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 Garland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garland. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Garland is done for the year
Well that was quick.
Jon Garland's season is over before it barely even started, as he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. The surgery is exploratory, so he can only hope that more damage isn't found once he's under the knife. Either way, he won't be back this year.
It's a shame that Garland's season is already over, mostly because he was considered a lock to pitch lots of innings as the #5 starter. It was a good idea to sign him in theory since he has been so stable in his 12-year career, never once appearing on the DL. But even for someone who's been incredibly healthy to this point, the bottom line is a pitcher is always at risk of arm trouble just from wear and tear alone. Wouldn't you know it, this is the year it all caught up to him.
When Garland has pitched this season, it wasn't too bad. He went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched. Take away two starts in which he was bombed, and he really was the pitcher the Dodgers thought they were getting for the back end of the rotation. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
In his place will be Rubby De La Rosa, who's been filling in the starting rotation since June 7. Right now he's 3-4 with a 4.39 ERA. He's given up only four runs in 14 innings his last two starts, but zero offensive support led to loses. The stuff is definitely there, so he'll get plenty of time to adjust to the big league level as the year progresses.
Jon Garland's season is over before it barely even started, as he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. The surgery is exploratory, so he can only hope that more damage isn't found once he's under the knife. Either way, he won't be back this year.
It's a shame that Garland's season is already over, mostly because he was considered a lock to pitch lots of innings as the #5 starter. It was a good idea to sign him in theory since he has been so stable in his 12-year career, never once appearing on the DL. But even for someone who's been incredibly healthy to this point, the bottom line is a pitcher is always at risk of arm trouble just from wear and tear alone. Wouldn't you know it, this is the year it all caught up to him.
When Garland has pitched this season, it wasn't too bad. He went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched. Take away two starts in which he was bombed, and he really was the pitcher the Dodgers thought they were getting for the back end of the rotation. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
In his place will be Rubby De La Rosa, who's been filling in the starting rotation since June 7. Right now he's 3-4 with a 4.39 ERA. He's given up only four runs in 14 innings his last two starts, but zero offensive support led to loses. The stuff is definitely there, so he'll get plenty of time to adjust to the big league level as the year progresses.
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Garland out with strained oblique
*** UPDATE ***
An MRI confirmed that Garland will miss four to six weeks. The Dodgers won't need a fifth starter until April 12, so it's possible he'll only miss a start or two.
***
The durable Jon Garland just got hurt.
Lasting only until the second inning against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, Garland was removed after straining his left oblique muscle. It's not known exactly as of yet how long he'll be out, but this type of injury usual takes at least a month, if not longer.
The ironic thing is that the Dodgers signed Garland because of his reputation for pitching inning after inning. Eight times in his career he has pitched 190+ innings, including an even 200 with the Padres last season.
But the Dodgers will now have to look to other options at the start of the season. Vicente Padilla is the "swingman," but he is once again battling injury problems of his own, and isn't expected ready until May at the earliest.
Just who can the Dodgers turn to? A couple guys are John Ely and Tim Redding. Ely made 18 starts last year, going 4-10 with an enormous 5.49 ERA. He does have six scoreless innings thus far in spring, though. Redding seems like he's been pitching since Lincoln was president, but he has eight scoreless innings in spring.
The good news is that Garland got hurt now, and not during the season, so there is a silver lining. If the Dodgers have to endure a few starts from someone else in the #5 spot, so be it. They still have a great chance to win plenty of games because of their top four in the rotation.
An MRI confirmed that Garland will miss four to six weeks. The Dodgers won't need a fifth starter until April 12, so it's possible he'll only miss a start or two.
***
The durable Jon Garland just got hurt.
Lasting only until the second inning against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, Garland was removed after straining his left oblique muscle. It's not known exactly as of yet how long he'll be out, but this type of injury usual takes at least a month, if not longer.
The ironic thing is that the Dodgers signed Garland because of his reputation for pitching inning after inning. Eight times in his career he has pitched 190+ innings, including an even 200 with the Padres last season.
But the Dodgers will now have to look to other options at the start of the season. Vicente Padilla is the "swingman," but he is once again battling injury problems of his own, and isn't expected ready until May at the earliest.
Just who can the Dodgers turn to? A couple guys are John Ely and Tim Redding. Ely made 18 starts last year, going 4-10 with an enormous 5.49 ERA. He does have six scoreless innings thus far in spring, though. Redding seems like he's been pitching since Lincoln was president, but he has eight scoreless innings in spring.
