Should the Dodgers grab Kuroda?

One pitcher to keep an eye on this offseason: old friend Hiroki Kuroda.

As the Dodgers hope for the best on the health of Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly, Ned Colletti is faced with the task of strengthening the starting rotation with an ace at the top (Clayon Kershaw), a guy who could be a solid #2 (Josh Beckett), and two guys at the back end (Aaron Harang and Chris Capuno).

With the big dog of the free agency market being Zach Greinke and the huge price tag he'll likely demand, it's Kuroda who could very well be back in play.  After spending his first four seasons in LA, Kuroda jumped ship to the Yankees for $12 million last season, going 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

In other words, it typical, steady, effective Kuroda, even against the big boppers on the American League.

Kuroda has stated for a couple years now that he has a desire to eventually go back to Japan to finish his career.  The problem, which is more like a good problem, is that he's clearly still a top-tier pitcher, so teams will give him what he wants to stay.  The Dodgers couldn't afford him going into last year, but if he's looking for around the same one-year deal as the Yankees gave him, the Dodgers can definitely afford him his time around.

There's a couple obvious concerns about bringing him back in the fold.  One is his age.  He'll be 38 entering the 2013 campaign.  Effective or not, it's hard to ignore he's getting up there.  The other is the aforementioned desire to return to Japan.  Could he possibly lose his focus pitching in the States if his focus is back home?  Probably a stretch that something like that could happen, but still worth wondering about.

Personally, I would love to see him comeback.  Suppose he's signed, then the top five would be Kershaw, Beckett, Billingsley, Kuroda, and either Harang or Capuano, with the odd man out heading to the bullpen to play the long relief role and stay ready when called upon to start.  I would definitely be a fan of that rotation.

I'm not sure how serious the Dodgers even are about Kuroda, as this is all speculation at this point.  You have to think they'll at least engage in conversation with Greinke considering money is no longer an object.  I just hope even the deep pockets of Magic and the boys don't overpay for him, as long-term deals for pitchers is risky business.  I'd rather see Kuroda come in for a year as the Dodgers continue building their roster.

Kuroda moves on to the Yankees

If signing Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang didn't make it official, this will: Hiroki Kuroda has agreed to join the Yankees with a one-year, $10 million deal. It's contingent on him passing a physical, which will happen soon.

That, my friends, ends the Kuroda Era in LA.

First, a look back at Kuroda's time in Dodger blue. He pitched four years, collecting 114 starts. His record was subpar at 41-46, but his numbers certainly were not. He finished with a 3.45 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 523 strikeouts. Last season was his best one, as despite a 13-16 record, he had a career-best 202 innings, 3.07 ERA, and 161 strikeouts.

I have some mixed feelings on this one. I want to make clear that I am a big Kuroda fan, as he was quietly one of the best pitchers in the majors these last few years. But he was also one of the hottest names to be dealt at the trade deadline this past year, and he exercised his no-trade clause to stay. That was a noble gesture, as he loved pitching in LA, but when it came to resigning in the offseason, they couldn't afford him.

So instead of agreeing to ship off to a contender in the last year of his contract, he stays and denies the Dodgers a chance at a couple of prospects at least. I wasn't too crazy about that then, and I'm even less crazy about it now. What do the Dodgers have to show for his departure? Nothing, thanks to that damn no-trade clause.

Make no mistake, Kuroda will make the Yankees a better team, and he's a definite upgrade over the scrubs they've had in that rotation recently (along with Michael Pineda, who was also acquired). I do think, however, that he'll definitely miss pitching against the Padres and Giants when he's matched up with the Red Sox and Rays. Any pitcher would say that, but I'd be shocked it he puts up a low-3 ERA like he did last year. That's just reality.

In the end, I'm very appreciative for all of Kuroda's efforts the last four seasons. I am disappointed the Dodgers didn't get a chance to build for the future at the trade deadline, though. That does leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

Kuroda stays put

After all the talk about waiving his no-trade clause, Hiroki Kuroda wants to finish this year right where he started. Thus, one of the best starting pitchers thought to be on the market will remain a Dodger at least through this year.

