the Braves.
Furcal did indeed agree to terms with the Atlanta Braves today. Reports had Furcal being offered contracts from the A's, Royals, Dodgers, and a "mystery team".
Furcal chose the Braves and what they have done created some flexability for the future. If they aren't comfortable with Yunel Escobar they can make a misdeason trade and pick up a valuable pitcher. Meanwhile Furcal will move to second and Kelly Johnson will play left field.
The Dodgers hopes of fielding a playoff worthy team is slowly slipping down the drain. The good news is, the worse this team gets, the better the liklihood of Joe Torre and Ned Colletti getting fired gets. So, lets just play for 2010!
Hopefully we don't sign anyone else that could impact the team negatively for 2010 (Casey Blake, Manny Ramirez, etc). I can only hope that we also don't make any blunderous trades for players that will be free agents after next year. It seems Colletti is willing to trade prospects on the cheap and sign aging free agents to lucrative long term deals. This the exact opposite plan he should be taking at building a major league team.
Anyway, next years free agent crop looks a little better than this years. Considering we don't truely have a leadoff hitter anymore (unless you consider Pierre a leadoff hitter... and then I would consider you mentally challenged) next year Brian Roberts will be a free agent. Of course he would be blocking Blake Dewitt at second and Dewitt can't move to third because of the blunderous signing of Casey Blake. However, we could move Casey to the outfield (which I don't like) or we could have Casey be our roving right handed bat off the bench (a role he could fill now). Other options next year include Adrian Beltre, Placido Polanco, Freddy Sanchez, Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye, Miguel Tejada, and Jack Wilson... wait who? Scratch Jack Wilson. I wouldn't have him on my team if he was free.
Concentrating on the 09 team, what other options will help us both this year and the 2010 team.
1. Getting rid of Juan Pierre. That should be the first choice on anyone's team.
2. Signing a good, young, injury free, starting pitcher.
a. Oliver Perez- not the best option, but the best option was taken by the Yankees.
b. Ben Sheets- still not a good option as he has Jason Schmidt written all over him
c. rely on the youth. I like this option best.
3. Get that POWER bat!
a. Manny- Seems unlikely as the Yankees have now drawn interest in him. Though it is more unlikely that they sign him.
b. Wait till next year. I like this option best.
4. Find undervalued players that go unnoticed on other teams and make smart trades for them.
5. Use the rule 5 draft to find talented players that can't fit on most teams rosters. Good thing Colletti passed up his drafting spot by taking no one!
I just can't see us competing for a playoff spot next year. Not this team. Not with Juan Pierre AND Chin Lung Hu starting. The pitching staff should be pretty good no matter who we sign. We certainly need someone who can eat up innings. And we still really need a power bat.
Update: Apparently Furcal hasn't agreed to the terms of the Braves contract. His agent will be calling the Dodgers today to try and match or exceed it. No doubt Colletti will. And I for one think it is worth it. 3 years at 33 million with an option 4th year at the same rate. If he signs it just means Pierre has no place on the team.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Turn your back!
Ken Gurnick answeres some questions from Dodger fans at main site. This one touched me specifically, as I am more of an unrealistic fan. It's easy to see where other teams have made improvements in their respective front offices (Mariners, Red Sox, A's, Brewers, Rays) by adding a division that uses statistical analysis instead of/ or with typical scouting. The Mariners specifically will no longer have travelling scouts but use a video analysis system.
Do you think this will be the year when Dodger fans turn their backs on the team?-- Mike M., Riverside, Calif.
The Dodgers were in baseball's final four two months ago. The Angels weren't. The Yankees weren't. If fans are turning their backs on the Dodgers because they aren't spending more money than the Yankees, consider that the Dodgers spent wildly in the past on the winter's top free agent (Kevin Brown) and heaped tons of money to keep their own players from leaving. It hasn't worked.
The question wasn't about spending money. The question was about management overall and the fans turning their backs on the stupid Dodger management. I will always be a Dodger fan, but if they sign any more high priced free agents over the age of 35 it will be easy for me to never watch another game knowing that they can't win that way.
Also, you can't possibly make the case that the Dodgers were a better team than the Yankees or Angels because we made it further in the playoffs. We made it further because we faced the rest of the "nancy" NL West and a Cubs team that fell asleep at the wheel sometime in late July when clinched the NL Central.
The Dodgers are trying a different approach, dependent on the continued improvement of their younger players. A lot of fans never will be happy with that approach. They only want the biggest names that come with the biggest salaries, and they will be satisfied with nothing less.
None of last year's highest-paid free agents signed with the Phillies or the Rays, who met in the World Series. If spending the most always meant winning the World Series, the Yankees would have won rings over the last eight seasons. They didn't.
I for one will be happy if we take the "go young" approach! I've always felt that we need players from both free agency and our farm system, but the only way we could develop a winning additude was to play players that we drafted. Signing Jones, Schmidt and Pierre didn't work. 2 out of the 3 we knew it wouldn't work. And Jones was questionable at best. We certainly need to fill our holes with free agency. But to try and develop excess through it is ridiculous. We'd have 5 full time outfielders with Manny. 2 of which would be on the bench making a combined 30 million dollars. I'm not in favor of that. But at the same we would still have a hole in the outfield if we didn't sign Manny.
Logan White has done his job in the draft. Taking great players and loading up our system with uber-talent. Ned has traded some of that away in mostly questionable deals. Whatever system he has for the Dodgers (I don't think he has one) isn't working and we do need a change before he ruins what little hope we do have.
The McCourts are running a business, not only a team. There always will be fans resenting that, especially when the Yankees seem to have no limit to their resources. But it's reality.
I totally understand that baseball is a business. There is a huge amount of money being passed around and it can't go overlooked. The reality is, when passing around such huge amounts of moeny, why would they do it so unwisely? Why would they invest 125 million in the ideas of a mad man named Ned Colletti? Oh the humanity!
It will be easy for me to turn my back on the Dodgers when they raise ticket prices, parking prices, and concession prices, and they can't even field a winning team. It will be easy to change my colors to a blue more aqua (Seattle).
Do you think this will be the year when Dodger fans turn their backs on the team?-- Mike M., Riverside, Calif.
The Dodgers were in baseball's final four two months ago. The Angels weren't. The Yankees weren't. If fans are turning their backs on the Dodgers because they aren't spending more money than the Yankees, consider that the Dodgers spent wildly in the past on the winter's top free agent (Kevin Brown) and heaped tons of money to keep their own players from leaving. It hasn't worked.
The question wasn't about spending money. The question was about management overall and the fans turning their backs on the stupid Dodger management. I will always be a Dodger fan, but if they sign any more high priced free agents over the age of 35 it will be easy for me to never watch another game knowing that they can't win that way.
Also, you can't possibly make the case that the Dodgers were a better team than the Yankees or Angels because we made it further in the playoffs. We made it further because we faced the rest of the "nancy" NL West and a Cubs team that fell asleep at the wheel sometime in late July when clinched the NL Central.
The Dodgers are trying a different approach, dependent on the continued improvement of their younger players. A lot of fans never will be happy with that approach. They only want the biggest names that come with the biggest salaries, and they will be satisfied with nothing less.
None of last year's highest-paid free agents signed with the Phillies or the Rays, who met in the World Series. If spending the most always meant winning the World Series, the Yankees would have won rings over the last eight seasons. They didn't.
