as well. Not a lot of updates in regards to payroll flexibility but considering the Dodgers record you would have to figure there is some room to play with there.
Ken Gurnick just recently linked the Dodgers to Jarrod Washburn. We are getting close to July which means the hot stove will get fired up soon in anticipation of the July 31 Trade Deadline. With Endy Chavez out for the season a Juan Pierre for Washburn trade could make sense. Manny is due back in just over a week so if something is going to happen look for it to happen sooner rather than later.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have inquired on the availability of Cliff Lee. Not a big surprise here the dodgers are looking for a solid starter to round out the rotation but who isn't? The asking price is a top level young pitcher Clay Bucholz, Tommy Hanson, Clayton Kershaw, and Chad Billingsley. Kershaw and Billingsley are both untouchable as they should be. I would consider McDonald, DeWitt and a prospect for Lee but other than that no deal.
Here are a few players we know for sure are not on the Dodgers radar. Sports Illustrated just recently posted Tom Glavine is officially planning on sitting out the 2009 season but hasn't announced his retirement yet. The Dodgers have also officially passed on Pedro Martinez recently according to Bill Shaikin.
Ken Gurnick just recently linked the Dodgers to Jarrod Washburn. We are getting close to July which means the hot stove will get fired up soon in anticipation of the July 31 Trade Deadline. With Endy Chavez out for the season a Juan Pierre for Washburn trade could make sense. Manny is due back in just over a week so if something is going to happen look for it to happen sooner rather than later.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have inquired on the availability of Cliff Lee. Not a big surprise here the dodgers are looking for a solid starter to round out the rotation but who isn't? The asking price is a top level young pitcher Clay Bucholz, Tommy Hanson, Clayton Kershaw, and Chad Billingsley. Kershaw and Billingsley are both untouchable as they should be. I would consider McDonald, DeWitt and a prospect for Lee but other than that no deal.
Here are a few players we know for sure are not on the Dodgers radar. Sports Illustrated just recently posted Tom Glavine is officially planning on sitting out the 2009 season but hasn't announced his retirement yet. The Dodgers have also officially passed on Pedro Martinez recently according to Bill Shaikin.
Dodgers In No Hurry To Deal Pierre
Bill Shaikin from the L.A. Times has this article in a recent interview with Ned Colletti. Here are some of the highlights from the interview.
The Dodgers are in no hurry to deal Juan Pierre. There is no doubt that Pierre has been on an absolute tear in Manny's absence. He is batting .329 on the season and currently leads the team with a .384 OBP. If he was going to continue to start he may just have the best season of his career as he currently is pace to do so. However Manny is currently preparing for his return on July 3rd, and Pierre will find himself as a very overpaid fourth outfielder once again. His trade value may be at a peak, however Ned will likely still have trouble finding a trade partner.
What could Juan Pierre bring us in return? Would a trade even make sense if we have to eat a ton of salary? The best question may perhaps be who is in the market for a player like Juan Pierre? Also keep in mind to keep his value high Colletti has to make him "unavailable" even though everyone knows Ned will pull the trigger with the right deal in front of him.
The Dodgers are in no hurry to deal Juan Pierre. There is no doubt that Pierre has been on an absolute tear in Manny's absence. He is batting .329 on the season and currently leads the team with a .384 OBP. If he was going to continue to start he may just have the best season of his career as he currently is pace to do so. However Manny is currently preparing for his return on July 3rd, and Pierre will find himself as a very overpaid fourth outfielder once again. His trade value may be at a peak, however Ned will likely still have trouble finding a trade partner.
What could Juan Pierre bring us in return? Would a trade even make sense if we have to eat a ton of salary? The best question may perhaps be who is in the market for a player like Juan Pierre? Also keep in mind to keep his value high Colletti has to make him "unavailable" even though everyone knows Ned will pull the trigger with the right deal in front of him.
Around The Bases
Over at my fantasy sports site www.fantasydailywire.blogspot.com I take a look at what exactly might be wrong with Russell Martin. I love Martin he is my favorite player, and it has been terribly painful to watch him in the batters box this season.
