A year in the life of the Dodgers
MLB.com's Ken Gurnick takes us through twelve months- 30 days by 30 days- that created a Blue 2007. And for some, "blue" would be the operative word, considering how the crucial month of September wound down. But like the January featuring optimism in the additions of Jason Schmidt, Luis Gonzalez, Randy Wolf and Juan Pierre, the year also closed on a high note. Any "Old v. Young" clubhouse dynamic was likely to disappear next spring with roles theoretically defined, but Joe Torre provides enough instant credibility to kill any lingering mutiny fears. And landing Andruw Jones at an expensive but short-term price provides a happy send off for '07.
Of course, '08 is just around the corner, meaning this all turns distinctly "what have you done for me lately... or at least in the current calender year" for Ned Colletti.
So here's my question. What developments are you hoping to see in Gurnick's '08 summary, approximately 365 days in the making? A trade landing the Dodgers new blood at the hot corner? How about a swap for another starter to provide "Anti-Loaiza" insurance, in case Schmidt doesn't regain form or Hiroki Kuroda somehow can't adjust to pitching on the Pacific's other side? If so, what Dodger goes and for whom?
And assuming frequent trade bait mentions Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp remain in the fold, how would you handle the outfield? Would you platoon them in right (with Jones in center and Pierre in left)? Start one ahead of the other? Start both and play Pierre as a very expensive fourth outfielder? Or just think waaaayyyy the hell outside the box and teach Kemp to play third base?
Beyond that pair of burning questions, what about moves around the margins? Middle relief? Bench players. With Olmedo Saenz likely out the door, should Mark Sweeney move on, is a new pinch-hit specialist in order? Do you trust Jason Repko's health (or Delwyn Young's defense) enough to go without adding another outfielder? Any other issues pop to mind?
My thoughts? Well, second items first. I'd play Ethier in left, Jones in center, Kemp in right and hope Pierre's seriously good character and nature hold up as a fourth outfielder. Now before the Pierre-bashers crow or the Pierre-backers protest, this isn't me saying he sucks or is even a "weak link." I've stated many times that Pierre's season was better than often advertised and that the second half was actually pretty good. I just think the Ethier-Jones-Kemp trio creates a better offensive and defensive unit. Simple as that.
As for the bookend topics, I could go for a move here or there, but like I've said many times, nothing that creates holes while filling them. For example, the "half the Dodgers for Miggy Cabrera" proposals floating around before Detroit took him off the table. But beyond that, I'm not really sweating the peripheral moves potentially in the works. Call me crazy, but assuming this team stays healthy (the #1 deal breaker for any squad), I think they're a real contender in the National League, much less the division. As is. Right now. The lineup is talented, young and improving. The pitching staff features, at minimum, three quality hurlers (Chad Billingsley, Derek Lowe, Brad Penny). Takashi Saito was arguably the NL West's best closer and he's set up well by Joe Beimel and Jonathon Broxton (with Scott Proctor coming around as the season progressed). On paper, that's a tough bunch. Again, bodies need to remain fresh. But should events shake out as described, I wouldn't want to face these Dodgers.
Of course, that's just one man's vision of 2008 staying a course that might not even be "stayed." Do you agree? Disagree? Think an entirely different vision is in order? Share, por favor.
-AK
Subscribe to this Blog | What is RSS?
I am a Dodger fan living in the bay area, Giants territory. Kinda like being a Crip living in Bloods turf, well..okay..maybe not that bad 'cause it's sorta all in good fun but how much "Dodgers Suck" can one handle in the land of the obscene embarrasing Barry Bonds addiction. I was 10 years old when the Dodgers came to L.A., was there for the Roy Campanella night at the Coliseum. Pure joy for a young man in those days. Now as to my vision for the Dodgers in 2008? I am of the school of thought that see's the curent make-up as a positive. With Joe Torre at the helm, Don Mattingly on staff habdling batting & with his "best teammate ever" moniker via Rickey Henderson. i wholly agree that we not crate any holes by trading essential talent to fill gaps. I do see a need for a lefty pitcher for long relief spot starter, another middle reliever & maybe a little more pop perhaps on the bench. Mark Sweeney could be the bench pop and he is a solid teammate, something i think the team needs to cultivate. All that said I like our chances and barring major injury I see Kemp, Loney, Ethier & Russell as a solid crop at the pate & defense as well as some veteran play with Jones, Kent, & Nomar filling needed strength. Laroche could be a solid #rd base filing in through the year maybe taking the position as the year unfolds. So..say a prayer to the Big Dodger in the sky for my protection here in Giant turf what with folks here suffering from the Bonds hangover. Gotta feel sorry for Giant fans though, it used to be a great organization. Shed a tear for Mays & McCovey. They were the Koufax & Drysdale of SF and worthy opponents. Stay tuned....from the Bay Area...i'm out.
maceoc
Posted by: Maceo Campbell | December 26, 2007 at 05:12 PM
Baseball players like bubble gum.
