By actual count, the Dodgers have 32 pitchers in Spring Training Camp who are vying for 12 spots.  I cannot see any way that Joe Torre decides to go with 13 pitchers.  With the off days and all, I think he will break camp with 12 pitchers.  That means that 20 have to go.

There are 11 Non-Roster invitees:

Also on the 40 man roster are McDonald, Link. Zerpa, Wade, Schlichting, Leach and Elbert as players who have a shot at making the team.

The way I see it, unless Stults and/or Haeger really mess up or get traded or go on the DL, they will both make the team.  That would make 11 pitchers.

Monasterios has a shot unless the Dodgers want to lose him (I have never seen him pitch, so I have no clue).  Then there’s Wade (remember how good he was in 2008?), Weaver (great swingman), Miller (solid), Gagne (no way?  way!) and McDonald and Lindblom (the future, who could all go to AAA).

The Dodgers have plethora of arms.  Who will win the arms race?

It should prove to be interesting.

DODGERS TALK:

• According to Steve Dilbeck of THE LA TIMES, the Dodgers are steamed about Ronald Beliasrio.  Sometimes things like this end badly for a player:

“I think it’s a problem now.  The pitchers need all this time. Of course, he did play winter ball. But I can’t really tell you [his condition]  until I see him.”

• Dylan Hernandez and Bill Shaikin report that Garrett Anderson is a Dodger.  This should prove to be interesting as Mientkiewicz, Giles and Anderson compete for one spot.
• Jay Jaffe of Baseball Prospectus writes on ESPN/LA’s Pay Blog that Clayton Kershaw’s new Slider Makes Him a Cy Young Candidate (Thanks to Jon Weisman)
•  Tony Jacksonreports that Ned Colletti is not happy with Belisario either.  I am beginning to think the guy is a knucklehead!  Tony also reported this:

 The situation ultimately could cost Belisario a considerable amount of money, as well. He has only one year of big-league service time, meaning he will have a split contract with a major-league salary of no more than about $415,000 this season, and he won’t even get that much if he is in the minors.There also is a provision, known as Regulation 6, in the current Basic Agreement between owners and the players’ union that would allow the Dodgers to suspend Belisario without pay and require him to stay behind in extended spring training when the team breaks camp if he doesn’t report at least 33 days before the start of the season.The Dodgers’ season opener is April 5 at Pittsburgh, meaning Belisario already has missed that deadline and the Dodgers already have that option.”In the event of the failure of the Player to report for practice or to participate in the exhibition games, as required or provided for,” the regulation reads, “he shall be required to get into playing condition to the satisfaction of the Club’s team manager, and at the Player’s own expense, before his salary shall commence.”The phrase “to the satisfaction of the Club’s team manager” means the length of such a suspension would be entirely at the Dodgers’ discretion.

Spring Training has broken out at Camelback Ranch and the news is pouring in:

• According to Ken Gurnick, Dodgers’ Bullpen Coach Ken Howell discovered a flaw in Eric Gagne’s delivery which he is attempting to correct.

The former Cy Young Award-winning closer made a quick adjustment and, according to Howell, immediately gained velocity on his fastball and drop on his changeup, although not yet with enough consistency.

• Sandy Koufax toutors young Dodger pitchers
• Eric Stults gets first shot as the 5th Starter
• Joe Torre gets Koufax and Kershaw together for some quality time
• The best part of the interview with Koufax was when TJ Simers asked “What bugs you?” to which Sandy responded “Sportswriters like you.” Classic Koufax
• By introducing Clayton Kershaw at the interview, it is obvious the Dodgers are anointing him the opening day starter, and evidently Joe Torre and the Dodger Brass believe he is ready and able to take a huge step forward this year and be our ACE!
• Dylan Hernandez on whether Andre Ethier is moody (maybe he’s just focused)
• Hong-Chih Kuo from Dylan Hernandez
• Steve Dilbeck on Eric Stults and that the job is his to lose
• Stults starts the game today against the ChiSox

Torre, Ramirez and Loney headline team of Dodger players on international goodwill trip

PHOENIX – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the expected roster for the upcoming three-game series in Taiwan. Additional players may be added or changed prior to the March 10 departure.

The Dodgers will bring 33 players, including 17 with Major League experience, in their first team trip to Taiwan since the 1993 Friendship Series. Manager Joe Torre, left fielder Manny Ramirez and first baseman James Loney will be joined by Taiwan natives Hong-Chih Kuo and Chin-lung Hu, Japan native Robert Boothe and South Korea native Hyang-Nam Choi.

