Whether you're talking "Bob Barker" or "Drew Carey" era

Just so I have this straight, Jones is "coming off a dismal season" -- true -- and yet he would have been, by far, the best power hitter on the Dodgers (26HRs 94RBIs). So the reason that Ethier, Kemp, Loney and Martin failed to hit 20+ (much less 30+)(certainly not 40-50+) homers is all Grady Little's fault, right?? Or are we just drinking a little too much blue colored Kool Aid when talking about our great (probably just good) young players. Or, are they all going to hit 20+ homers each next season? The Dodgers should try harder for Jones, because at his worst he's better than anything we've got.

For those who want to trade Pierre, keep in mind that (I believe) this is Furcal's last year and he is often injured. Who is going to lead off for the Dodgers if he is gone? Despite his faults he can be a fairly effective lead off hitter.
But there is the dilemma. If we get a center fielder and Pierre goes to left, what happens to Either? He should not be on the bench.

AK/BK
Speaking of improving the bullpen, what is the status of Yhency Brazoban? Will he be back next season?

AK,

I agree with you. I'd much prefer going with the players the Dodgers have, adding some spare parts (but, please, no more of the likes of Roberto Hernandez) and allowing the young players to develop.

Bringing in a big name "savior" or a "last piece of the puzzle" has not worked out well for the Dodgers. If Jason Schmidt rebounds (which I doubt), then so much the better.

I'd rather watch a developing, improving team than one that falsely fancies itself as a contender. Last season's collapse was embarrassing.

Colletti has the right idea of sticking with the kids. the frustrating thing is that he got here a year later than the rest of us. I'd still rather see Ethier & Kemp starting in the outfield than go over pay Rowand & Jones. Of course we'd all love to upgrade our defense in center & put a bit more punch in the line up but from the costs stated I agree with Ned it's not worth it.
It may be worth it to extend a bit more of our $ to lock up Kuroda and then go about solidifying our bullpen & our bench. Resign Sweeney as our PH, & Saenz for the pen. And see what other smaller moves can do for you to make us deeper.
It won't look like a drastically different team but it doesn't necessarily need to. A little more depth, slightly stronger pitching staff, new coaching/manager, & the bats of Kemp, Loney, Either, perhaps LaRoache for a full year might be a world of difference.

In ready today's LA Times, according to Colleti, free agency has gotten quite expensive......Jones, Rowand, both seeking 5 yr contracts in the vicinity of 90+mil ???? I must have to agree that it has gotten insane and that as long as salaries keep getting ridiculously high (Thanks to the fricken Red Sox and Yankees), it will be almost impossible to make a signing for any of those players, specially when our team owner seems to have a tight walllet. There can be valid arguments to bring a "power hitting" center fielder, but with this kind of market, maybe our best bet is to bank on the youth. Damnn, these contracts make Pierre's contract to be a bargain.....Wouldn't it be cheaper to give Pierre a left hand replacemen instead of replacing him t???? Move Kemp to Center, stick Pierre and Either to the outsides and perhaps bring in a veteran outfield to give Mr."can't throw" Pierre a breather......there, problem solved. Getting a fricken headache over this !!!!!

Just saw on ESPN.com blog, Dodgers are close to deal with Baltimore for Bedard. Jon Broxton and Matt Kemp for Erik Bedard. Not sure if I like this or not. Especially without Saito's name on a contract yet. I dont mind losing Kemp that much, if and only if they plan on making a move towards Jones or Rowand quickly.

The Dodgers may not have Yankee or Red Sox money but they have at least Angel money and very likely much, much more. If the Angels can pay Hunter 90 million, they Dodgers can afford Jones, who will probably have to take less than Hunter because of his poor 2007 season. I agree with LossLeader: Jones would be the best and most proven power hitter on the Dodgers. Just like Rowand's last season was an aberration, so was Jones's. Druw has an all-star history and he is younger than Hunter.

