Things are a little quiet in Dodgertown lately, but there is some news from the last couple of days that is worth talking about.
Tony Jackson offers up a rumor as we approach Opening Day. Jackson writes that says that Ivan DeJesus has gone from being seen as a potential future starting shortstop to "perhaps trade bait" for the Dodgers. DeJesus gets added to a list already containing Chin-lung Hu, Jason Repko, and Eric Stults.
Russell Martin is back and will play against the Rockies on Tuesday, according to Dylan Hernandez.
Dave Cameron of FanGraphs ranks the Dodgers 14th in the league in his organizational rankings. He blames the McCourts for most of the problems. It's a good read if you can tolerate the McCourt negativity.
First Angel Berroa finally got the axe this week. The fact the Dodgers wasted anytime with this guy is just plain stupid. Berroa never had a chance, and will have a very hard time finding playing time anywhere. It looks like Nick Green has the best chance of being Furcal's backup.
The Dodgers also announced that Doug Mientkiewicz will not make the Opening Day roster. Joe Torre apparently offered a coaching job to him, but the job was turned down immediately. Mientkiewicz is apparently seeking his release, but so far has not been granted his wish. Instead the Dodgers are hoping to use Mientkiewicz as a contingency plan should Garrett Anderson get hurt. Sorry that is pretty much a slap in the face.
Ronnie Belliard weighed in at 208 pounds, so his contract with the Dodgers is now guaranteed, writes Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times. Belliard continues to fight for the starting job at second base, but Blake DeWitt has the edge so far.
Around The Bases: Rumors & Other Random Notes
Here are some Sunday night links to round off your weekend.
Eric Stults is officially on the trading block, and is actively being shopped by the Los Angeles Dodgers. It appears that the Hanshin Tigers and the Chiba Lotte Marines are the only teams to have shown interest in the southpaw. Stults is out of options and will likely open the year as the fifth starter, or be traded.
Tony Jackson is reporting that in addition to Eric Stults, Jason Repko, and Chin-lung Hu are officially on the trading block. None of these guys are going to bring any decent return. Hopefully one of these guys can bring back a solid left handed bat for the bench. Any ideas? MSTI takes a look at some possible options. MLBTR confirms the rumors, and offer their thoughts on the availability of Stults and Hu.
The Dodgers officially released Eric Gagne today. Not a big shocker here, tough break for Gagne. This is probably the end of the road for him.
In an interesting walk down memory lane Mike Axisa from MLBTR revisits the Manny Ramirez, Jason Bay trade from 2008.
Eric Stults is officially on the trading block, and is actively being shopped by the Los Angeles Dodgers. It appears that the Hanshin Tigers and the Chiba Lotte Marines are the only teams to have shown interest in the southpaw. Stults is out of options and will likely open the year as the fifth starter, or be traded.
Tony Jackson is reporting that in addition to Eric Stults, Jason Repko, and Chin-lung Hu are officially on the trading block. None of these guys are going to bring any decent return. Hopefully one of these guys can bring back a solid left handed bat for the bench. Any ideas? MSTI takes a look at some possible options. MLBTR confirms the rumors, and offer their thoughts on the availability of Stults and Hu.
The Dodgers officially released Eric Gagne today. Not a big shocker here, tough break for Gagne. This is probably the end of the road for him.
In an interesting walk down memory lane Mike Axisa from MLBTR revisits the Manny Ramirez, Jason Bay trade from 2008.
Dodgers Continue To Clean House
The Dodgers followed up recent cuts by announcing Russ Mitchell, Juan Perez and Prentice Redman will be sent to minor-league camp. None of these guys had a chance to make the Opening Day roster anyway, so this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
James McDonald has been optioned back to the minor leagues. This announcement come shortly after McDonald being taken out of the running for the fifth starter. While at times McDonald has looked good at the major league level, he has been struggling majorly since the second half of the 2009 season. McDonald will most likely be seen as trade bait should the Dodgers look to make any trades.
Jon Link who was acquired from the White Sox in the Juan Pierre deal was also sent back to the minors today. I like what I saw from Link, and so did Joe Torre. He has a very aggressive approach, and so I don't think it will be too long before we see him in the majors.
Lucas May the prized catching prospect was also sent back to the minors. He never had a chance of making the club.