Six players on the roster also made the Dodgers’ historic trip to Beijing, China in 2008 for the first-ever games in that country. They are Kuo, Hu, John Lindsey, Lucas May, Xavier Paul and Eric Stults as well as Torre and coaches Lorenzo Bundy and John Shoemaker.

Lindsey registered the first hit, a single to left field, during the two-game series against the Padres in China.

A complete roster is below, subject to change.

Pitchers (15): RHP Mario Alvarez, LHP Alberto Bastardo, RHP Robert Boothe, RHP Jesus Castillo, RHP Hyang-Nam Choi, RHP John Ely, RHP Francisco Felix, RHP Charlie Haeger, RHP Kenley Jansen, LHP Hong-Chih Kuo, RHP Josh Lindblom, RHP Jon Link, LHP Juan Perez, LHP Eric Stults and RHP Josh Towers.

Catchers (4): J.D. Closser, Gabriel Gutierrez, Lucas May, Jesse Mier

Infielders (8): Ronnie Belliard, Angel Berroa, Jamey Carroll, Chin-lung Hu, John Lindsey, James Loney, Russ Mitchell and Ramon Nivar

Outfielders (6): Brian Barton, Xavier Paul, Manny Ramirez, Prentice Redman, Michael Restovich, Trayvon Robinson

Coaches: Manager Joe Torre, first base coach John Shoemaker, third base coach Lorenzo Bundy, pitching coach Jim Slaton, hitting coach/bench coach Tim Wallach and bullpen catcher Mike Borzello.

After looking at the #5 Starter competition, I have concluded that anything is possible.  I believe that the favorites to win that position are as follows (in the order I think it most likely along with questions):

1. Eric Stults (his time?)
2. Charlie Haegar (was last year a fluke or a peek?)
3. James McDonald (he’s determined to win the spot, but can he?)
4. Jeff Weaver (can he return to being a solid-pitchers every 5 days?)
5. Scott Elbert (is his arm ready for this?)
6. Carlos Monasterios (can he jump that far?)

These six pitchers all have a shot and deserve consideration.  One will step-up.  Maybe two or three?   I can see only three of those pitchers making the team, maybe just two.  There will be some tough battles this Spring.  What do you think?

What other teams in the NL do you think will be in the playoffs?  I have already stated that I think the Rockies will not make the playoffs and I am now picking the Cardinals to be the best team in the league (behind the Dodgers, of course).  I hate to say it, but Brad Penny could win 20 under Dave Duncan (he has always had million-dollar talent to go with a 10 cent brain), and Kyle Lohse could also win 15-16 games.  If Wainright and Carpenter stay healthy, this could be an excellent rotation.  Dave Duncan is the master!

Around the WEB:

• Steve Dilbeck writes about Chad Billingsley’s Mental Toughness (or lack thereof)
• Ken Gurnick says that Cory Wade is in great shape and eager to re-gain his spot in the pen.  I found this part especially interesting:

“Wade brushed off the suggestion that middle relievers get abused and are particularly vulnerable to injuries of overuse.

“It really is an honor when a Hall of Fame manager has confidence to give the ball to a rookie,” he said. “It’s my own fault I ended up breaking down. I wasn’t as strong as I should have been. I wasn’t really prepared for the role.

“I did what I could do. As a first-year guy, you think you can handle it. I’d be happy with the role again. I’d do anything to help the club win. Last year was a big-time learning experience for me.”‘

• About a week ago, I wrote that I had heard James Loney had been working out and bulking up.  It turns out I was partially right.  Dylan Hernandez confirms that he is slimmer and stronger.  That bodes well for the Dodgers.
• It seems to me that the Dodger Kids are becoming grown men and they are determined to make their mark.  They are more mentally tough and they are prepared and planning for big years.
• Again, I don’t think that Russ Martin will continue his decline.  His character won’t allow it, and he’s not old.  Look for a big rebound.
• As much as it worries me, Rafael Furcal is a big key to 2010.  If he stays healthy and can put up good on-base numbers, the offense should be very good.  It all starts at the top.  It will be interesting who bats #2.  I vote for Kemp, due to his speed.
• If it comes down to Jeff Weaver or Charlie Haeger for the “swingman” role.  I’d keep Haegar – he’s much younger with a bigger upside.  Of course, theres’a  lot of time between now and then.  Too many scenarios to play out.
• Tony Jackson talks about Belli’s Belly and other issues at 2B.
• Jon Weisman thinks Xavier Paul could make the team if Giles and Mientkiewicz health issues keep up (and both have major issues)
• Jon Weisman opines what could happen with Ronald Belisario.
• MSTI discusses that Having a Good Team With No Ace is Better Than The Inverse- Good read
• Memories of Kevin Malone (hereafter “MKM”) profiles Chris Withrow.

