From the very beginning this trade just doesn't make a lot of sense. I have said on numerous occasions this trade creates more holes than it fills. We finally get some thoughts on the subject from Ned Colletti. Dylan Hernandez has the latest straight from the source.
Colletti said, "We would like to improve our pitching, especially starting pitching. I don't believe we can subtract from it in order to improve it."
Now take Colletti's words a little further. We aren't going to trade Chad Billingsley (or any current starter) for (any starting pitcher) Roy Halladay. This makes a trade for Roy Halladay very unlikely. The trade has been officially called "a longshot."
This could be a bargaining move and a way for Colletti to make his demands known. Now if Toronto wants to talk prospects only and take players like Billingsley and R. Martin out of picture, a deal may become possible. Colletti has stood his ground, and has made it clear he has no intentions of trading anyone of the 25 man roster. The Dodgers have enough holes to fill already. Why create more? If anything worth writing on this subject comes about I will update this post and keep one thread from now on.
Dodgers Focusing On Trading For Roy Halladay
Bob Nightengale says via Twitter the Los Angeles Dodgers "badly need an ace." The Dodgers have apparently set their sights on trading for Toronto Blue Jays' pitching ace Roy Halladay. The deal would likely cost Chad Billingsley and others.
MLB.com mentioned recently that the Blue Jays may allow another team a window to negotiate a contract extension with Roy Halladay should a trade be consummated. This does not add value in any way to Halladay's value, in fact it is being reported Halladay's value has gone done since last July. It does mean a trade is likely, but not inevitable. If the Dodgers are able to pull off a trade for "Doc" it will start with costing them Chad Billingsley. I recently suggested trading Billingsley would be a huge mistake, and my opinion on that hasn't changed. Keep in mind what Billingsley has done so far at a very young age, his enormous potential, and the millions of dollars between his and Halladay's salaries.
It seems as though Colletti may be going all in for Halladay. Especially after missing out on Cliff Lee in July, and then being bounced out of the NLCS for the second year in a row. It may be time for a change, and perhaps a trade makes sense at this point. But it always seems the Dodgers are always too quick to give up on young talent, and they make us pay for it. Look at Edwin Jackson, Jayson Werth, Cody Ross, and that is just a few from the recent years. Toronto's new GM Alex Anthopoulos is looking to make a splash, and robbing the Dodgers is exactly what he has in mind. This is of course pure speculation but you could start with a package of Chad Billingsley, Russell Martin, Devaris Gordon, and Andrew Lambo. Depending on how the negotiations go Martin could be subbed for Lucas May or A.J. Ellis, and Devaris Gordon for Ivan DeJesus. It's also possible the Dodgers would have to include one or both of Chris Withrow or Ethan Martin. Sure the idea of Halladay sounds great, but be careful what you wish for...
Obtaining Halladay does not guarantee the Dodgers a World Series appearance, much less a championship. Then what? There are no guarantees, and this begs the question. At what point does a trade no longer make sense? What price is too much? What package of players do you think would get a deal done?
MLB.com mentioned recently that the Blue Jays may allow another team a window to negotiate a contract extension with Roy Halladay should a trade be consummated. This does not add value in any way to Halladay's value, in fact it is being reported Halladay's value has gone done since last July. It does mean a trade is likely, but not inevitable. If the Dodgers are able to pull off a trade for "Doc" it will start with costing them Chad Billingsley. I recently suggested trading Billingsley would be a huge mistake, and my opinion on that hasn't changed. Keep in mind what Billingsley has done so far at a very young age, his enormous potential, and the millions of dollars between his and Halladay's salaries.
It seems as though Colletti may be going all in for Halladay. Especially after missing out on Cliff Lee in July, and then being bounced out of the NLCS for the second year in a row. It may be time for a change, and perhaps a trade makes sense at this point. But it always seems the Dodgers are always too quick to give up on young talent, and they make us pay for it. Look at Edwin Jackson, Jayson Werth, Cody Ross, and that is just a few from the recent years. Toronto's new GM Alex Anthopoulos is looking to make a splash, and robbing the Dodgers is exactly what he has in mind. This is of course pure speculation but you could start with a package of Chad Billingsley, Russell Martin, Devaris Gordon, and Andrew Lambo. Depending on how the negotiations go Martin could be subbed for Lucas May or A.J. Ellis, and Devaris Gordon for Ivan DeJesus. It's also possible the Dodgers would have to include one or both of Chris Withrow or Ethan Martin. Sure the idea of Halladay sounds great, but be careful what you wish for...
Obtaining Halladay does not guarantee the Dodgers a World Series appearance, much less a championship. Then what? There are no guarantees, and this begs the question. At what point does a trade no longer make sense? What price is too much? What package of players do you think would get a deal done?
Dodgers Will Not Pursue John Lackey
The Dodgers have said that pitching remains their top priority, but don't plan on seeing John Lackey in Dodger blue anytime soon. According to Bill Shaikin the Dodgers won't be pursuing Lackey this winter. The rumors have led us to believe the Dodgers are not looking to spend big on any free agents this winter, so this should not come as a surprise to anyone.
It has been rumored that the Dodgers will be looking to cut payroll due to the pending divorce of Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. According to Dodgers President Dennis Mannion, he said General Manager Ned Colletti has not been ordered to trade one of the team's eight arbitration-eligible players to save money.
Tomorrow when the official free agent signing period begins, the Dodgers will likely be active in the open market. Regardless of what the payroll will be the Dodgers have several holes to fill. The Dodgers have about $40MM coming off the books with expiring contracts, but that doesn't mean they have $40MM to spend.
The Dodgers have a core of players eligible for salary arbitration, including outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, first baseman James Loney, catcher Russell Martin and pitchers Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo. In order to retain all those players, the payroll would increase by about $20 million, more than canceling out the savings from the expiring contracts of Jason Schmidt and Andruw Jones, whose 2009 salary was largely deferred.
I would fully expect the Dodgers 2010 payroll to be less than the 2009 payroll of $100MM. However the Dodgers want to win a championship, so the Dodgers won't be slashing payroll anytime soon. I expect the Dodgers to make more thought out decisions and use their money wisely this winter. Look for the Dodgers to be very active in trade talks this winter.
It has been rumored that the Dodgers will be looking to cut payroll due to the pending divorce of Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. According to Dodgers President Dennis Mannion, he said General Manager Ned Colletti has not been ordered to trade one of the team's eight arbitration-eligible players to save money.
Tomorrow when the official free agent signing period begins, the Dodgers will likely be active in the open market. Regardless of what the payroll will be the Dodgers have several holes to fill. The Dodgers have about $40MM coming off the books with expiring contracts, but that doesn't mean they have $40MM to spend.
The Dodgers have a core of players eligible for salary arbitration, including outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, first baseman James Loney, catcher Russell Martin and pitchers Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo. In order to retain all those players, the payroll would increase by about $20 million, more than canceling out the savings from the expiring contracts of Jason Schmidt and Andruw Jones, whose 2009 salary was largely deferred.
I would fully expect the Dodgers 2010 payroll to be less than the 2009 payroll of $100MM. However the Dodgers want to win a championship, so the Dodgers won't be slashing payroll anytime soon. I expect the Dodgers to make more thought out decisions and use their money wisely this winter. Look for the Dodgers to be very active in trade talks this winter.
Dodgers Considering John Smoltz For 2010
Dylan Hernandez confirms the Dodgers interest in John Smoltz, per his agent Keith Grunewald.
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports say there are several teams interested in John Smoltz. The free agent righty is apparently open to starting or relieving next season. Smoltz had a terrible start with Boston in 2009, and was eventually released. The 42-year-old Smoltz ended up signing with St. Louis where he put up a 4.26 ERA in seven starts. The future hall of famer will have plenty of suitors, but are the Dodgers the right fit?
