BK and I will be dropping by "The Steve Mason Show" today from 1-2 pm PST, the first installment of our new gig as regular contributors to the program.  Others in and out of the mix will include J.A. Adande, ESPN Fantasy Guru Matthew Berry, Michelle Tafoya, Ben Lyons of E!, Iron Mike Ditka, LaDanian Tomlinson... and us.

Quite a toss up when it comes to picking the least accomplished guests in that crew.

Anyhoo, our schedule for the show isn't set in stone yet, but we'll be sure to keep y'all in the loop.  I imagine we'll be talking a lot of Lakers and Dodgers.  If you can listen in, we'd appreciate the ears.  If your boss hasn't figured out how much company time you're wasting on the blog, an extra hour of radio isn't likely to raise any flags, either.

AK

(PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Be sure to join us for this week's installment of "Purple, Gold, and Blue." Technical difficulties derailed the program last week, but we should be good to go today at noon.  Just click the show widget on the side of the page!) 

No, not this kind.  This kind. 

That would be free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, late of the Japanese League's Hiroshima Carp.  The Dodgers met last week with the 32 year old righty, sending an envoy led by Director of Asian Operations Acey Kohrogi, scout Keiichi Kojima, and perhaps L.A.'s ace in the hole, Kuroda's buddy Takashi Saito (I knew that guy would finally come in handy...).  Kuroda is expected to hook- I'm not giving up the angling references that easily- a deal in the neighborhood of 3 years/$30 mil, give or take, and the Dodgers aren't the only team interested.  The Mariners have reportedly made an offer, as have the Diamondbacks and the suddenly free wheelin' Royals.  I'm sure there will be more, as teams start dry-heaving at the prospect of backing up the Brinks truck to sign Kyle Lohse.

Kuroda doesn't throw a Dice-K style gyroball, but does have a "shuuto," which while apparently a very common pitch among Japanese hurlers sounds awfully cool and exotic to someone with my apparently narrow world view.   He also has a low-to-mid 90's fastball and an effective forkball/splitter type deal, all part of the repertoire Kuroda has used to become one of the more effective pitchers in Japanese baseball.

Here's his website.

BK    

The Angels have signed Torii Hunter- apparently all the world's really big business goes down at Del Taco- and A-Rod has re-upped with the Yankees.  The Pinstripers are also, it seems, entering the Johan Santana sweepstakes.  Meanwhile, with the prospect of having to surrender too much talent off the big league roster to make a trade work and the free agent options shrinking/not that attractive to begin with, Ned Colletti is sending out signals that the Dodgers might just roll with what they've got.  Or at least what they've got with a few tweaks that are less sexy than some might have hoped.  Hunter's signing not only took him off the market, but may have moved the needle past affordable on Aaron Rowand and Andrew Jones. Colletti, and owner Frank McCourt, both seem pretty comfortable with what they have. 

I think most of you guys know by now that I'm not a big fan of trying to make a splash just to show people a willingness to jump in the pool.  If the Dodgers can sign Rowand or Cabrera, than flip a spare outfielder for Cabrera, then they're probably a better team... assuming they didn't just open up gaping holes at first and in the rotation. 

Let's ride them vehicles forward, the direction in which the Dodgers would prefer to travel after a tumultuous September.  A step along those lines was the hiring of Joe Torre.  From there, it's all about improving the team in whatever manner possible.  It's a thin free agent market to begin with and some of the bigger names (A-Rod, Torii Hunter) already off the market, one manner for the Dodgers to improve themselves could come via trade (where a few good players are acknowledged block residents).  But if the price ain't right, don't expect a deal to happen simply for the sake of inking one.  Should the pickings remain unimpressive or unreasonably, the improvements will come from within, with young pups hopefully evolving into biggish (if not flat out big), dogs.  Obviously, banking on a roster chock full of dudes with less than two years of experience can leave one a little nervous.  But if the year to year improvements of Ethier, Kemp, Loney and Martin remain a consistent pattern, the  collective fruit could be sweeter than what any one player could provide.   