I for one will be happy if we take the "go young" approach! I've always felt that we need players from both free agency and our farm system, but the only way we could develop a winning additude was to play players that we drafted. Signing Jones, Schmidt and Pierre didn't work. 2 out of the 3 we knew it wouldn't work. And Jones was questionable at best. We certainly need to fill our holes with free agency. But to try and develop excess through it is ridiculous. We'd have 5 full time outfielders with Manny. 2 of which would be on the bench making a combined 30 million dollars. I'm not in favor of that. But at the same we would still have a hole in the outfield if we didn't sign Manny.
Logan White has done his job in the draft. Taking great players and loading up our system with uber-talent. Ned has traded some of that away in mostly questionable deals. Whatever system he has for the Dodgers (I don't think he has one) isn't working and we do need a change before he ruins what little hope we do have.
The McCourts are running a business, not only a team. There always will be fans resenting that, especially when the Yankees seem to have no limit to their resources. But it's reality.
I totally understand that baseball is a business. There is a huge amount of money being passed around and it can't go overlooked. The reality is, when passing around such huge amounts of moeny, why would they do it so unwisely? Why would they invest 125 million in the ideas of a mad man named Ned Colletti? Oh the humanity!
It will be easy for me to turn my back on the Dodgers when they raise ticket prices, parking prices, and concession prices, and they can't even field a winning team. It will be easy to change my colors to a blue more aqua (Seattle).
UGH...
So, Rafael Furcal is set to sign a contract tomorrow no matter what. Apparently he has offers from the A's, Dodgers, and Royals. He has come out and said specifically that he does not want to play for anyone but the Dodgers. This is likely his way of jacking the price up for the Royals and the A's. And it has worked so far. And with this I could only suppose that he will eventually sign with the A's.
The Dodgers on the other hand have apparently offered him an incentive laden deal. Probably a 2 year deal with 2 option years. I think I'd rather have Furcal at short than Pierre in left. That's what it comes down to. If we sign Furcal you can close the door on Pierre as an everyday player. However, if Furcal isn't signed the likelyhood of Torre starting Pierre everyday in left is a disturbing thought. But he'd do it to have his "leadoff hitter".
I'd rather just sign Furcal, Dunn, and (name your starting pitcher here) and settle with trading Pierre and Jones for nothing and a lot of cash. But that's unlikely.
My main goal would be, "How can I keep Joe from starting Pierre at all costs?"
Unfortunately, Colletti is the guy who thinks Pierre should be starting... so... go figure. We also paid 45 some odd million for 6 games of Jason Schmidt knowing he was injured... and 36 million for a 172 hitter and anything over 2 million for Pierre is ludacris. And now we have shafted Saito!
And now there are rumors of Omar Vizquel. Of course. He is an ex Giant. Where all of this comes from I have no idea. But Colletti is retarded. So get ready for the 6 year deal for Manny and the 3 year deal for Pettitte. I wouldn't be surprised... nor happy. But that would be typical of the worst GM in baseball. I also wouldn't be surprised if he overpaid for another starter. I think he will eventually sign Pettitte and another starter at 2-3 years similar to the Brett Tomko deal a few years back.
Back to the point. I think Furcal will sign with the A's. Somewhere in the 4year X 44 million range. If they can add Giambi to DH they would all of a sudden be able to contend with the Angels.
My crystal ball says the Dodgers overpay for Orlando Cabrera, Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez all getting multi-year deals and blocking 17 prospects that are better than them allready which Ned trades for Alfonso Soriano. Then my crystal ball laughed at me for being a Dodger fan...
The Dodgers on the other hand have apparently offered him an incentive laden deal. Probably a 2 year deal with 2 option years. I think I'd rather have Furcal at short than Pierre in left. That's what it comes down to. If we sign Furcal you can close the door on Pierre as an everyday player. However, if Furcal isn't signed the likelyhood of Torre starting Pierre everyday in left is a disturbing thought. But he'd do it to have his "leadoff hitter".
I'd rather just sign Furcal, Dunn, and (name your starting pitcher here) and settle with trading Pierre and Jones for nothing and a lot of cash. But that's unlikely.
My main goal would be, "How can I keep Joe from starting Pierre at all costs?"
Unfortunately, Colletti is the guy who thinks Pierre should be starting... so... go figure. We also paid 45 some odd million for 6 games of Jason Schmidt knowing he was injured... and 36 million for a 172 hitter and anything over 2 million for Pierre is ludacris. And now we have shafted Saito!
And now there are rumors of Omar Vizquel. Of course. He is an ex Giant. Where all of this comes from I have no idea. But Colletti is retarded. So get ready for the 6 year deal for Manny and the 3 year deal for Pettitte. I wouldn't be surprised... nor happy. But that would be typical of the worst GM in baseball. I also wouldn't be surprised if he overpaid for another starter. I think he will eventually sign Pettitte and another starter at 2-3 years similar to the Brett Tomko deal a few years back.
Back to the point. I think Furcal will sign with the A's. Somewhere in the 4year X 44 million range. If they can add Giambi to DH they would all of a sudden be able to contend with the Angels.
My crystal ball says the Dodgers overpay for Orlando Cabrera, Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez all getting multi-year deals and blocking 17 prospects that are better than them allready which Ned trades for Alfonso Soriano. Then my crystal ball laughed at me for being a Dodger fan...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Why I like the A.J. Burnett signing.
Because I hate the Yankees.
Inevitably Burnett will take the spot that Pavano left as overpaid, injury riddled, starting pitcher in New York.
Undenaible evidence shows that Burnett is a bomb waiting to explode.
http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/ProfessionalPitcherAnalyses/AJBurnett.html
The concept of "scapular loading" comes with certain rules that must be kept to not just keep from serious injury but also help in control.
O'Leary explain the process pretty well, but to take it step further, I've always felt that limiting your extra movements will always help your pitching ability. The reason that the Inverted "W" is so bad is because of the stress the elbow and shoulder go through when transitioning from the "M" (inverted "W") to the fast movements when the front foot lands of actually throwing a ball.
It reminds me of Eric Davis and his high step/low hands combination that created a ton of power and created a huge loop in his swing while delaying his timing.
Timing is one of the finer keys to pitching. Having a detailed loop in your delivery not only creates added stress to your elbow and shoulder, but it also creates a timing hitch in your delivery. If your hitch is off just a little bit, your all over the place and can't locate. For 16.5 million, the Yankees could have done better.
Personally I would have targeted Teixiera first. Then a lower tier pitcher, maybe Ben Sheets for 3 years 42 million'ish. Lowe at 16 million over 4 years simply isn't worth it. He's good, reliable and old. He'll produce well, but he wont be worth 16 million. He's worth what you give him... but he's not worth what Borass wants. Maybe 12-14 million. maybe....
Overall, if Burnett can be healthy over 3 years of the course of the 5 years of the contract its a push if he pitches like he can when he is healthy. I only like the signing because it means that the Yankees are out 82.5 million bucks and have a potentially huge hole in the rotation.
Inevitably Burnett will take the spot that Pavano left as overpaid, injury riddled, starting pitcher in New York.
Undenaible evidence shows that Burnett is a bomb waiting to explode.
http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/ProfessionalPitcherAnalyses/AJBurnett.html
The concept of "scapular loading" comes with certain rules that must be kept to not just keep from serious injury but also help in control.
O'Leary explain the process pretty well, but to take it step further, I've always felt that limiting your extra movements will always help your pitching ability. The reason that the Inverted "W" is so bad is because of the stress the elbow and shoulder go through when transitioning from the "M" (inverted "W") to the fast movements when the front foot lands of actually throwing a ball.
It reminds me of Eric Davis and his high step/low hands combination that created a ton of power and created a huge loop in his swing while delaying his timing.
Timing is one of the finer keys to pitching. Having a detailed loop in your delivery not only creates added stress to your elbow and shoulder, but it also creates a timing hitch in your delivery. If your hitch is off just a little bit, your all over the place and can't locate. For 16.5 million, the Yankees could have done better.