Our 2010 Starting Rotation

Well, if you ask me… and you didn’t (but I’m going to tell you anyway), it’s Young Clayton.  Maybe it’s a rush job, but maybe it’s not.  Maybe he’s ready.  Not “maybe” – he ISready!   I think it’s likely that Clayton Kershaw will be even better this year.  His ERA might not reflect that, but he will pitch deeper into games and flirt with 20 wins this year.  After Clayton, will come Chad Billingsley, followedby Hiroki Kuroda and Vicente Padilla, with the 5th Spot being Eric Stults to lose.

Unless Charlie Haeger is a disaster during the spring, he will battle Jeff Weaver for the “swingman” spot in the pen.  The rest of the bullpen is less clear.  We do know that Jon Broxton, George Sherrill, Ramon Troncoso, Hong chih Kuo and James McDonald will probably all make the team barring injury.  I just can’t see Weaver and Haeger both making the team, as they are competing for the same position, but if it comes down to it, they will keep Charlie and send Jeff to AAA (at least for a few weeks under the guise of building arm strength).

That leaves a lot of pitchers up for grabs, including Ronnie Belisario, whom Joe Torre may want to demote for a while after his Visa problems two years in a row.   We also have Cory Wade, who could flat-out make the team out of Spring training, and Carlos Monasterios (who could be bought or have another player sent to his former team, and demoted).  Lindblom, Zerpa, Miller, Towers and Elbert all seem slated for AAA.

While it would be a “feel good” story and great if it happened, the odds are against Eric Gagne making the team.  Would he accept an assignment to AAA?  Maybe for a few weeks, but hey, this is Spring – anything can happen.

Let’s not forget, however, that there is always a pitching surprise.  Belisario was the big one last year.  Who will it be this year?

Rants & Raves

• I keep thinking about it and I can’t see Brian Giles or Doug Mientkiewicz making the team, especially if Xavier Paul has a rousing Spring
• Ronnie Belliard has to weigh below 210 pounds tomorrow – if he doesn’t, is he off the team.  At any rate, I don’t see him as a starter.  He’s a role-player (like last year).
• Russ Martin will be the All-Star Catcher in the NL this year – Write that down!
• Oh, and in case you don’t understand – I still say Clayton Kershaw will be our Opening Day Starter.

… nor am I a hater.  I see the good he has done as the owner of the Dodgers.  I see the mistakes he has made as well.  However, he seems to have learned each time he makes a mistake.   Overall, the Dodgers are in much better shape than when he took over.  His lifestyle seems excessive – in my business, I work with the rich and famous and don’t really care about all their “stuff.”  My “stuff” is fine.  If I had their money, I wouldn’t live the way they live… but that’s just me.  If they want to live excessively (my opinion) that’s their gig. 

However, I am sick of this Dodger Divorce.  It’s a soap opera and I will no longer talk about it until the case is decided.  I’ll take it a step further – I’ll delete any posts or comments on this issue.  I don’t want to hear about it.  It’s something I don’t care about.  I don’t care about “what if.”  I care about “what is.”  The Dodgers IS.

That’s what I want to focus on:  The Dodgers.  The baseball part of the business.  The players.  The coaches.  The minor leagues.  That’s all.  If I can’t do that, I’ll shut this blog down.

This is a Dodger blog – not a McCourt blog.  I don’t want it.  I won’t have it and I’m done with it.  “Frank, I don’t live for you, and hopefully you get that.”

This blog is about Matt Kemp, Jon Broxton, Eric Gagne, Chad Billingsley, James Loney, Clayton Kershaw, Casey Blake, Rafael Furcal, Andre Ethier, Russell Martin and all the rest of the boys.

I am not against Frank McCourt… nor am I for him.

Whatever happens, happens – the Dodgers will thrive, or survive under Frank McCourt.