If you were hoping to give thanks during tonight's dinner for the Dodgers eventually signing Torii Hunter, my advice would be to quickly think of a new player to substitute or drown your sorrow in extra yams, because the dude's now off the market.  Although not far from the Ravine, as he'll be residing in Angel country for the next five years and will be more than compensated ($90 mil) for his time in the O.C.  If you're shocked (lotta outfielders on that team as we speak), get in line.  Hunter may have to use about a million of that cash on tools required to pry his jaw off the ground.

My two cents?  I like Hunter as a player and he seems like a great guy to boot.  But if this is what it takes to land his services, the Dodgers dodged a major "big splash move" bullet.  Yeah, he could help, but that's a pricey contract for a 32-year old (33 during his first Halo season, actually), especially when (in my opinion, at least) the outfield isn't really a primary concern for the Dodgers.  There's gonna be a lot of pressure/onus on Hunter to stay healthy and productive.  Not to be a Cynical Cyrus, but I could see this contract looking awfully bad come 2010. 

-AK

Just spitballing today.

• While the rumors of a big deal- the farm system for Miguel Cabrera, Matt Kemp for Eric Bedard, an outpouring of cash for Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand, or Andrew Jones- dominate the headlines, it's a good time to remember that those little deals, the ones around the margins, often can make a big impact.  I doubt most people thought a couple years back we'd be singing the praises of All Star closer Takashi Saito.  Joe Beimel was an acquisition that went well under the radar.  So taking a look at the list for free agent relievers, starters, 3B, 2B, and OF (CF, LF, RF). 
• Among the names connected to the Dodgers over the last week or so has been Joe Crede, the White Sox third baseman who suffered through a rough '07 after finally breaking out with 30 bombs, 94 RBI, and a .283 BA the year before.  I can't imagine it would cost much to get him... but why bother?  Yeah, he's got some pop, but throughout his career (which began, I believe, by frustrating my fantasy team when he was considered the Next Big Thing) he's rarely hit for average with a career .305 OPB.  Even Juan Pierre looks at .305 and giggles. 
• Almost daily I go back and forth in my mind about whether or not the Dodgers are planning on trying to be bold, staying the course with the kids, or somewhere in between.  I'm still very partial to spending Frank McCourt's money on players to fill out the lineup rather than giving too much away in a high impact trade.
• I'm very excited about the preseason game the Dodgers will play at the Coliseum this spring.  It's always amazing to see the pictures of how that place was configured for baseball.  It'll be a great chance for people to get a taste of Dodgers history.  Sure beats a meaningless version of the Freeway Series.

Finally, in a fun pre-Thanksgiving QOTD, what would be the move you'd be most thankful for this offseason?  If it's a trade, who's in it (it's fantasy, yes, but try to stay realistic), and perhaps more importantly, who's not?  What bats and arms are brought in?  Who is sent out the door?

Unless news breaks, we'll probably take a couple days off over the holiday.  But keep posting.  Comments will be updated.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

BK

Three years, $37.5 mil.  So the third base options- perhaps you heard that A-Rod is off the market?- this offseason are narrowing (assuming you're looking for a change over what looks like a Nomar/LaRoche platoon, at least in the early going). Lowell's removal from the market probably serves, at least in the short term, to boost the value of Miguel Cabrera, and perhaps even Miguel Tejada.  Basically, if you want a Miguel, it could come at a high price.   Ned Colletti's comments on Friday indicate the Blue clearly have a ceiling on how many players they'll give up in a deal for the Florida star, perhaps an indication they're more likely to look for help via free agency, most likely in the form of another outfielder.

In that area, I'm still not a fan of going after Torii Hunter, especially given the numbers (I've heard 5 years at 15 mil per).  The former Twin is being wooed by a bunch of teams, including the Rangers. Andrew Jones carries a distinct air of paying for past numbers rather than future performance.  He's not the CF he once was (though still an obvious upgrade over Juan Pierre), and seems to have become a hitter so focused on hitting homers that he hurts you in other ways.  Still, if last year was an aberration, he'd be a nice addition to the heart of the order.  It would depend on the years and money.  Aaron Rowand, in theory, is a good option, but again it would depend on the numbers.  I don't think he'd do what he did in Philly for the Dodgers next year- I could hit 15 homers a season in Citizen's Bank Park- but he might be the best combination of all-around hitter and defensive upgrade.  At least among the big ticket FAs.