Personally I would have targeted Teixiera first. Then a lower tier pitcher, maybe Ben Sheets for 3 years 42 million'ish. Lowe at 16 million over 4 years simply isn't worth it. He's good, reliable and old. He'll produce well, but he wont be worth 16 million. He's worth what you give him... but he's not worth what Borass wants. Maybe 12-14 million. maybe....
Overall, if Burnett can be healthy over 3 years of the course of the 5 years of the contract its a push if he pitches like he can when he is healthy. I only like the signing because it means that the Yankees are out 82.5 million bucks and have a potentially huge hole in the rotation.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Addition
Add Trevor Hoffman to the list of available relief men that wont cost as much but might still be able to produce effectively. I'm not sure I'd give him the ball in the 9th inning, but he would be nice contrast to have on a night when any of our burners (Bills, MacDonald, Kershaw, Kuroda... anyone really is a "burner" compared to Hoffman) are pitching.
On my list
I have a list of guys that, if I were GM, I'd make contact with and try to sign to relatively cheap deals.
First of all let me say that I am shying away from Manny Ramirez and thinking that just sticking with Jones is center might work out as he is playing for a contract again... maybe he can hit .222 with 25 homers. If he does that... well... he still sucks, but there is an outside chance that he steps up this season and we see the real Andruw Jones. I think, as a fan, were going to have to count on him to bat cleanup for us.
Naturally Rafael Furcal is #1 on the Dodgers list. We need a true leadoff hitter and sparkplug in the field. He has all kinds of range and a cannon arm that will cover most of what Blake can't at third. Sign him to 2 years with roll over incentives for a 3rd and 4th year if that's what he wants. I don't have any problem paying the man as long as he is healthy. After Furcal there really is no one else. He holds all the cards and as far as I'm concerned I really think he will sign with us eventually.
Then we need to start looking at bullpenn help and 1 or 2 spots in the rotation.
Ben Sheets stock seems to be dropping and if the Yankees sign Lowe, his stock as a 3rd or 4th starter may fall even further. I can't see him taking a deal less than 12- 14 million range, but if he dropps that low it's worth knocking on the door.
Randy Johnson. His asking price to play in Arizona was 8 million. If the Dodgers offer 10 he should accept and I think I would be happy with that. He is approaching 300 wins and 5000 K's. He would be the pitching version of Manny for about 12-15 home games next year.
Pedro Martinez. I'd only consider it if he were to accept 1. a very small contract (2-4 million) and 2. the possibility of having to pitch out of the bullpenn. More of it relies on his production and the production of James McDonald and Scott Elbert as I have both of them on the team in some role, long relief, set-up, or starting. Martinez might even be an acceptable closer.
I think I'd target both RJ and Pedro and let Sheets go because of his injury history. He has "Jason Schmidt" written all over him.
Keithe Foulke at one time was a legit closer. If he would accept a minor league deal he'd be worth signing.
Tom Gordon is old and resembles what type of player Ned Likes to target. Injury problems and old: lets give him a 3 year deal worth 21 million.
Julian Tavarez. A few poor seasons with the sox doesn't mean he can't come back to the NL and be a successfull mop-up man on a minor league deal. I certainly wouldn't sign all 3 of these relievers, but getting one of them would be a sign typical of Colletti.
First of all let me say that I am shying away from Manny Ramirez and thinking that just sticking with Jones is center might work out as he is playing for a contract again... maybe he can hit .222 with 25 homers. If he does that... well... he still sucks, but there is an outside chance that he steps up this season and we see the real Andruw Jones. I think, as a fan, were going to have to count on him to bat cleanup for us.
Naturally Rafael Furcal is #1 on the Dodgers list. We need a true leadoff hitter and sparkplug in the field. He has all kinds of range and a cannon arm that will cover most of what Blake can't at third. Sign him to 2 years with roll over incentives for a 3rd and 4th year if that's what he wants. I don't have any problem paying the man as long as he is healthy. After Furcal there really is no one else. He holds all the cards and as far as I'm concerned I really think he will sign with us eventually.
Then we need to start looking at bullpenn help and 1 or 2 spots in the rotation.
Ben Sheets stock seems to be dropping and if the Yankees sign Lowe, his stock as a 3rd or 4th starter may fall even further. I can't see him taking a deal less than 12- 14 million range, but if he dropps that low it's worth knocking on the door.
Randy Johnson. His asking price to play in Arizona was 8 million. If the Dodgers offer 10 he should accept and I think I would be happy with that. He is approaching 300 wins and 5000 K's. He would be the pitching version of Manny for about 12-15 home games next year.
Pedro Martinez. I'd only consider it if he were to accept 1. a very small contract (2-4 million) and 2. the possibility of having to pitch out of the bullpenn. More of it relies on his production and the production of James McDonald and Scott Elbert as I have both of them on the team in some role, long relief, set-up, or starting. Martinez might even be an acceptable closer.
I think I'd target both RJ and Pedro and let Sheets go because of his injury history. He has "Jason Schmidt" written all over him.
Keithe Foulke at one time was a legit closer. If he would accept a minor league deal he'd be worth signing.
Tom Gordon is old and resembles what type of player Ned Likes to target. Injury problems and old: lets give him a 3 year deal worth 21 million.
Julian Tavarez. A few poor seasons with the sox doesn't mean he can't come back to the NL and be a successfull mop-up man on a minor league deal. I certainly wouldn't sign all 3 of these relievers, but getting one of them would be a sign typical of Colletti.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Playing for a contract.
You hear the talk about free agents having a big year the same year their contracts end so they can sign a big contract the following year. Last year Manny Ramirez really increased his stock after he was traded to the Dodgers by hitting just about everything out of the park and also setting records in the post season! Before the trade he was looking at 20 million from the Sox or declining his option and probably getting less than that (17 million'ish) over the next 3 years.
As a Dodger he proved he wasn't done just yet and is likely worth more than the 17 million GM's were willing to give him. His agent, Scott Borass, is now demanding a 6 year deal. He certainly isn't worth it, but that's negotiating. He'll likely get at least 4 years with an option on the 5th year averaging at least 20 million a year. After the Andruw Jones project blew up in our face I can't see Colletti going anywhere near Manny and settling with Pierre in left and as our lead off hitter. (Hang on... I have to clean my desk after vomiting all over the place.)
The same concept comes into play with GM's. Next year Ned Colletti will be playing for a contract. If he can put together a team that will go to the playoffs in 2009, he may see himself getting a 3 year contract extension from Frank McCourt despite the signings of Juan Pierre, Jason Schmidt, Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent's extension, Andruw Jones, and now Casey Blake.
We can determine if Ned is signing players for the benefit of the team or for his own benefit this year by evaluating the signings he makes.
Casey Blake- While Blake will help the Dodgers next year simply because we have no one else who could possibly play third (Dewitt) or second (Loretta) then we absolutely need him and all 3 years of this contract. Casey might help us reach the postseason this year, but the next year or the following he most certainly wont. His declining defense and age make him a canidate for a contract that nears something that the twins offered him. 2 years for 14 million. I'd be willing to spend 10-12 million on him just for next year so long as we dont have him in 2010-11 clogging up the bench with Pierre. This type of contract has Brett Tomko written all over it... with one exception. It's for 3 years!
Hypothetically if Ned extends his options on Manny, Furcal, Sabathia, or anyone else to 4+ years he is essentially playing for 2009 and a contract in 2010.