This is a Dodgers Zone!

Nothing else!

It turns out that Ronnie Belisario and I have a lot in common – No I don’t have a DUI, but we both have Visa problems that prevented us from reporting yesterday.  He hasn’t been able to obtain his, and I have to work to pay mine off!  So there you go.  Joe Torre isn’t mad at me , but he is mad at Ronnie! 

Spring is that time of year when the “little boy” in us all dreams big dreams: 

• Manny will have an MVP season
• Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will combine to hit 80 HR and drive in 240
• Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw will be 1,2 or 2,1 in CY Young voting
• Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal will win Silver Sluggers and Gold Gloves
• Eric Gagne will regain his form to become “Game Over” Gagne
• From James McDonald, Eric Stults and Charlie Haeger will emerge a #5 starter who goes 200 innings
• BelliCarroWitt will combine to hit over .300 at 2B
• Casey Blake didn’t have his career year last year – he will have it in 2010 – with a beard, no less

Now, most of those dreams will not happen, but some will and it’s going to be fun to see which ones play out.

Spring Notes:

• The Dodgers and Torre are working on an extension of one more year.
• Russell Martin allegedly looks like a fullback and has muscled up this year.  The last two years, he worked on flexibility and that simply didn’t work.  He’s allegedly about 20+ pounds heavier.
• To those of you who expect Casey Blake to have a bad year at 37, just look back at Brooks Robinson, Mike Schmidt and Pete Rose at 37.  If a guy takes care of himself, there no reason he can’t be at his peak then and I think that Casey Blake, while not in the category of the three above-mentioned 3B, is a candidate to do as good, probably better than last year.
• Rumor has it that James Loney may have “bulked up” over the winter.  That would make some of those fly balls, “Big Flies.”

Must Reading:

• Tony Jackson on Eric Gagne
• Dylan Hernandez on Chad Billingsley
• TJ Simers with a “Feel Good” Article on “Game Over”

Baseball seems to put Spring in your step when Spring is in the air.  It’s been a long, cold winter here – I usually enjoy the winter, but my surgeon told me that the first winter would be rough on my hip and it has been a bear.  Stiff, sore and constantly aware of it, I am.  I am counting the days until Florida – March 7th, and then Camelback on March 20-27th.  I will have the Spring back in my step when the Boys of Summer start reporting tomorrow. 

“Pitchers & Catchers, Start Your Engines.”

 Here are a few things to chew on until then:

• Jon Weisman reports that Ned Colletti said he believed that Randy Wolf would have accepted the Dodgers offer of arbitration (which is something I have been telling you for some time now).  According to Jon, Ned offered the following:

“The reason (we didn’t offer arbitration) was we thought he would take it.  At $12-13 million a year, we weren’t prepared to do that. And you know what, the people I’ve talked to since, that are very close to him, say that ‘You know what, he would have taken it.’ And I wasn’t prepared to pay him $12-13 million for one year, nor was I prepared to pay him $8 or $9 million for three years.”

Now, I suppose if you have been in the camp where you have accused McCourtof being Cheap and now wanting to sign draft picks (which is absurd) you now have the options of choosing one of three responses in order to save face, especially after what happened with Orlando Hudson: 

1. “Ned is a liar.  He doesn’t really think that!”
2. “Ned doesn’t have a clue.  He doesn’t know of what he speaks.”
3. “Maybe Ned know more than me.  Maybe he’s closer to the situation than me and knows more than I do.”

You pick it! 

• Tony Jackson of ESPN/Los Angeles reports that the Dodgers have signed Eric Gagne to a minor league deal.  The question on the table, is not whether he is “Game Over” but whether his “Game is Over.”   You can speculate all you want, but we will see in the Spring or Summer.  It would be great to see him return to the mound in LA, but that seems like a long-shot.  In part, Tony writes:

Gagne received offers from the Dodgers and Colorado Rockiesafter separate throwing sessions in front of club officials, although multiple sources said his session for the Rockies was underwhelming. Not that it mattered, because Gagne had made it clear to the Dodgers that he preferred to pitch for them.

The move carries virtually no financial risk because it includes no guaranteed major league money unless Gagne makes the club in spring training, and it is difficult to envision him accepting a minor league assignment if he doesn’t. The deal contains an escape clause, allowing Gagne to again become a free agent if he doesn’t make the team, something that is fairly standard for minor league deals signed by major league veterans.

