A.J. Ellis just wanted a chance.
Now he's got it.
Russell Martin will be gone for four to six weeks with a pulled groin muscle. As a result, he'll definitely miss the rest of Spring Training and Opening Day. For a guy that plays in what seems like every game, this is surprising news.
The backup is Brad Ausmus, but he's 40-years-old and not up to the challenges of catching everyday. So, Joe Torre will keep him in the same role while handing over the reigns to Ellis. After playing in only 12 big league games, Ellis is finally given the chance to show what he has.
In looking at last year's stats, he certainly looks like he has something. At Triple-A Albuquerque, he hit .314 with a .438 OBP in 90 games. He has more career walks than strikeouts, so he can be a solid hitter at the bottom of the order to keep innings going.
My guess is once the regular season starts, Ausmus will see more time than usual. After all, he's a former All-Star, and somehow hit .295 in limited action last year. Plus, he's a great defensive catcher.
As for Martin, he worked hard this offseason to try and shake off a pretty bad 2009 by adding 25 pounds of muscle. Now, he'll have to wait a little while longer to show if that helped or not. It's not a good start, but could be much worse. Better to get your injury out of the way now than during the regular season.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Padilla smooth in spring opener
Vicente Padilla got his spring off to a great start by going six up, six down against the White Sox today. New Dodger Reed Johnson drove in a pair, and the Dodgers took the first exhibition game of 2010, 8-3.
Even though the game was at Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers were the away team, as the teams will flip-flop those roles tomorrow. Must be nice to not have to travel anywhere the first couple of games.
Padilla didn't exactly face many juggernauts, but he did retire Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. Most importantly, he said his right leg was just fine. You know, the leg that was shot by his shooting instructor. Let's hope that guy didn't make the trip.
This is spring training, so it's not like it's worth going into great detail about the game. But I will say who did well. Johnson was 1-for-2 with two runs driven in, Manny Ramirez had two hits, and Ramon Ortiz struck out three in two scoreless innings.
Garrett Anderson did not make an appearance, and ditto for old friend Juan Pierre. Perhaps they both will on Saturday.
Even though the game was at Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers were the away team, as the teams will flip-flop those roles tomorrow. Must be nice to not have to travel anywhere the first couple of games.
Padilla didn't exactly face many juggernauts, but he did retire Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. Most importantly, he said his right leg was just fine. You know, the leg that was shot by his shooting instructor. Let's hope that guy didn't make the trip.
This is spring training, so it's not like it's worth going into great detail about the game. But I will say who did well. Johnson was 1-for-2 with two runs driven in, Manny Ramirez had two hits, and Ramon Ortiz struck out three in two scoreless innings.
Garrett Anderson did not make an appearance, and ditto for old friend Juan Pierre. Perhaps they both will on Saturday.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
2010 NL West Preview: Shortstop
1. Troy Tulowitzki – Rockies
2. Rafael Furcal – Dodgers
3. Stephen Drew – Diamondbacks
4. Everth Cabrera – Padres
5. Edgar Renteria – Giants
Tulowitzki battled back from an injury-riddled 2008 campaign to put up big numbers in 2009: .297 average, 101 runs, 32 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 20 steals. It took him a year, but he justified the six-year deal he signed after the 2007 season. He was right in the thick of the Rockies’ run to the postseason last year, thanks in large part to red-hot months of August and September. He’ll be even better when he gets his road numbers up.
Furcal also came back from a season full of injuries in ’08 to play in 150 games. His numbers weren’t big for him, hitting only .269 with 12 stolen bases, but a .324 September helped the Dodgers barely hold off the surging Rockies. He’ll be 33 and in his 11th year this season, so he’s not getting any younger. But, he’s still a sparkplug when he’s feeling right.
Drew is entering his third season, and still has the label of someone that can break out at any moment. His power numbers last year were down from ’08 (44-29 doubles, 21-12 homers), but still managed to have 65 RBIs (67 the previous year). Now in his fourth year, the DBacks would like to see him pick it up at the plate and help them be a contender again.
