The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

Shaikin Tweet: 

I'm gonna' be pissed if we screw around with this bankruptcy business, keeping Ned while the ownership situation is in limbo, and then we end up losing Logan White.

Chin Music said:

Shaikin Tweet: 

Orioles looking at #Dodgers asst GMs White, Watson; former #Angels GM Reagins in GM search, 

This is not good, because just last night I had a dream that Logan became the O's GM.  I have this wierd habit of dreams coming true.  Just ask my wife, especially on bad events such as Logan White.

Oh come on. The Os? Everyone sees the writing on the wall. Wouldn't he rather hold out and stay here? Try ambien. Now I'm worried.

Chin Music said:

Shaikin Tweet: 

Orioles looking at #Dodgers asst GMs White, Watson; former #Angels GM Reagins in GM search, 

I know McCourt is bad but Angelos isn't Mr. Moneybags or or known to give up much control. I think they'll ride it out and see what happens in a couple of weeks, If it falls for McCheap then I can see everyone bailing (except Uncle Ned)

Not quite sure where to put this, but this is as good a place as any.  It's video of Jerry Sands and his day of rookie hazing where he was dressed up as the Carl's Jr Happy Star.  Sands has a good sense of humour about the whole thing and his attitude is best summed up by Jamie Carroll late in the video where he says he'd love to dress up like that and have a free pass at everyone in the front office.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19850991

Also, what's up with Matt Kemp rockin' the nerd glasses?  All he needs is a bit of tape on the bridge to complete his ensemble.

Per True Blue L.A. article:

http://www.truebluela.com/2011/10/13/2488376/matt-kemp--baseball-america-major-league-player-of-the-year

Matt Kemp is going to win the Baseball America Major League Player of the Year Award.

Congrats to Matt! Hopefully, he also wins the NL MVP, which he also deserves!

 

EvilEuro said:

Not quite sure where to put this, but this is as good a place as any.  It's video of Jerry Sands and his day of rookie hazing where he was dressed up as the Carl's Jr Happy Star.  Sands has a good sense of humour about the whole thing and his attitude is best summed up by Jamie Carroll late in the video where he says he'd love to dress up like that and have a free pass at everyone in the front office.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19850991

Also, what's up with Matt Kemp rockin' the nerd glasses?  All he needs is a bit of tape on the bridge to complete his ensemble.

Awesome.  Worth the watch.  But I gotta ask, what's with the 80's back-cut-out T-shirt Miles is wearing?

Per True Blue L.A. article:

http://www.truebluela.com/2011/10/13/2488376/matt-kemp--baseball-america-major-league-player-of-the-year

Matt Kemp is going to win the Baseball America Major League Player of the Year Award.

Congrats to Matt! Hopefully, he also wins the NL MVP, which he also deserves!

 

That is great news!  This is really a more prestigious award than the better known MVP, because BA is more knowledgeable than the writers from all NL cities who vote on the MVP, plus the obvious fact that he is recognized as the best player in BOTH leagues.

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I know this would probably be foolish on our part, but would signing Loney to a 2 yr deal for 7-8 mil be the way to go? I'm not saying he would accept, but wouldn't hurt to try. It's a huge, huge if, but if he can replicate his last 2 1/2 months, I'd be for that.
I'm sure the union, Loney, agent would not. Just floating it out there.

If Shaikin is right, this could be the best outcome for Dodger fans.

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

Didn't Mo kick ass through his 33-34 year old seasons?

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

Didn't Mo kick ass through his 33-34 year old seasons?

They were good seasons, but I doubt that 181 strikeouts in 2001 or missing a complete season in '02 were what the Angels were paying for.   I can understand a drop in numbers from cozy Fenway to the Big A.  It happened to Fred Lynn and it was going to happen to Mo Vaughn, but Mo wasn't exactly the epitome of physical fitness either and I see some of the same traits in Prince.   Yes, Miller Field is not a homer dome and doesn't play as cozy as some parks, so his numbers should carry over to most parks if not improve, but Prince has to realize that if he gets $150 - $200 million, the expectations will be higher and some degree of shape other than round is to be expected.   Keep in mind, back in '03 it was easier to dump a big contract than it is today.   The Mets fell over themselves to take Vaughn off of the hands of the Angels, I don't see any team making the same move if Fielder doesn't "earn" his money.  