I have to admit, I have mixed emotions on this. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Kuroda fan. Very quietly, he has turned into a really good major league pitcher. His numbers this year are funny: 6-13, 3.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 103 K's. In his nearly four-year career, he's 34-43 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 465 K's.

Needless to say, he's been getting the job done since 2008. But with the Dodgers going nowhere this year, I was intrigued by what kind of package could be put together had Kuroda agreed to be moved. The teams that were being talked about as being most interested in him were the Red Sox, Yankees, and Rangers. And it's no secret that those teams have been willing to make big deals in the past.

What worries me most is next year. Kuroda signed a one-year, $12 million deal to remain with the Dodgers in the offseason. The belief at the time seemed to be that this would be his last year in the majors, as he can always return to Japan. There's nothing set in stone, and that's what concerns me. What if he does walk after this year? The Dodgers could've gotten some talent for the future to at least make up for the loss.

Hopefully Kuroda will be back next year to at least make some sense of this. If not, then the Dodgers just lost out on a chance to get stronger for the future. Time will tell how this plays out.

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.

Kuroda officially returns as rotation takes shape

It's official, Hiroki Kuroda is back.

Kuroda did indeed sign a one-year, $12 million contract to stay with the Dodgers. Included is a full no-trade clause and an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. The Cardinals, Rockies, and Phillies were said to be interested in his services, but he chose to re-up with the Dodgers without taking any offers.

As I've talked about in my previous post, this really gives the Dodgers a solid 1-4 in the rotation. Clayton Kershaw will be the anchor, Chad Billingsley a solid #2, and Ted Lilly and Kuroda interchangeable in the 3-4 spots. In a division that features the world champion Giants and their deep rotation, the Dodgers can at least counter with some good arms of their own.

The key now is what the Dodgers do with their offense. Will they make a big splash and get a big bopper? Will they go after a couple solid bats and spread out the money? Will they not make a splash at all? Honestly, it could go any of these three ways. Wait and see.

Welcome back, Kuroda?

Based on what ESPN's Buster Olney has to say, it sure looks that way.

Olney is reporting that the Dodgers have agreed to a one-year deal with Hiroki Kuorda for $12 million. Kuroda originally signed with the Dodgers back in 2008 for three years and $35.3 million.

Kuroda has enjoyed a solid stay in the big leagues. Over the last three seasons, he has gone 28-20 with a 3.60 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 362 strikeouts in 497 innings pitched. Last season he was 11-13, but with a career-best ERA of 3.39, strikeouts of 159, and innings of 196 1/3.

The talk after this past season was that he was all set to pack his bags and head back to Japan to finish out his career. But, this looks like he's willing to give it one more go in the states. After going through his strongest season to date, it only makes sense to come back and get paid pretty nicely.

If Kuroda really is back in the fold, then the Dodgers would have a starting rotation of Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Ted Lilly, and Kuroda, with a fifth starter to be named later. I'll take that. Kershaw is right on the edge of getting tagged with "ace" status, and the other three have shown how good they can be as well.

The price tag of $12 million struck me as a little expensive at first, but I think it's worth it considering the Dodgers know what they'll get in Kuroda. He won't overpower people, but he's gotten better in each of his seasons and knows what it takes to get batters out. For someone who could be the #4 starter, it works out great.

The downside, and understandably so, is that he'll be 36 next season. His full season of health in the 2010 season is proof that even in an older age, he can hold up just fine. It won't always be this way, so a one-year deal, and nothing more, is probably a smart move.

With the starting rotation seemingly set (keep in mind this deal still needs to go through), the Dodgers now need to fully shift their focus to the offense. They need someone who can hit the damn ball! Hopefully far and long, too.

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.

Kershaw gets Game 1 nod, Kuroda possibly Game 4

Clayton Kershaw has been named the Game 1 starter for the NLCS against the Phillies. He gets the call over Randy Wolf, who will most likely go Game 2.