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports say there are several teams interested in John Smoltz. The free agent righty is apparently open to starting or relieving next season. Smoltz had a terrible start with Boston in 2009, and was eventually released. The 42-year-old Smoltz ended up signing with St. Louis where he put up a 4.26 ERA in seven starts. The future hall of famer will have plenty of suitors, but are the Dodgers the right fit?
Analyzing The Dodgers 2nd Base Options
If they haven't already the Los Angeles Dodgers are about to find themselves in quite a predicament. A predicament that some may not realize could be quite disastrous. The Dodgers are going to find out very quickly they do not have a second baseman on the current roster. Orlando Hudson was the starting second baseman through much of the 2009 campaign. He put forth a solid season, but struggled mightily as the season winded down. This led to a trade for the versatile Ronnie Belliard, and Hudson soon found himself on the bench for much of the late part of the season. This carried on into the playoffs where Belliard continued to have the hot bat, and Hudson found his playing time to be minimal. The "O-Dawg" found himself in the doghouse with Joe Torre, and Hudson was not very fond of how his season finished with the Dodgers. It remains very unlikely that Hudson's bruised ego will be repaired, and he will likely look elsewhere as a free agent this winter. Like Hudson, Ronnie Belliard is also a free agent and will be looking for a full time gig.
Then there is Blake DeWitt, the young kid with a ton of potential that has been bounced between the majors and minors for the past couple seasons. It was thought DeWitt would be the everyday second baseman in 2009, then the Dodgers signed Hudson. DeWitt had a terrible 2009 season, and so whatever doubt the Dodgers had about DeWitt certainly seems justified. DeWitt has been unable to prove he can be a consistent player both in AAA and in the MLB. I have never been a big fan of DeWitt, and I do not think he has the tools to be a big leaguer. I am truly hoping he can make me eat my words in 2010, but don't count on it. Our only current option for second base for 2010 is hitting an embarrasing 206/.308/.235/.543 line through 12 games in the Dominican, and this is in the hitter friendly winter ball league. DeWitt's 2010 CHONE projections don't look too hot either. Saying DeWitt has a lot to prove in 2010 would be an understatement.
For the obvious reasons above, I imagine some of the bigger rumors we might hear over the next couple months will involve free agent infielders, and trade rumors involving second baseman. MLBTR has got the trade market for second basemen covered, any takers? I would love to see the Dodgers taking Dan Uggla off the Marlins hands. I strongly believe Uggla has a large chance of being traded very soon, however I don't think it will be to the Dodgers. Someone I also believe has a very good chance of being traded is Brandon Phillips. Uggla or Phillips? The Dodgers would welcome either one to the team with open arms. What team wouldn't want these guys playing for them? In addition, MLBTR also has a current list of all the 2010 free agents. The top free agent options for second base include.
Chone Figgins (32 - Type A) Figgins is going to get a big multi-year deal, and it won't be from the Dodgers.
Ronnie Belliard (35 - Type B) Word out of Los Angeles is Belliard will not be back next year.
Craig Counsell (39) Buster Olney tweets the Dodgers will look at Counsell, but not as the everyday starter.
Mark DeRosa (35 - Type B) DeRosa is a good fit with plenty of suitors. The Dodgers are already in contact.
Orlando Hudson (32 - Type A) After the way his season ended, Hudson will look to greener pastures.
Adam Kennedy (34) Consistent stats, and he plays with a ton of heart.
Felipe Lopez (30 - Type B) The Lopez rumors will be quiet, but he could definitely help any team in 2010.
Mark Loretta (38) I could see him coming back in a bench role for the Dodgers, but not much more.
Placido Polanco (34 - Type A) The Type A status will hurt his chances of getting any solid offers, especially from the Dodgers.
With DeWitt being the only internal option for second base, the Dodgers must be acquire a starter for the 2010 season. They are severely lacking depth at second base in the minors currently, and there is no future option visible currently. Devaris Gordon and Ivan DeJesus remain possibilities if they are successfully converted to second basemen, however I have not heard any plans on position changes for either of these guys. Look for Ned Colletti to be actively looking at all available options, and Dodgers Rumors will be closely monitoring the situation.
Then there is Blake DeWitt, the young kid with a ton of potential that has been bounced between the majors and minors for the past couple seasons. It was thought DeWitt would be the everyday second baseman in 2009, then the Dodgers signed Hudson. DeWitt had a terrible 2009 season, and so whatever doubt the Dodgers had about DeWitt certainly seems justified. DeWitt has been unable to prove he can be a consistent player both in AAA and in the MLB. I have never been a big fan of DeWitt, and I do not think he has the tools to be a big leaguer. I am truly hoping he can make me eat my words in 2010, but don't count on it. Our only current option for second base for 2010 is hitting an embarrasing 206/.308/.235/.543 line through 12 games in the Dominican, and this is in the hitter friendly winter ball league. DeWitt's 2010 CHONE projections don't look too hot either. Saying DeWitt has a lot to prove in 2010 would be an understatement.
For the obvious reasons above, I imagine some of the bigger rumors we might hear over the next couple months will involve free agent infielders, and trade rumors involving second baseman. MLBTR has got the trade market for second basemen covered, any takers? I would love to see the Dodgers taking Dan Uggla off the Marlins hands. I strongly believe Uggla has a large chance of being traded very soon, however I don't think it will be to the Dodgers. Someone I also believe has a very good chance of being traded is Brandon Phillips. Uggla or Phillips? The Dodgers would welcome either one to the team with open arms. What team wouldn't want these guys playing for them? In addition, MLBTR also has a current list of all the 2010 free agents. The top free agent options for second base include.
Chone Figgins (32 - Type A) Figgins is going to get a big multi-year deal, and it won't be from the Dodgers.
Ronnie Belliard (35 - Type B) Word out of Los Angeles is Belliard will not be back next year.
Craig Counsell (39) Buster Olney tweets the Dodgers will look at Counsell, but not as the everyday starter.
Mark DeRosa (35 - Type B) DeRosa is a good fit with plenty of suitors. The Dodgers are already in contact.
Orlando Hudson (32 - Type A) After the way his season ended, Hudson will look to greener pastures.
Adam Kennedy (34) Consistent stats, and he plays with a ton of heart.
Felipe Lopez (30 - Type B) The Lopez rumors will be quiet, but he could definitely help any team in 2010.
Mark Loretta (38) I could see him coming back in a bench role for the Dodgers, but not much more.
Placido Polanco (34 - Type A) The Type A status will hurt his chances of getting any solid offers, especially from the Dodgers.
With DeWitt being the only internal option for second base, the Dodgers must be acquire a starter for the 2010 season. They are severely lacking depth at second base in the minors currently, and there is no future option visible currently. Devaris Gordon and Ivan DeJesus remain possibilities if they are successfully converted to second basemen, however I have not heard any plans on position changes for either of these guys. Look for Ned Colletti to be actively looking at all available options, and Dodgers Rumors will be closely monitoring the situation.
Dodgers Should Focus On Pedro Martinez
Not a lot of talk about Pedro Martinez up to this point. There was some news that Pedro wants to pitch a full season in 2010. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports spoke with Pedro's agent Fern Cuza, who said Pedro "absolutely" intends on playing a full season in 2010. Morosi also mentioned that Pedro referenced the Dodgers and Cubs as teams that had been in the mix during the summer. The Dodgers passed up on Pedro and the move heavily backfired. I was pulling for the Dodgers to deny Pedro, as I thought Pedro was washed up and had nothing left. I don't think anybody thought Pedro would do as well as he did with the Phillies in later half of 2009.