So stay tuned.

BK

Friday, the Dodgers introduced the rest of Joe Torre's coaching staff, including holdovers Rick Honeycutt (pitching) and Mariano Duncan (first base).  Not surprisingly, once the questions for the coaches had ended, the media asked GM Ned Colletti a couple questions of a hot stove variety.  With all the rumors flying around, whether about free agent center fielders or trade possibilities. Regarding the former, Aaron Rowand seems squarely on the Big Blue Radar, though Colletti also expressed interest in Andrew Jones and Torii Hunter, at least abstractly.  On the trade front, Colletti is using language that sounds very similar to that which he employed at the trade deadline- that the asking price in terms of talent is currently too high for his tastes.

Click below the jump for some Q and A from yesterday's media conference call.

The Dodgers have announced their '08 coaching staff.  It will include:

• Don Mattingly, hitting coach
• Rick Honeycutt, pitching coach
• Mariano Duncan, first base coach
• Bob Schaefer, bench coach (His resume is much heavier with AL experience than Senior Circuit jobs, which is interesting.  Not necessarily bad or wrong, but interesting.)
• Larry Bowa, third base coach
• Ken Howell, bullpen coach
• Manny Mota will also return, as will bullpen catcher Rob Flippo. 

Rick Regazzo, formerly the Director of International Operations with the Giants, was named as Special Assistant to the General Manager. 

Click below the jump for the press release. 

It looks like A-Rod, no thanks to Scott Boras, is staying in New York.  Rodriguez, who was rightly crushed in the media for how his opt out was handled, may win himself some points again by leaving Boras out of the negotiations, and (it's all relative, folks) perhaps accepting "less" money from the Yankees than he might have received on the open market.  Or maybe he thought the Yanks would be the only team willing to pay.   Whatever the motivation, assuming the 10/$275 deal gets done, A-Rod will become Stay Rod, with the Angels and Dodgers never having the chance to fire off a volley in the battle.

For the time being, at least, Scott Boras looks bad (sniff, sniff, dab away the tears) but the Marlins, who now hold the biggest prize of the winter in Miguel Cabrera, are winners.  Should Cabrera actually lose some weight, as he says he's working to do, the team that gets him could win as well. 

ESPN.com's Buster Olney looks at the A-Rod situation.  Take a look at the sidebar, talking about the Dodgers and their interest in Aaron Rowand (a player I like a lot, assuming the price is right). Others like Torii Hunter more.

BK

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Tune in to Purple, Gold, and Blue today at 12.  Just click the show icon on the side of the page. We'll have Jon Weisman of SI.com and DodgerThoughts on as our guest to talk baseball around 12:40 or so. 

UPDATE (6:30 pm): The podcast is up.  It was a lively discussion.  Baseball starts about 35/40 minutes in, runs for about 25 minutes or so.   And in A-Rod news, apparently he's engaged in Boras-less discussions with the Yankees.

Though it's not entirely certain if the Dodgers love Florida back.  No, we're not talking about all the recent trouble with Dodgertown, but the Miguel Cabrera Sweepstakes.  The Marlins likely love the Dodgers (and Angels) because they have the most raw material to give up in exchange for Cabrera. Florida is looking for pitching, and the Blue have some good young hurlers.  It is, according to a source, "a question of who they're comfortable giving up." 

Well, yeah.  Aren't all trades a question of who a team is comfortable giving up? 

Meanwhile, on the other end of things, TJ Simers doesn't think the Dodgers will really make a play at A-Rod, and that the MVP will end up in the O.C.  Jim Caple of ESPN.com says that if you don't want Rodriguez on your team, the problem is you, not him.  Good discussion about the role of "chemistry" and how it takes a back seat to talent.  For the most part, I agree with what he's writing. 