Trayvon Robinson was also sent back to the minors. While this is not a surprise, since the Dodgers would clearly like guys like Reed Johnson and Garrett Anderson around. I really like what I saw from Robinson, and this guy might get a shot to start in 2011.
Brent Leach and Ivan DeJesus Jr. also found themselves on the chopping block, and both guys will be considered for callups during the 2010 season. Of course some injuries are going to have to take place in order for this to occur.
James McDonald has been optioned back to the minor leagues. This announcement come shortly after McDonald being taken out of the running for the fifth starter. While at times McDonald has looked good at the major league level, he has been struggling majorly since the second half of the 2009 season. McDonald will most likely be seen as trade bait should the Dodgers look to make any trades.
Jon Link who was acquired from the White Sox in the Juan Pierre deal was also sent back to the minors today. I like what I saw from Link, and so did Joe Torre. He has a very aggressive approach, and so I don't think it will be too long before we see him in the majors.
Lucas May the prized catching prospect was also sent back to the minors. He never had a chance of making the club.
Trayvon Robinson was also sent back to the minors. While this is not a surprise, since the Dodgers would clearly like guys like Reed Johnson and Garrett Anderson around. I really like what I saw from Robinson, and this guy might get a shot to start in 2011.
Brent Leach and Ivan DeJesus Jr. also found themselves on the chopping block, and both guys will be considered for callups during the 2010 season. Of course some injuries are going to have to take place in order for this to occur.
Dodgers Spring Training Injury Report
According to Ken Gurnick, Russell Martin's groin injury is reportedly healing ahead of schedule. "It feels great," Martin said the day after catching his first bullpen session since suffering the injury on March 5 while stealing second base. "No problem in the crouch, and I took batting practice and I was really firing and didn't feel a thing." Despite the good news regarding Martin, he is not expected to be ready in time for Opening Day. Instead a date between early to mid April seems to be a more appropriate return date.
Cory Wade who underwent shoulder surgery on March 17th, will not be expected to return for at least three months. This is a huge bummer for the Dodgers, however the Dodgers have plenty of bullpen options and will not have any trouble filling Wade's bullpen spot. Hopefully Wade can get himself in great shape and make some solid contributions in the second half.
Cory Wade who underwent shoulder surgery on March 17th, will not be expected to return for at least three months. This is a huge bummer for the Dodgers, however the Dodgers have plenty of bullpen options and will not have any trouble filling Wade's bullpen spot. Hopefully Wade can get himself in great shape and make some solid contributions in the second half.
James McDonald Headed To Bullpen
Update: James McDonald has been sent back to the minors. Well this certainly didn't take long, shortly after being taken out of the fifth starter running, McDonald was sent back to the minors. This certainly doesn't surprise me since he has struggled with every opportunity given to him since the end of last season. McDonald will start the season in the minors and hope to rebound and make his way back to the majors soon.
After a disastrous spring, the Dodgers have announced that James McDonald is out of the fifth starter running. He will be moved to the bullpen, and I wouldn't be surprised if McDonald is left off the Opening Day roster. McDonald has put up an embarrassing 20.25 ERA, allowing 12 runs in 5.1 innings. McDonald struggled as the 2009 came to a close, and followed that up with a terrible performance in winter ball. With a clean slate this March, McDonald has struggled to be effective and will now face an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster.
It seems that McDonald's stock is plummeting in Los Angeles, and will really have to put it together if he has any plans of staying with the Dodgers. No longterm decision on McDonald should be based on the first two weeks of Spring Training games, or for that matter his four career major-league starts. But you gotta wonder if McDonald's last opportunity just slipped by him.
I gotta believe that McDonald will find himself being used as trade bait if the Dodgers look to make any changes. I like McDonald don't get me wrong, he has tremendous potential. I've said before that McDonald is one of the most talented young pitchers the Dodgers currently have. I've also said that McDonald is a longshot for the fifth starter. Should the Dodgers look to make a trade over the next four months, consider James McDonald's name to come up in conversations.
After a disastrous spring, the Dodgers have announced that James McDonald is out of the fifth starter running. He will be moved to the bullpen, and I wouldn't be surprised if McDonald is left off the Opening Day roster. McDonald has put up an embarrassing 20.25 ERA, allowing 12 runs in 5.1 innings. McDonald struggled as the 2009 came to a close, and followed that up with a terrible performance in winter ball. With a clean slate this March, McDonald has struggled to be effective and will now face an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster.