Cabrera is entering his second year, but has already shown flashes of being a good leadoff hitter. In 103 games, he stole 25 bases last year. He had a great August, hitting .290 with a .384 OBP, but seemed to wear down after that. He needs to work on his glove, as he had 23 errors. Still, the Padres don’t have much, so it’s easy to get excited about him.
Renteria is on his last legs, and will have some pressure on him this season to produce. With Juan Uribe waiting in the wings, he’ll need to show that even at 35, he can get it done. The Giants have the pitching, so they need their offense to step up. If he puts up another season of hitting only .250 with five homers, he’ll get yanked.
2. Rafael Furcal – Dodgers
3. Stephen Drew – Diamondbacks
4. Everth Cabrera – Padres
5. Edgar Renteria – Giants
Tulowitzki battled back from an injury-riddled 2008 campaign to put up big numbers in 2009: .297 average, 101 runs, 32 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 20 steals. It took him a year, but he justified the six-year deal he signed after the 2007 season. He was right in the thick of the Rockies’ run to the postseason last year, thanks in large part to red-hot months of August and September. He’ll be even better when he gets his road numbers up.
Furcal also came back from a season full of injuries in ’08 to play in 150 games. His numbers weren’t big for him, hitting only .269 with 12 stolen bases, but a .324 September helped the Dodgers barely hold off the surging Rockies. He’ll be 33 and in his 11th year this season, so he’s not getting any younger. But, he’s still a sparkplug when he’s feeling right.
Drew is entering his third season, and still has the label of someone that can break out at any moment. His power numbers last year were down from ’08 (44-29 doubles, 21-12 homers), but still managed to have 65 RBIs (67 the previous year). Now in his fourth year, the DBacks would like to see him pick it up at the plate and help them be a contender again.
Cabrera is entering his second year, but has already shown flashes of being a good leadoff hitter. In 103 games, he stole 25 bases last year. He had a great August, hitting .290 with a .384 OBP, but seemed to wear down after that. He needs to work on his glove, as he had 23 errors. Still, the Padres don’t have much, so it’s easy to get excited about him.
Renteria is on his last legs, and will have some pressure on him this season to produce. With Juan Uribe waiting in the wings, he’ll need to show that even at 35, he can get it done. The Giants have the pitching, so they need their offense to step up. If he puts up another season of hitting only .250 with five homers, he’ll get yanked.
Dodgers sign Anderson for a bench role
The Dodgers looked to bolster their bench today by signing Garret Anderson to a minor league contract. If he makes the team, his one-year deal will be worth $550,000. If he doesn't, like many others, he can be granted his release at a certain date.
People forget just how good of a hitter Anderson has been. He's had 12 straight years of double-digit home runs, has a lifetime .295 average, and has 2501 career hits. Quietly, he's put together a really good career.
While time has taken its toll, he certainly has something left in the tank. Last year with the Braves, he posted his lowest average at .268, but still had 13 homers and 61 RBIs. Plus he started 123 games in left field, and committed only four errors for a .980 fielding %.
I like this signing because the Dodgers got him for virtually nothing, and they needed a threat off the bench. Even in his 17th year, he still can be a tough out. Plus, I'm sure he'll get some starts in the outfield, as Manny Ramirez will need more time off, and Reed Johnson is the only other outfielder in his way.
This signing is good news for the team, but it's not for Doug Mientkiewicz or Brian Giles. Both are banged up veterans trying to get that left-handed pinch-hitting role. While Anderson isn't a slam dunk to make the team, it sure looks like he has the best chance. And I can't imagine they'd keep even two of those guys.
The bottom line is, the roster spot is Anderson's to lose.
People forget just how good of a hitter Anderson has been. He's had 12 straight years of double-digit home runs, has a lifetime .295 average, and has 2501 career hits. Quietly, he's put together a really good career.
While time has taken its toll, he certainly has something left in the tank. Last year with the Braves, he posted his lowest average at .268, but still had 13 homers and 61 RBIs. Plus he started 123 games in left field, and committed only four errors for a .980 fielding %.
I like this signing because the Dodgers got him for virtually nothing, and they needed a threat off the bench. Even in his 17th year, he still can be a tough out. Plus, I'm sure he'll get some starts in the outfield, as Manny Ramirez will need more time off, and Reed Johnson is the only other outfielder in his way.