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

At a Howard-esque 5 yr 125 Mil deal, I think Fielder would be a steal (for years, not dollars), but this only happens if he decides that he really wants to come to LA.  I can really only see 5-6 teams targeting him (Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals) so this isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Oh wait... this type of shrewd negotiating requires an intelligent GM.  Forget it.

Beltran, on a short contract, could be the move to make.  It would require Ethier moving to left field (a good idea) and force the Dodgers to cut loose Loney as Sands would take over at first base.   He would be cheaper than Fielder and after Beltran is gone, right field is open for Sands or Joc Pederson, if he is ready.   Might also leave us enough scratch to get a third baseman.   Although, our options are limited to guys like Ian Stewart, Chone Figgins or making a big play for Pedro Alvarez from the Pirates.  

grabarkewitz said:

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

At a Howard-esque 5 yr 125 Mil deal, I think Fielder would be a steal (for years, not dollars), but this only happens if he decides that he really wants to come to LA.  I can really only see 5-6 teams targeting him (Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals) so this isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Oh wait... this type of shrewd negotiating requires an intelligent GM.  Forget it.

Beltran, on a short contract, could be the move to make.  It would require Ethier moving to left field (a good idea) and force the Dodgers to cut loose Loney as Sands would take over at first base.   He would be cheaper than Fielder and after Beltran is gone, right field is open for Sands or Joc Pederson, if he is ready.   Might also leave us enough scratch to get a third baseman.   Although, our options are limited to guys like Ian Stewart, Chone Figgins or making a big play for Pedro Alvarez from the Pirates.  

Respectfully, I want nothing to do with Beltran. He's an injury waiting to happen. And the rumor mill has it that McCourt's reorg plan involving the sale of media rights would likely involve a decrease in 2012 payroll. That's why I say that, but hopefully the point is moot.

Regarding payroll for 2012, if McBroke still owns the team, I think he will be forced to spend at least to the same level, if not a little more.

Reason being that MLB's lawyers used the argument of the Dodgers being one of the lowest spending clubs on player draft and development.

Also, the Players' Assoc. has said it will closely watch McBroke's spending this offseason.

I think McBroke will want to at least give the appearance that operations are not being affected by the bankruptcy proceedings and his other personal issues by at least spending the same amount this year.

In fact, it wouldn't shock me to see him backload a deal and sign a big free agent just to show that things are fine.

 

Regarding payroll for 2012, if McBroke still owns the team, I think he will be forced to spend at least to the same level, if not a little more.

Reason being that MLB's lawyers used the argument of the Dodgers being one of the lowest spending clubs on player draft and development.

Also, the Players' Assoc. has said it will closely watch McBroke's spending this offseason.

I think McBroke will want to at least give the appearance that operations are not being affected by the bankruptcy proceedings and his other personal issues by at least spending the same amount this year.

In fact, it wouldn't shock me to see him backload a deal and sign a big free agent just to show that things are fine.

 

You can't get blood from a turnip. The front-loaded payment from a supposed media rights auction would go to satisfying creditors and McCourt's wife. The new media contract wouldn't kick in until 2014 and considering that 2011 was operated at a loss, with static revenue in 2012, how can he increase costs? He doesn't have independent funds to cover a loss, he'd go back to bankruptcy. He needs to trim payroll in 2012 to stay afloat until his media revenue increase kicks in in 2014.

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

The player who comes to mind to fill the void left by Ibanez, Howard (injury) & Polanco (sport hernia) to me is Cuddyer.  He could fill in at 1B to start the year and mix in some 3B and LF once Howard gets back.  Plus it has been discussed that they are looking for help at 3B due to Polanco's injury history over the past couple of seasons.

BLUEFAN said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

The player who comes to mind to fill the void left by Ibanez, Howard (injury) & Polanco (sport hernia) to me is Cuddyer.  He could fill in at 1B to start the year and mix in some 3B and LF once Howard gets back.  Plus it has been discussed that they are looking for help at 3B due to Polanco's injury history over the past couple of seasons.

The word around Minnesota is that Cuddyer is going to have to be blown away by an offer to leave the Twins.  