It's still hard for me to imagine Pedro having much left in the tank. I also highly doubt Pedro can do what he did in 2009 over the course of an entire season. Martinez is now 38 years old and has a very high injury risk. He pitched a total of 74 innings this year and 109 in '08. A multiyear deal seems unlikely, as does any guaranteed big money. He will be fortunate to get a one year deal, with $3MM to $5MM guaranteed. I definitely think he is a solid fit for the Dodgers, especially at the back of the rotation. Dayn Perry of MLB Fox Sports also agrees Martinez is a "move that needs to happen." Dodger Stadium is a pitcher friendly park that will help Martinez keep his homerun total down. Colletti at the least should consider this move. It's a good fit no doubt, especially for financial reasons. There is no current guarantee on what is going to happen with the McCourts or Dodgers ownership. Both sides should be able to come up with a contract that meets both sides. Is Pedro the perfect high risk-high reward player? Pedro Martinez in Dodger blue, what do you all think?
It's still hard for me to imagine Pedro having much left in the tank. I also highly doubt Pedro can do what he did in 2009 over the course of an entire season. Martinez is now 38 years old and has a very high injury risk. He pitched a total of 74 innings this year and 109 in '08. A multiyear deal seems unlikely, as does any guaranteed big money. He will be fortunate to get a one year deal, with $3MM to $5MM guaranteed. I definitely think he is a solid fit for the Dodgers, especially at the back of the rotation. Dayn Perry of MLB Fox Sports also agrees Martinez is a "move that needs to happen." Dodger Stadium is a pitcher friendly park that will help Martinez keep his homerun total down. Colletti at the least should consider this move. It's a good fit no doubt, especially for financial reasons. There is no current guarantee on what is going to happen with the McCourts or Dodgers ownership. Both sides should be able to come up with a contract that meets both sides. Is Pedro the perfect high risk-high reward player? Pedro Martinez in Dodger blue, what do you all think?
Dodgers 2010 Season Schedule
The 2010 Los Angeles Dodgers schedule is posted below, including home and away games. If you’re looking for a downloadable schedule, I will have a PDF available shortly. (d) = day game, (n) = night game.
April 5 at Pittsburgh, (d)
April 7 at Pittsburgh, (n)
April 8 at Pittsburgh, (n)
April 9 at Florida, (n)
April 10 at Florida, (n)
April 11 at Florida, (d)
April 13 Arizona, (d)
April 14 Arizona, (n)
April 15 Arizona, (n)
April 16 San Francisco, (n)
April 17 San Francisco, (n)
April 18 San Francisco, (n)
April 20 at Cincinnati, (n)
April 21 at Cincinnati, (n)
April 22 at Cincinnati, (n)
April 23 at Washington, (n)
April 24 at Washington, (d)
April 25 at Washington, (d)
April 26 at N.Y. Mets, (n)
April 27 at N.Y. Mets, (n)
April 28 at N.Y. Mets, (d)
April 29 Pittsburgh, (n)
April 30 Pittsburgh, (n)
May 1 Pittsburgh, (n)
May 2 Pittsburgh, (n)
May 4 Milwaukee, (n)
May 5 Milwaukee, (n)
May 6 Milwaukee, (n)
May 7 Colorado, (n)
May 8 Colorado, (n)
May 9 Colorado, (n)
May 10 at Arizona, (n)
May 11 at Arizona, (n)
May 12 at Arizona, (n)
May 14 at San Diego, (n)
May 15 at San Diego, (n)
May 16 at San Diego, (d)
May 17 Houston, (n)
May 18 Houston, (n)
May 19 San Diego, (n)
May 20 San Diego, (n)
May 21 Detroit, (n)
May 22 Detroit, (n)
May 23 Detroit, (n)
May 24 at Chicago Cubs, (n)
May 26 at Chicago Cubs, (n)
May 27 at Chicago Cubs, (d)
May 28 at Colorado, (n)
May 29 at Colorado, (n)
May 30 at Colorado, (d)
May 31 Arizona, (n)
June 1 Arizona, (n)
June 2 Arizona, (n)
June 3 Atlanta, (n)
June 4 Atlanta, (n)
June 5 Atlanta, (n)
June 6 Atlanta, (n)
June 7 St. Louis, (n)
June 8 St. Louis, (n)
June 9 St. Louis, (n)
June 11 at L.A. Angels, (n)
June 12 at L.A. Angels, (n)
June 13 at L.A. Angels, (n)
June 15 L.A. Cincinnati, (n)
June 16 L.A. Cincinnati, (n)
June 17 L.A. Cincinnati, (n)
June 18 at Boston, (n)
June 19 at Boston, (n)
June 20 at Boston, (d)
June 21 L.A. Angels, (n)
June 23 L.A. Angels, (n)
June 24 L.A. Angels, (n)
June 25 N.Y. Yankees, (n)
June 26 N.Y. Yankees, (n)
June 27 N.Y. Yankees, (n)
June 28 at San Francisco, (n)
June 29 at San Francisco, (n)
June 30 at San Francisco, (n)
July 2 at Arizona, (n)
July 3 at Arizona, (n)
July 4 at Arizona, (d)
July 5 Florida, (n)
July 6 Florida, (n)
July 7 Florida, (n)
July 8 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 9 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 10 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 11 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 15 at St. Louis, (n)
July 16 at St. Louis, (n)
July 17 at St. Louis, (n)
July 18 at St. Louis, (d)
July 19 San Francisco, (n)
July 20 San Francisco, (n)
July 21 San Francisco, (n)
July 22 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 23 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 24 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 25 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 27 at San Diego, (n)
July 28 at San Diego, (n)
July 29 at San Diego, (d)
July 30 at San Francisco, (n)
July 31 at San Francisco, (n)
Aug. 1 at San Francisco, (d)
Aug. 2 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 3 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 4 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 5 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 6 Washington, (n)
Aug. 7 Washington, (n)
Aug. 8 Washington, (n)
Aug. 10 at Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 11 at Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 12 at Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 13 at Atlanta, (n)
Aug. 14 at Atlanta, (n)
Aug. 15 at Atlanta, (d)
Aug. 16 at Atlanta, (n)
Aug. 17 Colorado, (n)
Aug. 18 Colorado, (n)
Aug. 19 Colorado, (n)
Aug. 20 Cincinnati, (n)
Aug. 21 Cincinnati, (n)
Aug. 22 Cincinnati, (n)
Aug. 24 at Milwaukee, (n)
Aug. 25 at Milwaukee, (n)
Aug. 26 at Milwaukee, (d)
Aug. 27 at Colorado, (n)
Aug. 28 at Colorado, (n)
Aug. 29 at Colorado, (d)
Aug. 30 Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 31 Philadelphia, (n)
Sept. 1 Philadelphia, (n)
Sept. 3 San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 4 San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 5 San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 6 at San Diego, (n)
Sept. 7 at San Diego, (n)
Sept. 8 at San Diego, (n)
Sept. 9 at Houston, (n)
Sept. 10 at Houston, (n)
Sept. 11 at Houston, (n)
Sept. 12 at Houston, (d)
Sept. 14 at San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 15 at San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 16 at San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 17 Colorado, (n)
Sept. 18 Colorado, (n)
