The Dodgers were able to avoid arbitration altogether this season by agreeing on one-year deals with Russell Martin, James Loney, Hong-Chih Kuo, and George Sherrill. All four have received raises as well, so they must have done something right last season.
Martin will be the one who cashes in the most, going from $3.9 million last season to $5.05 this season. He's coming off a down year offensively, but has been a two-time All Star, so it's not like we haven't seen him thrive before. After leading the majors in innings caught last year, you have to hope he gets a little more rest this time around. A .250 average, seven home runs, and 53 RBIs pretty much confirmed that he was worn out at times.
Loney goes from $465,000 to $3.1 million. He only had 13 homers, but still was third on the team with 91 RBIs. Of his 162 hits, only 40 were for extra bases. But hey, 90 RBIs is 90 RBIs, so give credit where it's due.
Sherrill made $2.75 million with the Orioles last season and now will make $4.5 million. As has been stated before, he was simply fantastic after his late-season acquisition last year. The Dodgers can pretty much turn games into seven inning contests with Sherrill and Jonathan Broxton teaming up in the last two innings. A full year of those two will be fun to watch.
Kuo gets bumped up from $437,000 to $975,000. My guess for not breaking the million mark is because of his injuries, but it's nearly that anyway. He gave a great lift in the second half of last season, and is another dangerous weapon from the 'pen.
With everyone under contract after today's action, Ned Colletti can now turn his attention to signing a veteran starting pitcher.
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