Because I Can

Assuming that a power-hitting free agent is not obtained, the Dodgers have a few options to go with via trade. So here are some power bats to look for, in order of priority.

1) Adam Dunn, Reds (.234/.365/.490 in 2006, .245/.380/.513 career)
2006 HR: 40
162 game avg: 39
Years left on contract: 1
Money left on contract: $10.5 million
2007 Opening Day Age:27

The Reds will want pitching, but will take pitching in any form apparently. After the trade with Washington, Krivsky may settle for Joe Beimel. Downside is that at a higher price, he may not be worth it because he's basically a rent-a-player.

2) Pat Burrell (.258/.388/.502 in 2006, .258/.362/.479 career)
2006 HR: 29
162 game avg: 31
Years left on contract: 2
Money left on contract: $27 million
2007 Opening Day Age:30

The Phillies are more interested in making room for the future, clearing payroll, and youth (and pitching). Burrell is probably the lowest-valued, yet most tradeable player on the market. A team agreeing to take on his salary will likely not have to part with too much in terms of personnel. He's more of a stop-gap player than a rental,

3) Andruw Jones (.262/.363/.531 in 2006, .267/.345/.505 career)
2006 HR: 41
162 game avg: 34
Years left on contract: 1
Money left on contract: $13.5 million
2007 Opening Day Age: 29

Jones is worth the hefty price tag, and for this reason if he is made available to trade, expect the Braves to demand a package of Kuo, Broxton and Kemp. Of course, if you get Andruw Jones, you don't need Matt Kemp. Jones will be offered a big contract extention immediately, so this will be a move designed for the future.

4) Vernon Wells (.303/.357/.542 in 2006, .288/.336/.492 career)
2006 HR: 32
162 game avg: 28
Years left on contract: 1
Money left on contract: $5.6 million
2007 Opening Day Age: 28

Best value on the market. The Blue Jays are not likely to trade him, though, because you don't rebuild after spending $100 million on two pitchers in the previous offseason, even though they have long-term deals and you need to find another way to get a leg up on your competition. The Jays could potentially get a lot of pitching from him, so it's hard to say. The Dodgers may be satisfied to make him their centerfielder for the next several years, but that will likely be decided at season's end.

5) Manny Ramirez (.321/.439/.619 in 2006, .314/.411/.600 career)
2006 HR: 35
162 game avg: 42
Years left on contract: 2
Money left on contract: $38 million
2007 Opening Day Age: 34

The deferred salary makes this contract look worse, and Boston will have to eat some of it. The more they eat, though, the more value they get. The Red Sox will deal shrewdly, though, definitely going for Broxton, among other prospects, because this guy is one of the top 5 players in the game, period.

6) Alex Rodriguez (.290/.392/.523 in 2006, .305/.386/.573 career)
2006 HR: 35
162 game avg: 43
Years left on contract: 4
Money left on contract: $66 million (?)
2007 Opening Day Age: 31

Again, huge contract, but the Yankees will pick up some of the tab to get some value for him. The Dodgers may or may not want him, but with better depth at third than in the outfield (compare Laroche and Betemit to Kemp and um . . .), probably unlikely.

Labels: Dodgers