Sept. 19 Colorado, (n)
Sept. 21 San Diego, (n)
Sept. 22 San Diego, (n)
Sept. 23 San Diego, (n)
Sept. 24 at Arizona, (n)
Sept. 25 at Arizona, (n)
Sept. 26 at Arizona, (d)
Sept. 27 at Colorado, (n)
Sept. 28 at Colorado, (n)
Sept. 29 at Colorado, (d)
Oct. 1 Arizona, (n)
Oct. 2 Arizona, (n)
Oct. 3 Arizona, (n)
April 5 at Pittsburgh, (d)
April 7 at Pittsburgh, (n)
April 8 at Pittsburgh, (n)
April 9 at Florida, (n)
April 10 at Florida, (n)
April 11 at Florida, (d)
April 13 Arizona, (d)
April 14 Arizona, (n)
April 15 Arizona, (n)
April 16 San Francisco, (n)
April 17 San Francisco, (n)
April 18 San Francisco, (n)
April 20 at Cincinnati, (n)
April 21 at Cincinnati, (n)
April 22 at Cincinnati, (n)
April 23 at Washington, (n)
April 24 at Washington, (d)
April 25 at Washington, (d)
April 26 at N.Y. Mets, (n)
April 27 at N.Y. Mets, (n)
April 28 at N.Y. Mets, (d)
April 29 Pittsburgh, (n)
April 30 Pittsburgh, (n)
May 1 Pittsburgh, (n)
May 2 Pittsburgh, (n)
May 4 Milwaukee, (n)
May 5 Milwaukee, (n)
May 6 Milwaukee, (n)
May 7 Colorado, (n)
May 8 Colorado, (n)
May 9 Colorado, (n)
May 10 at Arizona, (n)
May 11 at Arizona, (n)
May 12 at Arizona, (n)
May 14 at San Diego, (n)
May 15 at San Diego, (n)
May 16 at San Diego, (d)
May 17 Houston, (n)
May 18 Houston, (n)
May 19 San Diego, (n)
May 20 San Diego, (n)
May 21 Detroit, (n)
May 22 Detroit, (n)
May 23 Detroit, (n)
May 24 at Chicago Cubs, (n)
May 26 at Chicago Cubs, (n)
May 27 at Chicago Cubs, (d)
May 28 at Colorado, (n)
May 29 at Colorado, (n)
May 30 at Colorado, (d)
May 31 Arizona, (n)
June 1 Arizona, (n)
June 2 Arizona, (n)
June 3 Atlanta, (n)
June 4 Atlanta, (n)
June 5 Atlanta, (n)
June 6 Atlanta, (n)
June 7 St. Louis, (n)
June 8 St. Louis, (n)
June 9 St. Louis, (n)
June 11 at L.A. Angels, (n)
June 12 at L.A. Angels, (n)
June 13 at L.A. Angels, (n)
June 15 L.A. Cincinnati, (n)
June 16 L.A. Cincinnati, (n)
June 17 L.A. Cincinnati, (n)
June 18 at Boston, (n)
June 19 at Boston, (n)
June 20 at Boston, (d)
June 21 L.A. Angels, (n)
June 23 L.A. Angels, (n)
June 24 L.A. Angels, (n)
June 25 N.Y. Yankees, (n)
June 26 N.Y. Yankees, (n)
June 27 N.Y. Yankees, (n)
June 28 at San Francisco, (n)
June 29 at San Francisco, (n)
June 30 at San Francisco, (n)
July 2 at Arizona, (n)
July 3 at Arizona, (n)
July 4 at Arizona, (d)
July 5 Florida, (n)
July 6 Florida, (n)
July 7 Florida, (n)
July 8 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 9 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 10 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 11 Chicago Cubs, (n)
July 15 at St. Louis, (n)
July 16 at St. Louis, (n)
July 17 at St. Louis, (n)
July 18 at St. Louis, (d)
July 19 San Francisco, (n)
July 20 San Francisco, (n)
July 21 San Francisco, (n)
July 22 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 23 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 24 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 25 N.Y. Mets, (n)
July 27 at San Diego, (n)
July 28 at San Diego, (n)
July 29 at San Diego, (d)
July 30 at San Francisco, (n)
July 31 at San Francisco, (n)
Aug. 1 at San Francisco, (d)
Aug. 2 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 3 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 4 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 5 San Diego, (n)
Aug. 6 Washington, (n)
Aug. 7 Washington, (n)
Aug. 8 Washington, (n)
Aug. 10 at Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 11 at Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 12 at Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 13 at Atlanta, (n)
Aug. 14 at Atlanta, (n)
Aug. 15 at Atlanta, (d)
Aug. 16 at Atlanta, (n)
Aug. 17 Colorado, (n)
Aug. 18 Colorado, (n)
Aug. 19 Colorado, (n)
Aug. 20 Cincinnati, (n)
Aug. 21 Cincinnati, (n)
Aug. 22 Cincinnati, (n)
Aug. 24 at Milwaukee, (n)
Aug. 25 at Milwaukee, (n)
Aug. 26 at Milwaukee, (d)
Aug. 27 at Colorado, (n)
Aug. 28 at Colorado, (n)
Aug. 29 at Colorado, (d)
Aug. 30 Philadelphia, (n)
Aug. 31 Philadelphia, (n)
Sept. 1 Philadelphia, (n)
Sept. 3 San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 4 San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 5 San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 6 at San Diego, (n)
Sept. 7 at San Diego, (n)
Sept. 8 at San Diego, (n)
Sept. 9 at Houston, (n)
Sept. 10 at Houston, (n)
Sept. 11 at Houston, (n)
Sept. 12 at Houston, (d)
Sept. 14 at San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 15 at San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 16 at San Francisco, (n)
Sept. 17 Colorado, (n)
Sept. 18 Colorado, (n)
Sept. 19 Colorado, (n)
Sept. 21 San Diego, (n)
Sept. 22 San Diego, (n)
Sept. 23 San Diego, (n)
Sept. 24 at Arizona, (n)
Sept. 25 at Arizona, (n)
Sept. 26 at Arizona, (d)
Sept. 27 at Colorado, (n)
Sept. 28 at Colorado, (n)
Sept. 29 at Colorado, (d)
Oct. 1 Arizona, (n)
Oct. 2 Arizona, (n)
Oct. 3 Arizona, (n)
Dodgers To Help With Reds Money Problems?
Update: John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer asked Reds GM Walt Jocketty about trading Joey Votto, Jocketty replied, "Oh God, no." You can all cross Votto off the trade list.
Ed Price and Jeff Fletcher of MLB Fanhouse is reporting the Reds will have to slash payroll this winter. Cincinnati's 2009 payroll was about $71 million. General manager Walt Jocketty said during a break Tuesday at the GM Meetings that he "might" have to move some high-salaried players to meet the 2010 goal.
Cincinnati is looking to cut their payroll from $71MM in 2009 to between the $65-$70MM range next season. It appears that poor ticket sales are to blame for the upcoming cuts.
If Cincinnati does make a deal, the top candidates to be traded are second baseman Brandon Phillips (owed just under $7MM in 2010), and pitchers Aaron Harang ($12.5MM) and Bronson Arroyo ($12.25MM). Phillips, averaging 23 homeruns and a .452 slugging percentage over the last four seasons, is the most likely target for the Dodgers.
Harang and Arroyo are both coming off decent years themselves, but trading them complicates things due to their bigger contract numbers. The Reds may be required to absorb a chunk of their salaries if traded.
Of course this is purely speculation but Phillips would be the perfect trade target for the Dodgers' huge hole at second base. If Phillips is made available, I would almost certainly guarantee Colletti would be on the phone with Jocketty. Phillips is signed through 2011, plus a 2012 club option. Would Blake DeWitt and a pitching prospect be enough to put Phillips in Dodger blue?
I may be dreaming here a bit, but what about bringing Phillips, and either Harang or Arroyo over from Cincinatti? We could all dream some more and ask for Joey Votto as well. Would Blake DeWitt, James Loney, James McDonald, and a prospect be enough? This of course is all fun and purely speculative. Thoughts anyone?