They say you can never go home again!  Who is “They?”

• What better option than to have Joe Torre hit Matt Kemp #2?   30 HR/30 SB/40 Doubles/10 Triples to go with a .300 BA and 100 RBI would be nice in the number two spot!
• There comes a time, when you have to just trust your minor league system to supply you with the answers you are seeking.  This is especially true with pitching and our #5 starter, in particular.  Starting this year, we have about 15-20 pitchers who will be “major league ready” by 2012.  They will start filtering in as soon as NOW.  I like Stults or Haeger for the #5 spot right now (subject to change).
• Whether the Dodgers contend for the Championship will depend a lot upon which Manny Ramirez we get.
• I believe the most OVERRATED team in baseball is the Colorado Rockies. 
• As your stomach turns:  Jamie McCourt has asked for about $1 mil a month in temporary support, according to Bill Shaikin of The LA Times.  Sounds about right to me. 
• If you pay players $25 mil a year and want to take $30 mil a year home, well that’s your business.  It is a business afterall…

Written by Ken (“the views expressed herein are not necessarily the opinions of yada, yada, yada” – Legal Disclaimer)

Many years ago Joe Isuzu appeared in several commercials, graduated to a sit com, and then slowly faded away. Recently, Joe Torre also graduated from his Big Elow commercials to cameo appearances in several television series. In this parallel universe it may be time for him to also slowly fade away. Ken, and why do you say this?

I use the Joe Isuzu comparison because Joe Torre appears to be managing the Dodgers like Toyota is managing their car quality and production. From now on I may just call Joe Torre – Joe Toyota.

I am tired of watching Joe Toyota’s accelerator stick causing certain position players to not have enough off days during the season and then crashing in October. In 2010, Blake, Ramirez, Martin and Furcal need more days parked in the garage then in prior years. Joe Toyota, fix your accelerator and allow these position players to pace themselves at an appropriate speed so that they will have the gas left to hit above the Mendoza line in October. Some of the young players only need a few days off to change their oil. However, when observing the age of a car and the more specialized the use of a car, any good mechanic will implement an appropriate preventive maintenance program. Apply the brakes to certain players and give them more rest days so that they can properly recharge their batteries.

I am tired of watching Joe Toyota’s accelerator stick causing him to leave pitchers on the mound like the second coming of Grady Little. It did not take a rocket scientist to see that for several months last year Billingsley had physical, and possibly mental, endurance issues and hit the wall 100 minutes into the game regardless of how many pitches he threw, just like the limitations of the battery of an electric car. If Joe Toyota does not know how to recharge Billingley’s battery, then Joe Toyota should not drive Billingsley in a direction that will cause the battery to die before he returns home (reaches the 6th inning).

I am tired of watching Joe Toyota’s accelerator stick causing him to treat Broxton’s rocket engine like a 4 cylinder engine that can be driven everyday on a 100 mile commute. Joe Toyota, you must know when to apply the brakes. It did not take a rocket scientist to see that Broxtonrarely had any skills in the second inning of a game, after resting for 3 or more days, or pitching three days in a row. You just can not start a rocket engine every day or let it sit for four days in a row and expect it to operate properly for the entire year. I am tired of watching Joe Toyota’s accelerator stick causing him to leave hitters in the game when they refuse to swing at strikes, refuse to hit the ball the other way, and then pull an outside pitch to third base resulting in a ground-ball that starts a double play or kills a rally. Joe Toyota, when are you going to apply the brakes, order the player sent to the shop, and put them up on the rack for a detailed skills inspection?

If the Joe Toyota’s managerial performance is not changed by Cinco de Mayo, then I suggest the following recall:

1. Convert “Bob” to another special assistant to the GM and let him travel 5 days a week and visit the Dodger minor league teams,
2. Let Ausmus call the game and give the signs to the catcher when he is not playing. (Honeycutt can concentrate on teaching the pitchers how to pitch)
3. Let Mattingly give signs to the base coaches when the Dodgers are hitting (This will assist management in determining whether he actually is a viable managerial candidate), and
4. Let Torre concentrate on motivating the players and give them a safe environment.

Maybe it is business as usual. 

Maybe it’s really not “the divorce” that is keeping the Dodgers out of the Free Agent Market.

Maybe the Dodger brass has concluded that paying big bucks (in most cases) for Free Agents simply isn’t worth it.