The good news is that Garland got hurt now, and not during the season, so there is a silver lining. If the Dodgers have to endure a few starts from someone else in the #5 spot, so be it. They still have a great chance to win plenty of games because of their top four in the rotation.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Early spring rotation results encouraging
It's hard to get too high or low when it comes to Spring Training, as the game results are as meaningless as they can get. But, if there is a reason to be happy, it has to be the work the rotation has put in thus far. Check out the numbers for the big 5:
Clayton Kershaw - 7 IP, 0 ER (0.00 ERA)
Chad Billingsley - 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER (1.35 ERA)
Hiroki Kuroda - 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER (4.15 ERA)
Ted Lilly - 3 1/3 IP, 1 ER (2.70 ERA)
Jon Garland - 3 IP, 0 ER (0.00 ERA)
Total: 24 1/3 IP, 4 ER (1.48 ERA)
A 1.48 ERA? I'll take that! It's still very early, obviously, so don't expect these numbers to remain so stellar. But, do expect solid production 1-5 as the season progresses, which is exactly what the Dodgers are hanging their collective hats on to make a postseason run.
Clayton Kershaw - 7 IP, 0 ER (0.00 ERA)
Chad Billingsley - 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER (1.35 ERA)
Hiroki Kuroda - 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER (4.15 ERA)
Ted Lilly - 3 1/3 IP, 1 ER (2.70 ERA)
Jon Garland - 3 IP, 0 ER (0.00 ERA)
Total: 24 1/3 IP, 4 ER (1.48 ERA)
A 1.48 ERA? I'll take that! It's still very early, obviously, so don't expect these numbers to remain so stellar. But, do expect solid production 1-5 as the season progresses, which is exactly what the Dodgers are hanging their collective hats on to make a postseason run.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Dodgers snag Garland to complete rotation
With only two starters under contract at the end of the 2010 season, the Dodgers knew they had a lot of work to do to strengthen their rotation.
Not even a month later, they already completed their Christmas shopping.
First it was Ted Lilly, then Hiroki Kuroda, and now Jon Garland has returned to the Dodgers with a one-year, $5 million deal to be the fifth starter. The signing gives the Dodgers five starters who won at least 10 games this past season.
Garland is coming of a fine season for the Padres in which he went 14-12 with a 3.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 136 strikeouts in exactly 200 innings pitched. He was a big reason they spent most of the season in first place of the NL West before losing it at the end to the Giants.
He'll be entering his 12th big league season in which he sports a career 4.32 ERA. Keep in mind that he pitched for the Dodgers in '09 after being traded for Tony Abreu at the trade deadline. He pitched very well, going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA, but was a victim of the numbers game and got left off the postseason roster under Joe Torre.
The Dodgers obviously had many needs going into the season, but the starting rotation was the one that arguably struck out the most. Just like that, it's been taken care of, and Ned Colletti deserves plenty of credit for this.
Don't get me wrong, Garland isn't Cy Young material, and I would expect his ERA to be closer to 4.00 than the mid-3's he had last season. But, for an end-of-rotation guy, he fits the mold very well. He routinely pitches 200 innings and has only been on the DL once in his career.
With the Winter Meetings a week away, Colletti can now concentrate on getting his offense some more thump. He's got the horses to start the game, now he needs guys to give them run support. Stay tuned.
Not even a month later, they already completed their Christmas shopping.
First it was Ted Lilly, then Hiroki Kuroda, and now Jon Garland has returned to the Dodgers with a one-year, $5 million deal to be the fifth starter. The signing gives the Dodgers five starters who won at least 10 games this past season.
Garland is coming of a fine season for the Padres in which he went 14-12 with a 3.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 136 strikeouts in exactly 200 innings pitched. He was a big reason they spent most of the season in first place of the NL West before losing it at the end to the Giants.
He'll be entering his 12th big league season in which he sports a career 4.32 ERA. Keep in mind that he pitched for the Dodgers in '09 after being traded for Tony Abreu at the trade deadline. He pitched very well, going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA, but was a victim of the numbers game and got left off the postseason roster under Joe Torre.
The Dodgers obviously had many needs going into the season, but the starting rotation was the one that arguably struck out the most. Just like that, it's been taken care of, and Ned Colletti deserves plenty of credit for this.
Don't get me wrong, Garland isn't Cy Young material, and I would expect his ERA to be closer to 4.00 than the mid-3's he had last season. But, for an end-of-rotation guy, he fits the mold very well. He routinely pitches 200 innings and has only been on the DL once in his career.
With the Winter Meetings a week away, Colletti can now concentrate on getting his offense some more thump. He's got the horses to start the game, now he needs guys to give them run support. Stay tuned.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The search for another starter continues
As January starts to creep towards February, the Dodgers still find themselves looking to strengthen their rotation. Finally, they seem to be making some progress.
While it's only names at this point, at least the Dodgers appear to be very much involved in signing either Vicente Padilla or Joel Pineiro. Also, Braden Looper and Jon Garland have been talked about as well.
The top dog seems to be Pineiro. He's coming off a great season in St. Louis, going 15-12 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 214 innings. Basically, he picked a great year to produce. The Mets have looked at a deal with him in the two-year, $15 million range. The Dodgers look like they only want to do one year, so that may put him out of reach.