Quick thanks to Cot's Baseball Contracts for informational help with this post.
Ed Price and Jeff Fletcher of MLB Fanhouse is reporting the Reds will have to slash payroll this winter. Cincinnati's 2009 payroll was about $71 million. General manager Walt Jocketty said during a break Tuesday at the GM Meetings that he "might" have to move some high-salaried players to meet the 2010 goal.
Cincinnati is looking to cut their payroll from $71MM in 2009 to between the $65-$70MM range next season. It appears that poor ticket sales are to blame for the upcoming cuts.
If Cincinnati does make a deal, the top candidates to be traded are second baseman Brandon Phillips (owed just under $7MM in 2010), and pitchers Aaron Harang ($12.5MM) and Bronson Arroyo ($12.25MM). Phillips, averaging 23 homeruns and a .452 slugging percentage over the last four seasons, is the most likely target for the Dodgers.
Harang and Arroyo are both coming off decent years themselves, but trading them complicates things due to their bigger contract numbers. The Reds may be required to absorb a chunk of their salaries if traded.
Of course this is purely speculation but Phillips would be the perfect trade target for the Dodgers' huge hole at second base. If Phillips is made available, I would almost certainly guarantee Colletti would be on the phone with Jocketty. Phillips is signed through 2011, plus a 2012 club option. Would Blake DeWitt and a pitching prospect be enough to put Phillips in Dodger blue?
I may be dreaming here a bit, but what about bringing Phillips, and either Harang or Arroyo over from Cincinatti? We could all dream some more and ask for Joey Votto as well. Would Blake DeWitt, James Loney, James McDonald, and a prospect be enough? This of course is all fun and purely speculative. Thoughts anyone?
Quick thanks to Cot's Baseball Contracts for informational help with this post.
Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson Win 2009 Gold Gloves
Update: It's official per team release. Congrats to the "Bison" and the "O-Dawg" on their awards.
Memories of Kevin Malone has a source in the MLB offices telling him that Orlando Hudson and Matt Kemp have each won a 2009 Gold Glove.
Here is some more from his post.
NL Gold Glove Winners
I would have had Brandon Phillips with Gold at second, and I think Kemp makes sense this year. But a case could be made for Nyjer Morgan and Mike Cameron over Kemp. Waiting for official news to be posted to confirm the above.
Memories of Kevin Malone has a source in the MLB offices telling him that Orlando Hudson and Matt Kemp have each won a 2009 Gold Glove.
Here is some more from his post.
NL Gold Glove Winners
Here's further detail on the outfield situation.
P - Adam Wainwright
C - Yadier Molina
1B - Adrian Gonzalez
2B - Orlando Hudson
3B - Ryan Zimmerman
SS - Jimmy Rollins
OF - Shane Victorino
OF - Matt Kemp
OF - Michael Bourn
Kemp had 72 votes, Victorino had 70, and Bourn had 31. 4th-6th place were Francoeur, Cameron, and Morgan respectively.Surprising.
I would have had Brandon Phillips with Gold at second, and I think Kemp makes sense this year. But a case could be made for Nyjer Morgan and Mike Cameron over Kemp. Waiting for official news to be posted to confirm the above.
Dodgers Rumors: Random Links
Diamond Leung has a quote from Dodgers free agent Randy Wolf, and said he’d like to return to the Dodgers.
“I would love to,” he said. “I’m not sure if that’s a mutual feeling. They have their goals for the future. I don’t know what their plans are.”
Ideally, Wolf said he’d like to sign a long-term deal.
Hopefully the feeling is mutual, and a deal can get done soon. Randy Wolf is a Type A free agent and this will chase away some interest guaranteed.
Dylan Hernandez is looking to confirm the Dodgers interest in Joel Piniero. He is probably too pricey anyway.
Jason Marquis also gets named recently with no confirmation. Stay tuned.
“I would love to,” he said. “I’m not sure if that’s a mutual feeling. They have their goals for the future. I don’t know what their plans are.”
Ideally, Wolf said he’d like to sign a long-term deal.
Hopefully the feeling is mutual, and a deal can get done soon. Randy Wolf is a Type A free agent and this will chase away some interest guaranteed.
Dylan Hernandez is looking to confirm the Dodgers interest in Joel Piniero. He is probably too pricey anyway.
Jason Marquis also gets named recently with no confirmation. Stay tuned.
Dodgers May Trade One Of Their Young Core
Diamond Leung has an article suggesting that the Dodgers are expected to trade at least one of their many young arbitration eligible players soon. We have heard this time and time again, and it's really starting to get old. This time may be different, especially after being bounced from the NLCS two years in a row. There are some glaring and obvious changes that must be addressed this winter. For now, let's take a look at this long list of arbitration eligible players that might be dealt.
Andre Ethier- This guy was magical in 2009 plain and simple. There is no way he is traded, and no further discussion is necessary. Hopefully Ned can lock this guy up for years to come.
Matt Kemp- Perhaps the most underrated player in all of baseball. This guy was the best all around player for the team in 2009, and at the young age of 25, he hasn't even reached his peak yet. Scary, I know. Not only will he not be traded, I would expect Colletti to be engaged in serious talks with Kemp regarding a long term deal.
Chad Billingsley- I am so tired of hearing the negativity spread towards Billingsley. The guy had a rough second half, no doubt. However, the guy is a future ace, mark my words. He is still very young and shined brilliantly in all of 2008 and the first half of 2009. He had a few rough outings and trading him would be an enormous mistake. It's the mistake you would soon be able to throw in the Pedro Martinez, Paul Konerko, Edwin Jackson hat. You can count on seeing Bills in Dodger blue next season.
Jonathan Broxton- Here is a guy that is getting blamed for the entire NLCS collapse. He blew a critical game that could have changed the outcome of the series, that much is true. However, over an entire season he was the best closer in all of baseball, as the stats do not lie. He is and will be the most dominant closer in baseball for years to come, and he will be doing it in a Dodgers uniform.
George Sherrill- Obtaining Sherrill meant us sending top prospect Josh Bell to Baltimore. There is no way the Dodgers are giving up. The Dodgers are going to put up whatever dollar amount neccessary to keep Broxton and Sherrill in the bullpen.
Russell Martin- Ah poor Martin, this guy is my favorite player on the team. I love this guy's heart and ambition. He had a terrible year offensively and continued on the downward spiral trend. There are hundreds of speculative reasons as to why he had the season he did. First it was because he put J. Martin on the back of his jersey, then it was because he quit tobacco, then it was because he lost too much weight, and the best reason of all is he got off PED's. Alright so let me get this straight. If Martin takes the "J" off his back, starts chewing tobacco again, and adds 20 pounds Martin will hit at least .280 with 15 homers and steal 25 bags. Ridiculous. The first time a player has a rough season, people accuse other players of taking PED's. So when you have a bad day at work should people say he must have gotten off the HGH? No, and none of the other reasons make sense either. Martin had a rough year, the guy is still very young and his potential is still sky high. It seems a lot of his obstacles could be mental not physical and therefore a change of scenery may do him some good. I definitely see a package of prospects being packaged around Martin and shipped to Toronto for Roy Halladay.
Hong-Chih Kuo- This guy is amazing. He has had so many arm surgeries I have lost count, yet he continues to perform extraordinarily well. Kuo ranks among the elite left handers in the game, and shows no signs of derailing. One thing to remember is he will always have a question mark next to him due to his past history of injuries. I think with Kuo's value at its peak, and Sherrill and Elbert in the bullpen, Kuo becomes expendable in the right deal.