The Dodgers sought a CF for a few years and signed Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones over Aaron Rowand, Gary Matthews, Jr. and Torri Hunter.  Only Hunter was a wise signing, but it didn’t get the Angels a title.  Big bucks spent on Jason Schmidt was wasted and there are lots of stories like that on the market. 

Even the money for Manny could have ben allocated better.

Maybe the Dodgers have decided that by waiting they might get a much better deal.  Maybe this was decided BEFORE the divorce.

Belliard isn’t signed – he could be a bargin.

Sheets, Padilla, Garland – all might be had for a song.  Or maybe, the Dodgers will just wait until the trade deadline and get what they want.

By the way, we got our CF from “within.” 

Sometimes, it’s best to make a list of who you want and go in that direction, instead of just settling for “who’s available!”

Of course, if the Dodgers are heading that direction, they have no obligation to tell you or me.  In fact, they would be silly to do so. 

Watch and see – I have a hunch everyone is wrong about the Dodgers!

The benching of Orlando Hudson at the end of the season is something that has been talked about by Dodger fans, at the time and up to now.  For the record, I stated that Hudson should have been the starter in the playoffs.  However, I am going to remind everyone that Joe Torre was closer to the situation that any of us and any reporter.  Let’s consider a few quotes from the parties:

On September 19, 2009, Joe Torre stated this about Orlando Hudson and Ronnie Belliard:

 ”…over the course of the season it’s probably taken a little bit of a toll on him, I think there’s some fatigue now. I’m taking advantage right now with Ronnie swinging the bat the way he is to use him, and then decide what choices we’re going to have going forward,” 

On that same date, Orlando Hudson then stated:: 

“I haven’t been doing the job.  My man Belliard came in, they made a great trade to get him in here and he’s doing a great job at second base.  All I can do is cheer for him.”

On November 12, 2009, after the season was over, Orlando Hudson said the following: 

“My teammates talked to me about it more than Joe did, but I never had any answers because Torre and I never talked, there was no conversation.”

Now, that one sentence is a little contradictory, in that he said his “teammates to talked to me about it more than Joe did” implying that there was conversation, but very little.  He then concluded by saying that “Torre and I never talked … there was no conversation.”

A lot has been made about this one sentence, but no one has asked O-Dog “Did Torre EVER talk to you about the benching?”  It’s common knowledge that Joe Torre is a “players manager,” especially a veteran player.  It seems highly unlikely that Torre NEVER talked with O-Dog.  It seems more likely that there was not much conversation.  It also seems likely to me that Hudson was concealing an injury.  Maybe Torre knew about it, maybe he didn’t.  Hudson certainly has a history of late season injuries.  Maybe Orlando was protecting his impending Free Agency.  Maybe Joe was too…

The fact of the matter is, that from where I sit, I still would have started Orlando Hudson!

• In case you haven’t seen it yet, Jose Offerman punched an umpire in the Dominican last night.

For those of you who believe the Giants will be better, consider what Bruce Jenkins of the SF Chronicle wrote:

Pablo Sandoval’s weight is going to be an issue for the rest of his life (he lost 10 pounds through a rigorous conditioning program in Arizona, then gained most of it back when he returned home to play in the Venezuelan winter league). Many scouts around the National League can’t figure out why the Giants simply don’t stick him at first base and leave him there.

The Giants obviously don’t see it that way. They made a two-year offer to Adam LaRoche, who wisely turned it down (no left-handed pull hitter feels an attraction to AT&T Park unless he has Prince Fielder-like power). Then they signed Aubrey Huff, a terrible defensive player at any position. Understand the larger point: The Giants have filled some embarrassing holes with professional hitters, and Huff easily could revert to his 100-RBI form. But in this park, with that pitching staff, defense has to be a priority – and it could be a problem all season.

With Sandoval at third and Edgar Renteria at shortstop, the left side of the infield has a glaring lack of range. Freddy Sanchez is a competent second baseman, but is also 32 years old and coming off knee surgery.

Mark DeRosa, an infielder by trade, should be an ordinary left fielder at best. Aaron Rowand is a noted fly-chaser but has become known for fundamental mistakes in his time with the Giants. Nate Schierholtz is a strong-armed right fielder, but isn’t likely to measure up to Randy Winn defensively.