BK

Okay, my words about King, while believable, aren't actually true.  But will King's words about Jeff Kent turn out to be more iron clad?  It remains to be seen, but according to the softball lobbing talk show host, the crusty old vet (Kent, not King) is planning to return to the Dodgers next season.  The second baseman is apparently stoked to play for one Joe Torre and, presumably, has let bygones be bygones with the kids he feuded with towards the end of the season.  Either that or he and Matt Kemp will take it to the Octagon and settle matters once and for all.  Whichever comes first.   

What's even more odd than getting this news from Larry King is the notion of him and Kent chatting on the phone.  Maybe it's just me, but those two strike me as a couple odder than Felix and Oscar.  Kent hates the media.  King is the media.  Kent often goes out of his way to keep people (especially the media) on edge around him.  King always goes out of his way to prevent a guest from feeling even slightly on edge during an interview.  Kent digs motorcycles.  I shudder at the thought of King on a hog.  I'm racking my brain, but can't figure out where the common ground is found.

MLB.com's Ken Gurnick may not know the answer to that question.  But he knows a lot of answers when it comes to the Dodgers.

-AK      

The Dodgers, unless they'd like to once again suffer the slings and arrows of another season without production from the hot corner, need to upgrade.  That's no secret.  And with the news that Miguel Cabrera has been put on the block by the Marlins, the clear options for serious improvement have just doubled. From one to two, but still doubled.  Now it's either Alex Rodriguez or Cabrera.  Both are outstanding players, both would make the Dodgers better, and would (at least in theory) solve the third base issues for years to come. 

So which way should Ned Colletti go?  Assuming, of course, he could get either one?

The Dodgers formally welcomed coaches Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly into the fold Thursday.  Both worked with Joe Torre back in New York.  Bowa will coach third base, while Mattingly is currently slated to be the hitting coach.  Donnie Baseball's role could change, though, based on how the Dodgers and Torre fill out the rest of the staff.  There's still a good possibility that pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and first base coach Mariano Duncan, holdovers from Grady Little's group, could be retained.

Bowa said he anticipates none of the clubhouse problems that the Dodgers had last season continuing into next.  Not with Torre around.  (Note: Here, it's again worth mentioning that the Dodgers didn't lose last year because of the rift between young and old, but because their pitching fell apart.)

And, along those lines, I seriously doubt the potential return of Chan Ho Park will solve that problem.  This fella, however, might.

BK

The big, flashy prize at third base (and everywhere else, really) this offseason is, of course, Abraham Nun-- I mean, Alex Rodriguez.  But there are other high profile options potentially available.  ESPN.com's Keith Law breaks down a few, including the ever expanding, both in talent and waistline, Miguel Cabrera.  Though there are signs that Mike Lowell could re-up with the Red Sox, though not before the end of the GM meetings tonight, taking one big name off that list. 

With the selection very thin on the FA market, to land a big 3B fish that doesn't come with a lot of Scott Rolen-esque injury risk, it'll likely take cash and players for Miggy or a lot more cash for Rodriguez.  Stay tuned.   It could be a very long winter.

BK

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Don't forget to join us for today's broadcast of "Purple, Gold, and Blue" at NowLive.com.  You can click the show icon on the side of the page to listen in.  Sign up at the site and you can also hit the show's chatboard, and should you miss it, the podcast will be available later today.)

... and back to work.  The hiring of Joe Torre prompted celebration the likes of which would put P.Diddy to shame, but with the official crowning now 24 hours old, it's time to for noses and grindstones to meet.  After all, life only stops during the "Jeff Kent Waiting Game".  And when instant replay begins (a decision that comes "100% Bill Plaschke Approved"), in the most figurative of senses (think about it).  Life continues, especially when it comes to free agency acquisitions.  Arms are in need and the Japanese League is about to relinquish one of their better ones.  A third baseman would be mighty nice and the Marlins are officially treating Miguel Cabrera like a house on the market.  O.B.O., baby!  O.B.O.!  A phrase, by the way, that absolutely WILL NOT come into play if a certain other third baseman is on the Dodger radar.

Congrats to Russell Martin for winning a Gold Glove.  One guesses it probably won't be his last.

UPDATE: In non-Torre related news, Russell Martin has won his first Gold Glove award.  Just got the release.  It's the first for a Dodgers catcher since Charles Johnson in '98.)

