The Dodgers have gotten off to a good start this off-season with the acquisition of Joe Torre as manager. As of today (11/22/07) I think this is a darn good team that could win the division in 2008 without any major moves. Torre alone will help heal the clubhouse and, if Jeff Kent returns, all that they should do is sign Andruw Jones to play CF.
The biggest perceived hole is third base and center field. Rumors abound that the Marlins want the best Dodger prospects for Miguel Cabrera. I would be willing to make a trade that includes Matt Kemp but will never include Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, James Loney or Russell Martin. The upside of Cabrera is that he can flat out hit. The downside is he's getting fatter and isn't a very good defensive player. Personally, I'd like to see what Andy LaRoche can do with Nomar Garciaparra in a contract year, waiting in the wings. If the Dodgers sign a CF then they could trade Andre Ethier to the White Sox for Joe Crede but I really am not pumped about that.
So, about CF, Torii Hunter isn't in the mix as he just signed a big contract with the Angels. I'm hoping the Dodgers don't try to one-up the Angels (see Juan Pierre reaction to Gary Matthews last year) by signing Aaron Rowand from the Phillies to a fat contract. I like Rowand but he's only had one year worthy of a big contract. There isn't enough history to justify a 5-6 year contract at $12-13 million per year. The big problem here is that the Dodgers spent a lot of money on Juan Pierre, who needs to be moved to LF or possibly the bench. Pierre is fast and makes good contact but doesn't have the arm for CF and doesn't get on base enough these days. The free agent I want is Andruw Jones as he's still a darn good defensive player and will have a better season in 2008 as his shoulder should be healed. The CF alternative is to move Matt Kemp to CF and put Ethier in RF. That doesn't work for me as it doesn't help the defense enough.
The pitching is in decent shape and some holes should be filled with some low cost free agents. Nobody should be giving huge contracts to the mediocre pitchers out on the market. It's better to sign some guys coming off injuries to one-year deals and see what they can do.
Here's my the position breakdown:
Catcher - Russell Martin is the man and should be a Dodger for years. A backup will show up sometime soon.
First Base - James Loney earned the spot last season and Nomar is still around to fill in.
Second Base - Set for one more year if Jeff Kent doesn't retire. If not Tony Abreu is the not-so-bad alternative.
Shortstop - Rafael Furcal should be healthy and productive in his contract year.
Third Base - Andy LaRoche and Nomar Garciaparra seem fine to me. LaRoche is a big-time prospect who does seem to keep getting injured. Cabrera could be here but not at what it might cost.
Left Field - Andre Ethier and Juan Pierre fight it out unless one gets traded. Pierre has a big contract nobody wants but I think he'll be fine in LF.
Center Field - Sign Andruw Jones. If not, then Matt Kemp goes here.
Right Field - Matt Kemp, if he's not traded. If he's traded or moves to CF then Ethier moves here. The strongest OF defense would be Ethier, Jones and Kemp.
I'm a big believer in defense and would not make a compromise at a position that makes it a weak area. I just don't want the Dodgers giving away the young guys that keep getting better and better for a fat third baseman. I also want a legit CF like Andruw Jones and to not waste money on guys who've had one good year.
I'll address the pitching later.
Posted by Tim at November 22, 2007 06:38 AM