It seems that McDonald's stock is plummeting in Los Angeles, and will really have to put it together if he has any plans of staying with the Dodgers. No longterm decision on McDonald should be based on the first two weeks of Spring Training games, or for that matter his four career major-league starts. But you gotta wonder if McDonald's last opportunity just slipped by him.
I gotta believe that McDonald will find himself being used as trade bait if the Dodgers look to make any changes. I like McDonald don't get me wrong, he has tremendous potential. I've said before that McDonald is one of the most talented young pitchers the Dodgers currently have. I've also said that McDonald is a longshot for the fifth starter. Should the Dodgers look to make a trade over the next four months, consider James McDonald's name to come up in conversations.
Time For Some Spring Cleaning
With Opening Day about three weeks away, the Dodgers made their first set of spring cuts official today.
To some it may come as a surprise as Scott Elbert was reassigned to the minors today. Elbert has struggled with control a bit this spring, and this certainly didn't help his chances of making the club. I never thought Elbert had a chance of making the starting rotation. Some are higher on Elbert than others, but I think he is solid trade bait at this point.
Kenley Jansen, John Lindsey, Michael Restovich and Scott Dohmann become the first four guys to be sent back to the minors. These guys never had a legitimate chance anyway so it's not like these names are a big surprise.
Armando Zerpa, a Rule 5 acquisition was also sent back to the Boston Red Sox today. I was scratching my head with Zerpa from the very beginning, this move was inevitable. I guess Colletti was hoping to find a diamond in the rough.
Eric Gagne, the former All-Star closer was also sent back to the minors. In three appearance this spring Gagne has posted an atrocious 20.25 ERA. Gagne is done, and unless a miracle happens in the minors, his career is over. It's hard to say this since at one time Gagne was my favorite player on the Dodgers, but without PED's it's "Game Over."
To some it may come as a surprise as Scott Elbert was reassigned to the minors today. Elbert has struggled with control a bit this spring, and this certainly didn't help his chances of making the club. I never thought Elbert had a chance of making the starting rotation. Some are higher on Elbert than others, but I think he is solid trade bait at this point.
Kenley Jansen, John Lindsey, Michael Restovich and Scott Dohmann become the first four guys to be sent back to the minors. These guys never had a legitimate chance anyway so it's not like these names are a big surprise.
Armando Zerpa, a Rule 5 acquisition was also sent back to the Boston Red Sox today. I was scratching my head with Zerpa from the very beginning, this move was inevitable. I guess Colletti was hoping to find a diamond in the rough.
Eric Gagne, the former All-Star closer was also sent back to the minors. In three appearance this spring Gagne has posted an atrocious 20.25 ERA. Gagne is done, and unless a miracle happens in the minors, his career is over. It's hard to say this since at one time Gagne was my favorite player on the Dodgers, but without PED's it's "Game Over."
Is Adrian Gonzalez The Answer?
I am sure you have heard rumblings and whispers. It appears more so than ever before that Adrian Gonzalez days in San Diego are numbered, and a trade is no longer if, and is now when. Is the asking price worth it? You better believe it! Gonzalez is perhaps the most underrated player in all of baseball. Unless you are a Padres fan, or a fan of a team in the NL West you probably don't know how awesome this guy is. Gonzalez is a true athlete, this guy can rake, and is a tremendous defender. No matter how big of a James Loney fan you are, he will never compare to Gonzalez.
I truly believe that if Loney doesn't emerge and breakout like the Dodgers are hoping, Ned will go attempt to go all in for Gonzalez. I seriously doubt that Loney will ever post numbers like Gonzalez. With Manny Ramirez set to depart after this season, Gonzalez would fill the void in the lineup quite nicely. You are essentially getting the same type of offensive numbers as Manny's, and adding a gold glove defender at first base.
SI's Jon Heyman feels Gonzalez is likely to be shopped hard at this year's trade deadline. While the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers will be the likely front-runners, don't for one second think that a trade will be limited to the big spenders, since he's set to earn just $10.25MM for 2010-11.
What package of players would you send to San Diego, figuring of course that James Loney is the center piece in any trade. I think Loney, Elbert, Lambo, and Ethan Martin oughta do the trick.
I truly believe that if Loney doesn't emerge and breakout like the Dodgers are hoping, Ned will go attempt to go all in for Gonzalez. I seriously doubt that Loney will ever post numbers like Gonzalez. With Manny Ramirez set to depart after this season, Gonzalez would fill the void in the lineup quite nicely. You are essentially getting the same type of offensive numbers as Manny's, and adding a gold glove defender at first base.