This signing is good news for the team, but it's not for Doug Mientkiewicz or Brian Giles. Both are banged up veterans trying to get that left-handed pinch-hitting role. While Anderson isn't a slam dunk to make the team, it sure looks like he has the best chance. And I can't imagine they'd keep even two of those guys.
The bottom line is, the roster spot is Anderson's to lose.
Monday, March 1, 2010
2010 NL West Preview: Third Base
1. Pablo Sandoval – Giants
2. Mark Reynolds – Diamondbacks
3. Casey Blake – Dodgers
4. Ian Stewart – Rockies
5. Chase Headley – Padres
Sandoval looked like a superstar last year, turning in monster numbers. He hit .330 with 44 doubles, 25 homers, and 90 RBIs. He remained steady all year long, highlighted by June in which he hit .394 with eight homers and 20 RBIs. With a little more help this year, he can help lead the Giants to a possible playoff spot.
Reynolds is feast-or-famine, and he could care less about it. 44 homers, 102 RBIs… and 223 strikeouts! But, throw in 24 stolen bases, and he had a fantastic year. It doesn’t look like the K’s will go away, but when he makes contact, you can rest assured that it will be something big.
Blake is one of the more underrated players in the league, yet remains important to the Dodgers. He hit .280, but takes plenty of walks, which resulted in a .363 OBP. He’ll stroke around 20 homers a year, so he still knows how to make an impact.
Stewart is very similar to teammate Clint Barmes – low average, good power. 25 homers and 70 RBIs made up for a .228 average. A former first round pick in 2003, he is still young enough to get that average up.
Headley is another young player, and had a pretty decent season last year. He appeared in nearly every game and hit .262 with 12 homers and 64 RBIs. It’s too bad he plays in such a difficult park to put up big numbers, but like Stewart, has plenty of time to improve.
2. Mark Reynolds – Diamondbacks
3. Casey Blake – Dodgers
4. Ian Stewart – Rockies
5. Chase Headley – Padres
Sandoval looked like a superstar last year, turning in monster numbers. He hit .330 with 44 doubles, 25 homers, and 90 RBIs. He remained steady all year long, highlighted by June in which he hit .394 with eight homers and 20 RBIs. With a little more help this year, he can help lead the Giants to a possible playoff spot.
Reynolds is feast-or-famine, and he could care less about it. 44 homers, 102 RBIs… and 223 strikeouts! But, throw in 24 stolen bases, and he had a fantastic year. It doesn’t look like the K’s will go away, but when he makes contact, you can rest assured that it will be something big.
Blake is one of the more underrated players in the league, yet remains important to the Dodgers. He hit .280, but takes plenty of walks, which resulted in a .363 OBP. He’ll stroke around 20 homers a year, so he still knows how to make an impact.
Stewart is very similar to teammate Clint Barmes – low average, good power. 25 homers and 70 RBIs made up for a .228 average. A former first round pick in 2003, he is still young enough to get that average up.
Headley is another young player, and had a pretty decent season last year. He appeared in nearly every game and hit .262 with 12 homers and 64 RBIs. It’s too bad he plays in such a difficult park to put up big numbers, but like Stewart, has plenty of time to improve.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
2010 NL West Preview: Second Base
1. Freddy Sanchez – Giants
2. Ronnie Belliard – Dodgers
3. Clint Barmes – Rockies
4. Kelly Johnson – Diamondbacks
5. David Eckstein – Padres
By far the weakest position in the division, most of these guys can be interchanged. But, I’ll go with Sanchez in first, mostly because of his steady bat. He battled injuries last year, but hit .296 with the Pirates and .284 after being traded to the Giants.
Belliard might not even be the starter, but has to be the early favorite. After being traded to the Dodgers last year at the deadline, he was great. In 21 games, he hit .351 with five homers and 17 RBIs. If given the chance, he can be a pretty good hitter.
Barmes had good power numbers last year with 23 homers and 76 RBIs. But, his .245 average and .294 OBP were terrible. He also struck out 121 times. But, if the Rockies can live with his all-or-nothing approach, he’ll have a spot in the lineup.
