The Dodgers made their first official roster moves of the offseason on Tuesday, buying out the last year of Casey Blake and Jon Garland's contracts. Both men are officially free agents as a result.
Blake was bought out for $1.25 million, as he ended his three-year/$17.5 million deal. The Dodgers had a $6 million option for next season, but that won't happen.
Garland got paid $5 million this season to basically do a big pile of nothing, as his season was cut way short thanks to shoulder surgery on July 11. He'll receive $500,000, as opposed to the $8 million he could've earned had he been brought back. Um, that's a no-brainer.
Going into the 2011 season, both men figured to play key roles in Don Mattingly's rookie season as manager. Instead, injuries just crippled both of them, as their best days are clearly long behind them. Blake appeared in only 63 games this year, hitting .252 with four homers and 26 RBIs. He actually hit very well when he did play in April and May, but his body wouldn't hold up.
The irony of Garland's situation was that he was brought in to be an innings-eater at the back end of the rotation. He had never appeared on the DL during his 11-year career up until this season, and had thrown at least 190+ innings since 2002. So naturally, he only made nine starts, going 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA.
I'd be shocked if Garland was resigned, but don't be too surprised if Blake is. I can see Mattingly using Blake as a utility guy, making starts at the corner infield spots along the way. At this point in his career, it might be the best offer he can get.
Showing posts with label Blake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blake. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Blake returns as De Jesus takes a hike
Casey Blake was activated from the 15-day DL on Wednesday after missing time with a bad back. He will take the spot of Ivan De Jesus, who was sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Blake had been lobbying to make his return as soon as he could, and he got his way. He had a good first start to the season, starting at third on Wednesday and going 2-for-3 with an RBI triple in the #2 hole behind Rafael Furcal. He's the main guy at third, but won't play everyday. Juan Uribe will now move back to second.
As for De Jesus, the decision to demote him was pretty easy. He got two starts against the Giants and went 0-for-7 with five strikeouts and a walk. With Aaron Miles and Jamey Carroll as backups, the at-bats just wouldn't have been there. He'll be back down the line.
Blake had been lobbying to make his return as soon as he could, and he got his way. He had a good first start to the season, starting at third on Wednesday and going 2-for-3 with an RBI triple in the #2 hole behind Rafael Furcal. He's the main guy at third, but won't play everyday. Juan Uribe will now move back to second.
As for De Jesus, the decision to demote him was pretty easy. He got two starts against the Giants and went 0-for-7 with five strikeouts and a walk. With Aaron Miles and Jamey Carroll as backups, the at-bats just wouldn't have been there. He'll be back down the line.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Injury updates on Blake, Padilla, and Garland
Some Dodgers are already banged up, so let's take a look at just how bad.
Casey Blake
Even though he's not buying into it quite yet, Don Mattingly fully expects him to start the season on the DL. The specific injury is being called an inflamed thoracic spine, which just sounds painful. Despite taking injections, all he's been able to do is swing off a tee, and even that is still painful once his swing in complete. Considering he's 37 and coming off a down season, this is definitely not the way he wanted to start off the season. Look for Juan Uribe to slide over to third and Jamey Carroll to take over at second for the time being.
Vicente Padilla
A 30-pitch bullpen session last Friday resulted in being shut down the next day, but he's been able to bounce back with 10 pitches today. Afterward, he reportedly felt good. If he stays that way, then it's a positive sign that he really is progressing at a quick pace. Unfortunately for Padilla, we've all seen him collect one injury after another, so it may be hard to believe that he'll be back sooner rather than later. In order for him to be at his best, there's no need to rush him whatsoever.
Jon Garland
He's still nursing a strained oblique, but was recently able to throw 70 feet without any discomfort. As for when he'll be back in the fold, the Dodgers won't need a fifth starter until April 12 in San Francisco. It's being pretty optimistic be expect him back then, but he did get hurt on March 9, so that will be a full month of recovery. Like Padilla, though, I wouldn't count on that quick of a recovery.
Casey Blake
Even though he's not buying into it quite yet, Don Mattingly fully expects him to start the season on the DL. The specific injury is being called an inflamed thoracic spine, which just sounds painful. Despite taking injections, all he's been able to do is swing off a tee, and even that is still painful once his swing in complete. Considering he's 37 and coming off a down season, this is definitely not the way he wanted to start off the season. Look for Juan Uribe to slide over to third and Jamey Carroll to take over at second for the time being.