Joe Torre has decided to ride the hot hand, and the 21-year-old Kershaw is quickly becoming one of the major's hottest young stars. He battled Adam Wainwright in Game 2 of the Division Series and ended up with a no-decision in 6 and 2/3 innings, surrendering two runs. Most importantly, he kept the Dodgers within striking distance, which they took advantage of by winning in the ninth.

It's the right call to make, as it's hard to ignore somehow who has thrown 185 strikeouts in 171 innings in the regular season. We all saw how the hard-throwing Vicente Padilla shut down the Cardinals last round, so the thought is that Kershaw can also be overpowering.

Looking ahead, Hiroki Kuroda looks like he could be healthy enough to start Game 4 in Philadelphia. Kuroda's been battling a herniated disk in his neck, knocking him out of the Division Series. If he's back, that's a big lift for the Dodgers, as he proved last season that he can be very effective in the postseason.

Kuroda not hurt seriously

In some pretty amazing news, Hiroki Kuroda somehow avoided being seriously hurt after being plunked in the head by a line drive on Saturday night.

He never lost consciousness and a CT scan was negative, meaning there's no internal bleeding or fractures. That's some great news. He was moving his arms even as he was being carted off the field, so that was immediately a good sign.

There's no timetable for his return. When there is one, I will share that with everyone.

Kuroda hit in head by liner, taken to hospital

In the sixth inning of tonight's game against the Diamondbacks, Hiroki Kuroda was nailed in the head by a line drive from Rusty Ryal. He was carted off the field and taken to a nearby hospital. The good news is that he was moving his arms and appeared to be aware of his surroundings.

More on this when news comes out.

Kuroda looks good to go for Monday

Hiroki Kuroda hasn't pitched since Opening Day in San Diego, sidelined with a strained left oblique. His two-month wait looks to have finally come to end, as Joe Torre announced today that he will be the starting pitcher Monday night against the Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers are obviously playing very well, as they have been able to come up with key play after key play. But they need Kuroda to provide stability and give them solid innings. Aside from Chad Billingsley and Randy Wolf, the rest of the rotation has ranged from good one day to barely giving any innings the next.

With Kuroda back, the plan is to have Clayton Kershaw in the long relief role Monday in case Kuroda wears down, or is knocked around, early. If Kershaw isn't needed, he will likely start Thursday night's game. The strategy will keep Billingsley and Wolf on their regular five-day cycle.

Once Kuroda is back, then it will be a battle between Eric Stults and Eric Milton for the final spot. It should be Stults', but he is still a bit banged up with a sore left thumb. Milton looked good his last start in Colorado, so maybe it'll be him for the time being. It could go either way.

Injury updates on 3 pitchers

Here's the latest word on Cory Wade, Hiroki Kuroda, and Jason Schmidt.

Wade threw 20 pitches in an extended Spring Training game in Arizona today and reported no problems at all. He's scheduled to throw again on Saturday. If all goes well, and so far that looks to be the case, then he will most likely skip a Minor League rehab assignment and get back to the big club.

That would be a huge lift for the Dodgers, who've had a difficult time in the bullpen getting the lead to Jonathan Broxton. A healthy Wade will help that all out.

Kuroda threw a bullpen session on Thursday and was described as "a little sore" afterwards. I've heard everything from end of the month to mid-May for his return, so take all reports with a grain of salt. I would think he'd need a couple rehab starts before starting in LA again, however.

Schmidt, the forgotten man in all of this, will try to get his first rehab start with Single-A Inland Empire (I have no idea where that even is) on Tuesday. We've all seen this before, so I'll believe it when I see it.

On a side note, Jeff Weaver's name has been tossed around as someone that can fill some innings in the bullpen or make a spot start. He's currently in Triple-A Albuquerque (I do know where that is... I think) getting his innings in. I think it's realistic to see him back in LA at some point.