James Loney- This guy is full of swagger and possesses such a nice sweet swing. His defensive skills are among the league's best and continues to get better each season offensively. The downside is he has no power, and I don't see any emerging signs of the power swing ever showing up. His days could definitely be numbered, as he was already rumored in a deal to San Diego last summer. I fully expect Los Angeles to revisit talks with San Diego regarding Adrian Gonzalez and/or Heath Bell. What about Martin, Loney, Kuo, and a prospect or two for Gonzalez and Bell?
Andre Ethier- This guy was magical in 2009 plain and simple. There is no way he is traded, and no further discussion is necessary. Hopefully Ned can lock this guy up for years to come.
Matt Kemp- Perhaps the most underrated player in all of baseball. This guy was the best all around player for the team in 2009, and at the young age of 25, he hasn't even reached his peak yet. Scary, I know. Not only will he not be traded, I would expect Colletti to be engaged in serious talks with Kemp regarding a long term deal.
Chad Billingsley- I am so tired of hearing the negativity spread towards Billingsley. The guy had a rough second half, no doubt. However, the guy is a future ace, mark my words. He is still very young and shined brilliantly in all of 2008 and the first half of 2009. He had a few rough outings and trading him would be an enormous mistake. It's the mistake you would soon be able to throw in the Pedro Martinez, Paul Konerko, Edwin Jackson hat. You can count on seeing Bills in Dodger blue next season.
Jonathan Broxton- Here is a guy that is getting blamed for the entire NLCS collapse. He blew a critical game that could have changed the outcome of the series, that much is true. However, over an entire season he was the best closer in all of baseball, as the stats do not lie. He is and will be the most dominant closer in baseball for years to come, and he will be doing it in a Dodgers uniform.
George Sherrill- Obtaining Sherrill meant us sending top prospect Josh Bell to Baltimore. There is no way the Dodgers are giving up. The Dodgers are going to put up whatever dollar amount neccessary to keep Broxton and Sherrill in the bullpen.
Russell Martin- Ah poor Martin, this guy is my favorite player on the team. I love this guy's heart and ambition. He had a terrible year offensively and continued on the downward spiral trend. There are hundreds of speculative reasons as to why he had the season he did. First it was because he put J. Martin on the back of his jersey, then it was because he quit tobacco, then it was because he lost too much weight, and the best reason of all is he got off PED's. Alright so let me get this straight. If Martin takes the "J" off his back, starts chewing tobacco again, and adds 20 pounds Martin will hit at least .280 with 15 homers and steal 25 bags. Ridiculous. The first time a player has a rough season, people accuse other players of taking PED's. So when you have a bad day at work should people say he must have gotten off the HGH? No, and none of the other reasons make sense either. Martin had a rough year, the guy is still very young and his potential is still sky high. It seems a lot of his obstacles could be mental not physical and therefore a change of scenery may do him some good. I definitely see a package of prospects being packaged around Martin and shipped to Toronto for Roy Halladay.
Hong-Chih Kuo- This guy is amazing. He has had so many arm surgeries I have lost count, yet he continues to perform extraordinarily well. Kuo ranks among the elite left handers in the game, and shows no signs of derailing. One thing to remember is he will always have a question mark next to him due to his past history of injuries. I think with Kuo's value at its peak, and Sherrill and Elbert in the bullpen, Kuo becomes expendable in the right deal.
James Loney- This guy is full of swagger and possesses such a nice sweet swing. His defensive skills are among the league's best and continues to get better each season offensively. The downside is he has no power, and I don't see any emerging signs of the power swing ever showing up. His days could definitely be numbered, as he was already rumored in a deal to San Diego last summer. I fully expect Los Angeles to revisit talks with San Diego regarding Adrian Gonzalez and/or Heath Bell. What about Martin, Loney, Kuo, and a prospect or two for Gonzalez and Bell?
Mark Cuban Interested In Buying Dodgers
Update: Diamond Leung has a quote from Mark Cuban.
“I’ll make an inquiry like I have in the other deals, then we’ll see what happens. But, again, it’s got to be the right deal. It’s not like the Cubs situation.”
Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Time is reporting that Mark Cuban would be interested in buying the Los Angeles Dodgers if the opportunity should arise. Cuban is the current owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and would like to add the Los Angeles Dodgers to his portfolio.
The Dodgers are not currently for sale, however if the McCourt divorce drama plays out, the McCourts may be forced to sell.
Frank McCourt contends he is the sole owner of the Dodgers and insists the team is not for sale. Jamie McCourt contends she is a co-owner, and her lawyer has said she has lined up financing for a possible bid to buy out her estranged husband.
Mark Cuban bid unsuccessfully for the Chicago Cubs recently before they were sold to the Ricketts family. Cuban has also expressed interest in buying his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates. He said his interest in the Dodgers would be conditional on the ability to buy a controlling share as part of an ownership group.
Diamond Leung has an update along the same subject saying Mark Cuban grew up a Dodgers fan. Cuban is quoted the in the article saying, "My first experience in sports was going to Dodger Stadium when I was a little bitty guy and sitting in the bleacher seats with my dad.
Most amazing experience I’ve had in my life. It didn’t matter where we sat. I mean, I was in Dodger Stadium. The grass was greener. The chalk was the whitest chalk I’d ever seen. I’d never seen uniforms like that before. … We want to make sure the 5, 6 and 7-year-old is getting that experience."
Cuban also says that he has heard from Dodgers fans that want him to buy the team. When asked how many, "More than I can count," Cuban wrote in an e-mail.
What do you Dodger fans think? Would Mark Cuban be your top pick to buy the team if the McCourts are forced to sell?
“I’ll make an inquiry like I have in the other deals, then we’ll see what happens. But, again, it’s got to be the right deal. It’s not like the Cubs situation.”
Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Time is reporting that Mark Cuban would be interested in buying the Los Angeles Dodgers if the opportunity should arise. Cuban is the current owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and would like to add the Los Angeles Dodgers to his portfolio.
The Dodgers are not currently for sale, however if the McCourt divorce drama plays out, the McCourts may be forced to sell.
Frank McCourt contends he is the sole owner of the Dodgers and insists the team is not for sale. Jamie McCourt contends she is a co-owner, and her lawyer has said she has lined up financing for a possible bid to buy out her estranged husband.
Mark Cuban bid unsuccessfully for the Chicago Cubs recently before they were sold to the Ricketts family. Cuban has also expressed interest in buying his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates. He said his interest in the Dodgers would be conditional on the ability to buy a controlling share as part of an ownership group.
Diamond Leung has an update along the same subject saying Mark Cuban grew up a Dodgers fan. Cuban is quoted the in the article saying, "My first experience in sports was going to Dodger Stadium when I was a little bitty guy and sitting in the bleacher seats with my dad.
Most amazing experience I’ve had in my life. It didn’t matter where we sat. I mean, I was in Dodger Stadium. The grass was greener. The chalk was the whitest chalk I’d ever seen. I’d never seen uniforms like that before. … We want to make sure the 5, 6 and 7-year-old is getting that experience."
Cuban also says that he has heard from Dodgers fans that want him to buy the team. When asked how many, "More than I can count," Cuban wrote in an e-mail.
What do you Dodger fans think? Would Mark Cuban be your top pick to buy the team if the McCourts are forced to sell?
Joe Torre Sticking Around Past 2010?
Just as all the rumors and reports that Torre is going to call it quits after the 2010 season, reports are buzzing that this may be entirely false.
T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times brings us the latest news on Joe Torre signing a contract extension past 2010 to stay with the Dodgers. Here are some highlights of the article.
"We were talking about my coaches and I've been thinking about it," Torre says while mentioning General Manager Ned Colletti's name and plans to chat again once Torre returns from a charity function in New York.