SI's Jon Heyman feels Gonzalez is likely to be shopped hard at this year's trade deadline. While the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers will be the likely front-runners, don't for one second think that a trade will be limited to the big spenders, since he's set to earn just $10.25MM for 2010-11.
What package of players would you send to San Diego, figuring of course that James Loney is the center piece in any trade. I think Loney, Elbert, Lambo, and Ethan Martin oughta do the trick.
Veteran Fifth Starter Options Still Remain
Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz are still looking for a job, and they both hope to sign somewhere soon in the National League, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports. While I wouldn't mind seeing either one of these guys pitch for the Dodgers, I am very skeptical of what either of these guys have left in the tank. Both of these guys are valuable to a team, strictly from a knowledge and coaching perspective. I was very anti Pedro last season and then he signed with the Phillies, and made me eat my words of negativity.
Rosenthal adds that the Cardinals, Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers are the most likely destinations. You figure the Phillies will likely end up with one of these guys. And since the Dodgers don't seem to be getting into bidding wars lately, I would pretty much count them out unless one of them falls in their laps at a great price.
In addition to the two above mentioned, Braden Looper is also looking for work, according to Ken Gurnick. Looper just doesn't appeal to me as much as Smoltz and Martinez, just never been a big fan of his stuff. Looper is hoping to sign with the Cubs, but so far no luck. My guess is Looper waits for a more promising opportunity, like an injury to assure himself a role in the rotation.
So any thoughts on this one? Would any of you like to see one of these guys in the starting rotation? Or do you think we can get by with our current internal options and save some moolah?
Rosenthal adds that the Cardinals, Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers are the most likely destinations. You figure the Phillies will likely end up with one of these guys. And since the Dodgers don't seem to be getting into bidding wars lately, I would pretty much count them out unless one of them falls in their laps at a great price.
In addition to the two above mentioned, Braden Looper is also looking for work, according to Ken Gurnick. Looper just doesn't appeal to me as much as Smoltz and Martinez, just never been a big fan of his stuff. Looper is hoping to sign with the Cubs, but so far no luck. My guess is Looper waits for a more promising opportunity, like an injury to assure himself a role in the rotation.
So any thoughts on this one? Would any of you like to see one of these guys in the starting rotation? Or do you think we can get by with our current internal options and save some moolah?
Around The Bases: Catchup Anyone?
I am stuck in the middle of a terrible mock draft, so I thought I would get you all caught up on some Dodgers news from the last couple of days. Things should pick up around here soon with Opening Day just weeks away.
The quote of the day comes via Twitter, and from none other than Dylan Hernandez. An NL scout told that Russ Ortiz looked impressive in his last outing. "He has his [expletive] back," the scout said...
Not sure exactly what this means, but I have been hearing some really good things about Russ Ortiz so far. There is still quite a ways to go before any roster decisions have to be made. I will be surprised if Ortiz can continue at this pace. If he manages to do so, he could find himself in the role Jeff Weaver filled last year.
If anyone cares Brian Giles announced his retirement this week. He was a tremendous player for many years for the San Diego Padres. He never had a chance at being a member of the Dodgers.
Dodgers second baseman Ronnie Belliard has still yet to make weight, tweets Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. The terms of his deal with the Dodgers included a clause that asked that the veteran weigh no more than 209 pounds by the start of Spring Training.
Luke Adams from MLBTR posted a discussion about the availability of Tampa Bay pitcher Andy Sonnanstine. It's a interesting thought, and worth a quick read.
Memories of Kevin Malone has a great look at Dodgers prospect Trayvon Robinson. There is no greater read on Robinson anywhere on web.
The quote of the day comes via Twitter, and from none other than Dylan Hernandez. An NL scout told that Russ Ortiz looked impressive in his last outing. "He has his [expletive] back," the scout said...
Not sure exactly what this means, but I have been hearing some really good things about Russ Ortiz so far. There is still quite a ways to go before any roster decisions have to be made. I will be surprised if Ortiz can continue at this pace. If he manages to do so, he could find himself in the role Jeff Weaver filled last year.
If anyone cares Brian Giles announced his retirement this week. He was a tremendous player for many years for the San Diego Padres. He never had a chance at being a member of the Dodgers.