Johnson is coming off a down year with the Braves, hitting a measly .224. When healthy, he’s capable of 10-15 home runs and 60-70 RBIs. He doesn’t seem to have the best glove at second, though.
Eckstein is definitely on the downside of his career, as his numbers are pretty much nonexistent anymore. A low OBP and no steals makes him no threat at all.
2. Ronnie Belliard – Dodgers
3. Clint Barmes – Rockies
4. Kelly Johnson – Diamondbacks
5. David Eckstein – Padres
By far the weakest position in the division, most of these guys can be interchanged. But, I’ll go with Sanchez in first, mostly because of his steady bat. He battled injuries last year, but hit .296 with the Pirates and .284 after being traded to the Giants.
Belliard might not even be the starter, but has to be the early favorite. After being traded to the Dodgers last year at the deadline, he was great. In 21 games, he hit .351 with five homers and 17 RBIs. If given the chance, he can be a pretty good hitter.
Barmes had good power numbers last year with 23 homers and 76 RBIs. But, his .245 average and .294 OBP were terrible. He also struck out 121 times. But, if the Rockies can live with his all-or-nothing approach, he’ll have a spot in the lineup.
Johnson is coming off a down year with the Braves, hitting a measly .224. When healthy, he’s capable of 10-15 home runs and 60-70 RBIs. He doesn’t seem to have the best glove at second, though.
Eckstein is definitely on the downside of his career, as his numbers are pretty much nonexistent anymore. A low OBP and no steals makes him no threat at all.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Padilla will start the first spring training game
Vicente Padilla will get the call when the Dodgers start spring training action on March 5. Joe Torre stopped short of saying who will get the Opening Day nod in April.
What we do know, however, is that Padilla will be followed by Eric Stults, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, and Hiroki Kuorda to start the spring.
The most interesting case is Stults, who's out of options. Simply put, if he doesn't make the team out of spring training, he most likely will end up elsewhere. So, it appears as if Torre is going to give him every chance to be the fifth starter.
The article mentions that a fifth starter won't be needed in the regular season until April 11, then the home opener is April 12. But, the real schedule says that home opener is April 13, so I'm guessing the article has a typo. Plus, with an off day after the first game April 5, the Opening Day starter can come back on normal rest in the fifth game on April 10.
So the bottom line is, I'm not sure when a fifth starter would be needed. The Dodgers have off days on two straight Monday's (April 12 and April 19), so according to my calculations, they can go with a four-man rotation until Saturday, April 24 in Washington, when a fifth starter would be needed.
Yes, it's confusing, and I could be wrong about all of this, but I'm taking educated guesses based on off-days. It's very possible a fifth starter could be used much earlier to give the other arms an extra day of rest.
What we do know, however, is that Padilla will be followed by Eric Stults, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, and Hiroki Kuorda to start the spring.
The most interesting case is Stults, who's out of options. Simply put, if he doesn't make the team out of spring training, he most likely will end up elsewhere. So, it appears as if Torre is going to give him every chance to be the fifth starter.
The article mentions that a fifth starter won't be needed in the regular season until April 11, then the home opener is April 12. But, the real schedule says that home opener is April 13, so I'm guessing the article has a typo. Plus, with an off day after the first game April 5, the Opening Day starter can come back on normal rest in the fifth game on April 10.
So the bottom line is, I'm not sure when a fifth starter would be needed. The Dodgers have off days on two straight Monday's (April 12 and April 19), so according to my calculations, they can go with a four-man rotation until Saturday, April 24 in Washington, when a fifth starter would be needed.
Yes, it's confusing, and I could be wrong about all of this, but I'm taking educated guesses based on off-days. It's very possible a fifth starter could be used much earlier to give the other arms an extra day of rest.
2010 NL West Preview: First Base
1. Adrian Gonzalez – Padres
2. Todd Helton – Rockies
3. Adam LaRoche – Diamondbacks
4. James Loney – Dodgers
5. Aubrey Huff – Giants
While the other four are pretty close, Gonzalez is clearly the top choice. He continues to defy the stadium he plays in, and is pretty much the only reason to pay attention to the Padres these days. Here’s how good he is – he hit 40 home runs last year. Here’s how bad the rest of his team is – he only had 99 RBIs. Still, he continues to mash and prove to be one of the game’s best players.