Then again, if that rock happened to be anywhere within a 50 mile radius of the Ravine yesterday morning, the news would have been difficult to miss, given how sky writing was about the only option spared in announcing it.  Center field was transformed into a press conference area, the dais filled with folks ranging from Vin Scully to Brad Penny.  Then came the man of the hour, pinstripe-free for the first time in a dozen years, getting a formal introduction in a grassy area where his hit dreams and out nightmares were often made as a player.  Surreal, to be sure, but the adjustment hopefully shouldn't come too difficult, especially considering the friends from New York he's importing for L.A. duty.  And the fact that the squad belongs to Torre, no questions asked.

While I recommend listening to the audio from today's events, I pulled a few quotes from Ned Colletti's meeting with the print media today.  There's some interesting stuff in it, from hints that Juan Pierre could be moved to left to a breakdown of the process by which Grady Little left and Joe Torre arrived.

Download ned_colletti_1_11.5 Torre Press Conference.mp3
Download ned_colletti_2_11.5 Torre Press Conference.mp3

The most interesting stuff, from a player standpoint at least, was listening to Colletti talk about the young players.  I know a lot of people are worried that the Dodgers' GM will once again put some vets in front of the kids heading into '08.  But while Colletti wasn't explicit about his plans- he rarely is- indications are that, at least in the outfield, there will be no Gonzo-esque additions this offseason:

(Click below for the pulls- I'm a tease like that...)

I didn't cover the Dodgers when Grady Little was introduced as the manager, but I have a sneakin' suspicion it wasn't met with the same sort of pomp and circumstance as the presser Monday morning that introduced Joe Torre as the new Blue skip.  This was a packed house, set up in center field, simulcast like a Presidential address on seemingly every television and radio network in town.  In short, this was a big deal, and treated as such.  The hot coffee and tea, given the chilly November morning (the pastries were a nice touch, too- makes me wonder if I got screwed at the refreshment free meet and greet to announce the signings of Juan Pierre and Randy Wolf) didn't hurt, either. 

Lots of folks in the crowd.  Local media, some national guys, more from New York.  Plus, a ton of people from the organization (which helps explain the applause heard throughout the press conference).  It was a little strange to watch the crew- Vin Scully, Frank and Jamie McCourt, Joe and Allie Torre, Ned Colletti- take the long walk from the infield to the podium.  Everyone smiling, the McCourts holding hands (would have been interesting if they all did), all in stride, shoulder to shoulder.  Very Reservoir Dogs.  Torre's comments to the media at large weren't earth shattering, by any stretch.  Some highlights:

• He admitted not knowing all that much about the National League, the roster he's inheriting, or what the Dodgers will need.
• Regarding the now famed rift between young and old players in the clubhouse, Torre didn't get specific, but talked about guys being on the same page.  "We're all wearing the same uniform.  It doesn't mean you have to go out and have dinner with someone every night, you don't have to invite them to your house," but when it comes to playing the game, everyone needs to be pulling the same direction. "So my job as manager is really all about communication."
• Torre said payroll dollars aren't the be all, end all.  It matters, it makes things easier, but a team doesn't need $200 mil in salary to win.   
• He's comfortable with A-Rod, and A-Rod is comfortable with him.  "We have a good association.  I think our relationship is fine." 
• Torre has talked to Brad Penny (who was there representing the players today) and Jeff Kent, as well.  "He seemed excited about the fact that I was becoming the manager.  We spoke about some things, and I sensed- and I don't know Jeff Kent....- but I felt pretty upbeat and pretty positive that he was looking forward to coming back next year."
• Looking in '08 to build "a strong foundation."  Again, he emphasizes developing lines of communication with players.  "I'm available.  My door is open, and it is.  Whether it's me or my coaches, we're going to make sure there are no questions that have gone unanswered."
• He doesn't seem torn up to be leaving the New York media, just because of it's sheer volume.

Quote pulls from Colletti and Torre's meeting with the print media coming up soon.