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

At a Howard-esque 5 yr 125 Mil deal, I think Fielder would be a steal (for years, not dollars), but this only happens if he decides that he really wants to come to LA.  I can really only see 5-6 teams targeting him (Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals) so this isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Oh wait... this type of shrewd negotiating requires an intelligent GM.  Forget it.

Actually, I've figured Beltran would start to be discussed at length this offseason.  And I wonder if he can play 1B.  Or, thinking outside the box a bit, if Ethier can play first.  He says he played in college, and he filled in there in an emergency.  Beltran could provide the best case scenario for a lefty stick, if he's not too expensive.

BluePastorKyle said:

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

At a Howard-esque 5 yr 125 Mil deal, I think Fielder would be a steal (for years, not dollars), but this only happens if he decides that he really wants to come to LA.  I can really only see 5-6 teams targeting him (Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals) so this isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Oh wait... this type of shrewd negotiating requires an intelligent GM.  Forget it.

Actually, I've figured Beltran would start to be discussed at length this offseason.  And I wonder if he can play 1B.  Or, thinking outside the box a bit, if Ethier can play first.  He says he played in college, and he filled in there in an emergency.  Beltran could provide the best case scenario for a lefty stick, if he's not too expensive.

I tend to agree with Doppel that Beltran is too injury prone to risk anything in the neighborhood of what he has received in salaries the last three years.  He actually earned most of his $19M in 2011, but missed half of 2009 and 2010 due to injuries.  He missed a stretch in '11 too after the Giants acquired him, as I recall.

SamAdams said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

At a Howard-esque 5 yr 125 Mil deal, I think Fielder would be a steal (for years, not dollars), but this only happens if he decides that he really wants to come to LA.  I can really only see 5-6 teams targeting him (Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals) so this isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Oh wait... this type of shrewd negotiating requires an intelligent GM.  Forget it.

Actually, I've figured Beltran would start to be discussed at length this offseason.  And I wonder if he can play 1B.  Or, thinking outside the box a bit, if Ethier can play first.  He says he played in college, and he filled in there in an emergency.  Beltran could provide the best case scenario for a lefty stick, if he's not too expensive.

I tend to agree with Doppel that Beltran is too injury prone to risk anything in the neighborhood of what he has received in salaries the last three years.  He actually earned most of his $19M in 2011, but missed half of 2009 and 2010 due to injuries.  He missed a stretch in '11 too after the Giants acquired him, as I recall.

We need help at 2b and/or 3b, so I'd rather direct any resources in that direction.

I think maybe Beltran and Aramis Ramirez will get similar deals and although I don't really want either, I think Ramirez would fit our team better.

I think when you look at our existing assets, our best bet is to shore up our longest-standing weakness: 3B.

At Catcher we have Ellis and Federowicz, which is certainly NOT a strength, but I don't think there's an acquirable asset out there that could offer much bang for our buck.  We could bring Barajas back for ~$1M, but I think that money could be better spent elsewhere.

At 1B we have Loney and Sands.  Clearly, we could use a HUGE upgrade here and I think Fielder makes the most sense, but our realistic chances of getting new ownership in place in time to make a splash are around 5% in my opinion.  Unless Fielder LOVED the Dodgers or got no other offers, he'd likely make a deal before we were able to bid.  Giving Loney one more shot here isn't a wonderful idea, but if we make improvements elsewhere we can hide his bat for a short period of time and hope that he produces at reasonable levels.  If he breaks out, we're golden; if he fails we have Sands, Van Slyke, etc.

At 2B, we've got a serious hole.  Our existing options here are Uribe, Sellers, and Ivan DeJesus.  We're paying Uribe so much that we've got to give him another chance, but if he fails we're pretty thin behind him.  Now if he's at 3B, with Sellers/IDJ at 2B and Loney at 1B, we could have a MAJOR issue.  That's a pretty massive gamble to me.  I would be fine with Uribe here if we acquire a legit 3B or Uribe at 3B if we acquire a legit 1B, but clearly we need some type of legitimate bat to supplement our lineup.

At SS, we've got the future!  Dee Gordon.  He's raw, underdeveloped and immature - but we've got so many other holes that this is actually a bright spot by comparison.  I'm fully confident that Dee will have a fairly decent season in 2012 and I'm not too worried about what's behind him.