Vicente Padilla
A 30-pitch bullpen session last Friday resulted in being shut down the next day, but he's been able to bounce back with 10 pitches today. Afterward, he reportedly felt good. If he stays that way, then it's a positive sign that he really is progressing at a quick pace. Unfortunately for Padilla, we've all seen him collect one injury after another, so it may be hard to believe that he'll be back sooner rather than later. In order for him to be at his best, there's no need to rush him whatsoever.
Jon Garland
He's still nursing a strained oblique, but was recently able to throw 70 feet without any discomfort. As for when he'll be back in the fold, the Dodgers won't need a fifth starter until April 12 in San Francisco. It's being pretty optimistic be expect him back then, but he did get hurt on March 9, so that will be a full month of recovery. Like Padilla, though, I wouldn't count on that quick of a recovery.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
3 regulars to rest today
Much like last Sunday, Joe Torre will have a strange looking lineup for today. He has decided to rest Manny Ramirez, Rafael Furcal, and Casey Blake. In their places will be Juan Pierre, Juan Castro, and Juan DeWitt. Ok, Blake DeWitt. I just couldn't resist.
The rest for Raffy and Blake isn't unexpected since they've got backups with experience playing. Since the Dodgers are at 13-5, Torre can afford to give some time off like this to guys that can use a break every now and then.
Manny went 0-5 last night with 3 K's, so a rest isn't a bad idea. He's played in every game so far, and keep in mind he did miss 2 weeks of Spring Training. He'll be ready to go Monday in San Francisco.
The rest for Raffy and Blake isn't unexpected since they've got backups with experience playing. Since the Dodgers are at 13-5, Torre can afford to give some time off like this to guys that can use a break every now and then.
Manny went 0-5 last night with 3 K's, so a rest isn't a bad idea. He's played in every game so far, and keep in mind he did miss 2 weeks of Spring Training. He'll be ready to go Monday in San Francisco.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Blake on his way back to Dodgers
Casey Blake appears to be on his way back to the Dodgers, signing a 3-year/$17 million deal earlier today. After being acquired from the Cleveland Indians towards the trade deadline last year, Blake played a key role in pushing the Dodgers to the postseason.
There was plenty of doubt if any of the left side of the infield from the postseason would be back for 2009, but now it looks as if only Rafael Furcal is in limbo. Signing Blake gives the Dodgers the comfort of not having to make a trade for another 3rd baseman, such as an Adrian Beltre, and they can now focus on their other needs.
In 58 games with the Dodgers after the trade, Blake didn't exactly set the world on fire with a .251 AVG and .313 OBP. But, he's a career .264/.334 guy, so I expect him to pick up those numbers now that he's more familiar with the National League. Even more encouraging was his .985 fielding % in 56 starts at 3rd base - obviously a great number.
Depending on who is signed to beef up the offense (like that Manny guy), Blake will probably be about a 5-7 hitter, which is where he's most useful.
There was plenty of doubt if any of the left side of the infield from the postseason would be back for 2009, but now it looks as if only Rafael Furcal is in limbo. Signing Blake gives the Dodgers the comfort of not having to make a trade for another 3rd baseman, such as an Adrian Beltre, and they can now focus on their other needs.
In 58 games with the Dodgers after the trade, Blake didn't exactly set the world on fire with a .251 AVG and .313 OBP. But, he's a career .264/.334 guy, so I expect him to pick up those numbers now that he's more familiar with the National League. Even more encouraging was his .985 fielding % in 56 starts at 3rd base - obviously a great number.
Depending on who is signed to beef up the offense (like that Manny guy), Blake will probably be about a 5-7 hitter, which is where he's most useful.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
More encouraging numbers for Blake
I just did a little more research about Casey Blake's numbers this season, and I'm starting to like him more and more. Here's a sample of some of the numbers I found:
Runners on: .343 AVG
Runners in scoring position: .393 AVG
RISP, 2 outs: .318 AVG
Bases loaded: .600 AVG
Men on, 2 outs: .297 AVG, .444 OBP
Man on 3rd, less than 2 outs: .500 AVG
Those are some great stats, especially considering he started the year so slowly. I read on one of the message boards that us Dodger fans will hate him when he hits with runners on because he never comes through. Well, while I admit I don't pay a whole lot of attention to the Indians, the numbers suggest otherwise. I'm sure that is just frustration talk from a fan whose team was supposed to do some big things this year, but have instead become sellers.