So what if the Dodgers overpay for Jones? That is the market these days and overpaying for one or two players (Kuroda hopefully being the other) will not bankrupt the future. Trading young talent for M. Cabrera will do that. The Dodgers have unloaded at least 15 million dollars with Wolf and Gonzo gone and Jones will produce more than either of those two did last year. It's time the Dodgers increased their payroll instead of trying to keep it around 100 million. Their price on parking at the Stadium alone would justify this.

Colletti has banked on veterans the last two years and all of a sudden he pushing for more inexpensive youth to play? It doesn't sound like he's in charge anymore. My bet is on the guy with the checkbook.

I agree, I just don't know that Andruw Jones or Aaron Rowand is that much better than Ethier. If you adjust Ethier's power numbers to the number of at bats that Jones had last year, he has 17 homeruns and 82 RBI. Yes this is a projection, but I think he is capable of that if he is in the lineup everyday. Also, Ethier was batting in the 8th slot for much of the year. Jones may have had an off season, but I think Ethier will get better. And what about comparing BAs? Defensively, Jones is the best of the bunch, but he isn't what he once was, and Ethier is solid. Jones may be the best player, but I don't think he is worth the price.

Garysc,

I agree with you about Ethier, and he's one of my favorite players who gets nowhere near the credit he should -- that said, I'm expecting Kemp to be traded for pitching, so we'll need another decent bat in the outfield. Ethier should get consistent playing time next season, but he and Pierre aren't enough.

P.S. Does anyone else sense a vibe that Kemp "has" to be traded because of clubhouse problems with Kent? Why not hold tight to Kemp and push Ethier in trade talks?

AK
Heres the part I'm not getting. Everybody is talking about paying too much for the likes of Jones and Rowand. When the Yankees or the Red Sox decide they want a certain player, they go get him. The Dodgers with this management do not seem like they will pay what it takes. Yes, they have made some earlier moves but you just can't quit trying. You have to get deeper and that costs money. And the players you go for have got to be ones that have the potential to truly excel. Not mediocre players.
In regards to expensive players. Everyone wants to condemn a player who would like to make what he can but when a hedgefund manager makes in excess of 250 mil a year stealing Employee money you can't find it on any blog. Give the players a break, man, they just play ball for everyones enjoyment. If McCourt can't pay then he should find another line of work. 4 million fans a year is definitely a lot of fans and money.

I can't believe that Kemp/Broxton for Bedard is the idea of anyone beside an overzealous O's fan.

The outfield is not the issue for the Dodgers. I think they need to see just what Kemp and Ethier can do over the course of a full season with no more platooning. Put Pierre in left, Kemp in center and Ethier in right and play ball.

As for third base, either LaRoche is a big league third baseman or he's not. Management needs to decide. If they can get someone better than LaRoche is projected to do, then do it. Otherwise, platoon LaRoche and Nomar.

LossLeader,

I have wondered myself about why Kemp is constantly the subject of trade talks. Maybe his attitude has made him expendable? Because why else would a team struggling to drive in runs part with a power hitter that has shown signs of being an elite talent?

Wouldn't a trrade on Kemp and Kent to the same team be fun?

Play the Kids - it'll be fun, and we can save money on uniforms.

Comparing the power of Kemp and Loney to Andruw Jones is patently absurd. Kemp is only in his 2nd year with the Dodgers (with the first not being a full year). Yes, he only hit 10 HR's, but then again I believe he only had about 240 AB's. And let's not forget that he started the season at age 22. He's at the age where maturity is beginning to kick in, and power increases. And surely, even at his tender age it's quite obvious that he has big time power. Regular playing time (like not being benched following a 4 hit game) will do wonders.

As for Loney, didn't anyone observe that he hit 9 of his 15 HR's in September. Could it be that the power we've been waiting for finally emerged? Oh, and let's not forget that Kemp and Loney hit .342 and .331, respectively. Not too shabby, I think.

