Guerra, Rosin, Buss on short list to be axed if Dodgers need 40-man spot

After adding three prospects in November, signing Dan Haren, Chris Perez and Jamey Wright and re-signing the likes of J.P. Howell, Juan Uribe and Brian Wilson, the Dodgers' 40-man roster is full-up.

Yet, there's still work to be done to the Major League roster.  The Dodgers' bench isn't fully settled yet and there's the looming potential signing of Masahiro Tanaka. That means there are going to be some players on the proverbial chopping block.

After the Dodgers place Chad Billingsley and Scott Elbert on the 60-day disabled list, there will be two vacant spots. But if the Dodgers need to add more players (and they might), there would need to be additional moves. Just because it's the new year doesn't mean teams stop making moves. The 2014 Dodgers aren't yet a finished product, and probably won't be until March.

The Dodgers' bench is the weakest part of the club right now. Andre Ethier is the most established guy, but he might be better than Carl Crawford. Either of them could also be moved before opening day, or one of them could replace an injured, say, Matt Kemp, on opening day. Scott Van Slyke is about the only other legitimate threat off the bench. Tim Federowicz's spot is secure, as it would seem is Dee Gordon's. That's four spots, with another spot needed for (preferably) a shortstop. That could be Brendan Harris, it could be a player yet to be signed. That remains to be seen.

Here are the candidates who could be designated for assignment, traded or released to make room for others:

Mike Baxter

Chili Buss

Drew Butera

Javy Guerra

Seth Rosin

Justin Sellers

The Dodgers could cut any of those guys today and not think twice about it. But there is potential for some of those guys to be contributors at the Major League level.

Buss

Baxter and Buss are essentially the same player. Both have the ability to play center field and provide a little speed. It seems redundant, especially with a guy like Joc Pederson nearing his Major League debut. Either of them could go.

DFA chances: 25 percent

Butera can't hit a lick, but he's solid defensively. The fact he plays catcher helps his cause. The Dodgers could designate him for assignment, and I'd be surprised if anyone took a flyer on the 30-year-old.

DFA chances: 10 percent

Guerra, once the Dodgers' closer, is an afterthought after the emergence of Kenley Jansen and the signing of about 47 relief pitchers this offseason. If a guy like Harris needs a roster spot, I'm betting Guerra is the guy most likely cut. Plus, he's out of options, so if he doesn't make the 25-man roster, he'd go through waivers, where he'd surely be claimed.

DFA chances: 90 percent

Rosin would first have to be placed on waivers, giving other teams the chance to take a Rule 5-type flyer on him. If he were to clear waivers, he'd then have to be offered back to the Phillies for $25,000. With a live-enough arm, I'm betting the Phillies would take a worthwhile gamble on him. If, for some reason, they don't, he'd be nice to stash in Triple-A as a reliever.

Waive chances: 70 percent

As for Sellers, I'm thinking the only reason he's on the 40-man is his ability to play a competent shortstop (better than anyone in the organization, probably). He can't hit and was arrested last offseason, but his defense is solid. The Dodgers could just go with Sellers over Harris, but Harris offers that "veteran goodness."

DFA chances: 20 percent

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None of these guys are long-term Dodgers (would give Rosin the best chance of that). But each could help a team (maybe not the Dodgers) in some capacity.

The interesting part isn't who the Dodgers remove from the 40-man, it's who they're replacing said player with. I'm hoping Tanaka, but I'm not as sure of that as I was a month or so ago.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Dodgers should cut ties with Ronald Belisario, but they probably won't

As the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players approaches (Monday), the Dodgers have already offered three of their eligible players arbitration.

Mike Baxter, Drew Butera and Scott Elbert were all tendered offers by the Dodgers on Friday.

• Baxter: $700,000
• Butera: $700,000
• Elbert: $575,000

All three contracts are not guaranteed, meaning the Dodgers can let go of them to avoid paying the contracts. I don't see that happening to any of them as they're making chump change, even if Baxter is a fifth outfielder (at best), Butera is one of the worst hitters in MLB history and Elbert didn't throw a single pitch in 2013. It's less than $2 million for three MLB-capable players. It's hard to beat that.