I don't like Juan Pierre.
Trade Pierre for one tub of Bazooka Bubble Gum:
http://www.zuckermanpharmacy.com/product.cfm/hurl/673376.html
It would be a great deal for the acquiring team because it would only cost 14.92 + shipping.
There are 360 pieces in the tub along with one cartoon/piece. Therefore, the team will have enough gum and reading material to at least make it to the seventh inning stretch on opening day. Sounds very equitable to me.
This idea has great trade written all over it So good, in fact, I might finally forget about the Martinez/DeShields travesty if the Dodgers can pull this one off.
Posted by: wausroamer | December 26, 2007 at 05:41 PM
I agree with AK's assessment that the Dodgers as currently constructed are NL contenders. Ned has done a nice job of adding Jones and Kuroda to the team, while not trading away any of the promising young kids. We are set up to compete in 2008, and we should only get better in the future as the kids get more experience.
If Ned is interested in GM of the year honors for 2008, he should make the following move: Trade Juan Pierre for a dependable left handed relief pitcher who can give you 60-70 appearences next year. If I am Ned I would be willing to eat $8-10 million in Pierre's salary to make this happen, so that I could start Ethier, Jones, and Kemp. If Ned makes this trade, here are the benefits as I see them:
1.) The Dodgers are much better defensively with Ethier, Jones, and Kemp starting every day vs any outfield configuration which includes Pierre.
2.) The Dodgers offensively are more balanced, with greater power and on base percentage with Ethier starting over Pierre.
3.) Trading Juan Pierre opens up a roster spot for Delmon Young. Based on Delmon's September performance and season at Las Vegas, he is ready for a part time role on the Dodgers as the 4th outfielder.
4) Adding another reliable left handed reliever who can get outs late in a ballgame will be key for a team that likely has 5 right handed starting pitchers. Having two solid lefties gives Joe Torre options in case one is slumping or tired.
5) Shedding Pierre's salary off the books will open up payroll flexibility that the Dodgers could use at the all star break to add another pitcher or a bat (depending on their needs at the time).
6) Starting Ethier and adding Delmon Young to the big league roster will accelerate their development, and sends all of the right signals to the other kids in the system.
The only downside to this would be losing some speed from the lineup with Pierre's departure. I think the positives listed above more than compensate for this. Ned I hope you are listening.
Posted by: Santa Rosa Dodger | December 26, 2007 at 06:40 PM
I bleed Dodger Blue.....I like the team as it stands, great young kids that willl be allstars for a long time but....We need to make one more trade. Trade Pierre or Ethier and one or two other prospecst for a picther, one more top line pitcher and we are over the top for many years. What will it take to get Bellard check spelling. Also why didn't we go after Haren? Bottom line give up Ethier or Pierre and one or two more kids not named Lonney or Kemp and get a pitcher, Becuase then you can start sizing fingers for rings...GO BLUE!!!
Posted by: Jimi Joe Bob | December 26, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Santa Rosa,
Pretty much agree with all your points. However, it's D-E-L-W-Y-N, not "Delmon". It's a common error. Delmon Young, the former Tampa Ray phenom (brother of Dmitri) is now with the Twins after a November trade.
I pretty much agree that the Dodgers are strong contenders as currently constituted. However, adding another starting pitcher (if the price is right) and a lefthander in the bullpen would be nice. As for the lefthander in the bullpen, I wouldn't mind seeing Kuo being given a shot at the job, assuming he's healthy. He's had a problem with that job in the past, but perhaps added maturity and experience will bring better results.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | December 27, 2007 at 05:29 AM
I agree with AK's remarks just as long as they keep Pierre as the 4th outfielder (again I like Pierre but I think he's our 4th best outfielder). If he'll be upset having to assume that role than I really like Santa Rosa Dodger's remark about Mr. Young assuming the 4th outfielder spot.
We could use another left handed pitcher be it a starter (I really like the idea of Bedard joining our squad) or a long reliever.
I also think 3rd base will work itself out with Nomar starting off strong and LaRouche gaining confidence coming through later in the season.