In a close call, I’ll still go with Helton in second. A rebound last year is a big reason why, as he hit .325 with 15 homers and 86 RBIs. The days of 40+ homers are gone, but steady hitting and excellent defense remain.
LaRoche just edged Loney based on power numbers. LaRoche hit 25 homers between three teams last year, his fifth straight year of 20+. He won’t hit .300, but plays great defense.
Loney can still rise up the list, but is more of a gap hitter than home run hitter at this point. Two straight years of 90 RBIs is really good for a guy who only hits 15 homers. Like the others in his division, his glove at first is really good.
Huff isn’t a bad pickup by the Giants, but sure looks like someone on the decline. He shocked everybody two years ago with a monster season in Baltimore with 32 homers and 108 RBIs, but went down to 15 and 85 last year. He got traded to the Tigers in late August last year and proceeded to do nothing. Still, the Giants need offense, so he’s worth a chance.
2. Todd Helton – Rockies
3. Adam LaRoche – Diamondbacks
4. James Loney – Dodgers
5. Aubrey Huff – Giants
While the other four are pretty close, Gonzalez is clearly the top choice. He continues to defy the stadium he plays in, and is pretty much the only reason to pay attention to the Padres these days. Here’s how good he is – he hit 40 home runs last year. Here’s how bad the rest of his team is – he only had 99 RBIs. Still, he continues to mash and prove to be one of the game’s best players.
In a close call, I’ll still go with Helton in second. A rebound last year is a big reason why, as he hit .325 with 15 homers and 86 RBIs. The days of 40+ homers are gone, but steady hitting and excellent defense remain.
LaRoche just edged Loney based on power numbers. LaRoche hit 25 homers between three teams last year, his fifth straight year of 20+. He won’t hit .300, but plays great defense.
Loney can still rise up the list, but is more of a gap hitter than home run hitter at this point. Two straight years of 90 RBIs is really good for a guy who only hits 15 homers. Like the others in his division, his glove at first is really good.
Huff isn’t a bad pickup by the Giants, but sure looks like someone on the decline. He shocked everybody two years ago with a monster season in Baltimore with 32 homers and 108 RBIs, but went down to 15 and 85 last year. He got traded to the Tigers in late August last year and proceeded to do nothing. Still, the Giants need offense, so he’s worth a chance.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2010 NL West Preview: Catchers
With the baseball season slowly coming up, today I will start my series of previews for the NL West. Each day I will post a new position preview. The first one up is catchers.
1. Miguel Montero – Diamondbacks
2. Russell Martin – Dodgers
3. Bengie Molina – Giants
4. Chris Iannetta – Rockies
5. Yorvit Torrealba – Padres
Montero has quietly turned himself into a fine catcher. Entering June of ’09 with a .225 average, he saw a steady rise thereafter, reaching .306 at one point and .294 for the season. A .337 July and .326 August were the reasons why, where he also combined for nine homers and 34 RBIs. He’s one worth watching.
Martin was the top dog for a couple years, but really took a hit at the plate last year. Over the last three years, his average has tumbled from a .293 to .280 to .250. His power numbers and steals have done the same. Dodger fans can only hope he’s not another Paul Lo Duca – someone who started red hot and quickly fell.
Molina remains a steady hitter. While his average was down last year, 20 homers and 80 RBIs made up for it. He’ll be 35 entering the season, so one would think he’d slow down at some point. But so far, it hasn’t happened.
Iannetta never got going last year, which was a surprise. The Rockies still gave him a new three-year deal, so they’ll expect much better numbers this year, especially with Torrealba no longer there.
Torrealba is instead with the Padres, and he’s a nice addition. He took advantage of a starting role in September to hit .313 with 15 RBIs. He’s not a power hitter at all, and his .291 average was uncharacteristically high. Still, he was a big part of the Rockies’ success late in the year, and that shouldn’t be forgotten.