Dodgers second baseman Ronnie Belliard has still yet to make weight, tweets Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. The terms of his deal with the Dodgers included a clause that asked that the veteran weigh no more than 209 pounds by the start of Spring Training.
Luke Adams from MLBTR posted a discussion about the availability of Tampa Bay pitcher Andy Sonnanstine. It's a interesting thought, and worth a quick read.
Memories of Kevin Malone has a great look at Dodgers prospect Trayvon Robinson. There is no greater read on Robinson anywhere on web.
Russell Martin Out 4-6 Weeks With Groin Strain
The LA Dodgers learned Sunday that Russell Martin, their starting catcher, has a pulled groin muscle and will miss somewhere between a month and six weeks. Of course I learn this merely minutes after completing tonight's draft. This almost certainly means Russell Martin is out for the rest of spring training and instead will attempt to make his start during the first week of the season. Martin is trying to be ready in time for Opening Day, but at this time, that remains highly unlikely.
According to various reports, Martin acted as if nothing was wrong as he walked into the clubhouse Sunday morning. Martin added that the MRI he underwent showed nothing more than a little strain. Hopefully that's all this is, and we will see Martin recover fairly quickly.
Despite the possible severity of this injury the Dodgers have no plans of making a trade for starting catcher, according to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports. The Dodgers also do not have any interest in the remaining free agent catchers.
Joe Torre said that the Dodgers are likely to replace Martin with internal options. Torre notably expressed faith in the 29-year old rookie A.J. Ellis. He feels very confident with Ellis as the starting catcher, and will have no problem turning over the catching duties to him. Should Ellis have a difficult time adjusting to the major leagues, the 40 year old veteran Brad Ausmus is more than capable of filling in for Martin temporarily. This is Ellis' shot, similar to what Martin did to Dioner Navarro just a few years ago.
Tough break for Martin as he is hoping to rebound from a dreadful 2009 season. This is certainly not the way he had hoped to get things started. Instead he will hope he has still has a starting job once he is fully recovered from his injury.
According to various reports, Martin acted as if nothing was wrong as he walked into the clubhouse Sunday morning. Martin added that the MRI he underwent showed nothing more than a little strain. Hopefully that's all this is, and we will see Martin recover fairly quickly.
Despite the possible severity of this injury the Dodgers have no plans of making a trade for starting catcher, according to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports. The Dodgers also do not have any interest in the remaining free agent catchers.
Joe Torre said that the Dodgers are likely to replace Martin with internal options. Torre notably expressed faith in the 29-year old rookie A.J. Ellis. He feels very confident with Ellis as the starting catcher, and will have no problem turning over the catching duties to him. Should Ellis have a difficult time adjusting to the major leagues, the 40 year old veteran Brad Ausmus is more than capable of filling in for Martin temporarily. This is Ellis' shot, similar to what Martin did to Dioner Navarro just a few years ago.
Tough break for Martin as he is hoping to rebound from a dreadful 2009 season. This is certainly not the way he had hoped to get things started. Instead he will hope he has still has a starting job once he is fully recovered from his injury.
No Joke, Dodgers Sign Outfielder Garrett Anderson
According to Dylan Hernandez from the L.A. Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed LF Garrett Anderson to a minor league deal. Alright, really, what in the world is going on in the front office. This move makes no sense under any circumstance. The Brian Giles deal was bad enough, but now Anderson. If Anderson somehow manages to make the big league club he will earn $550K, according to Dylan Hernandez.
I talked about my feelings regarding Anderson in January. I wasn't a fan of this signing even before the Dodgers signed Giles, and now it's even worse. Anderson hasn't been a good player in several years, and I wouldn't count on him rebounding anytime soon, or ever for that matter.
Anderson, 37, hit .268/.303/.401 in 534 plate appearances with the Braves last season. Terrible right? Abysmal is more like it actually. The only possible silver lining in this cloud is the guy hit a .714 OPS against lefties last year. Anderson would probably have a better 2010 season than Giles and Johnson if all three players were give the same chance. Anderson is fourth outfielder material only at this point, and two months ago this signing would've had a better chance of being justified.
My big thing is, why can't Ned Colletti get off his high horse and give one of these young guys a legitimate chance? It's ridiculous, and frankly it's starting to irritate the crap out of me. Reed Johnson, Brian Giles, and now Garrett Anderson. Perhaps we should give Moises Alou a call, Dave Roberts is still around, and maybe we can pry Raul Mondesi from the Dominican. I guess it could we be worse. Colletti could have signed him to an $18MM contract, and called him the best signing since Andruw Jones.