BK

I'll fill in around this, but for those of you who want more sound from today's festivities, here you go.  The press conference itself can be found here, or at Dodgers.com (just go straight to their site if the link doesn't work).  It includes introductions from Vin Scully and Frank McCourt, then Torre himself.  Beyond that, print media had time with both Torre and GM Ned Colletti.  Most of the conversation centered around the process that brought him here, as well as what changes might be in store heading into next season (including discussion of Juan Pierre moving to left).  A couple basic news items- first Larry Bowa will be the third base coach next year, and while Don Mattingly will also be part of Torre's staff, his role hasn't yet been determined.

Ned Colletti I- Download ned_colletti_1_11.5 Torre Press Conference.mp3
Ned Colletti II- Download ned_colletti_2_11.5 Torre Press Conference.mp3
Joe Torre I-  Download joe_torre_1_11.5.mp3
Joe Torre II- Download joe_torre_2_11.5.mp3

Plenty more to come.

BK

For those worried that Joe Torre's hiring wouldn't sit well with Phil Jackson (and I'm honestly not sure why anyone would be worried, but still...), fear not, because one legendary L.A. coach is endorsing another.  Jackson was asked before tonight's game against the Jazz about his thoughts on the new Blue Skip.  Below are the brief thoughts he shared.  Phil also seems to have followed the Dodgers fairly closely this season.  Who knew?

-AK

The Joe Torre in Blue era.  A reason to celebrate, assuming the low down nitty gritty doesn't get to you.  And now that it's officially kicked off, get to work, Joesph, because there's lots to be done.  So much, in fact, that some don't feel Torre's even the question, much less the answer.  The holes in the Dodger lineup, whether you're talking the third base situation or a pitching staff that can't stay healthy or effective, are areas in which Torre- splashy as presence as he may be- can't control.  He may fit the Hollywood bill better than Grady Little, but he'll also be given essentially the same tools as Little.  Well, not exactly the same tools.  The staff surrounding Torre should feature all new faces, including potential "successor" folks like Don Mattingly.  Another new-ish face?  One of hatred towards the Bronx Bombers, a once fierce rivalry that may find a little more fire behind it these days.

A breakdown of Torre's style, instincts and general personality from various sources, gathered up by Dodger Thoughts.

It's official! Joe Torre will helm the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.  Obviously, there will be more news to come, which we'll bring to ASAP.  In the meantime, BK and I are talking about this on "The Big Show with Mason and Ireland," sitting in for John Ireland.  710espn.com, if you'd like to listen in.  And we'd love if you did.

(UPDATE: We'll continue to throw out some more articles and opinions starting tomorrow morning- it's been a LONG day- but a few links about this historic day are certainly in order. As evidenced by an old school photo - and an odd one at that- Joe Torre's got some serious New York roots.  But that background includes time spent in Brooklyn, meaning the 26th Dodger skip's respect for this franchise comes huge by birth, if often with gritted teeth.  Some other Apple residents, including Don Mattingly, are expected to follow their leader, but will they taking his lead into a-not-so promising situation?  Bottom line.  Torre's got the credentials, but he doesn't have his historically rich talent on hand to do some real damage.  Some are passing on the Kool Aid and partaking in a vinegar martini.)

-AK

Below is the press release.

Remember the Carly Simon ditty "Anticipation" (also known as "that song from the Heinz Ketchup commercials" to the younger and TV-addicted set)?  Well, don't be surprised if it's suddenly cranked 24/7 on the Dodger Stadium PA system, because that's the vibe permeating throughout the Ravine these days.  Joe Torre has NOT been hired as the new manager, as the powers that be are quick to remind.  But since Ned Colletti acknowledges that talks have taken place and he has received permission to bypass the required minority candidates and cut right to the interview chase, the operative word involved with the hiring is "yet."  In part, the permission sought was due to the rampant speculation that Torre was already good as on board, which makes the meet-and-greet process more difficult.  But again, for the record, the man ain't on the payroll at the moment.  And if the front office is smart, that moment will come sooner rather than later (despite it not being a slam-dunk recipe for success or even the right partnership).  After all, it would allow the honchos to refocus their search toward bringing in a little pop to the lineup.