The Dodgers are facing a very crucial off-season and the moves they make will go a long way in determining if this team takes the next step forward, or falls behind.
The Dodgers have $40 million coming off the books, giving them plenty of money to deal with the arbitration raises for Andre Ethier, Chad Billingsley, Matt Kemp, James Loney and Russell Martin.
Freeing up all that money comes with a price because there will be holes in the rotation and at second base.
But the big question is, where there be a hole in left field and will $20 million more be freed up? Will Manny Ramirez walk away from his player option in search of a longer contract.
We know Manny is unpredictable and everybody knows that he needs to be a DH. But $20 mil is a lot to walk away from.
I can't get a read on what he'll do, but I would prefer if he went his separate way. His defense is bad, he's bat speed has slowed and he's not very clutch. Plus, some of the character issues have began to surface.
I'd prefer to play Juan Pierre and use the money to build a solid pitching staff.
I think free money, plus trade bait like James Loney and/or Russell Martin could allow the Dodgers to shore up the staff, fill the hole at second base and be a contending team.
Would you prefer Manny stay or go? What would you do with the team if he stays? If he goes?
"I'd prefer to play Juan Pierre and use the money to build a solid pitching staff."
Do my eyes deceive me???
I would love for Manny to opt out and because of that I am expecting him to excersise his player option. But my prediction doesnt end there...why opt out and take a lower salary when you can except the 20 million AND THEN force the Dodgers to trade you to an american league team? Is there anything that would prevent Manny from doing that?
There is nothing to stop Manny from doing that and maybe that would be good because the Dodgers could get something for him.
Opting out is better because they can offer him arb and get a draft pick.
And yes, Matt's tone towards Juan Pierre has softened as 2009 has worn on.
We wouldnt get much unless we eat a huge chunk of salary, if he demands a trade.
Time to sell high on Pierre and trade him to a team that will start him and give up some pitching to have him
Manny opts out, use the $40 million plus to get what we need...
Remember?
Divorce?
Better yet, McCourts opt out and sell the team.
Matt and I are going to make a bid to buy the dodgers if the McCourts sell...any donations towards that bid are more than welcome
Problem is that no matter how much money we have freed up the free agent market does not have many quality players without question marks...best player available is Holladay and if Manny opts out and we trade Pierre then I guess we should go after him.
As long as you two dont file for divorce i'm all for the new onership duo. Matt Holliday and piece a deal the brings Roy Halladay here. I just forsee a frozen free agent signing market coming the Dodger way.
I like Lopez as a second basemen for one year, but 2011 doesn't offer any better options.
Maybe DeRosa or Figgins, depending how much in demand they will be.
For pitching, I see Bedard, Davis, Duchscherer, Harden, and Padilla.
By not signing Hudson and Wolf we could possibly have three first round picks and two compensation picks next year...we offered up our first round pick for Hudson this year and giving a contract to Felipe Lopez would cost us another first round pick...I had Felipe on my fantasy team for two years have a special distaste for him, plus I truely think he sucks and is overrated and not worth a first round pick.
Letting Wolf go and signing one of Bedard, Davis, Duchscherer, and Harden doesnt make this pitching staff any better than last year, although I would like to resign Padilla