Padilla had a roller coaster year, but it thankfully was a positive ride once he came to Los Angeles. He went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA, plus had two great starts in the playoffs. He was garbage with the Rangers, but looked golden with the Dodgers. So the reality is that he's probably somewhere in between. Still, he'd be a good signing for a year.
Looper had the best record for a bad pitcher that I maybe have ever seen last season. He went 14-7, which is really good. He also had a 5.22 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, which is horrible. He also gave up 39 long balls. Yikes! Though to be fair, he did play in a homer friendly park in Milwaukee.
Garland gave the Dodgers good innings at the end of last year as well. He went 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA. He's an innings-eater, so you can count on around 200 innings each year from him. I've never gotten the feeling this offseason that he'd be brought back, but I guess it's a possibility if nothing else pans out.
While it's only names at this point, at least the Dodgers appear to be very much involved in signing either Vicente Padilla or Joel Pineiro. Also, Braden Looper and Jon Garland have been talked about as well.
The top dog seems to be Pineiro. He's coming off a great season in St. Louis, going 15-12 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 214 innings. Basically, he picked a great year to produce. The Mets have looked at a deal with him in the two-year, $15 million range. The Dodgers look like they only want to do one year, so that may put him out of reach.
Padilla had a roller coaster year, but it thankfully was a positive ride once he came to Los Angeles. He went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA, plus had two great starts in the playoffs. He was garbage with the Rangers, but looked golden with the Dodgers. So the reality is that he's probably somewhere in between. Still, he'd be a good signing for a year.
Looper had the best record for a bad pitcher that I maybe have ever seen last season. He went 14-7, which is really good. He also had a 5.22 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, which is horrible. He also gave up 39 long balls. Yikes! Though to be fair, he did play in a homer friendly park in Milwaukee.
Garland gave the Dodgers good innings at the end of last year as well. He went 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA. He's an innings-eater, so you can count on around 200 innings each year from him. I've never gotten the feeling this offseason that he'd be brought back, but I guess it's a possibility if nothing else pans out.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Garland's option declined
Jon Garland did a solid job in his brief stint with the Dodgers. However, forced to choose between paying him $10 million to come back in 2010 or have the Diamondbacks buy him out at $2.5 million, they chose the latter.
Garland won't be back in '10, and will now be a free agent. The fact that his old club has to pay every penny made the decision a pretty easy one.
In six starts with the Dodgers, Garland went 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA. He was a long reliever for the Division Series against the Cardinals, but didn't get any action. He was left of the Championship Series roster altogether.
Had the price tag not been so high at $10 million, I could see the Dodgers bringing him back. He'll always be a solid 4-5 starter mostly because he'll give you at least 200 innings a year. Pitchers like him are always valued. But, it looks like they'll concentrate on bringing back Vicente Padilla instead.
Randy Wolf remains a free agent along with Padilla. That leaves Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, and Hiroki Kuroda as the only established starters, and we all saw how Billingsley fell apart at the end of last season. There's also names like James McDonald, Eric Stults, and Charlie Haeger that have made starts in the past.
Needless to say, the Dodgers have plenty of work to do to shore up their rotation.
Garland won't be back in '10, and will now be a free agent. The fact that his old club has to pay every penny made the decision a pretty easy one.
In six starts with the Dodgers, Garland went 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA. He was a long reliever for the Division Series against the Cardinals, but didn't get any action. He was left of the Championship Series roster altogether.
Had the price tag not been so high at $10 million, I could see the Dodgers bringing him back. He'll always be a solid 4-5 starter mostly because he'll give you at least 200 innings a year. Pitchers like him are always valued. But, it looks like they'll concentrate on bringing back Vicente Padilla instead.
Randy Wolf remains a free agent along with Padilla. That leaves Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, and Hiroki Kuroda as the only established starters, and we all saw how Billingsley fell apart at the end of last season. There's also names like James McDonald, Eric Stults, and Charlie Haeger that have made starts in the past.
Needless to say, the Dodgers have plenty of work to do to shore up their rotation.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dodgers announce NLCS roster
The Dodgers have made their roster for the NLCS official, which you can read by clicking here.
There are no offensive changes, as Doug Mientkiewicz once again will be playing the role of cheerleader, while Jim Thome will be the primary pinch-hitter. The reserves of Orlando Hudson, Juan Pierre, Juan Castro, Mark Loretta, and Brad Ausmus all return.
On the pitching side, Jeff Weaver and Jon Garland will be sitting, while Scott Elbert and Hiroki Kuroda made the cut. Kuroda has already been announced as starting Game 3, and with Chad Billingsley able to be a long reliever, Garland had no roll.