If 2B is a serious hole, 3B is a singularity.  Who the hell are we playing here?  Literally our ONLY options right now are Juan Uribe and Russ Mitchell.  EGADS.  I think that we definitely need an upgrade here ASAP.  I'd be OK with starting Uribe here if we added a Prince Fielder type, but as I said previously, that likelihood is low imo.  We need serious help here.

As of right now, I like our OF very much:
CF - STACKED.  Matt Kemp.  Love it.  Lock this kid up ASAP.  Do it.  Do it.
RF - Ethier is talented, but also a whiner and well-paid.  He's a prime trade candidate and not someone that I'd like to lock-up long-term.  We could also start Sands here and I'd be more comfortable with our defense in RF with a downgrade in offense, but the potential to be a power source.  It's feasible to put Sands here, especially if we trade Ethier.
LF - Wide open, baby.  We've got Sands, Van Slyke, Oeltjen and whatever stiffs Ned decides to sign for large sums of money.  If we have Kemp in CF, Ethier in RF, I'm totally comfortable with a rookie here.  If we have an OF of Kemp, Sands and Van Slyke/Rivera/Castellanos - then we DEFINITELY need a huge upgrade in the infield.

That's where we're at in my assessment.  I think that we've got some flexibility and some interesting options at a lot of positions, but we definitely need a solid bat added to the lineup.  Here's our options imo:

Option #1: Sign a marquis bat.  GIMME PRINCE FIELDER.   Fielder plays 1B, is a lefty stick and a power bat.  He would be amazing in this lineup, provide excellent protection for Kemp and cost a boatload.  Unless two miracles happen, we probably can't keep Ethier and ADD Fielder.  I think our best bet would be to try to trade Ethier for some infield help, and either convert Loney to an OF or trade him for whatever we could get.  Here's a possible lineup:
SS DeeGo
C Ellis
CF Kemp
1B Fielder
RF Sands
LF Loney
3B Uribe
2B Sellers/IDJ/Miles/Carroll / Cheap FA

There's some problems with that lineup, but I think it would DEFINITELY outproduce the 2011 lineup.  NO DOUBT.  Having Kemp and Fielder will take so much pressure off of the rest of the lineup and allow our rooks to relax and produce at reasonable levels.  I think this scenario is fantastic.  If we could use Ethier to snag Middlebrooks or even Youkilis, or in ANY trade to snag a decent 2B or 3B, the lineup would be that much more stout and I'd feel pretty comfortable about having Juan URINE in our lineup.

Option #2: Sign/Acquire a veteran 3B.  I think if you look at our budget and the likelihood that ownership will still be in flux until at least early next year, anything greater than A-Ram is a pipe dream.  But is that such a bad option?  A-Ram's older, we'll be on the hook for at least one decline year and his own team doesn't even want him ... but he could provide some short-term stability to the lineup.  If he could be had for 3/30, we could honestly do worse (wait till option 3).  In this scenario, we likely keep Ethier and Loney, put Uribe at 2B and hope that we're adding to our 2011 2nd half offense.  I know, we're buying a 3B for his 34-36 years and there's definitely some risk, but what other options are out there?  We could also go after Youk or trade for Wright, but this is more likely imo.  Here's how the lineup could look:
SS Dee Gordon
C Ellis
RF Ethier
CF Kemp
3B Ramirez
1B Loney
LF Sands
2B Uribe

You could make an argument to move Ellis down and bat Ethier/Kemp/A-Ram 2-3-4 and I wouldn't complain.  Or Loney/Kemp/Ethier/A-Ram 2-3-4-5.  Both are good options and I think this is a very decent lineup.  If Loney performs even NEAR his 2nd half 2011 numbers, Ethier stays healthy and A-Ram approximates his 2011 numbers, then we've got a solid lineup.  I could get behind this and would pay to see this lineup (if McCourt's out before ST).  I like the depth of the lineup, the D is solid and we've got some prospects to sprinkle in to keep the vets fresh.

Option #3: All hell breaks loose.  Ned's still in charge, McCourt's controlling the purse strings and we're slashing 2012 payroll.  Look for a Juan Rivera 3 year deal and other unimaginable horrors.  Here, take a peek:
SS Gordon
RF Ethier
CF Kemp
LF Rivera
1B Van Slyke
2B Kelly Johnson (3/33?)
3B Urine
C Federowicz

That's as bad as I can imagine, but I'm sure that Ned can do worse.  Save us NOW!