Dodgers continue inter-league play against the Oakland A's tomorrow. I will see you all there on Thursday it should be a great game with Wolf on the mound.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are still the best team in the majors and hold a 7 game lead over the San Francisco Giants. With Manny scheduled to be back on July 3rd, there is a lot to be excited about in Dodgertown this year.
The Dodgers called A.J. Ellis back up to the majors, sending Hoffmann back to the minors. My guess is they are going to play Martin at the DH against AL teams and this gives them the flexibility to do that.
The Dodgers have officially signed all of their 2009 draft picks. The Dodgers have been really big on sign ability since the Luke Hochevar incident with Scott Boras. There were some great picks this year can't wait to see some scouting reports on these guys.
Joe Torre will be on The Tonight Show with Conan O' Brien tonight on NBC so set your DVR.
Dodgers continue inter-league play against the Oakland A's tomorrow. I will see you all there on Thursday it should be a great game with Wolf on the mound.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are still the best team in the majors and hold a 7 game lead over the San Francisco Giants. With Manny scheduled to be back on July 3rd, there is a lot to be excited about in Dodgertown this year.
The Dodgers called A.J. Ellis back up to the majors, sending Hoffmann back to the minors. My guess is they are going to play Martin at the DH against AL teams and this gives them the flexibility to do that.
The Dodgers have officially signed all of their 2009 draft picks. The Dodgers have been really big on sign ability since the Luke Hochevar incident with Scott Boras. There were some great picks this year can't wait to see some scouting reports on these guys.
Joe Torre will be on The Tonight Show with Conan O' Brien tonight on NBC so set your DVR.
Dodgers 2009 Draft Results
The Dodgers lost their first round pick to the Arizona Diamondbacks for signing Orlando Hudson. This decision so far has paid off without question. The Dodgers first pick comes in at thirty six overall and will be announced by the legendary Tommy Lasorda.
36th Overall Pick-LHP, Aaron Miller, Baylor
56th Overall Pick-RF, Blake Smith, California
65th Overall Pick-RHP, Garrett Gould, Maize H.S.
96th Overall Pick-RHP, Brett Wallach, Orange Coast College
127th Overall Pick-CF, Mario Songco, Loyola Marymount
157th Overall Pick-C, Jeremy Wise, University of Oklahoma
187th Overall Pick-C, Jan Vazquez, Puerto Rico
217th Overall Pick-RHP, Brandon Martinez, Fowler H.S.
247th Overall Pick-RF, Jonathan Garcia, Luis Munoz H.S.
277th Overall Pick-SS, Bryant Hernandez, University of Oklahoma
307th Overall Pick-LHP, Andrew Suiter, UC Davis
337th Overall Pick-1B, Connor Powers, Mississippi State
367th Overall Pick-RF, Brian Cavazos-Galvez, University of New Mexico
36th Overall Pick-LHP, Aaron Miller, Baylor
56th Overall Pick-RF, Blake Smith, California
65th Overall Pick-RHP, Garrett Gould, Maize H.S.
96th Overall Pick-RHP, Brett Wallach, Orange Coast College
127th Overall Pick-CF, Mario Songco, Loyola Marymount
157th Overall Pick-C, Jeremy Wise, University of Oklahoma
187th Overall Pick-C, Jan Vazquez, Puerto Rico
217th Overall Pick-RHP, Brandon Martinez, Fowler H.S.
247th Overall Pick-RF, Jonathan Garcia, Luis Munoz H.S.
277th Overall Pick-SS, Bryant Hernandez, University of Oklahoma
307th Overall Pick-LHP, Andrew Suiter, UC Davis
337th Overall Pick-1B, Connor Powers, Mississippi State
367th Overall Pick-RF, Brian Cavazos-Galvez, University of New Mexico
Milton Headed To DL, DeWitt Recalled
Rhett Bollinger has the latest Dodgers injury update. Eric Milton is currently experiencing some back tightness after a fluke play against the Phillies on Friday, and therefore has been placed on the 15 day disabled list. My guess here is the Dodgers need a position player and don't need a fifth starter until the end of the month. If you put two and two together, well you can do the math.
The Dodgers are strapped for position players as they have been carrying 13 pitchers throughout the majority of the season. Most of the Dodgers players are out of options and therefore can't easily be sent down to the minors. Also this allows Torre to get some much needed rest to his everyday starters.
