It may seem strange to talk about it hours after Randy Wolf delivered a pitching performance that was absolutely necessary, and, to put it bluntly, he was fantastic.
But, Dodger fans know that pitching is a bit of an issue and will continue to be unless something else is done to address the staff.
With Hiroki Kuroda on the disabled list, with Eric Stults using up one of his few bullets and with James McDonald not giving the Dodgers much to be optimistic in his first outing, it seems like the team might have to make a move before too long.
Obviously, the choices are to find an internal candidate, make a trade or sign a free agent. Let's examine each scenario, starting with making a trade.
I got a question from a reader asking me if I think the Dodgers should pursue San Diego's Jake Peavy and if so, what would it take to get him?
The answer to the first question is absolutely. Jake Peavy is filthy and on a good team, he's a Cy Young candidate once again. I mean, the guy had a losing record last year with a 2.85 ERA.
We all know the Padres would be reluctant to trade Peavy to another team in the National League West. We also know that to do so, the Dodgers would have to pay more. I think it would take one of the following names - Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley - along with some other pieces.
The big question is do Dodger fans want to part with any of these players for Peavy? What do you guys think? I am torn, honestly, but in the end I say no... but barely. I would like to see the Dodgers build a package around James McDonald and/or Andrew Lambo. I think it would have to include both of those guys and another very high prospect like Josh Lindblom, Xavier Paul or Ivan De Jesus (who is hurt, of course).
The other name out there is Roy Halladay, who is in a contract year with Toronto. The Blue Jays have been adamant in saying he isn't going anywhere, but the fact is they won't be able to afford him, and that team is very close to being competitive. Getting a few studs for Halladay might be the deal to get them over the hump.
To have a chance to get Halladay, without giving up Kemp, Bills or Kershaw, would also take McDonald, Lambo and other stuff. I would be okay with doing that for either Halladay or Peavy. I'm not sure if either team would go for a package like that, but I'd like to see the Dodgers start there.
Another interesting thought would be Erik Bedard. He's in a contract year in Seattle, his value has slipped a bit but he looks good so far. He might be had at a smaller price.
I think the likelihood is the Dodgers make a minor trade for someone who isn't very good (Joel Piniero, Vicente Padilla, etc...) or they stick with the internal candidates like McDonald, Stults, Jeff Weaver, etc... Don't count on Jason Schmidt pitching this year. He's been shut down again.
The free agent route is least likely, but might be the best idea as long as that free agent is Pedro Martinez. There is nobody else worth signing.
I would love to get the message board going to hear what you guys think should happen with the staff now that we've got an early look at the team.
Thanks for answering my question. I agree with who you picked we should give up. Unfortunately, as much as i would lvoe to see Peavy wearing Blue I dont think i could stand letting go of Billingsley or Kershaw. I think they have great things to come and we want them to be wearing a Dodger uniform when those moments happen. Kemp I could give up because of Pierre and Paul. Although the way he is playing so far in the season, we do not want to get rid of him. I agree with your idea about building a package around McDonald. Yes he has great things to come but i dont see him being as big as Kershaw
I really like the Bedard idea. He would be easier to get, and I think he's gonna be filthy all year. The longer they wait to get him, he'll be harder to get if he keeps pitching the way he has so far. I don't want to see Kemp, Billingsley or Kershaw involved in any deal. I agree with what Brandon said. They will have great careers and I want to see it happen in a Dodger uniform.
i dont want to lose kemp, kershaw or bills for anyone. if they find a way to get peavy without giving one of them up, then that would be amazing. bedard sounds like a good thought, but you are probably right, it will be an internal guy like weaver or something.
There are several Dodgers that are "untouchable"
Bills
Kershaw
Kemp
Martin
Broxton
I wont add Ethier or Loney because there are other 1B's out there that can produce, same with Ethier, but Peavy and Halladay wont be traded unless we give up several names, these are my trade baits
Ethier
Loney
Dewitt
McDonald
Lambo
Elbert
I would hope you could package a deal for Peavy or Halladay for a couple of these guys.