Hopefully, Dodger fans didn't have their hearts set on Jon Garland
Because he not only ain't pitching for the Blue anytime soon, he'll be part of a divisional rival's rotation. Garland and the D-Backs have agreed to terms after some on-again, off-again banter. Garland was on the Dodger radar, but talk has always seemed to swirl more around SoCal son (and former Ravine dweller) Randy Wolf, who may not get the cash and years he's seeking. Spring training is fast approaching, so he, along with the Dodgers, will need to decide soon enough.
Garland's move to Arizona becomes even more interesting upon a report from MLB.com's Ken Gurnick that James McDonald will begin the season in the pen, a blueprint used in 2007 with Chad Billingsley. That a team would hold off on putting an inexperienced hurler in the rotation is anything but unusual. But McDonald had been penciled in -- mentally, if nothing else -- by many (including me) as a fourth or fifth starter. If Young McDonald isn't in the mix, who will be, beyond Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Clayton Kershaw? Jason Schmidt? If that's the plan, I admire the brass' optimism, if not their realism. Wolf? Braden Looper? Eric Stults? An arm obtained via trade? Jason Repko? (He's inexperienced but the kids love him.) Or will the "Bills, Part Deux" game plan run considerably shorter than the original version?
Stay tuned.
AK
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Manny is crying foul (according to Pujols his good friend) claiming that "nobody wants me! I cant believe I am not signed!" Boo-hoo. We offered a fair deal to him and he is crying because he wants the 100 mil Boras projected for him. What a crock, we want him, but it is tough for him to come to terms with the fact Boras misread the market and now tainted him to all but the blue. I think this pretty much sums it up that we will have an unhappy Manny if he does eventually sign with us. I'm officially off the manny wagon now, I was a big advocate for his signing, but that ship has sailed... bring on REPKO.
Posted by: poppinfresh | January 29, 2009 at 04:15 PM
Vegas odds that Manny signs with...
Dodgers 3 to 1
Giants 12 to 1
Mets 20 to 1
The Canadian American League Worcester Tornadoes offered Manny a 2-year contract worth $24,000. The Can-Am League operates with a salary cap.
"I feel Manny would really enjoy playing in Worcester and hitting in our ballpark. Although I would be concerned about the cars traveling on I-290 during his at bats, it's a risk worth taking," said General Manager, Jorg Bassiacos.
The contract was sent to Ramirez around 2:00 EST on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.
Other former Red Sox players have been spotted at Tornadoes games in 2008, including Johnny Pesky and Roger Clemens along with current Tornadoes manager, Rich Gedman, and bench coach, Roger LaFrancois."
Posted by: Joe the Plumber | January 29, 2009 at 05:35 PM
I couldn't agree more with the above criticism. That being said, Ned has been given over $100 million/ season to fund his vision for LA. He has proven time and time again he is a poor judge of talent and lacks the baseball knowledge to build a winner. Paying Schmidt $15 M/year when he knew he had a torn rotator cuff? Andruw Jones was paid $18 M after he was known to have elbow problems and was coming off his worst season? Come on. Let's get an experienced GM in here. I'll even take back Depodesta. At least he looked at statistics.
Posted by: bt1 | January 29, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Dodger Fan 'am I forgetting someone' YES
Brad Ass miss
Posted by: David s | January 29, 2009 at 07:37 PM
The Dodgers need to stop palying games and sign the Guy. Right now we are the worst team in the NL West. I can't beleive all the players Colletti got rid of. What is this a fire sale. And as a side note, Manny has to be pissed off at the Dodgers right now. LA's blown this off season and possible the future for a while. When Ned came on baord I never really worried about our team being competitve, but this off season has been a joke. Do something Please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CrzyFan
Posted by: CRZYFAN | January 29, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Well, it looks like Ned and the McCourts have soured Manny. C'mon, why would Manny sign with the Dodgers if he has to take less money. Why? He could probaby take a cut with several teams. Mets, Giants and maybe even the Cards, Nats, or Yankees. I bet one thing, if Manny gets fed up with the Dodgers and their two bit philosphy, he will be Manny being Manny and leave the Dodgers. You can say good riddance if you want to, but the Dodgers should have been honest and said they were going to cut payroll to the bone and stay with the kids and the nothing vets. The McCourts have used every excuse known to man not to sign Manny. From new ballfields to the economy. Hey, all you armchair GMs who think Manny is only worth 2 years, don't complain when the Dodgers field a terrible team.
Package
Posted by: Package | January 29, 2009 at 09:18 PM
With the need for pitching on this club, I wonder why Chan Ho wasn't kept as a 5th starter...he pitched very well as a starter last year. And, I think he would have been very affordable.
Posted by: 55 dodger | January 30, 2009 at 08:18 AM
VA Dodgers...you are pretty right on...1) just when you think he's starting to "get it" he does something like the bus situation or raising parking by 50% that show's he's not quite there. 2) Arizona's pitching is going to be out of control next year...Scherzer is amazing...Haren is hitting his prime...and Webb is elite...plus they have solid young talent which should allow them to get better from within (Young, Jackson, Reynolds, Drew) and a healthy Eric Byrnes back in their lineup...I'm very concerned about them...if somehow the Giants can pull off bringing in Manny I think we would start the season as a solid number 3 in the NL West.
Posted by: Rich | January 30, 2009 at 08:44 AM
I could see Wade as a starter AKA Greg Maddux. Maybe we could entice Greg to become a teacher. I bet a month with Maddux and Wade could be a starter with his excellent control and a couple of breaking balls to go with his changeup. And his heater is good enough to keep them honest. Then you bring in Broxton or another heater totally upset the timing.
Posted by: Jack in DC | January 30, 2009 at 11:36 AM
To Bill Shaikin and the LA Times: staff: Bill, another excellent article. As a small token of my appreciation and in support of the Times, please pass the link below to the finance staff for this $3,000 opportunity to pick-up your unclaimed property. Stay critical as necessary on this Dodger team.
http://scoweb.sco.ca.gov/UCP/SearchResults.aspx?searchID=ae212c88-8473-44c3-9b35-42c72487df70&page=0&set=0&pageSize=25
Posted by: Joe the Plumber | January 30, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Trade Repko, straight up, for Johan Santana!
Posted by: Chunkdog | January 31, 2009 at 08:38 AM