DeWitt should see some decent playing time as Furcal continues to struggle, and Hudson and Blake are due for some much needed rest. Milton is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in four starts and gets some time to get some rest. Milton is eligible to return on June 21st, however he may not be back until the series against the Angels.
The Dodgers are strapped for position players as they have been carrying 13 pitchers throughout the majority of the season. Most of the Dodgers players are out of options and therefore can't easily be sent down to the minors. Also this allows Torre to get some much needed rest to his everyday starters.
DeWitt should see some decent playing time as Furcal continues to struggle, and Hudson and Blake are due for some much needed rest. Milton is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in four starts and gets some time to get some rest. Milton is eligible to return on June 21st, however he may not be back until the series against the Angels.
Around The Bases
Kuroda came back strong off the disabled list on Monday and had a great outing. He lost the game, the good news is that he looked great on the mound and is back in full form. It should be interesting to see what Torre does with the sudden abundance of pitching.
It was announced today that the Dodgers will draft number thirty six overall in the June MLB Draft. Tommy Lasorda will announce the first pick, and we can count on Logan White to get the job done. White has a great eye for talent and we would not be the team we are today without his amazing scouting abilities.
As of the completion of todays game, the Dodgers still hold the best record in the league. They have a record of 37-18 and are currently nine games ahead of the Giants in the NL West. The Dodgers have now held the best record in the majors since May 3rd.
It was announced today that the Dodgers will draft number thirty six overall in the June MLB Draft. Tommy Lasorda will announce the first pick, and we can count on Logan White to get the job done. White has a great eye for talent and we would not be the team we are today without his amazing scouting abilities.
As of the completion of todays game, the Dodgers still hold the best record in the league. They have a record of 37-18 and are currently nine games ahead of the Giants in the NL West. The Dodgers have now held the best record in the majors since May 3rd.
Braves Release Glavine
In somewhat shocking news the Atlanta Braves release future Hall of Fame canidate Tom Glavine today. Ken Rosenthal has the full story. Glavine was scheduled to make $1 million for his first day on the roster, $1.25 million for 30 days on the roster and another $1.25 for 90 days on the roster. I have to assume that Glavine was pressuring the Braves for a rotation spot immediately, but Atlanta clearly preferred to promote top prospect Tommy Hanson, who has been turning heads the last several months. The winningest active pitcher in the majors will likely see some interest in 2009.
David Lennon of Newsday says the Mets are out on bringing Tom Glavine back. Common sense tells us you can eliminate any non-contender. It's also safe to eliminate the Red Sox from acquiring any pitching as they are trying to unload pitching for prospects and hitting. That leaves the Cubs, Yankees, Phillies, Rangers, Angels, and the Dodgers. With all of those teams being a possible fit let's look at the possible fit with the Dodgers.
There is no doubt the Dodgers still could use some pitching help and need a solid veteran presence in the rotation. The fit is almost perfect, as Glavine could take on a role similar to what Greg Maddux has done in the past. It's not going to take but a few million to get Glavine on board with a chance at the playoffs. The injuries to the rotation have already taken a toll on this team, and to have a guy like Glavine around can only help round out the rotation. This of course is pure speculation but look for Glavine to stay in NL, and my bet is the Phillies or Dodgers.
David Lennon of Newsday says the Mets are out on bringing Tom Glavine back. Common sense tells us you can eliminate any non-contender. It's also safe to eliminate the Red Sox from acquiring any pitching as they are trying to unload pitching for prospects and hitting. That leaves the Cubs, Yankees, Phillies, Rangers, Angels, and the Dodgers. With all of those teams being a possible fit let's look at the possible fit with the Dodgers.
There is no doubt the Dodgers still could use some pitching help and need a solid veteran presence in the rotation. The fit is almost perfect, as Glavine could take on a role similar to what Greg Maddux has done in the past. It's not going to take but a few million to get Glavine on board with a chance at the playoffs. The injuries to the rotation have already taken a toll on this team, and to have a guy like Glavine around can only help round out the rotation. This of course is pure speculation but look for Glavine to stay in NL, and my bet is the Phillies or Dodgers.
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