Who then would Ned target if he is looking forward to what the Dodgers might be able to do with the future. According to management the Dodgers are looking to going head first with the youth movement. What short term contract are available that would help the Dodgers for 2009 and free up the possibility of letting the youth have the opportunity to move their way up to a starting spot in the future?
My suggestion is Adam Dunn. 1 year @ 15 million is worth more than what Manny could give us over the next 5 or years.
I'd also like to see players like Delwyn Young, Chin Lung Hu, Ivan DeJesus, and John McDonald get a decent shot at a full time job. We were short at 3rd base and second base and signing someone like Mark Loretta was essential at least for the bench.
Signing someone like Casey Blake means that Ned Colletti is playing for a contract. If that is true then we should look forward to rumors of signing Manny, Furcal, Sabathia, and others to huge contracts.
As a Dodger he proved he wasn't done just yet and is likely worth more than the 17 million GM's were willing to give him. His agent, Scott Borass, is now demanding a 6 year deal. He certainly isn't worth it, but that's negotiating. He'll likely get at least 4 years with an option on the 5th year averaging at least 20 million a year. After the Andruw Jones project blew up in our face I can't see Colletti going anywhere near Manny and settling with Pierre in left and as our lead off hitter. (Hang on... I have to clean my desk after vomiting all over the place.)
The same concept comes into play with GM's. Next year Ned Colletti will be playing for a contract. If he can put together a team that will go to the playoffs in 2009, he may see himself getting a 3 year contract extension from Frank McCourt despite the signings of Juan Pierre, Jason Schmidt, Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent's extension, Andruw Jones, and now Casey Blake.
We can determine if Ned is signing players for the benefit of the team or for his own benefit this year by evaluating the signings he makes.
Casey Blake- While Blake will help the Dodgers next year simply because we have no one else who could possibly play third (Dewitt) or second (Loretta) then we absolutely need him and all 3 years of this contract. Casey might help us reach the postseason this year, but the next year or the following he most certainly wont. His declining defense and age make him a canidate for a contract that nears something that the twins offered him. 2 years for 14 million. I'd be willing to spend 10-12 million on him just for next year so long as we dont have him in 2010-11 clogging up the bench with Pierre. This type of contract has Brett Tomko written all over it... with one exception. It's for 3 years!
Hypothetically if Ned extends his options on Manny, Furcal, Sabathia, or anyone else to 4+ years he is essentially playing for 2009 and a contract in 2010.
Who then would Ned target if he is looking forward to what the Dodgers might be able to do with the future. According to management the Dodgers are looking to going head first with the youth movement. What short term contract are available that would help the Dodgers for 2009 and free up the possibility of letting the youth have the opportunity to move their way up to a starting spot in the future?
My suggestion is Adam Dunn. 1 year @ 15 million is worth more than what Manny could give us over the next 5 or years.
I'd also like to see players like Delwyn Young, Chin Lung Hu, Ivan DeJesus, and John McDonald get a decent shot at a full time job. We were short at 3rd base and second base and signing someone like Mark Loretta was essential at least for the bench.
Signing someone like Casey Blake means that Ned Colletti is playing for a contract. If that is true then we should look forward to rumors of signing Manny, Furcal, Sabathia, and others to huge contracts.
Monday, December 1, 2008
What to do?
As the options of free agents become more available via arbitration, we can see an inclusion in some potential players joining the Dodgers.
The infield.
Plan A: Sign Ray Durham to play second base. A high OBP mixed with league average production otherwise is worth at least 5 million based on his age. Sign Edgar Rentaria to play SS and have DeWitt at 3B. The lineup is weak, the defense is weaker. Grade F
Plan B: Trade for Mike Lowell to play third and eat most of the salary so we don't have to give up any big time prospects. Although unlikely, we could have Hu at short and Dewitt at second. The lineup is still weak, but the defense is much better. Grade C
Plan C: Don't do anything. Play Dewitt at third, Dejesus at SS and Hu at second. Poor offense, good defense. Grade C. I think this is the best option.
Whatever prospects we have to give up for Lowell is just too much. Unless we are making room by trading Pierre to only see Ned sign Ibanez would just make no sense. Next year should be a rebuilding year for the Dodgers. By that I mean that we shouldn't sign anyone and offer arbitration to everyone. Collect the draft picks and get the heck outta dodge.
If we win the division, all the better. But when our competitors in the NL West have no money to spend and they are all rebuilding we might as well save our bullets to use them when we need them.
The infield.
Plan A: Sign Ray Durham to play second base. A high OBP mixed with league average production otherwise is worth at least 5 million based on his age. Sign Edgar Rentaria to play SS and have DeWitt at 3B. The lineup is weak, the defense is weaker. Grade F
Plan B: Trade for Mike Lowell to play third and eat most of the salary so we don't have to give up any big time prospects. Although unlikely, we could have Hu at short and Dewitt at second. The lineup is still weak, but the defense is much better. Grade C
Plan C: Don't do anything. Play Dewitt at third, Dejesus at SS and Hu at second. Poor offense, good defense. Grade C. I think this is the best option.
Whatever prospects we have to give up for Lowell is just too much. Unless we are making room by trading Pierre to only see Ned sign Ibanez would just make no sense. Next year should be a rebuilding year for the Dodgers. By that I mean that we shouldn't sign anyone and offer arbitration to everyone. Collect the draft picks and get the heck outta dodge.
If we win the division, all the better. But when our competitors in the NL West have no money to spend and they are all rebuilding we might as well save our bullets to use them when we need them.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Offensive player ratings 2008
C - Russell Martin - 3rd behind Joe Mauer and Brian McCann.
1B - James Loney - 18th. Though big names take up the top 10 James was the epitome of league average last year. Certainly we expected more. If we don't get more next year it's time to start looking for a platoon partner. (Nomar?)
2B - Jeff Kant - inc/ 19th - Lets hope he retires. Actually I'd like to see him in a Giants uniform so Kuroda can throw at his head next year.
3B - Casey Blake - 8th - Decent year for the statue. I hope Ned doesn't make the mistake of signing him and Manny to muli year deals!
Blake Dewitt - 21st - He really should be playing second next year. He's just not enough of a force with the bat to get it done at third. I trust his sure hands to take over second easily.
SS - Rafael Furcal - 13th - despite playing only about 1/6th of the season he still managed to rack up enough numbers to be the 13th best SS in all of baseball last year. That's what we got for 13 million. Thanks Ned.
LF - Manny! - #1 - The best left fielder in the game last year. Probably the best pure hitter of our generation.
CF - Matt Kemp - 9th - Not a bad season for Kemp. He was asked to bat in every position in the lineup except cleanup. Thank goodness we had Jeff freaking Kant!
RF - Andre the Giant killer - The best season for any Dodger by far! Had been given a full season of play and not been screwed around by a bumbling manager for the second year in a row he likely could have even done better.
There really is no reason to bring up other players that in no way contributed positively. But I will anyway.
Andruw Jones - F - What else can be said? He had the worst season of anyone's career.
Juan Pierre - D - While he did steal 40 bases he was caught 12 times for a 76% success rate. Which is not very good.
Nomar - C - He had an average year. I guess I really should give him a lower grade for being injured most of the year, but I suppose that was to be expected.
The rest...
#Delwyn Young Chin-Lung Hu *Mark Sweeney Luis Maza Andy LaRoche Danny Ardoin Pablo Ozuna Gary Bennett Jason Repko #Terry Tiffee A.J. Ellis
With exception to any of the developing kids(Hu, Repko, Young), the rest of you schlubs can go test the free agent waters for sharks... or cramps because I hope you drown.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Picking Neds mind.
I have bad feelings about Ned and this upcoming offesason.