Tony Jackson mentioned the Broxton/Kemp for Bedard rumor on his blog. If the Dodgers make that deal it will be a disaster. Who replaces Broxton? And those of you so anxious to rid the Dodgers of Kemp will be crying by mid-season, and asking for Coletti's head.

Personally, I'm in the camp of those who think pitching is all the Dodgers need (and some of that can be obtained via free agency, or perhaps one of the Dodgers kids will step up in spring training). Just the subtraction of Gonzo improves the offense. Ethier, Kemp, Loney, and Martin will together produce considerably more power than last year. We've watched these young players develop over the last two seasons. Now that they have reached the point where they are on the verge of breaking out, some of are ready to let them go. Young players are generally not at their best in the first year or two. Here's hoping the Dodgers have the patience and fortitude to stick with them through the entire development cycle.

And for those of you who complain about how much money the Yankees and Red Sox spend, well here's the reason. They, along with the Mets, make loads more money than the Dodgers. And it has nothing to do with attendance. All three of those teams own regional networks (YES, NESN and SNY) that generate millions of dollars. Even if they lose money on their baseball operations, their net take far exceeds the Dodgers. When McCourt bought the Dodgers in 2004 he purchased the team at a considerable discount. He received the discount by agreeing to remain tied to Fox through 2013 (according to a recent answer to a fan's question by Ken Gurnick).

I'm sure the Dodgers generate plenty of revenue. But they're not in the same league with the Yankees, Red Sox and Mets. Perhaps when they are out from under their obligation to Fox the Dodgers will also establish a regional network. But that's several years off.

so I have been hearing that we are close to inking a deal to send Kemp and Brox to Baltimore for bedard.

Can anyone post where they have seen this report? I've been searching the web for news of it, but I can't find anything that says they are "close" per se.

In any case, I like this deal. No, I am not too excited to give up Kemp. He has all the potential in the world and if we deal him, we could live to regret it. Emphasis on could. Brox, on the oter hand, I'm okay with letting go. If the past ten years have shown us anything, very, very, very few relievers, especially closers, have long life spans. Mo Rivera and Trevor Hoffman are the only two I can think of in the closer role that have maintained some sort of dominance over the long term. So to give up a guy who could blow out the way Gagne did in a couple of seasons to get a 28 year old on the verge of becoming a legit ace (Bedard) seems fair to me.

That rotation could be epic.

Penny
Bedard
Lowe
Billz
Schmidt/Loiza/Kuroda maybe

However, if we do deal Kemp, then we almost have to sign Jones. Hopefully Boras will get his head out of his a-- and realize that Jones probably won't get 5-6 for about $100 mil. If we can make the deal for bedard and sign jones for 2-3/30-45mil, then we're in business.

The Yankees and Red Sox have their own TV network which generates money. Dodgers don't. And I don't believe from what I read that McCourt has the pockets to cover large payroll. I believe he had to borrow money to buy the club. Whatever his fiscal situation is, it's his money and he will do what he wants. We can agree or not but we have no choice as fans.

Neither Loney or Kemp played a full season, and Eithier did not play every day so it's pointless to compare their power stats to Jones or anyone else.

Frank McCourt talks about he's willing to do anything to bring a championship back to L.A. Really??????? It sure don't seem like it. If you don't want to trade the young players, that's fine I agree keep them, but the lack of movement from the front office is frustrating to watch. The Dodgers are going to have to overspend for any free agent just like they did for Pierre, Schmidt, Garciaparra, Gonzales, and just like the Angels did for Hunter. I wish the Dodgers were owned by Arte Moreno instead of an owner that's willing to raise the prices of parking, tickets, food and yet is not willing to sign any players.

Is it just me, or does it seem that Ned Colletti thinks doing things on the cheap is the best strategy to make a fourth place team any better?

LossLeader,

You stated in the previous thread that Matt Kemp "...remains unbalanced on offspeed and breaking pitches...."

