Because I Can

The Dodgers changed their minds and decided not to go after a power bat, or that they were going to wreck their future on something stupid, or both. They signed Juan Pierre to a 5 year, $44 million deal (the 5th year is worth $7.5 million). Why they would pay that much for a younger Kenny Lofton that's more likely to get out is beyond me, and even if his defense is better, that's still not a good move. Whatever, maybe his defense will help enough that it won't matter. Nomar was resigned to a reasonable 2 years, $18.5 million. While he's no Frank Thomas at the plate, he's also no Frank Thomas in the trainer's room, so paying him less because of the lacking option and getting someone that plays defense is a pretty nice deal.

So here's the Dodgers right now:

Lineup
Pierre - cf
Furcal - ss
Nomar - 1b
Kent - 2b
Ethier - lf
Martin - c
Betemit - 3b
Loney - rf

Which while somewhat balanced, will not inspire a lot of fear throughout the league.

Here is the pitching staff as of now:

Rotation
Lowe
Penny
Billingsley
Kuo

Bullpen
Broxton
Brazoban
Beimel
Hendrickson
Tomko
Dessens

Definitely out:
JD Drew
Julio Lugo

Probably out:
Greg Maddux

Status Unknown:
Eric Gagne
Takashi Saito

Potential Free Agent Starters:
Zito
Schmidt
Maddux

The Dodgers need a free agent starter, and then Gagne and/or Saito. At this point, though, LA cannot afford to part with Broxton. Trading him is now at the top of my fears list.

Labels: Dodgers