"It's been fun. When I came here, I was curious about how it might go. But the last two years have been invigorating. You see progress and your ego tells you maybe you had something to do with it."
It has also been rumored that Don Mattingly is the apparent heir to the throne in Los Angeles. After interviews with Washington and Cleveland not panning out for whatever reason, it became clear he wanted to stay in the Dodgers organization.
"We'll discuss Don this winter as well," Colletti says. "We believe he wants to stay here and we'll see where that goes.
"When I hired Joe, I told him we wanted to develop continuity here and I would like to have his successor on his staff or at least within the organization. He suggested Don be given a chance and I've told him we'll do that."
Mattingly is in Indiana, and with nothing to do there, he was obviously available take a call. He says, 'it doesn't bother me at all Joe wants to work another year or whatever.
"I really like it there and that's key for me. They've shown me tremendous loyalty and I like the club. I can't say assurances have been given to me [about becoming Torre's successor], but I like the way talks are going. That's a place where I want to be."
It is definitely looking like both Joe and Don will be sticking around and that's just fine with me.
T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times brings us the latest news on Joe Torre signing a contract extension past 2010 to stay with the Dodgers. Here are some highlights of the article.
"We were talking about my coaches and I've been thinking about it," Torre says while mentioning General Manager Ned Colletti's name and plans to chat again once Torre returns from a charity function in New York.
"It's been fun. When I came here, I was curious about how it might go. But the last two years have been invigorating. You see progress and your ego tells you maybe you had something to do with it."
It has also been rumored that Don Mattingly is the apparent heir to the throne in Los Angeles. After interviews with Washington and Cleveland not panning out for whatever reason, it became clear he wanted to stay in the Dodgers organization.
"We'll discuss Don this winter as well," Colletti says. "We believe he wants to stay here and we'll see where that goes.
"When I hired Joe, I told him we wanted to develop continuity here and I would like to have his successor on his staff or at least within the organization. He suggested Don be given a chance and I've told him we'll do that."
Mattingly is in Indiana, and with nothing to do there, he was obviously available take a call. He says, 'it doesn't bother me at all Joe wants to work another year or whatever.
"I really like it there and that's key for me. They've shown me tremendous loyalty and I like the club. I can't say assurances have been given to me [about becoming Torre's successor], but I like the way talks are going. That's a place where I want to be."
It is definitely looking like both Joe and Don will be sticking around and that's just fine with me.
Around The Bases: Dodgers Rumors Links
Jon Weisman addresses the Chad Billingsley rumors and has some solid facts to back it up. He makes some great points which I believe to be totally valid.
Dylan Hernandez has several links this morning via Twitter:
Mark DeRosa could be outside the Dodgers budget.
Aroldis Chapman is not on the Dodgers radar.
Ned Colletti said GM meetings will be "an information-gathering session." Second base and starting pitching remain the top priorities.
Hernandez could see them taking a chance on Erik Bedard if they can get him cheap.
Ken Rosenthal says Padres Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell will both be available this winter if the price is right.
Dylan Hernandez has several links this morning via Twitter:
Mark DeRosa could be outside the Dodgers budget.
Aroldis Chapman is not on the Dodgers radar.
Ned Colletti said GM meetings will be "an information-gathering session." Second base and starting pitching remain the top priorities.
Hernandez could see them taking a chance on Erik Bedard if they can get him cheap.
Ken Rosenthal says Padres Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell will both be available this winter if the price is right.
Dodgers Interested In Royals Alberto Callaspo
Mike Axisa from MLBTR has a post from Bob Dutton of The KC Star discussing the Royals interest in trading for a catcher. The Royals have a hole to fill after declining Miguel Olivo's 2010 option. Apparently they do no have any internal options to fill the need and have instead turned to looking outside the organization. The Royals have interest in an Alberto Callaspo for A.J. Ellis swap. This could be an interesting rumor to watch over the next several weeks. Here is some more highlights of the post.
Dutton mentions one interesting rumor to watch, a "deal sending second baseman Alberto Callaspo to the Los Angeles Dodgers for catcher A.J. Ellis." Callaspo, who hit .300/.356/.457 in 2009, would help fill the Dodgers' second base vacancy, while the 28-year-old Ellis would give KC a defensive standout behind the plate. Ellis also has a career .398 OBP in the minors, with more walks than strikeouts in nearly 1,800 plate appearances.
Dutton mentions one interesting rumor to watch, a "deal sending second baseman Alberto Callaspo to the Los Angeles Dodgers for catcher A.J. Ellis." Callaspo, who hit .300/.356/.457 in 2009, would help fill the Dodgers' second base vacancy, while the 28-year-old Ellis would give KC a defensive standout behind the plate. Ellis also has a career .398 OBP in the minors, with more walks than strikeouts in nearly 1,800 plate appearances.
Official: Manny Ramirez Will Exercise His Option For 2010 Season
11/06 Update: Dylan Hernandez via Twitter has the latest on Manny Ramirez. He has heard from Scott Boras that Manny will return to the Dodgers in 2010.
Contrary to the report below Tim Dierkes at MLBTR has just posted a link that an AL team is interested in Manny Ramirez.
Here is the direct quote from the report: "A baseball insider says the club has been contacted by an American League team that is interested in Manny Ramirez if the team will pay part of his $20 million salary for 2010. It's a team that plays in a very mediocre division, has a few team officials familiar with Ramirez, and always needs a bump in notoriety."
Credit Bob Keisser of the Long Beach Press Telegram and Diamond Leung.
I speculated on this scenario saying "I don't see Manny going anywhere otherwise he wouldn't have signed with Dodgers last off-season. Unless Scott Boras pulls a JD Drew on us and negotiates Manny out of town I see his option being exercised for 2010. I haven't seen this scenario brought up, but what if a team like the Rays or Mets persuades Boras to have Manny to opt-out? Not a likely scenario, but a scenario nonetheless."
SI's Jon Heyman is reporting that Manny Ramirez will exercise his player option to return to the Dodgers next season. This shouldn't come as a surprise to most as it has been thought all along he would exercise the option. The market for Manny's services was slim at best last offseason and there is no way Manny finds a better gig than the one he will have in Los Angeles.
Just as in 2009 most of his salary in 2010 is deferred. Also keep in mind that Manny's 2009 salary was reduced by his 50-game suspension. Player's salaries are computed over the 183-day regular season, so Manny lost $6,830,601 of his $25 million salary for being suspended during 50 of the 183 days, spread out through deferment which ends in 2013.
Manny Ramirez hit .290/.418/.531 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI in 104 games in 2009. Not bad numbers for a player who missed 50 of the 162 games in the season. However not the numbers you expect or want from a player making $18MM.
Mannywood will be back in 2010 hopefully he can stay out of trouble and focus on his mechanics. 2010 will be very painful season if Manny continues to struggle with the fastball. Manny will turn 38 in May of 2010. He is finally getting up there in age and hopefully we get one last season of Manny before the inevitable decline sets in.
Contrary to the report below Tim Dierkes at MLBTR has just posted a link that an AL team is interested in Manny Ramirez.
Here is the direct quote from the report: "A baseball insider says the club has been contacted by an American League team that is interested in Manny Ramirez if the team will pay part of his $20 million salary for 2010. It's a team that plays in a very mediocre division, has a few team officials familiar with Ramirez, and always needs a bump in notoriety."
Credit Bob Keisser of the Long Beach Press Telegram and Diamond Leung.
I speculated on this scenario saying "I don't see Manny going anywhere otherwise he wouldn't have signed with Dodgers last off-season. Unless Scott Boras pulls a JD Drew on us and negotiates Manny out of town I see his option being exercised for 2010. I haven't seen this scenario brought up, but what if a team like the Rays or Mets persuades Boras to have Manny to opt-out? Not a likely scenario, but a scenario nonetheless."