Were we watching the same player? The Matt Kemp you are describing played for the Dodgers in 2006, following a 2005 season spent in A-ball. The Matt Kemp I saw in 2007 was far more balanced at the plate, and evidenced far better pitch recognition. Did Matt Kemp ever look silly fishing for a breaking ball in 2007? You bet he did. But name me a hitter (even Miguel Cabrera) who doesn't on occasion go fishing. Even the best hitters get fooled every now and again. But somehow, the "unbalanced" Kemp managed to hit .342.

Combining 2006-07, Matt Kemp has played the equivalent of about two-thirds of a season. I believe Mike Schmidt hit about .195 his rookie year (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). Young players don't develop overnight. With a lot of teams Matt Kemp would have played in AA in 2006 and AAA in 2007. Instead he hit .253 (2006) and .342 (2007) with 17 HR's combined in about 400 AB's. Give him 600 AB's and that projects to 25-26 HR's. And that's before any improvement. He's also at the age where physical maturity will kick in, not to mention experience.

And I don't think Cabrera is "...twice as good a hitter as anyone on the Dodgers roster...." I also like Loney's chances to break out with a big power year in 2008. Last year he hit .331 with 15 HR's. As I noted in a previous post, 9 of those HR's came in September. I think Loney's late season power surge is a harbinger of things to come.

Signing FA's is a gamble, and so is waiting for young players to develop. I prefer to gamble on the latter, simply because I think in this case it's a good bet. That said, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing the Dodgers sign a free agent pitcher or two. And if the Dodgers signed Andruw Jones or Aaron Rowand w/o moving Matt Kemp, I'd be all for it. And as I've mentioned before, I am one of those who believe that Juan Pierre could be moved, especially if the Dodgers were willing to pick up a piece of his remaining four years.

Well the boys in blue have snoozed and lost again. As a loyal fan of this team living in Colorado for 35 years, I am so frustrated and annoyed with the medicore talent that they continue to put together and throw out there. They have NO power in that lineup... there pitching with the exception of bills and penny is very average... I was only hoping Lowe would pack up for the Bronx or back to Boston.. .. I agree there is good young talent on this team and wouldnt want to see them trade away Loney or Martin or a few of the young arms... but when there is a player that would really help this ball club out there and they DO NOTHING to pursue it... it makes no sense to me. They could even have put together a few of those young players and make the same deal with Florida that Detroit did and bring in Dontrelle Willis along with Cabrrera, then you arent filling one hole and causing another... and what about the free agents out there? Andruw Jones is an outstanding ballplayer and sure his numbers were down last year.... but I would be willing to bet that a change of scenery would revive his career... and he is a MUCH better power hitter than anything they have on the roster right now. And didnt the Dodgers try this hang on to all the young talent back in the mid 90's? Karros-Piazza-Mondesi-Hollandsworth-Nomo all that young talent sure brought alot of the glory back to the Dodgers then... and it wont work again this time either. The bottom line is the owners want to put a team out there as CHEAP as they can... I live in Denver and have seen the Rockies do this for years, sure they had a good stretch and playoff run last season... but it was a fluke, as will be shown this next season. The McCourts could care less about the history and the tradition of THE best franchise in baseball.. all they care about is that they lead the national leauge in attendance, to them that is a winning season....

I want to see Delwyn Young playing for the big club next year. forget about Kent and his 9 million if he decides to retire. Insert D.Y. in at 2nd because he was originally an infielder and he is starting to show some pop. I think the kid could hit close to 20 hr's a year. Go out and deal Kemp or Eithier w/ Brox for Bedard and then sign A. Jones. Hopefully for 3 yrs, forget that 4-5 nonsense because the guys is 31ish. I think his glove and bat are worth a big price tag. Then either platoon Laroche/Nomar at third or figure a way to bring Beltre back.