Don't expect Kuroda back soon

The strained left oblique will definitely keep Hiroki Kuroda out longer than his 15-day DL stint. After playing catch on Monday, he did not attempt to do so the next 2 days.

It's a blow for the Dodgers because he was their Opening Day starter, and they don't have a whole lot of depth for the rotation like they have had in years past. Well, I should say there's not as much reliable depth, because the jury is still out on guys like Eric Stults, James McDonald, and Jason Schmidt (remember him?).

If Stults is able to pitch well like he did last start and in spot starts last year, this should not be a big deal (he goes again tonight against the Giants). If he struggles, then it's a problem. McDonald got one start and was really all over the place, getting shelled against the Diamondbacks. He should get another start on Sunday against the Rockies, but who knows how long he'll last in that game.

As for Schmidt, he threw 73 pitches in 5 innings of an extended Spring Training game. Depending on how his body reacts that (and who knows how that'll be), he could be due for a Minor League rehab assignment soon. In other words, he won't provide any immediate help. Down the line is where they're aiming.

So really, a lot depends on if Stults can continue his solid starts. After watching how great Randy Wold, Chad Billingsley, and Clayton Kershaw were in their last starts, then Kuroda's loss isn't as glaring. If Stults can join that club, then Kuroda can take his time healing up.

Kruoda lands on the DL with strained oblique

Citing more precautionary purposes, Hiroki Kuroda was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left oblique muscle, retroactive to Tuesday. He'll be eligible to be activated on April 22.

The Dodgers are saying that this is just to be careful, obviously being really early in the year. Kuroda wanted to start, but wasn't allowed to. After pitching well on Monday in a victory over the Padres, he felt tightness after his bullpen session on Wednesday.

With the Dodgers already facing a lack of depth as far as options in the rotation, this is thankfully not supposed to be a big deal. Still, even missing one start from the Opening Day starter is an issue. If all goes well, he wants to throw in 4-5 days. I hope that's the case.

With Jason Schmidt DL'd and not ready to start even if he wasn't, Eric Stults is on his was back to LA to make today's start. Ok, he's heading to Arizona, but you get the point. He was 2-3 last year, but with a very respectable 3.49 ERA. The Dodgers can really use at least 6 innings from him tonight to give the bullpen a blow.

Kuroda gets the nod on Opening Day

What was suggested a couple of weeks ago has become official, as Hiroki Kuroda will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on Opening Day in San Diego. Joe Torre gave us the good word today.

Following Kuroda will be Randy Wolf, Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, and "the mystery person" (Torre's words) in the 5th spot. That's not surprising to me because I thought he Torre would split the righties and lefties up.

Kuroda had one big factor working in his favor, and that was his stellar play in the postseason. He went 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA (2 runs in 12 1/3 IP) while K'ing 7. He won the clinching game against the Cubs and gave the Dodgers the only win against the Phillies. That in addition to only allowing 1 run in 12 innings this Spring Training, he's earned the job.

So now Opening Day will be Kuroda vs. Jake Peavy, the Dodger Killer. Maybe some guy named Manny will get the Dodgers over the hump for once against this guy.

Kuroda may start Opening Day

After showing in the playoffs how good he could be, Hiroki Kuroda may get the Opening Day nod on April 6 in San Diego. While it's not set in stone, Joe Torre seemed like that's the way he's leaning as of now.

There's a few reasons this may happen. For one, both Derek Lowe and Brad Penny are gone, and they have gotten the ball in recent years to start the season. Lowe is now in Atlanta and Penny is in Boston.

Two, Chad Billingsley broke his leg in the offseason, so it may take some pressure off of him knowing that he's not going to start the first game. Bills is said to be completely healthy, so we'll see. Plus, it's hard to forget just how lousy he was against the Phillies in the NLCS, so maybe a little less pressure will put him at ease to get back to his old self once the year starts. Remember, he's only 24, with plenty of good pitching ahead of him.