I don't like it as much as the shiny Fielder, but I think option #2 is the way we ultimately go, but I think you're way underestimating the final price for A-Ram.  There are a lot of teams potentially in the market for him:  Dodgers, R-Sox, Cubs, Tigers, etc.  I think he's going to land at 3/42+3Mil option if not a bit higher.

SamAdams said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Vinsandlosses said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

With Ryan Howard out for the next half year and not likely to play until likely June at the earliest, it will be interesting to see where Amaro goes for first base help.    I gotta think Mayberry is targeted to replace Ibanez and with only Gload on the roster with first base experience one would think that a guy like Loney could appeal to Amaro on the short term.   Given our budgetary constraints - until Frank is boxed up and sent back to Boston - losing the potential $6 - $7 million it will cost for the inconsistency of Loney for a decent prospect or two might make it worthwhile to move him.    

Granted, the thought of having only one decent lefty bat in the lineup is frightening unless Frank is shown the door quickly and we can somehow swing Fielder although as I have said before, Fielder has the Mo Vaughn look about him and that would be all we need is the next serious waste of salary standing next to first base.  

If Frank's the owner, 2012 payroll will decrease. Definitely.

I am not so sure.  Hell, Frank is already neck deep in debt and if the BK court is on board, I can see him making one last futile attempt to win back the Dodger faithful.   I mean, if Ned can somehow get Kemp to backload his big contract and lose a big salary, Fielder could be on board.    Either Billz or Ethier could be moved to clear some space and replacements are in place or can be signed for cheap.   Mind you, I am not on board with this option, but it seems to be the opinion of more than a few scribes.  

Would you consider a 2-3 year deal for Beltran, trading Ethier, and keeping Loney a win?  I am in the Fielder or Pujols for no more than 5 years with an option boat, but some team is going to offer each of them a hefty 7 year deal, so that ain't happening.  Fielder will also certainly get a No Trade Clause, scaring away all of the risk averse GMs leaving just a couple teams in the running.

At a Howard-esque 5 yr 125 Mil deal, I think Fielder would be a steal (for years, not dollars), but this only happens if he decides that he really wants to come to LA.  I can really only see 5-6 teams targeting him (Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Cubs, Nationals) so this isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Oh wait... this type of shrewd negotiating requires an intelligent GM.  Forget it.

Actually, I've figured Beltran would start to be discussed at length this offseason.  And I wonder if he can play 1B.  Or, thinking outside the box a bit, if Ethier can play first.  He says he played in college, and he filled in there in an emergency.  Beltran could provide the best case scenario for a lefty stick, if he's not too expensive.

I tend to agree with Doppel that Beltran is too injury prone to risk anything in the neighborhood of what he has received in salaries the last three years.  He actually earned most of his $19M in 2011, but missed half of 2009 and 2010 due to injuries.  He missed a stretch in '11 too after the Giants acquired him, as I recall.

We need help at 2b and/or 3b, so I'd rather direct any resources in that direction.

I don't disagree that we have a bigger need at 2B/3B.  We do have a couple guys that need to prove something, though, in Sands and Loney.  They are gambles to "count on" for sure.  The FA names that are truly available (don't even think about Cano or Phillips) don't inspire, however. 

Bad idea.  All in agreement, say aye.

http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/backyard/matt_kemp_back_with_rihanna_the_two_spotted_in_london/7393897?refmod=backyard

Kind of scary.  The first I saw of Kemp after the season ended, he was in a batting cage taking cuts.  Then he's in London partying down with Rihanna.  Yep, bad idea.

Maybe a no-Rihanna clause in the new contract...

I guess being rewarded a ML Player of the Year Award makes a girl take a 2nd look.

jWerthfan said:

I guess being rewarded a ML Player of the Year Award makes a girl take a 2nd look.

Correction. A very attractive girl. 

Guess it looks like he's going to be signing a fat contract this offseason.  He's just tipping his hand as to where his focus will be afterwards.

Rihanna is the Esquire's sexiest woman alive. He's player of the year. Like in Moneyball his girlfriend reflects his confidence. Let him enjoy his winter and stay in shape keeping up with her. No way this lasts. It'll burn itself out before spring.