Obviously, the Yankees and Red Sox payroll is ridiculous and the Dodgers do not need to spend exorbitant sums of money for something that's not guaranteed, i.e. championship (see Yankees, 2007). McCourt may have borrowed money to buy the team (what one individual has $430 million in cash these days), however, if he has the liquid resources to improve the team with a FA player or two at needed positions then he should do it. The Dodgers are a large market team and have the means to (do not read: MUST) acquire a good player in a terribly over-priced FA market. Besides, when is the FA market ever going to be reasonable in cost?

The Detroit Tigers and Anaheim Angels do not have their own network yet they are willing to spend the money to improve their team.

Jones has seven seasons of hitting 30 or more HRs. He is a proven asset.

Eithier will not have the opportunity to hit anywhere but second, seventh or eighth in the lineup so his power numbers will not reach any perceived potential with the Dodgers this season unless Loney or Kemp are traded.

Bedard: No. 2 in WHIP, behind JS; ground ball pitcher; LOWEST SLG in the AL.

This team could end up being very young. The old farts in the NL West were left in the dust at season's end.

Brooklyn Dodger
I have looked and looked for the numbers that you say the Yankees and Red Sox have to work with and cannot find them.(TVRevenue). Could you please post these numbers along with the Angels and Tigers and any others you may have, against what the Dodgers get? This will let us all know how the Dodgers compare with the rest of the Major Leagues. Perhaps you also have the numbers on how much money Fox pays the Dodgers for broadcasting rights? Of course don't forget the gate receipts for each team.

Package,

I don't know if it's a question of the Dodgers not being willing to spend (anyone who gave Brett Tomko 8-9 million bucks can't exactly be accused of chintziness. haha), but not being willing to overpay for certain players, depending on the situation and circumstances. I honestly don't think money would have gotten in the way of pursuing A-Rod. I don't think what Miggy (were he still on the block) or Santana will eventually cost was a deterant. But with all respect to Rowand or Jones (at least coming off this season), they're not A-Rod, Cabrera or Santana. And with Jones, I think you absolutely have to consider his age when debating a long term deal. He'll be 31 when the season starts. Even while not being afraid of emptying the purse, you don't want to set yourself up for a contract you'll potentially regret reasonably fast.

Sometimes, I think it comes down to a question of players you'd like vs. players you need. And unless it's to help create depth to facilitate a trade for a Santana or maybe Bedard (as the rumors go), I honestly don't think Jones or Rowand represent a sizable upgrade or fix a real need, at least not on their own. Just my opinion.

AK

Kevin...You're right....I understand that Colletti has not made one phone call or met with even one other Gm since he has been in Nashville! Any chance that you could be the Dodger GM? You seem to know so much while sitting on the toilet!

Package,

I am not sure if the following link contains revenues earned from regional television networks, but hopefully you & Brooklyn Dodger will find the information helpful...

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/33/07mlb_The-Business-Of-Baseball_Revenue.html

Package,

I appreciate your point about the Red Sox and Yankees being "whatever it takes" spenders, but the Yankees are also the laughing stock of the DECADE with that team and the money they've spent (and the lack of results).

When I hear "Bedard", I think "Schmidt" for some reason...

Also, I appreciate people's opinions, but I dont want to be hear all day!!!
KEEP THE POSTS SHORT!

Loss Leader,
Jones hit 26 hrs in 572 abs at 31 years old with many years in the league. Kemp hit 10 hrs in 292 abs in what, his 2nd year? Ethier hit 13 hrs in 447 abs in his 2nd year. I see a guy on the downhill slide and two on the way up. Jones is priced too high for what he brings. As many were saying, maybe sign Jones or Rowand as depth with another deal, but I think it is a mistake dealing Kemp, attitude (maybe its Kent) and all. Go for pitching, keep Broxton and Kershaw, and figure something out at 3rd base.

Thanks for the info. DBB.

I don't know if the Forbes numbers include the regional networks. But it appears to me that they value the teams themselves, which likely would NOT include the networks.