Elbert's name is a surprise, but considering the Phillies have big lefties in Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Matt Stairs off the bench, it shouldn't be. I can see Elbert getting called upon to get a big out early in the game, as Hong-Chih Kuo and George Sherrill will handle the late innings.
Weaver has the flu this week, so that could be a factor in him missing the roster. Even if he was healthy, I think Elbert would have made it over him regardless.
There are no offensive changes, as Doug Mientkiewicz once again will be playing the role of cheerleader, while Jim Thome will be the primary pinch-hitter. The reserves of Orlando Hudson, Juan Pierre, Juan Castro, Mark Loretta, and Brad Ausmus all return.
On the pitching side, Jeff Weaver and Jon Garland will be sitting, while Scott Elbert and Hiroki Kuroda made the cut. Kuroda has already been announced as starting Game 3, and with Chad Billingsley able to be a long reliever, Garland had no roll.
Elbert's name is a surprise, but considering the Phillies have big lefties in Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Matt Stairs off the bench, it shouldn't be. I can see Elbert getting called upon to get a big out early in the game, as Hong-Chih Kuo and George Sherrill will handle the late innings.
Weaver has the flu this week, so that could be a factor in him missing the roster. Even if he was healthy, I think Elbert would have made it over him regardless.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Welcome aboard Jim Thome and Jon Garland
Just in case any of you thought the Dodgers didn't make enough noise at the trade deadline, they more than made up for that on Monday night.
On a pretty crazy night, in the middle of a game no less, the Dodgers traded for both Jim Thome of the White Sox and Jon Garland of the Diamondbacks. Both will play key roles in the run to the postseason.
First, let's look at Thome. It's not everyday a team gets to add a player with 564 home runs, good for 12th on the all-time list. Couple that with Manny Ramirez and his 542, and that's just crazy to look at.
Thome has already indicated that he's not physically able to handle first base, which isn't a surprise. Since he had to waive a no-trade clause, he obviously had to be comfortable with the deal and being strictly a pinch-hitter. The Dodgers now have a fantastic lefty option off the bench late in games.
While Thome brings big power, including 23 homers and 74 RBIs this season, he also bring lots of strikeouts, as in 116 in 345 at-bats. That's something that the Dodgers are willing to live with, as his presence alone creates problems for the opposing team.
Garland is 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA this season. Those numbers aren't bad, but the encouraging sign is that he's been much better since June. A horrible first two months of the season make his numbers look inflated. He's coming off of a win against the Astros where he pitched seven innings of scoreless ball, striking out five.
Joe Torre made an interesting comment, as he said that Garland will be the fifth starter, yet the Dodgers may end up going with six. That sixth will depend on the effectiveness of Vicente Padilla. But, Garland will have a chance to add stability to the back end, something the Dodgers haven't had much luck with this year.
In all, it was a pretty amazing night for the Dodgers, as the news of the trades came one right after another. Two veteran players who've been All-Stars in the past and know how to be a part of winning teams. Plus, the Dodgers will only pay a portion of the $2 million remaining on Thome's salary, and the Diamondbacks will pay the rest of Garland's.
I'd say the Dodgers just got better while barely paying a penny for it.
On a pretty crazy night, in the middle of a game no less, the Dodgers traded for both Jim Thome of the White Sox and Jon Garland of the Diamondbacks. Both will play key roles in the run to the postseason.
First, let's look at Thome. It's not everyday a team gets to add a player with 564 home runs, good for 12th on the all-time list. Couple that with Manny Ramirez and his 542, and that's just crazy to look at.
Thome has already indicated that he's not physically able to handle first base, which isn't a surprise. Since he had to waive a no-trade clause, he obviously had to be comfortable with the deal and being strictly a pinch-hitter. The Dodgers now have a fantastic lefty option off the bench late in games.
While Thome brings big power, including 23 homers and 74 RBIs this season, he also bring lots of strikeouts, as in 116 in 345 at-bats. That's something that the Dodgers are willing to live with, as his presence alone creates problems for the opposing team.
Garland is 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA this season. Those numbers aren't bad, but the encouraging sign is that he's been much better since June. A horrible first two months of the season make his numbers look inflated. He's coming off of a win against the Astros where he pitched seven innings of scoreless ball, striking out five.
Joe Torre made an interesting comment, as he said that Garland will be the fifth starter, yet the Dodgers may end up going with six. That sixth will depend on the effectiveness of Vicente Padilla. But, Garland will have a chance to add stability to the back end, something the Dodgers haven't had much luck with this year.
In all, it was a pretty amazing night for the Dodgers, as the news of the trades came one right after another. Two veteran players who've been All-Stars in the past and know how to be a part of winning teams. Plus, the Dodgers will only pay a portion of the $2 million remaining on Thome's salary, and the Diamondbacks will pay the rest of Garland's.
I'd say the Dodgers just got better while barely paying a penny for it.
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