Bottom line, it's a good move.
Runners on: .343 AVG
Runners in scoring position: .393 AVG
RISP, 2 outs: .318 AVG
Bases loaded: .600 AVG
Men on, 2 outs: .297 AVG, .444 OBP
Man on 3rd, less than 2 outs: .500 AVG
Those are some great stats, especially considering he started the year so slowly. I read on one of the message boards that us Dodger fans will hate him when he hits with runners on because he never comes through. Well, while I admit I don't pay a whole lot of attention to the Indians, the numbers suggest otherwise. I'm sure that is just frustration talk from a fan whose team was supposed to do some big things this year, but have instead become sellers.
Bottom line, it's a good move.
Casey Blake joins the Blue Crew
The Dodgers made their first major move before the trade deadline by trading for Casey Blake from the Cleveland Indians. He'll quickly become the starting 3rd baseman, replacing Andy LaRoche and Blake DeWitt.
In return, the Indians got a couple of minor leaguers, though they are good ones. Carlos Santana was at Single-A Inland Empire. He's a switch-hitting catcher, and has some big numbers at .323 AVG, 14 HR, 96 RBI.
Jonathan Meloan is probably the most well-known player involved in this deal. He's a hard-throwing righty at Triple-A Las Vegas. His numbers are a little weird, as he's only 5-10 with a 4.97 ERA. But, he does have 99 K's in 105 IP.
Back to Blake, and it's a good trade in my mind. The Dodgers have a ton of young talent, and at some point, they had to let some of them go in order to improve the big club. LaRoche and DeWitt have good talent, but they've been lost at the plate lately. It was time to make a move.
Here's a breakdown of Blake's numbers. Right now, he's at a .289 AVG, 11 HR, 58 RBI. Much like the Dodgers, the Indians have had a rough time offensively this season, so those numbers could be higher with better production around him.
What's important to note is that in the last 2 months, he's been fantastic. In the first 3, not so much. He was only at a .225 AVG entering June, but it's shot way up since then. So, it's a good sign that they got somebody who's been hitting very well recently. During June and July, he's hitting .352 with 7 HR and 29 RBI. Man, those numbers alone would make him an instant LA hero!
My guess is that he'll hit just about anywhere in the lineup. I wouldn't be surprised to see him hitting in the #3 spot since he's swinging so well. Any way you slice it, it's a good move. Then again, I did say that about Andruw Jones...
Ah, nevermind. Let's stay positive!
In return, the Indians got a couple of minor leaguers, though they are good ones. Carlos Santana was at Single-A Inland Empire. He's a switch-hitting catcher, and has some big numbers at .323 AVG, 14 HR, 96 RBI.
Jonathan Meloan is probably the most well-known player involved in this deal. He's a hard-throwing righty at Triple-A Las Vegas. His numbers are a little weird, as he's only 5-10 with a 4.97 ERA. But, he does have 99 K's in 105 IP.
Back to Blake, and it's a good trade in my mind. The Dodgers have a ton of young talent, and at some point, they had to let some of them go in order to improve the big club. LaRoche and DeWitt have good talent, but they've been lost at the plate lately. It was time to make a move.
Here's a breakdown of Blake's numbers. Right now, he's at a .289 AVG, 11 HR, 58 RBI. Much like the Dodgers, the Indians have had a rough time offensively this season, so those numbers could be higher with better production around him.
What's important to note is that in the last 2 months, he's been fantastic. In the first 3, not so much. He was only at a .225 AVG entering June, but it's shot way up since then. So, it's a good sign that they got somebody who's been hitting very well recently. During June and July, he's hitting .352 with 7 HR and 29 RBI. Man, those numbers alone would make him an instant LA hero!
My guess is that he'll hit just about anywhere in the lineup. I wouldn't be surprised to see him hitting in the #3 spot since he's swinging so well. Any way you slice it, it's a good move. Then again, I did say that about Andruw Jones...
Ah, nevermind. Let's stay positive!
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