Kuroda was signed last year to be the 4th starter, but with Penny going down during the year, he was a great #3 guy. His record was only 9-10 during the regular season, but with a 3.73 ERA (great run support...). As I said before, he was awesome in the playoffs against the Cubs and Phillies, going 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA, including the lone with against the Phills.

So with Kuroda most likely going Opening Day, the rest of the rotation order is up in the air. Will Torre want to split the righties and lefties? Will he come right back with Billingsley the 2nd game? There's a lot left to answer.

Torre names first 3 starters for NLDS

Joe Torre has decided on his first 3 starters for the playoffs this week, and it's really not at all surprising. Derek Lowe goes Game 1, Chad Billingsley in Game 2, and Hiroki Kuroda in Game 3. After that, it's a toss-up.

I think Lowe and Billingsley each have great cases to start the first game, but with the obvious experience edge going to Lowe, it's a good call. Granted, the last time he start Game 1 for the Dodgers back in 2006 against the Mets, it didn't go so well. But this time around, I think we all have a much better feeling about how well he can do.

Billingsley has gone 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA, 201 K's in 200.2 IP, and 1 complete game shutout. Take away Lowe's World Series run with the Red Sox, then it may be him taking the hill first. It really doesn't matter either way. In my mind, it's like having 2 aces go in consecutive games.

Kuroda has one last tuneup today against the San Francisco Giants before he's unleashed in Game 3. We've seen him look absolutely brilliant in some games, and struggle in others. In a way, he reminds me of how Lowe has been in the past, where you never know which pitcher will show up. However, he's earned his way to this spot, so I think he'll be fine.

In other news, Clayton Kershaw will pitch in relief, a role in which he says he's excited for. The Greg Maddux question will be answered soon. His great start Saturday night should earn him some sort of spot one would think.

Penny and Kuroda banged up

The news just gets better all the time for the Dodgers.

Brad Penny was placed on the 15-day DL with inflammation in the bursa sac and mild tendinitis in his right shoulder. Joe Torre says he will be out no more than 2 weeks, so the injury is not at all serious. With the way he's been pitching this year (atrocious, for those of you not in the know), some R&R is not a bad thing at all.

Hiroki Kuroda is also feeling some aches and pains, as he will miss today's start (Wednesday) in Cincinnati. He claims to have felt discomfort in his right shoulder all season long, yet only recently disclosed this to Torre. That's not too surprising to hear since he's been way up and down lately. Bombed one day, terrific the next, then bombed again. Overall, he's been solid, so I hope he's fine.

With the injuries, a good amount of shuffling has been done with the rotation. Eric Stults got the call up from Triple-A Las Vegas and will start on Thursday against the Reds. Derek Lowe goes today, and Clayton Kershaw will go on Friday at home against the Cleveland Indians.

If Kuroda is unable to return for his next start, then I would think either Chan Ho Park or Hong-Chih Kuo will get a spot start. My money would be on Park because Kuo is locked in at being a long reliever.

Looking at the starting pitching

A little over 1/4 into the season, let's take a look at how the starting pitching has performed thus far.

RH - Derek Lowe
2-4, 5.34 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 55.2 IP, 17 BB, 39 K
To say that he's been a huge disappointment wouldn't do justice to how badly he's played. It's the same old BS with him year after year - some great starts, but more awful ones. His number back up my statements quite nicely. Look, I know he can't possibly be this bad of a pitcher, but he has got to step up and be one of the leaders on the staff. His ERA was as low as 2.45 on April 23, and has gone north since then. With the Diamondbacks playing so well, they can't afford one of their top pitchers to be this bad.

RH - Hiroki Kuroda
1-3, 3.67 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 54 IP, 16 BB, 31 K
For being the 4th starter, I think he's played very well so far. He's not asked to put up ace-like numbers, just anchor the bottom end of the staff, which he has done. He won his debut in San Diego and hasn't been on the winning end since. By my count, there's 6 other games in which the Dodgers could have won if they gave him more run support. Not a big shock there. In his last 2 starts, he's racked up 5 K's each, so he seems like he's getting more comfortable.