After picking through the free agent list and looking at their numbers I have a feeling Ned will make offers to Ray Durham, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Rafael Furcal, Nomar, and Tom Gordon. Tom Gordon's son is in the organization. I can see him in a set up/ closer position. And it doesn't look like we will be able to keep Saito. I'd still offer him 2-3 million though just to see if he accepts. He is still under team control, so it's not like if we don't sign him he can just go to another team. Other intriguing names include: Livan Hernandez, Greg Maddux, Orlando Hernandez, Paul Byrd, and Kerry Wood. Maybe Maddux signs as a bench coach/player. I'd love that. Torre needs all the help he can get.
If he takes the Orlando Hudson/ CC/ Ben Sheets/ Casey Blake/ or any other long term deal (3+ years) then I will be pretty upset. There aren't many players out there that are worth more than 3 years at a time. Jason Schmidt included. He was only worth one year at the rate we paid him. To give him 3 was a sin at that rate was a sin.
My question is... how much do we really need Manny Ramirez? How much of a risk will he be when he hits 40? I think a 3 year deal for 70 million acceptable. And if we can get CC for 4 x 110 I'd go for it. It would be overpaying a little but it is a trend of Neds to overpay to keep the years down.
It seems that whatever hole we try to fill with Blake Dewitt, Ned will have to fill the other via free agency or trade. Options include Casey Blake, Orlando Hudson, Ray Durham, and who else? I've already suggested my best trade idea. Andruw Jones for Eric Chavez. OR Andruw Jones for Luis Castillo. I like either one. I still think Nomar has a place on the team as a supersub/ right hand bat/ platoon option.
Anyway, happy halloween.
After picking through the free agent list and looking at their numbers I have a feeling Ned will make offers to Ray Durham, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Rafael Furcal, Nomar, and Tom Gordon. Tom Gordon's son is in the organization. I can see him in a set up/ closer position. And it doesn't look like we will be able to keep Saito. I'd still offer him 2-3 million though just to see if he accepts. He is still under team control, so it's not like if we don't sign him he can just go to another team. Other intriguing names include: Livan Hernandez, Greg Maddux, Orlando Hernandez, Paul Byrd, and Kerry Wood. Maybe Maddux signs as a bench coach/player. I'd love that. Torre needs all the help he can get.
If he takes the Orlando Hudson/ CC/ Ben Sheets/ Casey Blake/ or any other long term deal (3+ years) then I will be pretty upset. There aren't many players out there that are worth more than 3 years at a time. Jason Schmidt included. He was only worth one year at the rate we paid him. To give him 3 was a sin at that rate was a sin.
My question is... how much do we really need Manny Ramirez? How much of a risk will he be when he hits 40? I think a 3 year deal for 70 million acceptable. And if we can get CC for 4 x 110 I'd go for it. It would be overpaying a little but it is a trend of Neds to overpay to keep the years down.
It seems that whatever hole we try to fill with Blake Dewitt, Ned will have to fill the other via free agency or trade. Options include Casey Blake, Orlando Hudson, Ray Durham, and who else? I've already suggested my best trade idea. Andruw Jones for Eric Chavez. OR Andruw Jones for Luis Castillo. I like either one. I still think Nomar has a place on the team as a supersub/ right hand bat/ platoon option.
Anyway, happy halloween.
Monday, October 20, 2008
2009 REVISITED...
To sum up what rumors have passed through the Dodger media, there is a possibilty that the Dodgers look to add Randy Johnson next year. There is also the possibility that we hang onto Maddux as well, but in a different role. Bench Coach. What a perfect role for him. I think I would like to see Maddux as our Field Manager one day soon.
So that brings me to my other preferable speculation. That we should trade Andruw Jones (and cash) to the Oakland Athletics for Eric Chavez. One bad contract with one bad year (Jones) and another bad contract with multiple years. We would have to move Pierre first beause this team would seriously be hampered financially if we had multiple Juan Pierre's, Jason Schmidt's, and Andruw Jones's.
Pierre has already stated that he wants out if he can't have a starting gig. I don't blame him completely. While he is a horrible player he isn't any better than league average and that must be worth something... OK I blame him. He's worthless. The Reds will likely kick the tires around considering Dusty Baker's infatuation with speed and non-contributing stats like stolen bases. Maybe we can work a decent reliever out of them. We might need someone reliable out of the penn next year to go with Broxton, Kuo, Wade, Beimel, and Troncoso. In all likelyhood we may have seen the last of Takashi Saito. He really spoiled us with his domination and he WILL be missed. Lets hope he makes a speedy recovery and has one more dominant season in him.
To add what has already been mentioned that leaves us with:
Furcal SS
Dewitt 2B
Ethier RF
Manny LF
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Chavez/Nomar 3B
Martin C
P
Bills
Kershaw
Kuroda
Johnson
McDonald/Elbert
Broxton
Beimel
Wade
Kuo
Troncoso
C
Hu
Repko
Young
Abreu?
There are other options off the bench that may be more reliable. I can't think of any. How big was Willy Aybar for the Rays this year? That's what I mean. Colletti needs to find a few dimonds in the rough. Dallas Macphereson? Mike Hessman? Scott McClain? There's about 50 minor league guys that will make an impact next year for a different team than they were on this year. We got one of those guys this year and it was all luck. Chan Ho Park. Who was terrible when we needed him most.
UPDATE: Jones plans on asking the Dodgers front office for a trade! YEAH!
So that brings me to my other preferable speculation. That we should trade Andruw Jones (and cash) to the Oakland Athletics for Eric Chavez. One bad contract with one bad year (Jones) and another bad contract with multiple years. We would have to move Pierre first beause this team would seriously be hampered financially if we had multiple Juan Pierre's, Jason Schmidt's, and Andruw Jones's.
Pierre has already stated that he wants out if he can't have a starting gig. I don't blame him completely. While he is a horrible player he isn't any better than league average and that must be worth something... OK I blame him. He's worthless. The Reds will likely kick the tires around considering Dusty Baker's infatuation with speed and non-contributing stats like stolen bases. Maybe we can work a decent reliever out of them. We might need someone reliable out of the penn next year to go with Broxton, Kuo, Wade, Beimel, and Troncoso. In all likelyhood we may have seen the last of Takashi Saito. He really spoiled us with his domination and he WILL be missed. Lets hope he makes a speedy recovery and has one more dominant season in him.
To add what has already been mentioned that leaves us with:
Furcal SS
Dewitt 2B
Ethier RF
Manny LF
Loney 1B
Kemp CF
Chavez/Nomar 3B
Martin C
P
Bills
Kershaw
Kuroda
Johnson
McDonald/Elbert
Broxton
Beimel
Wade
Kuo
Troncoso
C
Hu
Repko
Young
Abreu?
There are other options off the bench that may be more reliable. I can't think of any. How big was Willy Aybar for the Rays this year? That's what I mean. Colletti needs to find a few dimonds in the rough. Dallas Macphereson? Mike Hessman? Scott McClain? There's about 50 minor league guys that will make an impact next year for a different team than they were on this year. We got one of those guys this year and it was all luck. Chan Ho Park. Who was terrible when we needed him most.
UPDATE: Jones plans on asking the Dodgers front office for a trade! YEAH!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
2009 PLAN REVEALED!
The Dodgers currently have somewhere in the area of 50 million dollars coming off the books next year. That's a fair heap o cash! But in order to free just a little more up I have come up with a plan to make the Dodgers appear unstoppable! Here goes...
Free Agents:
Manny. If he wants 100 million over 4 years I say give it to him! With his antics the Dodgers will laugh all the way to the bank with sellouts every game!