1. Miguel Montero – Diamondbacks
2. Russell Martin – Dodgers
3. Bengie Molina – Giants
4. Chris Iannetta – Rockies
5. Yorvit Torrealba – Padres
Montero has quietly turned himself into a fine catcher. Entering June of ’09 with a .225 average, he saw a steady rise thereafter, reaching .306 at one point and .294 for the season. A .337 July and .326 August were the reasons why, where he also combined for nine homers and 34 RBIs. He’s one worth watching.
Martin was the top dog for a couple years, but really took a hit at the plate last year. Over the last three years, his average has tumbled from a .293 to .280 to .250. His power numbers and steals have done the same. Dodger fans can only hope he’s not another Paul Lo Duca – someone who started red hot and quickly fell.
Molina remains a steady hitter. While his average was down last year, 20 homers and 80 RBIs made up for it. He’ll be 35 entering the season, so one would think he’d slow down at some point. But so far, it hasn’t happened.
Iannetta never got going last year, which was a surprise. The Rockies still gave him a new three-year deal, so they’ll expect much better numbers this year, especially with Torrealba no longer there.
Torrealba is instead with the Padres, and he’s a nice addition. He took advantage of a starting role in September to hit .313 with 15 RBIs. He’s not a power hitter at all, and his .291 average was uncharacteristically high. Still, he was a big part of the Rockies’ success late in the year, and that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Monday, February 22, 2010
One for the road: Manny will exit LA after this season
Manny Ramirez made some news today by declaring this year to be his last with the Dodgers. Upon the conclusion of the 2010 season, he'll likely retire or return to the AL as a designated hitter.
The reasons are simple. One, this is the last year of his two-year, $45 million contract. Unless something crazy happens, it's highly unlikely the 37-year-old outfielder will get a deal like that again. Two, as just stated, he's in his upper 30s, and his knees aren't getting any younger. Playing DH would give him the rest he needs while still contributing.
This may be big news to some people, but it's not to me. Honestly, what else do people expect him to do? Especially after last year's debacle of being busted 50-games for ster... er, "violating the drug policy," then coming back a shell of his former self. The writing is on the wall.
Of course, this doesn't stop him from having a big year this season. The Dodgers can't expect to win if he doesn't. They don't need the scorching hot Ramirez that came here at the trade deadline of 2008, they just need a big bat.
In a perfect world, Manny will have a big year, help the Dodgers get a ring, and ride off into the sunset. Of course, reality can be so much different. Let's just hope he gets back to being the impact player he was brought there to be.
The reasons are simple. One, this is the last year of his two-year, $45 million contract. Unless something crazy happens, it's highly unlikely the 37-year-old outfielder will get a deal like that again. Two, as just stated, he's in his upper 30s, and his knees aren't getting any younger. Playing DH would give him the rest he needs while still contributing.
This may be big news to some people, but it's not to me. Honestly, what else do people expect him to do? Especially after last year's debacle of being busted 50-games for ster... er, "violating the drug policy," then coming back a shell of his former self. The writing is on the wall.
Of course, this doesn't stop him from having a big year this season. The Dodgers can't expect to win if he doesn't. They don't need the scorching hot Ramirez that came here at the trade deadline of 2008, they just need a big bat.
In a perfect world, Manny will have a big year, help the Dodgers get a ring, and ride off into the sunset. Of course, reality can be so much different. Let's just hope he gets back to being the impact player he was brought there to be.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Gagne eyes a return to LA
*** UPDATE ***
Gagne is back. He has signed a minor league contract and will fight for a spot on the big league roster. He'll earn $500,000 if he makes the majors, and has an out clause if he doesn't.
The Dodgers have a history of reclamation projects for pitchers, so let's hope this is the latest example.
***
An old face wants to make a comeback with the boys in blue.
Eric Gagne has recently expressed a desire to be a Dodger again. He hasn't played since being released from the Brewers in Spring Training last year.
It's no secret that he's the best closer in the history of the Dodgers. His numbers from 2002-2004 are just absolutely sick. He had 52, 55, and 45 saves (152 total) while only blowing six. He set an all-time MLB record with 84 straight converted during that stretch. He was also an All-Star all three years and the 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner.
Then... it all went downhill. Elbow and back injuries derailed his 2005 and 2006 seasons, making only 16 appearances for nine saves. He then left the Dodgers for Texas in 2007 as a free agent.