Ed Price put it best today when he said, "must have needed another guy who used to drive in a lot of runs and plays LF like he doesn't care."
I talked about my feelings regarding Anderson in January. I wasn't a fan of this signing even before the Dodgers signed Giles, and now it's even worse. Anderson hasn't been a good player in several years, and I wouldn't count on him rebounding anytime soon, or ever for that matter.
Anderson, 37, hit .268/.303/.401 in 534 plate appearances with the Braves last season. Terrible right? Abysmal is more like it actually. The only possible silver lining in this cloud is the guy hit a .714 OPS against lefties last year. Anderson would probably have a better 2010 season than Giles and Johnson if all three players were give the same chance. Anderson is fourth outfielder material only at this point, and two months ago this signing would've had a better chance of being justified.
My big thing is, why can't Ned Colletti get off his high horse and give one of these young guys a legitimate chance? It's ridiculous, and frankly it's starting to irritate the crap out of me. Reed Johnson, Brian Giles, and now Garrett Anderson. Perhaps we should give Moises Alou a call, Dave Roberts is still around, and maybe we can pry Raul Mondesi from the Dominican. I guess it could we be worse. Colletti could have signed him to an $18MM contract, and called him the best signing since Andruw Jones.
Ed Price put it best today when he said, "must have needed another guy who used to drive in a lot of runs and plays LF like he doesn't care."
Any Fantasy Baseball Fans Out There?
Fantasy baseball season will be here before you know it. I am bringing back a couple fantasy leagues this year. As I did last year I would like to give you readers first dibs. Both leagues will be played daily on Yahoo. For information about league sign ups, roster information, or any other league details please see the appropriate links below.
Both leagues are now available in Yahoo's custom public leagues, if you would like to sign up. You can email me as well, and I can provide sign up information.
The first league will be the Dodgers Rumors rotisserie 12 team league. For more information about this league click here. Draft is this Sunday March 7th at 6pm PST.
There will also be a head to head (H2H) league this year for my non rotisserie fans. For more information about this league click here. Draft is the following Sunday March 17th at 6pm PST.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please contact me here.
Both leagues are now available in Yahoo's custom public leagues, if you would like to sign up. You can email me as well, and I can provide sign up information.
The first league will be the Dodgers Rumors rotisserie 12 team league. For more information about this league click here. Draft is this Sunday March 7th at 6pm PST.
There will also be a head to head (H2H) league this year for my non rotisserie fans. For more information about this league click here. Draft is the following Sunday March 17th at 6pm PST.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please contact me here.
James Loney 2010 Fantasy Ranking
Earlier today I was discussing a leaner and meaner James Loney, and what we might expect from him in 2010. Now it's time to take a look at what fantasy owners should be able to expect from him in 2010. Rotoauthority.com currently ranks James Loney as the 22nd overall first baseman. He is also projected to be drafted around the twentieth round, which means he could go undrafted in some leagues. Loney is definitely worth a bench spot, as this could be the year that Loney breaks out for a huge year.
James Loney seems to think this will be his year. He was recently quoted saying on this subject, "I feel this is the year." I think Loney is capable of hitting near .300 all season, putting up 90 RBI's, 70 runs, and 20 home runs. These numbers would escalate Loney closer to the top 15 first basemen rankings. Loney has managed to be consistent in two back to back seasons. There is no reason to think he can't put up the same numbers, or improve upon them in 2010. For this reason if you can get him in the late rounds and stash him on your bench, do it! You know what you are going to get with Loney, and if he is able to improve upon those numbers, you are going to be so glad you read this.
Don't pay for stats that haven't been put up yet. What I mean by this is, Loney hasn't hit 20 home runs so don't try and draft him early and waste a valuable draft pick. For example in so many mock drafts I am seeing people take Billy Butler (1B from Royals) taken in the eighth round, that to me is fairly early pick for a player who has not been able to prove to be consistent. You probably won't regret the pick, but you are going to be paying for stats and performance that have never been reached before. Garrett Jones, Chris Davis, and Michael Cuddyer, are all players taken fairly early in drafts this year. Wait until the later rounds and grab a guy like Loney. Low risk with tons of upside in 2010 fantasy baseball.