CC- A proven #1 already quoted as saying he wants to be a Dodger next year. A home town lefty that will fill and plug and overflow the hole left by Lowe. 7 x 20 with incentives!
Furcal- After an injury riddled season where he will miss over 100 games he should be able to come relatively cheaply. 10 -12 million over 4 yrs.
Thats 55ish million on 3 players... you might be thinking the math doesn't add up. It doesn't just yet. But I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Trades!
One major trade to cover the second base hole left by Kent. Though Kent is kinda the hole there this year... anyway... here goes.
Trade Penny (9 million), Pierre (10 million), Hu/ Abreu, and 2 pitching prospects (Elbert, prospect B) for Brian Roberts! I think we'd have to eat at least 5 million over the next 3 years of Pierre's contract (15 million total) and then Roberts gets 8 million next year. We save about 2 million and fill a huge hole while getting rid of Slappy....
But you say...."wait, that's only 2 million bucks. We still need to sign bench players!"
Since Jason Schmidt is unlikely to pitch at all this year the MLB player/team insurance program kicks in the cash for Schmidt salary this year. Thats 12 million bucks baby!
With that money we have enough to extend Casey Blake and grab a 5th starter to go behind CC, Bills, Kuroda, CK, and Schmidt unless he is done for next year too. There are always options in the minors as well. One man by the name of James McDonald comes to mind! The bullpenn needs no help, just maybe a little more depth than Brian Falkenborg, especially if Saito come back healthy.
In retrospect the Dodgers could have as much as 70 million to play around with next year. Its a ton of money and what they do with it will determine the fate of all mankind forever... seriously!
Furcal
Roberts
Kemp
Manny
Loney
Martin
Ethier
Blake
Looks dang strong!
Free Agents:
Manny. If he wants 100 million over 4 years I say give it to him! With his antics the Dodgers will laugh all the way to the bank with sellouts every game!
CC- A proven #1 already quoted as saying he wants to be a Dodger next year. A home town lefty that will fill and plug and overflow the hole left by Lowe. 7 x 20 with incentives!
Furcal- After an injury riddled season where he will miss over 100 games he should be able to come relatively cheaply. 10 -12 million over 4 yrs.
Thats 55ish million on 3 players... you might be thinking the math doesn't add up. It doesn't just yet. But I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Trades!
One major trade to cover the second base hole left by Kent. Though Kent is kinda the hole there this year... anyway... here goes.
Trade Penny (9 million), Pierre (10 million), Hu/ Abreu, and 2 pitching prospects (Elbert, prospect B) for Brian Roberts! I think we'd have to eat at least 5 million over the next 3 years of Pierre's contract (15 million total) and then Roberts gets 8 million next year. We save about 2 million and fill a huge hole while getting rid of Slappy....
But you say...."wait, that's only 2 million bucks. We still need to sign bench players!"
Since Jason Schmidt is unlikely to pitch at all this year the MLB player/team insurance program kicks in the cash for Schmidt salary this year. Thats 12 million bucks baby!
With that money we have enough to extend Casey Blake and grab a 5th starter to go behind CC, Bills, Kuroda, CK, and Schmidt unless he is done for next year too. There are always options in the minors as well. One man by the name of James McDonald comes to mind! The bullpenn needs no help, just maybe a little more depth than Brian Falkenborg, especially if Saito come back healthy.
In retrospect the Dodgers could have as much as 70 million to play around with next year. Its a ton of money and what they do with it will determine the fate of all mankind forever... seriously!
Furcal
Roberts
Kemp
Manny
Loney
Martin
Ethier
Blake
Looks dang strong!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Jones is GAY!
He totally looks like the fat gay guy! His hitting problems come from his tendency to stay up late and wacth gay porn while eating cheetos.
FAG!
Monday, June 9, 2008
I Quit!
After finding out about Neds latest deal to improve the team, I have to resign my post as president of the Juan Pierre haters club and loyal Dodgers fanatic. I'll be a Dodgers fan but, the blog, incessant cheering, and late nights watching rebroadcasts of games are over. At least until Ned Colletti is out of there.
There are promising reports coming out of New York that suggest Brian Cashman would want to follow Joe Torre out to LA. Not that Cashman is the end all be all to being a successfull GM, but something new would be nice. I thought Ned had the sense to admit when he was wrong and try and make significant improvements to the team.
Getting rid of Juan Pierre should have been the first order of business this offseason. A move made recently by the Royals when they ridded themselves of Angel Berroa. The irony of that move is that it was made with the Dodgers. Now we have the Royals worst player, the Braves worst player, the Giants worst player... when are the Yankees and Red Sox going to contribute. We do have Nomar and Proctor...
Anyway, I'll try and make to the All-Star break when Jones and Furcal should be coming back. At which time Sweeney, Berroa, and Pierre should hopefully be gone along with Colletti!
So long!
There are promising reports coming out of New York that suggest Brian Cashman would want to follow Joe Torre out to LA. Not that Cashman is the end all be all to being a successfull GM, but something new would be nice. I thought Ned had the sense to admit when he was wrong and try and make significant improvements to the team.
Getting rid of Juan Pierre should have been the first order of business this offseason. A move made recently by the Royals when they ridded themselves of Angel Berroa. The irony of that move is that it was made with the Dodgers. Now we have the Royals worst player, the Braves worst player, the Giants worst player... when are the Yankees and Red Sox going to contribute. We do have Nomar and Proctor...
Anyway, I'll try and make to the All-Star break when Jones and Furcal should be coming back. At which time Sweeney, Berroa, and Pierre should hopefully be gone along with Colletti!
So long!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
My Prediction for tonights game...
Kershaw strikes out the side in the first.
Pierre singles to left.
Kemp hits one out of the stadium and eyes the pitcher while rounding the bases. The pitcher attacks him and just before he gets there Kemp one punches him and the pitcher lies on the ground twitching. The Kemp finishes rounding the bases pumping up the crowd along the way taunting the rest of the rockies players to try anything!
The Rockies forfeit the game out of fear of one man. A man on a mission!
Matt Kemp!
Bison!!!!
Pierre singles to left.
Kemp hits one out of the stadium and eyes the pitcher while rounding the bases. The pitcher attacks him and just before he gets there Kemp one punches him and the pitcher lies on the ground twitching. The Kemp finishes rounding the bases pumping up the crowd along the way taunting the rest of the rockies players to try anything!
The Rockies forfeit the game out of fear of one man. A man on a mission!
Matt Kemp!
Bison!!!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Can Penny turn on a dime?
I had to use the pun.
Penny continues to struggle pitching, in his last 5 starts he has given up 10, 5, 5, 4, and 6 runs.
Over 27 innings in 5 games he has a 9.43 ERA with 13 walks and 17 strike outs... not good... actually it's horrible... like Odalis Perez bad.
Even stranger he has given up 4 homes runs. The same guy that gave up 4 home runs all of the first half of last year has all of a sudden given up 4 in 5 games.
My analysis is that Penny is just getting unlucky as teams have a 390 BABIP against him in this time period. His groundball rate is up and his line drive and fly ball rates are down. Having Furcal at SS will really help and if we are lucky Jeff Cant can help us by giving more offense! In the meantime... lets all enjoy watching our SS production go 0-30 again, go eat a Dodger Dog.
Fortunately for Penny he is facing the Rockies. The one team that has struggled MORE than the Dodgers. It'll be just our luck that they start a hot streak against us that lasts until late September when they have clinched the division...
Probably not.
Penny continues to struggle pitching, in his last 5 starts he has given up 10, 5, 5, 4, and 6 runs.
Over 27 innings in 5 games he has a 9.43 ERA with 13 walks and 17 strike outs... not good... actually it's horrible... like Odalis Perez bad.