However, the Yankees, Red Sox and Mets are clearly valued considerably higher than the Dodgers (the Yankees trump the Dodgers by 2:1). As for the Angels and Tigers, although their value is considerably less than the Dodgers, they are both owned by Billionaires. The Tigers owner Mike Illitch is listed with a net worth of $1.5 billion (I believe it's derived from Dominoes Pizza), and Arte Moreno's net worth is listed at $1.2 billion. Considering that McCourt's purchase of the Dodgers was leveraged with considerable debt, I doubt if he's worth anything near either of them.

I don't remember where I read it, but I do recall once reading that the Yankees YES network was valued in the billions of dollars.

Also, the Forbes info. states that the Yankees new stadium that's set to open in 2009 is expected to increase revenues at least $50 million annually. In addition, the Mets signed a record naming rights deal with Citicorp that will pay them $400 million over 20 years. That's $20 million per year. Forbes also states that the Red Sox signed a deal that will bring them $16 million annually for radio rights, which is double what they previously received. I don't know what the Dodgers or any of the other teams derive from radio rights.

Again, I can't point you to a particular article, but I recall reading several months ago that the Angels are exploring the creation of a regional network. I expect that this is something that the Dodgers will also pursue, but likely not until they are free of Fox.

I don't know how much money the Dodgers receive from Fox, but you can rest assured it's not the lions share of the revenue. It was mentioned that the Red Sox own an 80% share of NESN. I'm not sure what the percentages are for the Yankees (YES) and the Mets (SNY), but I would imagine somewhere between 80 - 100%. And these are full fledged networks that broadcast year round, not just during the baseball season.

I don't pretend to be an expert on these networks. However, everything I've read indicates that they are highly lucrative. Some of you may recall that when Boras was marketing A-Rod he talked about signing a deal with a team that had a regional network. The idea was to market A-Rod through the network.

Regarding team attendance, follow the link below. For 2007 the Yankees drew 4.271 million, the Dodgers 3.856 million, the Mets 3.853 million and the Red Sox a mere 2.97 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/attendance

Thought this would be of interest.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317948&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp

I've been a Dodger fan my entire life. My father was a Dodger fan and my sons are Dodger fans. I just don't get it. I won't give another penny to this
franchise until either the McCourts sell or spend some money. They are
the largest revenue making sports team on the west coast. All we have heard since he took over is that he will do anything and everthing to bring
a winner to LA. We're all still wating. No Hunter, no A-Rod, no Cabrera but we may get an unproven pitcher from Japan. Andrew Jones had a bad year. He still hit more home runs than any other Dodger. I can't and I won't
take it anymore!

Sign Kuroda. Don't trade Kemp and Broxton for Bedard. If Jones will go for a 3 year contract, put him in centerfield with Kemp in left, Ethier in right. Give Pierre plus $$ away for a relief pitcher. Improved defense and power in the outfield, plus a solid rotation, with Kershaw coming up soon. Play ball.

I personally don't mind if the Dodgers spend the next season giving the young guys a chance to show what they've got in front of Joe Torre. Will they have what it takes to win it all? Probably not. But it'll be fun to see if Loney, Kemp, Martin, Billingsley, Ethier, LaRoche can blossom the way Jeter and Rivera did for Torre in NY. I imagine that Torre will be able to discern the true players from the fakers, and then we can jettison the fakers to go for it all in 2009. By that time, the next batch (Kershaw, Elbert, Hu, etc) should be ready to make an impact. Just a gut feeling, but I feel like Kershaw is going to be really special, maybe one of the top five pitchers in the NL a few years down the road.

The biggest thing I can't figure out is Delwyn Young and where he stands. Seems like the kid can flat out rake it, but his defensive deficiencies are keeping him down. He's already paid his dues in the minors, and it would seem that you either give him a chance this year or you trade him.

So all it took to get Porky and Dorky was to give up the whole minor league system.

Colletti should have done it... what an IDIOT.

Kevin,

May I remind you that the "glory" that the Karros-Piazza-Mondesi-Nomo-Hollandsworth years brought also brought zero playoff wins. The only post-season victory came courtesy of "Lima Time" vs. AK/BK's Cardinals several years back.