James Loney seems to think this will be his year. He was recently quoted saying on this subject, "I feel this is the year." I think Loney is capable of hitting near .300 all season, putting up 90 RBI's, 70 runs, and 20 home runs. These numbers would escalate Loney closer to the top 15 first basemen rankings. Loney has managed to be consistent in two back to back seasons. There is no reason to think he can't put up the same numbers, or improve upon them in 2010. For this reason if you can get him in the late rounds and stash him on your bench, do it! You know what you are going to get with Loney, and if he is able to improve upon those numbers, you are going to be so glad you read this.
Don't pay for stats that haven't been put up yet. What I mean by this is, Loney hasn't hit 20 home runs so don't try and draft him early and waste a valuable draft pick. For example in so many mock drafts I am seeing people take Billy Butler (1B from Royals) taken in the eighth round, that to me is fairly early pick for a player who has not been able to prove to be consistent. You probably won't regret the pick, but you are going to be paying for stats and performance that have never been reached before. Garrett Jones, Chris Davis, and Michael Cuddyer, are all players taken fairly early in drafts this year. Wait until the later rounds and grab a guy like Loney. Low risk with tons of upside in 2010 fantasy baseball.
James Loney Leaner & Meaner In 2010?
Dylan Hernandez from the L.A. Times has a recent article discussing James Loney in 2010. Loney, 26, could be a huge breakout player in 2010. In 2009 he drove in 90 runs, but only managed to hit 13 home runs, which in the world of baseball doesn't cut it for first basemen. Loney hopes to silence the questions regarding his lack of power in 2010. He arrived to training camp noticeably leaner and has added significant muscle.
The 2010 Chone Projections are projecting another similar season for Loney in 2010. They are projecting Loney to hit .294/.355/.446 with 13 home runs, 83 RBI's, and 66 runs in 527 at bats. Is Loney going to breakout? Will he find power in 2010? Or will Loney put up another consistent season? Only time can answer these questions, but he is one player to keep your eyes on in 2010.
Loney was recently asked his opinion on the subject by Dylan Hernandez his response, "I feel this is the year."
The 2010 Chone Projections are projecting another similar season for Loney in 2010. They are projecting Loney to hit .294/.355/.446 with 13 home runs, 83 RBI's, and 66 runs in 527 at bats. Is Loney going to breakout? Will he find power in 2010? Or will Loney put up another consistent season? Only time can answer these questions, but he is one player to keep your eyes on in 2010.
Loney was recently asked his opinion on the subject by Dylan Hernandez his response, "I feel this is the year."
2010 Dodgers Complete Minor League Signings
Below you will the complete list of minor league signings by the Dodgers. All players below except for Jay Gibbons have received an invite to Spring Training 2010, and will have a chance to compete for a spot on the major league roster. The list is sorted by position, and I will keep it fresh and up to date as we inch closer to Opening Day. Existing minor league players under team control are excluded from this list.
C J.D. Closser
C Justin Knoedler
1B John Lindsey
1B Doug Mientkiewicz
2B Argenis Reyes
2B Dustin Yount
SS Angel Berroa
SS Nick Green
OF Brian Giles
OF Alfredo Amezaga
OF Brian Barton
OF Jay Gibbons
OF Timo Perez
OF Prentice Redman
OF Michael Restovich
OF Garrett Anderson
LHP Juan Perez
LHP John Koronka
RHP Jeff Weaver
RHP Luis Ayala
RHP Scott Dohmann
RHP Ramon Ortiz
RHP Franciso Felix
RHP Justin Miller
RHP Russ Ortiz
RHP Josh Towers
RHP Eric Gagne
C J.D. Closser
C Justin Knoedler
1B John Lindsey
1B Doug Mientkiewicz
2B Argenis Reyes
2B Dustin Yount
SS Angel Berroa
SS Nick Green
OF Brian Giles
OF Alfredo Amezaga
OF Brian Barton
OF Jay Gibbons
OF Timo Perez
OF Prentice Redman
OF Michael Restovich
OF Garrett Anderson
LHP Juan Perez
LHP John Koronka
RHP Jeff Weaver
RHP Luis Ayala
RHP Scott Dohmann
RHP Ramon Ortiz
RHP Franciso Felix
RHP Justin Miller
RHP Russ Ortiz
RHP Josh Towers
RHP Eric Gagne
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