Oh, and there's that whole steroid thing. Not surprisingly, he was one of the key players on the Mitchell Report in 2007. So that pretty much tainted his whole legacy.
His last two stops in Boston (traded during the '07 season) and Milwaukee ('08) were complete disasters, as he failed to regain any of the momentum he once had.
So the questions is, What kind of an impact can he have? He pitched in some no-name independent league in 2009, putting up a 4.65 ERA as a starter. The Dodgers are loaded in the bullpen, so he'd have to take a minor league contract.
Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman seems to think the Dodgers are where he'll likely end up, but the Rockies are close as well. He did throw for the Rockies recently, but it wasn't described as being anything impressive.
Part of me would like to see Gagne come back and make a contribution, but I'd be very surprised if that happened. We shall see.
Gagne is back. He has signed a minor league contract and will fight for a spot on the big league roster. He'll earn $500,000 if he makes the majors, and has an out clause if he doesn't.
The Dodgers have a history of reclamation projects for pitchers, so let's hope this is the latest example.
***
An old face wants to make a comeback with the boys in blue.
Eric Gagne has recently expressed a desire to be a Dodger again. He hasn't played since being released from the Brewers in Spring Training last year.
It's no secret that he's the best closer in the history of the Dodgers. His numbers from 2002-2004 are just absolutely sick. He had 52, 55, and 45 saves (152 total) while only blowing six. He set an all-time MLB record with 84 straight converted during that stretch. He was also an All-Star all three years and the 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner.
Then... it all went downhill. Elbow and back injuries derailed his 2005 and 2006 seasons, making only 16 appearances for nine saves. He then left the Dodgers for Texas in 2007 as a free agent.
Oh, and there's that whole steroid thing. Not surprisingly, he was one of the key players on the Mitchell Report in 2007. So that pretty much tainted his whole legacy.
His last two stops in Boston (traded during the '07 season) and Milwaukee ('08) were complete disasters, as he failed to regain any of the momentum he once had.
So the questions is, What kind of an impact can he have? He pitched in some no-name independent league in 2009, putting up a 4.65 ERA as a starter. The Dodgers are loaded in the bullpen, so he'd have to take a minor league contract.
Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman seems to think the Dodgers are where he'll likely end up, but the Rockies are close as well. He did throw for the Rockies recently, but it wasn't described as being anything impressive.
Part of me would like to see Gagne come back and make a contribution, but I'd be very surprised if that happened. We shall see.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Despite ties to Torre, Dodgers pass on Wang
Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman has tweeted that the Dodgers will no longer pursue Chien-Ming Wang. Ned Colletti and assistant GM Logan White watched Wang throw off of flat ground today, but were apparently not impressed enough to sign him.
Wang was a back-to-back 19-game winner with Torre and the Yankees from 2006-2007. So naturally, when Wang became a free agent after last season, the Dodgers became a likely destination. Add in the Dodgers' desire for a fifth starter, and it looked like a good fit.
The trouble is that Wang is still on the shelf following shoulder surgery last summer. Early estimates have him back in May or possibly later. If the Dodgers didn't go through the Jason Schmidt debacle, maybe they'd take a chance. But taking a risk twice on starting pitchers with bad shoulders? It just wasn't going to happen.
And rightfully so. The Dodgers need to focus on rounding out the rotation from within. Guys like James McDonald and Eric Stults come to mind right away.
As for Wang, the Nationals are the only other team that have shown serious interest, so that might now happen with the Dodgers out of the picture.
Wang was a back-to-back 19-game winner with Torre and the Yankees from 2006-2007. So naturally, when Wang became a free agent after last season, the Dodgers became a likely destination. Add in the Dodgers' desire for a fifth starter, and it looked like a good fit.
The trouble is that Wang is still on the shelf following shoulder surgery last summer. Early estimates have him back in May or possibly later. If the Dodgers didn't go through the Jason Schmidt debacle, maybe they'd take a chance. But taking a risk twice on starting pitchers with bad shoulders? It just wasn't going to happen.
And rightfully so. The Dodgers need to focus on rounding out the rotation from within. Guys like James McDonald and Eric Stults come to mind right away.