If you have a home which is worth $400,000 or $400,000,000 and you are served divorce papers by your spouse,  what do you do?  It’s obvious that a great part of the parties’ net worth is that asset.  Some people are idiots about this – some have even burned-down the house rather than split the proceeds.  Are the McCourts that stupid?  I doubt it.  Both appear to be greedy, self-absorbed, high-achievement people whom I think  want to maximize their investments.  What should they do?    The biggest asset I think is the Dodgers.  They have to keep that asset shiny and new – to make money now and to make the asset continue to appreciate.  That’s why I think they will “Paint the House, not Blow-Up the House!  We might not have a $120 million payroll, but it won’t be $75 million either!

SECOND BASE- I think that the Dodger Brass has identified 2B as a position that needs a power upgrade.  Casey Blake is not a Big HR Hitter at 3B, Raffy isn’t at SS, Loney currently is not a power hitter at 1B, and Martin is not a HR hitter at C.  Our only power is in the outfield.   I think many people believe the Dodgers “stuck it to” Orlando Hudson so as not to have to pay him.  If it had been $3 million, I’d buy it, but $10,000 or $190,000 (which is actually closer) is “chump change.”  I think Joe Torre played Belliard in the playoffs (which didn’t count on O-Dog’s incentives) so they would have more power.  I believe that’s the long and short of it, which brings me to what they will do at 2B next year.  Read the full story

LOS ANGELES – The 2009 National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that their entire Major League coaching staff will return for the 2010 season.

Led by manager Joe Torre, the staff has guided the Dodgers to two straight National League West Division titles and two consecutive National League Championship Series. General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

The coaches: Larry Bowa – Third Base Coach (third season) Mariano Duncan – First Base Coach (fifth season) Rick Honeycutt – Pitching Coach (fifth season) Ken Howell – Bullpen Coach (third season) Don Mattingly – Hitting Coach (third season) Manny Mota – Coach (31st season) Jeff Pentland – Instructor (third season) Bob Schaefer – Bench Coach (third season) Bowa will enter his fifth straight season as a third base coach for Torre and his third with Los Angeles. Read the full story

There is a lot of speculation that the Dodgers will not be able to spend money this Fall and Winter due to divorce proceedings.  I think that is not only unlikely, but also not true.  I think the Dodgers will wheel and deal, make trades and sign Free Agents (where appropriate).  I don’t have time to post the numbers (you can go to Cot’s Contracts and look it up), but adding in raises and the deferred money (Manny only get $5 mil in 2010), the Dodgers payroll for 2010 will be somewhere around $75 – $79 million. 

I can see the Dodgers spending another $30 million on players, if necessary.  Adrian Beltre would cost something north of $10 million, and if we could somehow move Blake and/or Pierre (neither is likely), the Dodgers could really have some extra cash.  Vold suggested that Blake could play 2B, and I am sure he could on a part-time basis anyway.  He also plays LF, RF, 1B and 3B, making him and Juan Pierre two of the best subs in the business.   So, my final answer is that the Dodgers WILL be BUYERS and PLAYERS in Free Agency and will likely have a payroll somewhere around $110 million.  The team is an appreciating asset, and regardless of who owns it, it will likely be in Jamies’ best interest to stretch this out as long as she can, maybe even until the new cable deal kicks in.   Read the full story

The Top 10 - In No Particular Order

I have no clue where this “Debacle in the Ravine will take us, but I’d say Jamie does not have the upper hand.   No, I’m not going to speculate on who we will sign and who we won’t or who we should trade.  Today, I just want to do some “farming.”  Let’s take a look at the Dodgers top prospects. Read the full story

"Frank, I need my Driver!"

 Sure, Frank is probably no saint, but Jamie is a total idiot!  I am not even going to get into it, and this is my final word on the subject until it’s finalized.  What a waste of time and speculation!

FLASH THIS JUST IN: 

Manny says he’s he’s exercising his option.  Who knew?

No Dumbass Vaccine!

Blame it all on Joe Torre if you want, but when we score ZERO runs, the likelihood of losing is pretty high.  Blame it on Kuroda if you want.  Blame it on Billingsley or the fact that  we left Jon Garland and Jeff Weaver off the playoff roster.  But, the reality of the situation is that we have seen the Dodgers do this before.  The team that lead the league in batting average and on-base percentage and was 4th in runs scored is hitting 46points below their season batting average and 69 points below their seasons OB%,  and have been outscored 20-8!   Now, their 6.92 ERA is horrible, but most of that was acquired yesterday in the 11-0 loss.   The Dodgers have scored 8 runs in 3 games against the Phillies and have been lucky to win one game!  We should be down 3 games to none and facing elimination and yet, we are only down by 1 game.  That’s the good news.