Funny that in reading today's report that Cabrera and Willis were traded to Detroit for 4 players who "were not expected to start this year for the Tigers". That's a far cry from wanting Loney AND Kemp from the Dodgers. Either we're being oversold on Dodger prospects' abilities or GMs feel that Coletti can be fleeced. Remember the proposed David Wells for Loney or Kemp?

I have abeen a Dodger fan since I was in diapers and I am really getting tired of how the team is run. The Tigers get Cabrera AND Willis for six prospects and we are still basically sitting with the same team? We need to do something and it seems like the best option has passed us up already. I wouldn't mind Jones or Rowland but Cabrera was the best option! He is only 24 and already made 4 all star apperances, how many all star apperances has Looney, La Roche, Kemp or Kershaw made? Yeah, we might get lucky and these players might hit 20 homeruns next season, but Cabrera could hit 40 + and he is only one player doing what 2 or 3 of our "young" players will do! Cabrera is a proven player and not potential anymore.

I like Matt Kemp -- no doubt about it. If you tripled his HR's and AB's, then yes, he'll be about as good as Jones (which is indeed a possibility but as yet unseen -- and yes I know that Forrest had a lot to do with that). BUT, he is the first player mentioned in any trade talks, so in all probability he will be traded for Bedard or some other player, which brings us back to needing a power hitting OF. My point is, if the Dodgers are bent on giving away Kemp in a trade, then they better shell out to replace hit bat (real or potential).

Any of the "names" presently under contract and on the market at inflated prices will be readily available on July 31, 2008 at fire sale prices. The Twins have said they will pull Santana back rather than give him away. Meanwhile, I like Kemp and Ethier a lot more than either Jones or Rowand. Both are young, improving every year and ready to make contributions, while Jones is a giant question mark after last years sudden decline and Rowand would be a nice pick up but older and no better than what we have. Same with the pitching. Why should we give up quality arms in the 20-24 year old range for guys approaching their 30's in the name of winning now. I know Santana would be a big pick-up. But I believe if we "stay the course" and show a little patience, our young players and farm system is going to produce us a team along the likes of Garvey-Lopes-Russell-Cey/Sutton, Rhoden, Rau, Valenzeula. If we want to trade anybody, lets trade Juan Pierre to the American Leagues where he can lead of and DH for somebody over there and get a pitcher in return. Even if we had to eat a little contract that would be a good transaction for us. And by the way, can we do something to tie up Logan White in perpetuity? Can this guy draft players or what?

Thank Goodness Cabrera is off the table. I don't know why the MArlins were willing to accept minor leaguers for him, when they were demanding Loney and Kemp from us, but whatever. He was a fat disaster waiting to happen. Best of all, there will be no more talk of Dontrelle Willis becoming a Dodger. Nice guy, greath enthusiasm, but not really a good pitcher despite the press clips. He's coming off a disastrous season (the pitching equivalent of Andrruw Jones), and he's showing an increasing tendency to walk batters. Look for him to shine in the AL for the first half, as people are mesmerized by the leg kick, then fizzle in the second half as they learn to take walks and disable the leg kick, leading to homers galore. (29 of them last year).

Kemp and Broxton for BEdard? No way. For Santana? in a heartbeat. Why the difference? Two guys named CY Young. bedard is a nice pitcher, and could some day become Johan Santana. But so could Broxton.

I believe Broxton is being wasted in the setup role. Hee'd be so much more valuable as a starter. He doesn't have a closer's mentality, as we saw in his several stints pinch hitting for Saito, so there's no point in grooming him to be the last man out of the bullpen. I think the Dodgers can get away with one more year of Saito and Broxton, but will want to re-evaluate the bullpen and rotation in 2009, when Penny and Lowe depart.

A rotation of Broxton, Billingsley, Kershaw, Penny (he'll only be 32, and worth re-signing) and Schmidt/Kuo/Meloan/ whoever might look pretty good. And Brazoban will be back to fill out the bullpen.