SI's Jon Heyman is reporting that Manny Ramirez will exercise his player option to return to the Dodgers next season. This shouldn't come as a surprise to most as it has been thought all along he would exercise the option. The market for Manny's services was slim at best last offseason and there is no way Manny finds a better gig than the one he will have in Los Angeles.
Just as in 2009 most of his salary in 2010 is deferred. Also keep in mind that Manny's 2009 salary was reduced by his 50-game suspension. Player's salaries are computed over the 183-day regular season, so Manny lost $6,830,601 of his $25 million salary for being suspended during 50 of the 183 days, spread out through deferment which ends in 2013.
Manny Ramirez hit .290/.418/.531 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI in 104 games in 2009. Not bad numbers for a player who missed 50 of the 162 games in the season. However not the numbers you expect or want from a player making $18MM.
Mannywood will be back in 2010 hopefully he can stay out of trouble and focus on his mechanics. 2010 will be very painful season if Manny continues to struggle with the fastball. Manny will turn 38 in May of 2010. He is finally getting up there in age and hopefully we get one last season of Manny before the inevitable decline sets in.
Dodgers Decline Garland's 2010 Option
Dylan Hernandez via Twitter updates us with an unsurprising move by the Dodgers. Today they declined Jon Garlands 2010 option. With the move Garland is owed $2.5MM for the buyout, which Arizona will take care of for the Dodgers per the terms of the deal in August. In addition if Garland ranks as a Type A free agent the Dodgers can not offer him arbitration.
Memories of Kevin Malone posted an interesting article this morning along this subject.
Garland gave the Dodgers his best during his tenure, as he posted a 2.72 ERA in six starts, but he is exactly the type of guy you want to cut bait with after the season concludes. The Dodgers got excellent performance out of him that likely boosted his value, but his career shows an overwhelming trend of mediocrity, so let somebody else pay for an illusion.
Could not have said it better Kenasi, great article.
Memories of Kevin Malone posted an interesting article this morning along this subject.
Garland gave the Dodgers his best during his tenure, as he posted a 2.72 ERA in six starts, but he is exactly the type of guy you want to cut bait with after the season concludes. The Dodgers got excellent performance out of him that likely boosted his value, but his career shows an overwhelming trend of mediocrity, so let somebody else pay for an illusion.
Could not have said it better Kenasi, great article.
AL Club Interested In Manny Ramirez?
11/02: Dylan Hernandez shoots this rumor down via twitter. He says "No truth to the rumor floated out by the LB Press-Telegram that an AL team has asked the Dodgers about Manny Ramirez, GM Ned Colletti said."
I am not buying into this rumor, but if it is true there is no way Ned Colletti is going to confirm it anyway. Drama will accompany Manny in any situation it possibly can, stay tuned.
11/02: Tim Dierkes at MLBTR has just posted a link that an AL team is interested in Manny Ramirez.
Here is the direct quote from the report: "A baseball insider says the club has been contacted by an American League team that is interested in Manny Ramirez if the team will pay part of his $20 million salary for 2010. It's a team that plays in a very mediocre division, has a few team officials familiar with Ramirez, and always needs a bump in notoriety."
Credit Bob Keisser of the Long Beach Press Telegram and Diamond Leung.
I speculated on this scenario saying "I don't see Manny going anywhere otherwise he wouldn't have signed with Dodgers last off-season. Unless Scott Boras pulls a JD Drew on us and negotiates Manny out of town I see his option being exercised for 2010. I haven't seen this scenario brought up, but what if a team like the Rays or Mets persuades Boras to have Manny to opt-out? Not a likely scenario, but a scenario nonetheless."
I think the White Sox makes the most sense, with the acquisitions of Peavy and Rios the White Sox are in a position where they have to win now to make these deals payoff. They have the pieces to make a World Series appearance in 2010, Manny will help put them over the top.
I also the think the Indians and Tigers make sense, and I could see them all justifying this move internally. Manny brings in cash and he will make your attendance go up. However if you really dissect the report you can remove any team from the AL East and West as though there are some teams with losing records in those divisions, it's pretty hard to call either of those divisions mediocre.
The AL Central makes the most sense but I don't really see the Royals and Twins getting involved. Manny would never want to play for a non-contender so that crosses the Royals off. Minnesota has a good thing going on, and while on paper it may look good I don't think the Twins would ever consider him. The Indians have some connection to Manny and that makes sense from both sides, however they just unloaded Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee last summer. If the Indians were to make this move it would be very backwards and would leave many scratching their heads as they look to rebuild. That really leaves the Tigers and White Sox, if this report is true my money is on the White Sox. Put Manny in a lineup with guys like Quentin, Konerko and Rios, and is starts to make sense very quickly.
However let's be honest here, if this report is true (which it's probably not) you can bet that Boras is involved. This is what Boras does best and Manny is his perfect client, remember the JD Drew incident? There are some major obstacles to clear hear, salary, steroid suspension, a full no trade clause, and time is running out. Ramirez must decide whether to opt out of the final year of the deal before the fifth day after the World Series or November 10th, whichever is later.
I am not buying into this rumor, but if it is true there is no way Ned Colletti is going to confirm it anyway. Drama will accompany Manny in any situation it possibly can, stay tuned.
11/02: Tim Dierkes at MLBTR has just posted a link that an AL team is interested in Manny Ramirez.
Here is the direct quote from the report: "A baseball insider says the club has been contacted by an American League team that is interested in Manny Ramirez if the team will pay part of his $20 million salary for 2010. It's a team that plays in a very mediocre division, has a few team officials familiar with Ramirez, and always needs a bump in notoriety."
Credit Bob Keisser of the Long Beach Press Telegram and Diamond Leung.
I speculated on this scenario saying "I don't see Manny going anywhere otherwise he wouldn't have signed with Dodgers last off-season. Unless Scott Boras pulls a JD Drew on us and negotiates Manny out of town I see his option being exercised for 2010. I haven't seen this scenario brought up, but what if a team like the Rays or Mets persuades Boras to have Manny to opt-out? Not a likely scenario, but a scenario nonetheless."
I think the White Sox makes the most sense, with the acquisitions of Peavy and Rios the White Sox are in a position where they have to win now to make these deals payoff. They have the pieces to make a World Series appearance in 2010, Manny will help put them over the top.
I also the think the Indians and Tigers make sense, and I could see them all justifying this move internally. Manny brings in cash and he will make your attendance go up. However if you really dissect the report you can remove any team from the AL East and West as though there are some teams with losing records in those divisions, it's pretty hard to call either of those divisions mediocre.
The AL Central makes the most sense but I don't really see the Royals and Twins getting involved. Manny would never want to play for a non-contender so that crosses the Royals off. Minnesota has a good thing going on, and while on paper it may look good I don't think the Twins would ever consider him. The Indians have some connection to Manny and that makes sense from both sides, however they just unloaded Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee last summer. If the Indians were to make this move it would be very backwards and would leave many scratching their heads as they look to rebuild. That really leaves the Tigers and White Sox, if this report is true my money is on the White Sox. Put Manny in a lineup with guys like Quentin, Konerko and Rios, and is starts to make sense very quickly.
However let's be honest here, if this report is true (which it's probably not) you can bet that Boras is involved. This is what Boras does best and Manny is his perfect client, remember the JD Drew incident? There are some major obstacles to clear hear, salary, steroid suspension, a full no trade clause, and time is running out. Ramirez must decide whether to opt out of the final year of the deal before the fifth day after the World Series or November 10th, whichever is later.
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