The bad news is that we have all seen this happen before – usually when this teams offense goes into an offensive funk (which is where they are now), it takes a week or two to snap back.  Well, we don’t have a week or two.  We have a game or two.  WE NEED TO WIN TODAY and I won’t put this on Randy Wolf.  I put it on Manny, Raffy, Casey, Andre, Matt, James, Russ, and Orlando (I think he needs to start – not that Ronnie did anything wrong – it’s just a gut feeling), who are our starters.  The offense needs to GET WELL NOW and jump all over the Phillies’ pitching – no matter who is pitching.  Ronnie Belliard has been good, but Orlando Hudson is MOTIVATED to show Joe Torre he deserves to start.  I would start O-Dog today, if for no other reason than to get another left-handed bat in there. 

If the boys don’t bring their bats today, it could be a long, cold winter and I still can’t believe that the morons who own the team couldn’t keep their mouths shut for a couple of weeks.  It just simply proves what Jimmy Buffett sings about (in bold) Read the full story

Never send Honeycutt to the mound without taking out the pitcher.  I felt it coming both times – Kershaw was breezing and midway

Deer in the headlights look?

 through the fifth inning, he lost it.  Flat out lost it!  I mean, even Ray Charles could see it!  He went from being very good to just downright awful.  To me, it looked like something or someone got into his head and all he was hearing was “You can’t throw strikes.  You can’t throw strikes.  You can’t throw strikes.”  Clayton’s Evil Twin simply took over.  When Honeycutt went to the mound, I told my wife and son that Kershaw was shot.  “Stick a fork in him DONE!”  I love Clayton Kershaw and think he’s “all that,” but this is the NLCS and you can’t play around.   He had to come out.  PERIOD!  

The same with Sherrill – after the two walks, I said “He needs to come out.” These situations with Kershaw and Sherrill are classic examples of why you can throw out the book for the playoffs.  Forget statistics.  The stats say that the Phillie’s Left Handers don’t hit lefties!  Yeah, right.  Kershaw and Sherrill both know different, and as usual walks come back to kill you.  Read the full story

Clayton Kershaw & My Lefthander, Stephen

It’s no secret that Joe Torre likes the veterans and has even been loathe to play youngsters at times.  He has been admired, praised, castigated and reviled for that proclivity.  Therefore it comes as somewhat of a surprise that this announcement was made by Ken Gurnick of www.Dodgers.com:

“Dodgers manager Joe Torre planned to skip Randy Wolf and pitch Clayton Kershaw if a Game 5 was necessary in the National League Division Series, so it was no surprise that Torre on Wednesday named Kershaw to start Game 1 of the NL Championship Series that opens Thursday against Philadelphia.”

There you have it.  Just as I predicted – Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 of the NLCS.  You tab your ace to start such a game and like it or not, ready or not, Clayton Kershaw IS our ace.   Don’t think he’s not ready.  He’d better be ready.  21 years old and anointed to start Game 1 of the NLCS – Heavy Stuff!    I think the kid has what it takes, but time will tell. 

This is the time when legends are made.  Can he step up and be the real ACE?  Dang, that is really a lot to put on a 21 year-old and if Torre did it, you have got to believe that the Kid has what it takes.  I have been watching him since he was 18 and I think he does.  Let’s Ride! Read the full story

In the celebration last night, I sensed that the boys still know this is only one step to get where they want to be.  They have traveled this path before only to have their dreams shattered by a team they might have to play again.  I sensed that, while happy, they will really celebrate when they get past the NLCS.  If I would picking a MVP of the NLDS, I would split it between two guys I have ragged on quite frequently, because they deserve it – Big Jon Broxton and Big Game Andre  Ethier!  What a change and a difference they have made.  I also think both players have much more to show us.  They will both get even better!

Ethier and Furcal both hit .500 in the NLDS, but this was also a team win, with the pitching leading the way, and let’s not forget Russ Martin who only hit .111, but had a .385 OB% and played flawlessly at C, saving several wild pitches.   While I would single out Andre and Jon, this was truly a team victory if there ever was one.  The Big Dodger in the Sky may be finished punishing Manny and it looks like he’s heating up!  Read the full story