This team will gel, just give it some time. There's no reason to do something for the sake of doing something.

Yep Vic - you got it right. Thank GOD Ned didn't pull the trigger on Kemp, Loney, Billingsly for Cabrera - what a joke that woulda been. Instead the Tigers get Miguel for a bunch of slop. That was the best the Fish could do?
I'll take Eithier and Kemp playin' every day over the overpriced and huge questionmark that A. Jones is. Also would take Eithier and Kemp over Rowand. Rowand is a solid player but far from a "difference maker" in the mold that Kemp has the potential to be. Keep the kids and play 'em every day - will be a fun team to watch.

Chuckdog,

I think you are on to something. And I think the case is that other GM's are of the opinion that they could fleece the Dodgers in any trade. Look at what the Marlins were asking for of the Dodgers: 4 MLB-roster ready players. Yet, when dealing with Dombrowski and the Tigers, the Marlins are just fine accepting 6 minor league prospects of have just a sprinkling of major league experience. Does anyone else think this smells of collusion between Jim Leyland and his former employers in Miami???

I am really glad that Ned did not pull the trigger on a trade for Dontrelle & Piggy. I agree with Cordova, that signing Kuroda should be key for Ned right now. And as AK suggests, I would be happy with a outfield that has Pierre in left, Kemp in right, and Ethier in Center.

Life is good for Colletti and friends:

Another day, another year, another decade, and soon a quarter century will have passed -- but no rush. The fourth place "kids" are gonna be great!! Be sure to reserve your season tickets now! Great weather, revamped parking, new seat color, and even more food stands, great for the family, especially those "Carne Asada days." Come on out and watch some "good" baseball, we may even be in first place in the NL West at some time during next season (usually before the Allstar break).

P.S. Read the small print on the back of the ticket that says -- please don't consider us any kind of a championship contender. If interested in WS, please watch Red Sox, Tigers, Angels or Yankees.

Chunk dog..... If you read my comment that is exactly what I meant, they held on to the YOUTH of the team in the mid 90's karros-piazza-mondesi-hollandsworthless and nomo, and it got them NOwhere.... and for the most part the young talent on this team isnt even as good as those teams were...
Until the team learns how to spend money wisely... ( much better than tomko, schmidt, pierre, etc) WE all will be doomed for yet another season of watching them play right around .500 ball going back and forth with the pads and d-backs... and maybe sneaking into the playoffs just to get mopped up yet again.... If they go out and sign Andruw Jones.. put him in center, move Pierre to right... you free up kemp to put together in a package deal that would bring in a decent pitcher... And you would strengthen the team and not cost you much more than Matt Kemp.. who I like and is a good hitter. There is NO reason this offense shouldnt be scoring runs at will... Hopefully Furcal comes back 100% next season, with him and Pierre at the top of the order setting the table and then follow that up with Loney and Martin and hopefully an Andrew Jones.... that is a difficult lineup for anyteam to pitch too.... and Steve Phillips on Espn mentioned the Dodgers possibly bringing in Mike Cameron... WHY??? And what about 3rd base?? is Larouche ready? He is a decent looking young player that from what it looked like when he was up with the club last year still needs some more time in the minors.... So we are still stuck with Nomar at 3rd... always liked the guy hes a good ballplayer but he just doesnt fit here.... COME ON COLLETTI get out there and sign Andruw Jones!!

LL - the thing to note about your 10 :17 am post is that all the WS contenders you mention at the end are in the AL. Cabrera goes to the AL Tigers, while the NL Fish get a bunch of minor leaguers who may or may not pan out it a few years. The Tigers need to keep up with the RSox and Yanks who are always fighting to see who gets the wheel, and who gets to mash their foot on the gas pedal of the AL Bus.
Just who is driving the NL Bus ??? No NL team wants to put the pedal to the floor of the NL Bus like those teams over there in the AL...........