That brings us to Ronald Belisario. Belisario is due about $2.3 million in arbitration. In the Frank McCourt days, that looked like a ton of money. In the Guggenheim days, that amount can probably be found in Ned Colletti's 70-grade mustache.

Despite that, the Dodgers should end their relationship with Belisario. Here's what I wrote in early November about Belisario and arbitration.

"The biggest question in my eyes is Belisario. He was having a decent season through the end of August (with some significant bumps in the road), posting a 3.18 ERA and a .268 batting average against (not great) in 56 2/3 innings. He was used a lot (64 appearances through the end of August), and he broke down in September. He posted a 7.94 ERA, .302 BAA, .842 OPS against and had a horrific 7:3 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 11 1/3 innings.

He went from somewhat reliable to completely unreliable, and that was no different in the playoffs.

He's set to make $2.3 million this winter, but that money could be better spent with an in-house option like Jose Dominguez or Yimi Garcia. The Dodgers wouldn't dare get rid of a "proven veteran" reliever, but it'd be a nice, forward-thinking move for the team."

Obviously, nothing has changed. The last part is the biggest reason why the Dodgers should let Belisario go. They can fill his spot and get at least replacement-level production from Dominguez or Garcia (likely Dominguez), or even a non-roster invitee who is bound to make the team -- all for a fraction of the cost.

Yes, the Dodgers aren't going to miss $1.8 million (difference between Belisario's projected contract and what Dominguez and Co., could make in 2014), but that doesn't mean they should just throw it away on such an unsure thing.

I was impressed and surprised last year when the Dodgers got rid of Matt Guerrier and cut Brandon League's playing time to go with Chris Withrow and Dominguez. That was a definite change from the way the team had conducted business in the past. I say, let it continue.

Also, non-tendering Belisario opens up a spot on the 40-man roster. The Dodgers have 35 spots occupied (including Belisario's). With the Winter Meetings in eight days, that roster spot could be valuable if the team decides to make some free agent signings and/or trades.

Unfortunately for me and people who share my opinion, this probably won't happen. The potential for Belisario to be a quality reliever is still there, but the uncertainty he brings, coupled with the price tag, means it'd be better if the Dodgers just went with a young guy or NRI than to tender Belisario a contract.

Photo credit: Keith Allison, Wikimedia Commons

Dodgers have decisions to make with arbitration-eligible players

Some Dodgers are going to get paid handsomely in arbitration this year. For this team, money is of little object. They'll pay most, if not all, of their arbitration-eligible players while adding significant pieces via the free agent- and trade-market.

Matt Swartz of MLB Trade Rumors projects arbitration numbers every year, and the projections are usually spot-on. The Dodgers have seven arbitration-eligible players this year.

Clayton Kershaw - $18.25 million
Kenley Jansen - $4.8 million
A.J. Ellis - $3.2 million
Ronald Belisario - $2.3 million
Drew Butera - $700,000
Scott Elbert - $600,000
Mike Baxter - $500,000

Kershaw should get a long-term contract worth more money than you and I will ever see (combined) and Jansen's salary is escalating in line with elite relievers (Craig Kimbrel is due $7.25 million this season, which is probably what Jansen will make in arbitration next winter).

Of the five remaining, I could conceivably see the Dodgers jettisoning Butera and Baxter (who was acquired last month after the Dodgers designated Alex Castellanos for assignment), but the catching depth is so thin that Butera might be safe (and have a home in Albuquerque).

Elbert could also be a victim because he's recovering from three surgeries in less than a calendar year. He's due back midseason. If he's anywhere near healthy, he could have some value going forward.

The biggest question in my eyes is Belisario. He was having a decent season through the end of August (with some significant bumps in the road), posting a 3.18 ERA and a .268 batting average against (not great) in 56 2/3 innings. He was used a lot (64 appearances through the end of August), and he broke down in September. He posted a 7.94 ERA, .302 BAA, .842 OPS against and had a horrific 7:3 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 11 1/3 innings.

He went from somewhat reliable to completely unreliable, and that was no different in the playoffs.