Even stranger he has given up 4 homes runs. The same guy that gave up 4 home runs all of the first half of last year has all of a sudden given up 4 in 5 games.
My analysis is that Penny is just getting unlucky as teams have a 390 BABIP against him in this time period. His groundball rate is up and his line drive and fly ball rates are down. Having Furcal at SS will really help and if we are lucky Jeff Cant can help us by giving more offense! In the meantime... lets all enjoy watching our SS production go 0-30 again, go eat a Dodger Dog.
Fortunately for Penny he is facing the Rockies. The one team that has struggled MORE than the Dodgers. It'll be just our luck that they start a hot streak against us that lasts until late September when they have clinched the division...
Probably not.
Monday, June 2, 2008
More numbers crunching.
Since Furcal has been out (May 6) the Dodgers enemic offense has gone from hitting 283 BA, 361 OBP, 416 SLG to 243 BA, 298 OBP, 339SLG.
WHO IS AT FAULT?
It's not Russell Martin (353, 421, 435) who has 9 RBI's and 9 Runs scored.
It's not Blake Dewitt (296, 345, 469) who has 15 RBI's and 10 runs scored.
Maybe not completely Matt Kemps fault (284, 370, 333!) with 6 runs, 6RBIs and 21 K's!
And not completely Andre Ethier's fault (304, 337, 405) with 5 RBI's, 7 runs, and 13 K's.
And maybe not completely James Loney's fault (281, 319, 438) with 6 RBI's, 12 Runs, and 17 K's.
But it could verrry easily be Juan Pierre's fault (250, 314, 271) with 13 runs, 6 RBI's and 6 K's.
But most of all it IS Jeff Kent's fault (186, 230, 271) 5 runs, 6 RBI, 9 k's. As he does his best impression of Andruw Jones. It doesn't help that Torre keeps on throwing him out there to bat in the cleanup spot, but at 40 years old when do we start looking for his replacement?
I have been pretty high on Brian Roberts for some time and think that we could trade our utility infielder posing as a left fielder (Juan Pierre) for him along with 17 prospects and 20 million dollars.
Fill the open outfield spot inhouse with someone... anyone really, and just pay Jeff Kent to go away.
The starting piching hasn't been as bad as the offense but not good enough to sustain a one run lead. 4.39 ERA, .333 OBP, 376 SLG since May 6.
Ken Rosenthal suggested trading Penny. Though as good as Penny is he has a BABIP (batting average of balls in play) of 391 over his last 4 starts. A stat like that can't stay like that especially for a guy like Penny and it's just a matter of time either the defense gets better or Penny says he is injured. Not to mention Penny has a team option with the Dodgers for 9 million dollars next year, which is really cheap for a guy who got 3rd in the Cy Young vote last year.
Furcal is an impact bat and we need to keep him! But we need someone else to take this team to the next level. Juan Pierre makes this team weak as he is our weakest player. I wouldn't be opposed to getting Adam Dunn. But matching him up with Jones in the OF is insane. Hopefully Jones comes back healthy and hits like a man on a mission! Because no one else is and we need him. Otherwise I'd say we should just let him go and call it a lost cause and sign on of the many free agent corner outfield impact bats that will be on the market next year.
Kemp and Loney need to start pulling more of their weight though. They need to be the guys that take this team to the next level. Just the same way Bills and Kershaw will take the pitching staff to the next level.
WHO IS AT FAULT?
It's not Russell Martin (353, 421, 435) who has 9 RBI's and 9 Runs scored.
It's not Blake Dewitt (296, 345, 469) who has 15 RBI's and 10 runs scored.
Maybe not completely Matt Kemps fault (284, 370, 333!) with 6 runs, 6RBIs and 21 K's!
And not completely Andre Ethier's fault (304, 337, 405) with 5 RBI's, 7 runs, and 13 K's.
And maybe not completely James Loney's fault (281, 319, 438) with 6 RBI's, 12 Runs, and 17 K's.
But it could verrry easily be Juan Pierre's fault (250, 314, 271) with 13 runs, 6 RBI's and 6 K's.
But most of all it IS Jeff Kent's fault (186, 230, 271) 5 runs, 6 RBI, 9 k's. As he does his best impression of Andruw Jones. It doesn't help that Torre keeps on throwing him out there to bat in the cleanup spot, but at 40 years old when do we start looking for his replacement?
I have been pretty high on Brian Roberts for some time and think that we could trade our utility infielder posing as a left fielder (Juan Pierre) for him along with 17 prospects and 20 million dollars.
Fill the open outfield spot inhouse with someone... anyone really, and just pay Jeff Kent to go away.
The starting piching hasn't been as bad as the offense but not good enough to sustain a one run lead. 4.39 ERA, .333 OBP, 376 SLG since May 6.
Ken Rosenthal suggested trading Penny. Though as good as Penny is he has a BABIP (batting average of balls in play) of 391 over his last 4 starts. A stat like that can't stay like that especially for a guy like Penny and it's just a matter of time either the defense gets better or Penny says he is injured. Not to mention Penny has a team option with the Dodgers for 9 million dollars next year, which is really cheap for a guy who got 3rd in the Cy Young vote last year.
Furcal is an impact bat and we need to keep him! But we need someone else to take this team to the next level. Juan Pierre makes this team weak as he is our weakest player. I wouldn't be opposed to getting Adam Dunn. But matching him up with Jones in the OF is insane. Hopefully Jones comes back healthy and hits like a man on a mission! Because no one else is and we need him. Otherwise I'd say we should just let him go and call it a lost cause and sign on of the many free agent corner outfield impact bats that will be on the market next year.
Kemp and Loney need to start pulling more of their weight though. They need to be the guys that take this team to the next level. Just the same way Bills and Kershaw will take the pitching staff to the next level.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Crunching Number... Hidden offense.
I thought I would try and figure out just why the Dodgers are as bad as their record shows. The obvious answer is that they aren't scoring enough runs. And that's basically the conclusion I came to.
If you consider that Offense makes up about 50% of your teams overall contribution, pitching 35% and defense 15%, the Dodgers are missing a good 40% in there somewhere.
The offense has been abysmal.
Last in HR.
Last in 2B.
OPS+ 91
14th of 16 NL teams in SLG.
9th in BB
8th in hits.
11th in runs scored
and the one bright spot, 15th in K's.
Considering what components the offense is made up of and the inconsistencies at which they play the game (Kent, Furcal, Jones, Pierre, and Nomar). This group makes 58 million dollars to ride the bench, max out at a 70 OPS+ with putrid defense, or are on the DL. For that amount of money we could have had the Marlins and Pirates!
The pitching has been well. Not great, though without looking at the stats I can tell you that the starters have been somewhat inconsistent and the bullpen has held the team together. An ERA+ of 111 is nice.
8th in K's
5th in ERA
3.3 BB/game (average)
and first in HR per game (.07!)
What has been letting the pitching down is the defense.
21 Throwing Errors! Only the Marlins are worse.
but only 13 Fielding errors (second best in NL)
only a CS% of 21%. Martin needs rest wether he wants it or not.
A RZR (revised zone rating- plays made into outs that were made in the players "zone") of .819% where the league average is .832
OOZ (plays made out of the players "zone") of 155 vs. league avg of 144. not bad.
Infield RZR .766 vs. league avg of .784
infield ooz 82 vs league avg of 68
outfield RZR of .900 vs league avg .904
outfield OOZ 73 vs league avg 75.
The outfield has been league average at best. I think with Jones instead of Pierre we are a much better team (defensively). Kemp has been a nice replacement.