Chin Music said:

Rihanna is the Esquire's sexiest woman alive. He's player of the year. Like in Moneyball his girlfriend reflects his confidence. Let him enjoy his winter and stay in shape keeping up with her. No way this lasts. It'll burn itself out before spring.

Well, I had to have a look at the sexiest woman alive [ per Esquire ], and after glancing at a couple dozen pics on Google images, I can honestly say, I have nothing in common with the voters at Esquire. That's not to say she isn't attractive, but there are sexier women in my neighborhood. And definitely on any NFL game day sidelines.

From Sickels:

"Major league promotions and pitcher attrition knocked the top layer off
this system, but there is a lot more on the way up. The 2011 draft was
very heavy with high-upside, high-risk, over-slot high school picks, and
they have put a lot of money into Latin America. The Glasses have given
Dayton Moore and his staff a lot of financial slack and they are using
it aggressively."

This from the freakin' ROYALS!

I hate McAsshat...

jWerthfan said:

Chin Music said:

Rihanna is the Esquire's sexiest woman alive. He's player of the year. Like in Moneyball his girlfriend reflects his confidence. Let him enjoy his winter and stay in shape keeping up with her. No way this lasts. It'll burn itself out before spring.

Well, I had to have a look at the sexiest woman alive [ per Esquire ], and after glancing at a couple dozen pics on Google images, I can honestly say, I have nothing in common with the voters at Esquire. That's not to say she isn't attractive, but there are sexier women in my neighborhood. And definitely on any NFL game day sidelines.

I agree that Rihanna is attractive, but I can think of fifty women off of the top of my head who are more attractive than her and three of them live in my house.   Mind you, I am biased towards them and if I had said otherwise, I would likely have to find a new place to live. 

 Tell me that Arte doesn't look a little like Uncle Ned??

Great post from Howard Cole.  The shot heard 'round the universe.  For me, it was even more important than Kirk's home run in '88.  The 1981 season was one in a lifetime.  It erased the pain of 1980.

Two Pirate catchers who appear headed for free agency might be on the Dodgers' radar.  Both Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder have over valued options with relatively inexpensive buyouts, so look for the Bucs to buy them out and perhaps try to re-sign one for less money.

SamAdams said:

Two Pirate catchers who appear headed for free agency might be on the Dodgers' radar.  Both Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder have over valued options with relatively inexpensive buyouts, so look for the Bucs to buy them out and perhaps try to re-sign one for less money.

Both Snyder and Doumit have always seemed to perform well against the Dodgers.  If healthy, either might be an upgrade.  I like Snyder better defensively and Doumit for his bat and versatility (can also play 1B and OF).  MLB Trade Rumors mentions that the Pirates may be interested in Rod Barajas if they don't retain either Snyder or Doumit.

Count me in on Doumit.  I know his injury history is sketchy at best, but partnering him with Ellis works for me and I would think he would come cheap with his injury history.  Snyder scares me a bit.  Back injuries for a catcher are frightening enough but I have to worry about his offense as he has power, but little else. 

The Halos are interviewing Kim Ng.  I have to think that she will get the job because Moreno loves to go after ex-Dodgers and Ng might be the most name-worthy candidate out there for GM right now.  

A switch-hitting catcher is a luxury, especially on a team lacking lefty sticks.  Doumit would fit very well on this current squad.

BluePastorKyle said:

A switch-hitting catcher is a luxury, especially on a team lacking lefty sticks.  Doumit would fit very well on this current squad.

I could get behind it.  He made $5.2M in 2011, so what do you think it would cost to get him?  Have to consider that he's 30 and has only played in 100+ games twice in 5-6 years.  Not a good health track record.  He's a better RHB, but he's still a decent LHB (800OPS, 100 point split), but AJ's splits were strong this year (1.069 v. 645).  They'd make a nice semi-platoon and give some time for FedEx to develop - if that is ever going to happen.

But what's that worth?  2/6?  1/3.25?  What do you guys think?

DoppelgangBang said:

BluePastorKyle said:

A switch-hitting catcher is a luxury, especially on a team lacking lefty sticks.  Doumit would fit very well on this current squad.