He's set to make $2.3 million this winter, but that money could be better spent with an in-house option like Jose Dominguez or Yimi Garcia. The Dodgers wouldn't dare get rid of a "proven veteran" reliever, but it'd be a nice, forward-thinking move for the team.

The Dodgers have 32 spots on the 40-man roster filled up as we speak. Non-tendering Baxter and Belisario could be a way to free up room (and a little money), if they need it.

Photo credit: Keith Allison, Wikimedia Commons

Dodgers recall five players, Withrow next, Kemp struggling in Rancho

Today is the day Major League Baseball rosters expand from 25 players to 40. The Dodgers recalled five players today, and there aren't plans to recall many more players.

The Dodgers recalled Drew Butera, Stephen Fife, Dee Gordon, Peter Moylan and Scott Van Slyke from Triple-A Albuquerque, which ends its season on Tuesday. Chris Withrow will be recalled on Tuesday to basically fill out the bullpen.

All five figure not to play much, especially Fife, who might not make a start this month, especially after the Dodgers signed Edinson Volquez on Thursday.

Dodgers' Manager Don Mattingly said there are no plans to recall left-handed pitcher Onelki Garcia at this time. Garcia, 24, was the Dodgers' third-round draft selection in the 2012 MLB Draft.

I previously speculated the Dodgers promoted Garcia to Triple-A in plans of making him a September call-up. Barring anything unforeseen, that won't happen, but it isn't because of poor performance.

"Just listening to some of our guys who have seen him this year, they're really happy with the way he's going," Mattingly said. "As the season went on, he got better and better. He's kinda getting on the radar."

Other than Matt Kemp, who isn't exactly a September call-up, there aren't many other players who plan to be recalled.

And Kemp has struggled in Rancho Cucamonga, going 0-for-11 with five strikeouts in three games. He's slated to play at least one more game for the Quakes today. The Quakes are 1 1/2 games ahead for the wild card spot in the California League with two games to play. So, it stands to reason Kemp could get a little more action down there in the coming week before being recalled to Los Angeles. If he isn't ready, he could wind ump in the Instructional League in Arizona.

"We want to make sure he's feeling good," Mattingly said. "I want to make sure he's comfortable and ready to go out there.

"I know he doesn't feel good yet at the plate, so he's not pushing us to say, 'I want to be there tomorrow.' The thought is, he's going to continue to play -- we just don't know the logistics of all that."

Here's some video of Kemp's first two at-bats in last night's Quakes' game.



Kemp looked bad at the plate in all three of his at-bats (struck out in his third). He didn't stick around long after the game. He said he felt good, but he was obviously frustrated.

Still, when he comes back -- ready to go -- he'll be a big boost for the Dodgers.

Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 52 - Dodgers still good, Ramirez, Jansen

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodger Diamond) and I talk about the still-good Dodgers. Is there anything this team can't do? They beat everyone's favorite pitcher Matt Harvey on Tuesday night, so this team is basically invincible.

Hanley Ramirez is slated to start on Wednesday night. It'll be interesting to see how his shoulder impacts his play on both sides of the field. Matt Kemp is getting healthier and could be back by September.

Kenley Jansen, despite a little hiccup last night, is doing amazing things on the mound. He's arguably the best reliever in the game and is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves.

Jared and I touch on the now Miguel Sulbaran-for-Drew Butera trade -- a clear loss for the Dodgers. I went over it in more detail on the podcast and here.

Onelki Garcia was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque and pitched on back-to-back days for the first time in his career on Monday and Tuesday. I'm thinking he could be in line for a September call-up -- if not something more.

Chris Anderson has been dominant in his professional debut. His path through the minors will be interesting to follow and he could get on the fast track.

Jared talks a bit about the Perfect Game All-American Classic. He fawns over a guy the Dodgers have virtually no chance of drafting in Tyler Kolek. Good luck with that, Jared.

We finish up with some listener questions. Keep 'em coming, folks. We love it.

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Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

Dodgers foolishly send Miguel Sulbaran to Twins to finish Butera deal

The Dodgers on Tuesday completed their acquisition of Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins for left-hander Miguel Sulbaran.

