Ethier's deal is good news all around

When Andre Ethier officially signed his five-year, $85 million extension on Tuesday, it was a win-win for each party involved.

First, let's start with the player himself.  Now in his seventh year with the Dodgers, Ethier has slowly transformed from a guy who looked like he had one foot out the door to a centerpiece for the future.  And you know what, his hard work is what got him to this spot.

Just two years ago he was a house of fire to start off the year, leading the National League Triple Crown categories.  But, a broken pinkie in batting practice derailed his season, and he slumped badly down the stretch.

Last season he collected a 30-game hitting streak, good for second in franchise history.  But, once again, the season did not end well.  He was shut down in September with a knee injury, then implied that Don Mattingly was forcing him to play through the injury.  Probably not the best way to get along with your new manager.

Maybe Ether grew up, maybe he finally got fully healthy, or maybe a combination of both happened, but this year he appears to be a new player.  With Matt Kemp on the DL for the second time with a bad hamstring, Ethier's clutch hits (55 RBIs lead the NL) and slick glove have led the Dodgers to the best record in baseball.

As for the Dodgers, the deal makes perfect sense for them from a business and production standpoint.  Obviously, Magic and the boys are looking to make a splash and send a message that there's a new regime in town ready to win.  Extending a player of Ethier's caliber with a nice, new deal is a great way to start.

Also, I'm glad they didn't go overboard with the length of the extension.  Right now Ethier is 30-years-old.  He's in his prime, but he also doesn't get the luxury of days off to DH.  By the time this deal is over (which can also be extended to a sixth year), he'll be in his mid-upper 30s.  It just makes sense that the Dodgers don't have to worry about paying a boatload of money to a guy nearing his 40s.

All in all, it's a great move from both sides.  Now we need to hope that Kemp, Ethier, and Clayton Kershaw can continue to get get some help as they lead the Dodgers into the future.  Something tells me they will.