I could get behind it.  He made $5.2M in 2011, so what do you think it would cost to get him?  Have to consider that he's 30 and has only played in 100+ games twice in 5-6 years.  Not a good health track record.  He's a better RHB, but he's still a decent LHB (800OPS, 100 point split), but AJ's splits were strong this year (1.069 v. 645).  They'd make a nice semi-platoon and give some time for FedEx to develop - if that is ever going to happen.

But what's that worth?  2/6?  1/3.25?  What do you guys think?

Could be a 1 year for 5-6 Mil acquisition (average catchers get paid).  It's unlikely the Dodgers pick up a big upgrade anywhere (Prince, Pujols, Beltran, Cuddyer...) so an overpay is fine as long as it's a one year deal.  Personally, if we are looking at 2nd tier and below, I would target Doumit, David DeJesus (to replace Ethier after inevitable trade or injury), Wilson Betemit, Piniero on 1 yr deals with incentives.

Vinsandlosses said:

DoppelgangBang said:

BluePastorKyle said:

A switch-hitting catcher is a luxury, especially on a team lacking lefty sticks.  Doumit would fit very well on this current squad.

I could get behind it.  He made $5.2M in 2011, so what do you think it would cost to get him?  Have to consider that he's 30 and has only played in 100+ games twice in 5-6 years.  Not a good health track record.  He's a better RHB, but he's still a decent LHB (800OPS, 100 point split), but AJ's splits were strong this year (1.069 v. 645).  They'd make a nice semi-platoon and give some time for FedEx to develop - if that is ever going to happen.

But what's that worth?  2/6?  1/3.25?  What do you guys think?

Could be a 1 year for 5-6 Mil acquisition (average catchers get paid).  It's unlikely the Dodgers pick up a big upgrade anywhere (Prince, Pujols, Beltran, Cuddyer...) so an overpay is fine as long as it's a one year deal.  Personally, if we are looking at 2nd tier and below, I would target Doumit, David DeJesus (to replace Ethier after inevitable trade or injury), Wilson Betemit, Piniero on 1 yr deals with incentives.

Back to Doumit, if he does go down with injury then Ellis will get most of the starts which is fine by me.  Also, the addition of lefty bats might make Etheir more expendable. Lefty/Right Catcher -  check.  Lefty/Righty Third base (....Uribe....) - check.  Defensive upgrade in RF with similar extreme splits - check.  

This type of roster would really need Carroll and another righty 1B/OF type.  Could end up being Rivera and Sands taking ABs from Ethier and Loney against Lefties with Dejesus providing better defense.  In this way, his role would be similar to Gwynn - but Dejesus can hit enough to be a regular.  Gwynn can't and the 4th outfielder on this team could start start 50 games.

I'm not ready for the Dodgers to put any eggs in the SVS basket yet.

I agree (if McCourt is still the owner), but I think that Ned will make a big play for a big name with Beltran the most likely.   To that end, I can see Ethier getting moved, even at a discount due to his knee, he should get us a third baseman back - hoping for Will Middlebrooks.    I see Doumit as being a definite possibility.   The more I think about it, the more I think that Ned will keep Loney.  I won't be happy about it, but other than the more expensive (and older) Derreck Lee or Adam LaRoche, the options are very expensive or very bad.   Resigning Rivera might be iffy if we keep Loney and sign a guy like Beltran.   I am okay with that.   

I'm telling y'all Ned's big move this year is moving Urine for all of Dunn's contract.  I can feel it in my bones.  Frankly, I would not be averse to that move.  I would hope you could take advantage of Dunn's horrific stats, but Urine was just as bad himself.

saeldway said:

I'm telling y'all Ned's big move this year is moving Urine for all of Dunn's contract.  I can feel it in my bones.  Frankly, I would not be averse to that move.  I would hope you could take advantage of Dunn's horrific stats, but Urine was just as bad himself.

I don't know about Dunn.  How can a 30-year old go ten years with an OPS+ over 130, and then fall to 56 in one season?  How can he have HR seasons of 46-40-40-40-40-38-38-11?  Maybe the DH just messed up his mind? Maybe Ozzie Guillen drove him freakin' nuts?  Steroids?  Drugs...I think not. (Whatever it was, I didn't see it coming.  I drafted him pretty early for my fantasy team.  He, along with Casey McGehee (OPS+ of 114 to 69) and Josh Johnson's along with a plethora of other injuries crashed my season into mediocrity.)