You read that correctly. Just when it seemed the "old" Ned Colletti was gone, he sprouts up again.

Sulbaran, 19, was signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2011. He was one of the Loons' most consistent pitchers this season. In 92 2/3 innings, Sulbaran had some impressive numbers:


3.01 ERA
1.25 WHIP
0.3 HR/9
2.6 BB/9
8.3 K/9
2.76 FIP

He compares favorably to Julio Urias -- physically. That's pretty much where the comparison stops. He's 5'10, 185 pounds, but doesn't have the velocity and command of multiple pitches the now-17-year-old does.

Look, I understand Sulbaran is probably nothing more than a reliever in the majors -- if he even gets there -- but the fact the Dodgers traded him for one of the worst hitters in MLB history is mind-boggling.

Seriously, Butera has the third-worst OPS+ among players with 500 or more plate appearances in MLB history. Some in this exclusive club include Kevin Cash (2002-10, 37 OPS+), Donnie Sadler (1998-2007, 39) and failed former super prospect Brandon Wood (2007-11, 40).

It doesn't have anything to do with the fact the Dodgers traded Sulbaran. He's a decent arm whom I ranked at No. 20 (and No. 30 before the season). His 87-91 MPH fastball isn't going to blow hitters away, but he controls it well enough to go with his low-70s fastball, a changeup and an extremely fringy slider.

Butera, 30, will probably not don a Dodger uniform, so the Dodgers effective gave away Sulbaran for a no-hit (literally) catcher. Do not like.

Photo credit: CourtneySilvia, Flickr

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 51 - Streaking, Hanley, Kershaw, Seager

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodger Diamond) lament the Dodgers' 15-game road winning streak coming to an end ... while watching them thump the Cardinals on Wednesday night.

Hanley Ramirez got hurt again while Matt Kemp is slowly making progress on returning. No matter what happens, the Dodgers need both of these guys healthy if they want to make a World Series run.

Clayton Kershaw had a decent outing on Tuesday (my birthday, the reason we're a day late on publishing) -- a game which the Dodgers lost after scoring just one run (followed up by 13 on Wednesday). Kershaw's secondary offerings have changed a bit (his slider his harder and his changeup is becoming a legitimate pitch). If he ends up with four plus pitches (which is unheard of), look out, baseball.

Some folks are freaking out about Yasiel Puig's "antics" after hitting home runs and the like. Yet, no one says a word about Wil Myers (who I like) when he pimps his homers. It's a nice double-standard and we get into a bit of a race debate about this topic (on which we agree). Chad Moriyama has a great breakdown of this.

The trade deadline came and went. The Dodgers acquired catcher Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Just crown the Dodgers champs right now.

Corey Seager was promoted to High-A. If I were you, I'd get out and see him because he might not be there come 2014. That's what I'm doing at the end of this month.

Brian Wilson tossed a scoreless inning in his first minor-league rehab outing. He could be a nice add to the 'pen come September.

Jared mentions something about 2014 draft prospects and a guy the Dodgers have virtually no chance of drafting -- Tyler Kolek.

We finish up with a lot of quality questions. Keep 'em coming, folks. We love it.

Libsyn link
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Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 50 - Zach Mortimer interview, trade deadline

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodger Diamond) talk about the Dodgers. Yes, they're still playing well, and it's fantastic.

The Dodgers' opened a two-game set with the Yankees. While we didn't know at the time, Mark Ellis would hit the walk-off single that gave the Dodgers their 27th win in 33 games. This team is fun to watch right now.

Brian Wilson signed with the Dodgers. I think it's a good, low-risk move while Jared has some reservations about it. We'll see how it goes. He could boom or he could bust.

Zach Mortimer of Baseball Prospectus (#FollowMort) drops by to give us his insights on some prospects in the Dodgers' system, namely Joc Pederson, Zach Lee and Julio Urias. It's nice to hear someone else's perspective about the Dodgers' prospects.

Then we talk a little about the trade deadline that just passed. I can't officially say the Dodgers didn't do anything, but they basically didn't do anything. They acquired catcher Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Here's hoping it's the latter.

As usual, we close with listener questions.

Libsyn link
Direct link
iTunes link

Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin