SI’s Jon Heyman reports the following:  It is believed the Twins requested top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw and outfielder Andre Ethier, but were rebuffed by the Dodgers.  Now, I have no way of knowing if this is true or not, but if it is, Ned is smart.  Very, Very Smart.  Kershaw is special and may ultimately be as good as Santana, but here’s what I think is the downside of Santana:  (1)  Lots of innings the past 4 years and (2) Lots of $$$$.    No reason to do that deal.  I’d do Meloan, Houlton, Miller, Broxton AND Ethier, but not Kershaw or McDonald.      I think it is wise to wait and see how things shake out.   The winter meetings next week will be eventful.  I read a rumor that the Mets and Twins had talked about including Reyes in  a trade for Santana.  I doubt the veracity of that report, but let’s assume for a minute that it’s true.  If the Mets traded Reyes, they would need a SS and Furcal would fill the bill, and Pierre would be our leadoff hitter.  .  On the other hand, we could trade Pierre to a team seeking a CF and leadoff hitter, in which case Furcal would remain our leadoff hitter.  I like the power and speed and hit-and-run-ability of Martin at #2, so I really want to move either Furcal or Pierre, but we have to wait for the right deal.    Cameron would be our best bet in CF - the most bang for the buck, so to speak.  Stay tuned…

Not many rumors, other than the ones already out there.  All is quiet, except for the screaming rumors, which are probably 93.6% wrong!  So, let’s start some rumors of our own…   Actually, I am pretty certain that Juan Pierre will be traded and I really don’t think the Dodgers will have to eat any salary.  Lots of teams need (1) a speedy leadoff hitter; (2) a CF; and/or (3) both.  I still like Mike Cameron in CF, but Rowand would be an expensive upgrade.   I think the Dodgers like Rowand’s character, so we’ll see.  The winter meetings should yield a few deals - the Rays have already been busy!

It should become increasingly apparent that the Dodger Braintrust is in agreement that our young talent is so great that it is not worth it to trade the likes of Kemp, LaRoche, Kershaw, Billingsley or McDonald unless someone wants to just give us a deal we can’t refuse (like that’s ever going to happen).  I believe the Loney, Kemp and LaRoche will hit at least 70 HR between them next year, maybe a lot more.   These guys are the real deal, and while it would be nice to have Cabrera or Bedard, we would have to give up several of those players to get either one, or both.  It appears that Ned and company are setting their sights on Hiroki Kuroda  according to multiple industry sources.  He wouldn’t cost us anything, except cash - no players, no draft picks.    He has been a very good pitcher in Japan for quite some Read the rest of this entry »

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe interviewed Frank McCourt.  Among other things, this was what Frank said: “I think we’re in a good position right now,” said McCourt. “We don’t have to make a deal. We made the biggest move we needed to make in signing Joe. I don’t anticipate any nonsense in that clubhouse. He gives us instant credibility and we’re thrilled to have him.”

Frank has made some mistakes, but I think he has learned from them and is not afraid to correct a mistake once he understands it.  That’s all you can ask.  It also sounds like his baseball people have told him they will Read the rest of this entry »