As of right now I feel the Dodgers can compete at a high level and baring major injuries can go to the World Series but not win against the highly stacked upper level American League teams. With the addition of Bedard I think that would give us a chance to win.
Posted by: K T USN | December 27, 2007 at 07:22 AM
I agree with all of you great ideas, we can make a trade with pierre but i don't know if there will be any takers. i feel the addition of Jones improve offense and defense, thus putting him in the 4th spot.
Furcal
kent/martin
Loney
Jones
Kemp
Martin/Kent
Either
Nomar/ LaRouche
Yes i also feel we need a lefty in lineup
But, I am not the manager and i feel whatever Mr. Torre does will be allright with as long as we are competitive.
Did you guys here the Padres signed Prior maybe we can wave juan and they will pick him up too.
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | December 27, 2007 at 09:26 AM
I agree with AK's opinion that we are in a solid position to contend. I agree with Santa Rosa Dodger's idea of trading Pierre, though I think he will have more value approaching the July trade deadline as other teams will know their needs better. I am NOT a Juan Pierre basher, i just think the Ethier-Jones-Kemp outfield is potentially outstanding. Torre and his staff will make a positive impact on this club, no question. Not a Grady basher either....but sometimes I was a head scratcher because of his decisions. Godspeed Grady, wherever you are.
No question we need a left hander...but exercise caution. Ned didn't acquire Jones/Kuroda without trading a kid, for nothing. LaRoche must have a LOT more ABs/innings to emerge. I'd rather give him away later because he didn't pan out than trade him for not-much, only to have him become a power-hitting, slick-fielding 3B for someone else! He needs 400-500 AB's.
I think the Snakes -- if Randy Johnson comes back in any semblence of his old self -- could be REALLY tough.
Posted by: Dan in Pasadena | December 27, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Juan Pierre does not give us the best chance to win games. He should go.
Posted by: jim | December 27, 2007 at 03:00 PM
If Ned wants to trade Pierre he should have some interest. His contract is not that outrageous anymore. It's just a matter of getting someone back in trade who will be valuable to the team.
We would miss his speed on offense though.
If he stays Juan will still get plenty of playing time as the 4th outfielder.
Posted by: Andy B | December 27, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Looks like we're all pretty much in agreement with Santa Rosa... good post my friend!
As far as fine tuning goes, I wouldn't mind if they re-signed Rudy Seanez for some 'pen help, as well as picking up a lefty long-reliever not named Mark Hendrickson. I like keeping Sweeney as well, with LaRoche and Abreu backing up the infield, and Young or Repko on the bench as the fourth outfielder. The Tomato is done, let him retire.
Posted by: Higgins | December 27, 2007 at 05:29 PM
im still waiting for the other shoe to drop on the jones signing.....if we are stuck with 4 outfielders again and platooning them, then it will be a repeat of last year!
pull the trigger already ned if you have any b@lls
Posted by: dave m | December 27, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Here is the Answer!! Johan Santana. We get this guy and the sky will be the limit. With a pitching staff including Johan and the guys we have is only one term WorldCH!!!
Dodgerbomb
Posted by: DodgerBomb | December 27, 2007 at 05:50 PM
AK
The Dodgers usually have voluntary workouts in January at the Ravine. If they're still on for next month, any chance of getting a sit down with Torre/Mattingly and company and seeing what their thoughts are now that they've had a couple of months to go over the videos and stats of their new team? Does Pierre start? Who bats lead-off? Stuff like that.
Posted by: dodgerskip | December 27, 2007 at 09:08 PM
Dodgerskip,
I don't know for sure, but we can certainly ask for the interviews. I doubt Torre will have all the answers to items like Pierre starting, but it would be nice to hear thoughts on joining the team, what he thinks of the roster, leaving NYC, etc.
A good suggestion, indeed. Thanks.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | December 27, 2007 at 09:30 PM
You know, I think ALL of us would love to get Johan Santana...but its the same-old, same-old...we'd have to subtract (and it would be SUBSTANTIALLY) from this team, a team we all agree is prety well configured to get him. If you're thinking a long list of minor leaguers is gonna get him, think again. Even with a guy like Kershaw in the trade (please NO, Ned) they won't trade him without a bunch of position players and probably another pitcher (like Broxton or Billingsley or both!) too.
I say get Santana if we can for no big leaguers and/or for guys we need to trade anyway...but it ain't gonna happen.
Posted by: Dan in Pasadena | December 28, 2007 at 09:09 AM
The price for Santana is much too high in prospects/players, money, and length of contract he wants. Billz will be an ace and Kershaw could become one as well. Just say NO Ned.
Posted by: jim | December 28, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Unload Pierre Ned, and you are a hero.
Posted by: jim | December 28, 2007 at 11:33 AM
What is so funny lets face it is what other teams ask us for one of our stars and what they ask to other teams like the Yanks ans Box!! The yanks just have to give Phillip Hughes who lets face it is not proven and Melky Cabrera and another prospect is nothing maybe Ian Kennedy and Boston Lester and Elsburry is nothing comparing what they were asking us this two teams make it to the post season basicly with out this players, The question is why we have to give half of our farm system??? Still i thing we have lots of prospects to give in exchange for Santana with out touching our ready to play kids!! We have more in talent of what the others have. Also dont you think we take to long to find out if our prospects are ready or not? I think Ned dont believe in our prospect coming from SF who as you can see have nothing but oldies!!If we are going to keep our kids play them so we will know if they are worth keeping them.
DodgerBomb
Posted by: DodgerBomb | December 28, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Why trade anybody for Santana when he will probaly stay with Twins and be a free agent?
Anyhow, Happy New Year everybody as I had into my 53rd is it, year as a Dodger fan. (I actually watched them in 1954 when I came to America but was not a fan until spring 1955, thanks to Hilda , the daughter of the Cuban family we rented from in Jackson Heights.)
I see that Loney is on the float for Rose Bowl Parade. Funny, sent to the minors, Ned wanted to trade him for Teixiera but Logan and Ng told McCourt not to allow....And then the power surge in September made Ned see that he was wrong.
Actually Ned stunk as a GM until he got over his 'Veteran' leadership nonsense and that it means nothing in today's baseball. (Yeah, Billinsley pitching rings around Lowe proves what about 'Veterans"?)
Posted by: Dodger1955 | December 28, 2007 at 03:20 PM
Dave M: You hit the nail on the head with the other shoe and Andruw Jones. Why go out and sign a fourth outfielder unless you have plans to get rid of one? Same thing with the Angels. Are they really going to keep Garret Anderson at DH all year?
An outfielder has to go to make this team competitive and to avoid griping like last year about playing time. If it were on the merits, the first man out should be Pierre. But if we can get something better in return for Kemp (i/e/ his true value) then he is expendable. Same with Ethier. But please don't let Loney or Martin or Bills or Broxton go.
Posted by: SaMo | December 28, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Hey, I live in Santa Rosa too, there are a few of us who proudly fly the Dodger Blue here in wine country. Cool! On Juan Pierre, I don't think it would be a disaster if he's on the team or even starting in 2008 but...I see it a strong advantage to have Ethier, Jones & Kemp in the outfield both for solid defense & power. Each have good speed but that said Pierre does bring some talent, I watched him get key hits all last year but.... well nuff said on that. I do not want to see a trade for Santana this year (well, Pierre for Santana & a few low minor prospects maybe), keep in mind how he starts strong and fades down the stretch making him not worth the price hey, we already have Brad Penny who i like) & Santana is a free agent soon & will need to sign a new contract a that time so a trade this year.....? Dubious! Both Santana & Bedard are being shopped for unreasonable returns. But as a free agent...well..yeah. One last thought for anyone who thinks we shold ignore steroids for the record book...imagine Sandy Koufax with performance enhancement....or Doug Rau??? Glad i was around in those days with cracker jacks & dodger stadium malts. LOL.
I'm out for now.....
Posted by: Maceo Campbell | December 29, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Do you guys think ego can play a part in what Colletti does with Pierre, by getting rid of him , he would have to concede that the contract given to Pierre was just plain stupid.
Posted by: Oscar | December 29, 2007 at 09:35 PM
I would give Colletti a D+ for this offseason, I love the moves of Andruw Jones & Hiroki Kuroda, those were the two names that me and my boys thought about from the beginning, but for Colletti those were just covering his rear from last seasons moves: Schmidt and Pierre. Two years in a row of picking up a starting pitcher and a center fielder.
Posted by: Oscar | December 29, 2007 at 09:42 PM
Oscar,
I half agree with you. Going after another centerfielder isn't evidence of previous wise decisions. However, a team can never have enough starting pitching. Beats having Timberrr or Bombko on the staff.
Additionally, nearly every site that I read includes some reference to a key to the Dodger success--playing Matt Kemp, full time. We shall see.
Posted by: Chunkdog32 | December 30, 2007 at 08:49 AM