The infield has some nice points and seriously bad ones too. While they can make plays out of their typical playing area, they seem to have "throwing" issues with normal everyday plays in their playing area. Sounds like a James Loney/ Rafael Furcal issue.
The "core" players make up roughly 65% of the teams production to the game. The pitchers make up the rest. It's fair to say with Esteban Loaiza (7 million), Jason Schmidt (15 million), and any of the high priced, overvalued vaterans the team could very easily be the NL west equivalent of the Pirates. Ned Colletti is lucky to Logan White continue to stock the team full of talented players with high ceilings. Too bad Ned keeps blocking them with overpriced washed up veterans.
My hopes, as are with the rest of you, are that Jones finds his stroke when he comes back, that Furcal comes back at all, that Penny decides to pitch like an ace, that Pierre gets booted out the door, that we get a fielding and throwing coach, and that some of these young kids start hitting the way we know they can.
If you consider that Offense makes up about 50% of your teams overall contribution, pitching 35% and defense 15%, the Dodgers are missing a good 40% in there somewhere.
The offense has been abysmal.
Last in HR.
Last in 2B.
OPS+ 91
14th of 16 NL teams in SLG.
9th in BB
8th in hits.
11th in runs scored
and the one bright spot, 15th in K's.
Considering what components the offense is made up of and the inconsistencies at which they play the game (Kent, Furcal, Jones, Pierre, and Nomar). This group makes 58 million dollars to ride the bench, max out at a 70 OPS+ with putrid defense, or are on the DL. For that amount of money we could have had the Marlins and Pirates!
The pitching has been well. Not great, though without looking at the stats I can tell you that the starters have been somewhat inconsistent and the bullpen has held the team together. An ERA+ of 111 is nice.
8th in K's
5th in ERA
3.3 BB/game (average)
and first in HR per game (.07!)
What has been letting the pitching down is the defense.
21 Throwing Errors! Only the Marlins are worse.
but only 13 Fielding errors (second best in NL)
only a CS% of 21%. Martin needs rest wether he wants it or not.
A RZR (revised zone rating- plays made into outs that were made in the players "zone") of .819% where the league average is .832
OOZ (plays made out of the players "zone") of 155 vs. league avg of 144. not bad.
Infield RZR .766 vs. league avg of .784
infield ooz 82 vs league avg of 68
outfield RZR of .900 vs league avg .904
outfield OOZ 73 vs league avg 75.
The outfield has been league average at best. I think with Jones instead of Pierre we are a much better team (defensively). Kemp has been a nice replacement.
The infield has some nice points and seriously bad ones too. While they can make plays out of their typical playing area, they seem to have "throwing" issues with normal everyday plays in their playing area. Sounds like a James Loney/ Rafael Furcal issue.
The "core" players make up roughly 65% of the teams production to the game. The pitchers make up the rest. It's fair to say with Esteban Loaiza (7 million), Jason Schmidt (15 million), and any of the high priced, overvalued vaterans the team could very easily be the NL west equivalent of the Pirates. Ned Colletti is lucky to Logan White continue to stock the team full of talented players with high ceilings. Too bad Ned keeps blocking them with overpriced washed up veterans.
My hopes, as are with the rest of you, are that Jones finds his stroke when he comes back, that Furcal comes back at all, that Penny decides to pitch like an ace, that Pierre gets booted out the door, that we get a fielding and throwing coach, and that some of these young kids start hitting the way we know they can.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Too Strong!
Making trades and moves that would make the Dodgers a better team would just make them too good. That's why Ned Colletti signed Juan Pierre (9 million), Jason Schmidt (16 million), Nomar Garciaparra (9 million), and Andruw Jones (18 million). I wonder if Ned is getting a commission on these or something?
Why wouldn't Colletti save some of that money to waste on a young starter just getting ready to blossom out of Cleveland. CC Sabatthia. He kinda reminds me of the left handed version of Brad Penny.
When is Colletti's job on the line? It appears that meddling owner Frank McCourt is too proud to admit to making a mistake. It's time to go internal for our next general manager. Kim Ng or Logan White. Or the both of them together. Logan obviously has the beat on all young up and comers while Kim has made strides in free agent signing. Colletti has to go. We all know that. It's time for a new era in Dodger Baseball. The young era.
Why wouldn't Colletti save some of that money to waste on a young starter just getting ready to blossom out of Cleveland. CC Sabatthia. He kinda reminds me of the left handed version of Brad Penny.
When is Colletti's job on the line? It appears that meddling owner Frank McCourt is too proud to admit to making a mistake. It's time to go internal for our next general manager. Kim Ng or Logan White. Or the both of them together. Logan obviously has the beat on all young up and comers while Kim has made strides in free agent signing. Colletti has to go. We all know that. It's time for a new era in Dodger Baseball. The young era.
K- Zone
Instant replay has been discussed around various baseball communities as MLB is using instant replay in the minor leagues to see how well it works. I think this is a step forward in the right direction. Without naming the numerous blown calls in the playoffs that have let teams escape a loss and go on to win, how many more calls are blown in the regular season that go unnoticed?
In time baseball umpiring should be completely monitored by computers. The human eye is just too... human. Particularly when it comes to the strike zone. When I considered the origin of the game, and the creators thereof, how would they have wanted the game "umpired"? If you gave them the option to have a digital representation of the strike zone for pitchers to pitch to (granted were talking about the late 1800's here) would they have used that opposed to the current human umpires used today? No doubt, I think, they would have used the "K-Zone" that FOX and ESPN use now. It's just my opinion.
Obviously the game would change. Managers would have to manage a game instead of running out to the umpire to plead his hopeless case and get run from the game. The game would also change for the better. At the moment we do not know about umpires secret lives. We do not know how many Tim Donaghee's there are out there. AND based on what I have seen, not just as a Dodger fan, but also wathcing Yankee, Red Sox, Mariners, and tons of NL and AL West games, it's pretty easy to see where umpires make bad or "favorable" calls to one team or the other. The strike zone expands for one team and not the other?
Don't get me started on check swings! As I understand the rule, it is considered a swing if the bat crosses the ball. Meaning you should literally have to pull your bat back when the ball approaches. How many players hold their bat level over the plate as the ball crosses it. And bunt attempts? Many left handed players are running out of the box while trying to decide if they are going to bunt or not and never actually bring the bat back.
It has become a frustrating game to watch.
In time baseball umpiring should be completely monitored by computers. The human eye is just too... human. Particularly when it comes to the strike zone. When I considered the origin of the game, and the creators thereof, how would they have wanted the game "umpired"? If you gave them the option to have a digital representation of the strike zone for pitchers to pitch to (granted were talking about the late 1800's here) would they have used that opposed to the current human umpires used today? No doubt, I think, they would have used the "K-Zone" that FOX and ESPN use now. It's just my opinion.
Obviously the game would change. Managers would have to manage a game instead of running out to the umpire to plead his hopeless case and get run from the game. The game would also change for the better. At the moment we do not know about umpires secret lives. We do not know how many Tim Donaghee's there are out there. AND based on what I have seen, not just as a Dodger fan, but also wathcing Yankee, Red Sox, Mariners, and tons of NL and AL West games, it's pretty easy to see where umpires make bad or "favorable" calls to one team or the other. The strike zone expands for one team and not the other?
Don't get me started on check swings! As I understand the rule, it is considered a swing if the bat crosses the ball. Meaning you should literally have to pull your bat back when the ball approaches. How many players hold their bat level over the plate as the ball crosses it. And bunt attempts? Many left handed players are running out of the box while trying to decide if they are going to bunt or not and never actually bring the bat back.
It has become a frustrating game to watch.
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