No arbitration for Ethier and Loney

The Dodgers avoided the arbitration process on Tuesday by resigning Andre Ethier and James to one-year deals. Ethier's deal is for $10.95 million, while Loney's is for $6.375 million. Both are raises from last season, as Ethier earned $9.25 million and Loney $4.875 million.

With both men coming off of down seasons last year, it was probably a good thing that neither of them tried to get more through arbitration. It would be hard to picture them making much more than they earned here. It's good for both sides to get this thing over with early.

Ethier matched his batting average from a year ago by hitting .292, but his power numbers dipped for the third straight year. In 2009, he hit 31 homers and 106 RBIs. In 2010, it was down to 23 and 82 as he battled a pinkie injury that derailed his season. Last year, it was down even further to 11 and 62, as a right knee injury ended his season in early September.

Considering the lack of power from everyone not named Matt Kemp last season, Ethier's power slip was even more magnified. When the season was all said and done, it was apparent that he tried to play through the knee pain, but it clearly didn't work. To his credit, he did earn his first career Gold Glove. With a healthier knee this upcoming season, he could be due for a big bounce back.

Loney had probably the strangest season of any Dodger last year. All you really need to do is look at his pre- and post-All-Star stats to see why. Before the break, he hit .268 with a .311 OBP, 4 homers, and 31 RBIs. After the break, he was up to .320 with a .380 OBP, 8 homers, and 34 RBIs. Considering he played in 91 games before the break and 67 after, those numbers become even more amazing.

Combine that second-half surge with the Dodgers' slashing of payroll, and that's why Loney's been brought back. What's never in doubt is his defense, as he's become very reliable at first. What the Dodgers have to hope for is that over-.300 average throughout the year, and not the guy who was hitting .251 in early August.

Assuming Kemp plays like an MVP candidate again, the Dodgers need Ethier and Loney to step up and give much better support if they have any hope of getting into the playoffs. How can that happen? Start with improving against lefties, as Ethier hit .220 and Loney .213. If those numbers are that poor again, you can forget about the Dodgers being a good offensive club.