As for Wang, the Nationals are the only other team that have shown serious interest, so that might now happen with the Dodgers out of the picture.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The newest minor league signing: Brian Giles
Add Brian Giles to the list of minor league deals dished out by Ned Colletti this offseason. Giles will compete for a role of backup outfielder and left-handed pinch-hitter.
For those of you who have forgotten, Giles was an All-Star back in 2000 and 2001 with the Pirates. It wasn't just a token gesture either, he was legitimately good. From 1999-2003, he averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs. So yes, he was good.
Then he went to San Diego, and his production went way down. He was still good in 2004 with 24 homers and 94 RBIs, but that was his last big year. He then dipped down to 12-15 homers between 2005-2008. Granted, it's harder to hit it out of Petco Park, but still.
I guess you could say age caught up to him, causing his numbers to drop. Or possibly it was something else? I'm just saying...
Anyway, an arthritic right knee shut him down in mid-June of last season for good, so his numbers were a measly .191 with 2 homers and 19 RBIs.
It's not out of the question to think he can hit well again, because he was at .306 with a .398 OBP in 2008. A healthy Giles can absolutely be a key pinch-hitter this season.
Who knows if he'll ever get the chance, though. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, should Giles fail to make the big club out of Spring Training, he can be granted his release.
For those of you who have forgotten, Giles was an All-Star back in 2000 and 2001 with the Pirates. It wasn't just a token gesture either, he was legitimately good. From 1999-2003, he averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs. So yes, he was good.
Then he went to San Diego, and his production went way down. He was still good in 2004 with 24 homers and 94 RBIs, but that was his last big year. He then dipped down to 12-15 homers between 2005-2008. Granted, it's harder to hit it out of Petco Park, but still.
I guess you could say age caught up to him, causing his numbers to drop. Or possibly it was something else? I'm just saying...
Anyway, an arthritic right knee shut him down in mid-June of last season for good, so his numbers were a measly .191 with 2 homers and 19 RBIs.
It's not out of the question to think he can hit well again, because he was at .306 with a .398 OBP in 2008. A healthy Giles can absolutely be a key pinch-hitter this season.
Who knows if he'll ever get the chance, though. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, should Giles fail to make the big club out of Spring Training, he can be granted his release.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A note to all people leaving comments
There's nothing I'd love to see more than people leaving comments on my post talking about the Dodgers. But lately all I've gotten are these IDIOTS leaving pointless comments and links to their spam websites.
So please, if you're going to leave a comment, don't be a moron. Nobody gives a crap about your virus website, so don't waste my time.
In conclusion, don't be an idiot.
Go Dodgers.
So please, if you're going to leave a comment, don't be a moron. Nobody gives a crap about your virus website, so don't waste my time.
In conclusion, don't be an idiot.
Go Dodgers.
Johnson brings versatility to outfield
Reed Johnson officially signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Dodgers. He's basically Juan Pierre's replacement, assuming the role of fourth outfielder and defensive specialist.
His calling card is obviously his ability to play all three outfield positions effectively. He might as well worry most about left field, as he'll see plenty of time subbing for Manny Ramirez late in games to hold onto leads.
For those of you that don't know much about him, check out the video from the link above. He had one of the highlights of 2009 by robbing Prince Fielder of a grand slam while protecting a 6-2 lead. That happened on the big stage of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.
If he hits well, it'll be a bonus. Joe Torre has plenty of options from the right-handed side off the bench, but Johnson has a career .313 average against lefties (and .265 against righties).
With his signing, that will most likely put to rest any talk of getting Garrett Anderson as well.
His calling card is obviously his ability to play all three outfield positions effectively. He might as well worry most about left field, as he'll see plenty of time subbing for Manny Ramirez late in games to hold onto leads.
For those of you that don't know much about him, check out the video from the link above. He had one of the highlights of 2009 by robbing Prince Fielder of a grand slam while protecting a 6-2 lead. That happened on the big stage of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.
If he hits well, it'll be a bonus. Joe Torre has plenty of options from the right-handed side off the bench, but Johnson has a career .313 average against lefties (and .265 against righties).
With his signing, that will most likely put to rest any talk of getting Garrett Anderson as well.
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