RH - Brad Penny
5-4, 5.09 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 53 IP, 18 BB, 28 K
Ya know all of that stuff I just wrote about Lowe? I could pretty much copy it for Penny. The great 1-2 punch each has ERA's over 5 and have been pounded into the ground lately. He had a good stretch in mid-late April in which he seemed to get his control issues figured out, but his last 2 starts have been atrocious. He doesn't strike out nearly as many guys anymore, which is another reason for concern. And, above everything else, he is battling a sore arm right now. I have a better feeling that he'll turn things around than Lowe, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that it will happen.

RH - Chad Billingsley
3-4, 4.34 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 45.2 IP, 27 BB, 53 K
Bills started off the year very rocky, but has since become a force. After losing 4 straight in April, he's dominated in 3 of his last 4. He's capable of K'ing 8-10 a game, and if he has his control in check, he's really good. His last start in Milwaukee, known for being a hitter's park, was very encouraging in that he lasted 7 and gave up only 1. With Penny and Lowe playing like Little Leaguers, his improved pitching has been huge.

After these 4, it's been a mixed bag of starts by Esteban Loaiza (bad), Hong-Chih Kuo (great), and Chan Ho Park (great). Loaiza is injured, and who knows what the plans for him will be once he's back considering that Park was really good in his only start, Jason Schmidt is making rehab appearances in the minors, and Clayton Kershaw will inevitably get the call to start. Kuo has actually been much better in the 'pen, where he's been lights out and a strikeout machine.

Seeing that their 3-4 starters are clearly outperforming their 1-2 starters, it could either be a good or bad sign, depending on your view. The good is that Penny and Lowe have good numbers in their careers, so they've got to figure things out at some point. The bad is that if they don't, it'll be really hard to make the playoffs. Here's to hoping that the former happens.

How's the starting pitching doing?

We're only 5 games into Spring Training, but every starting pitcher (or wannabe starting pitcher) has had a turn at the mound. Let's take a look at how each has fared thus far:

The Big 4
Hiroki Kuroda: 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 K
Brad Penny: 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K
Derek Lowe: 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K
Chad Billingsley: 2 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 K
Total: 8 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K = 1.12 ERA

Please, make me the 5th starter!
Jason Johnson: 4 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K
Esteban Loaiza: 2 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 K
Chan Ho Park: 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 K
Hong-Chih Kuo: 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K
Total: 10 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 3 K = 2.70 ERA

Wow, not too shabby at all. Some of the relievers, on the other hand, have been knocked around, but that's another story for another day.

As far as the starters go, it's really not a surprise considering how much talent they have. ESPN's Tim Kurk...jian (I love the dramatic pause) wrote a great article about how good the rotation can be, especially if Jason Schmidt comes back anywhere close to his former self. I really feel like they can carry the Dodgers much deeper into games than last year.

Looking at the potential 5th starters, the results have been largely great, with one slight exception. Granted, it's hard to make too big a deal either way about just 1 appearance (Johnson has 2). Judging by the results, it's easy to jump to conclusions that Loaiza is just terrible. There's no doubt about one thing - he was terrible against the Mets. He was terrible when the Dodgers picked him up. Does that mean he'll keep stinking the place up? No, but he certainly hasn't done ANYTHING to make you think he can turn it around. He really needs to step up and pitch some shutout innings and fast.

What's most encouraging is to see how the "wannabees" are performing. Johnson is the well-traveled journeyman who is hoping to land on yet another team. He's making a solid case right now. Park is facing a big uphill climb, but putting up zeroes will only help his cause. I really don't think he stands a chance of making the team, and I really have no idea if he's willing to try Triple A before the inevitable injury bug hits. It's probably his best option.

Kuo is the most intriguing option. Will he ever be healthy enough to hold onto a starting job? What works in his favor is the fact that he's a lefty in a rotation without any. Oh, and he can have some nasty stuff when he's healthy. At this point, I'll be Dodger fans would much rather see him get a shot at starting than Loaiza, I can pretty much guarantee that!