In the first of a nine-part series, I preview the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen heading into the 2011 season.
RHP Ronald Belisario
- I made a post about Belisario nine days ago, saying I think he'd have a bounce-back season. He could end up being an important 6th- or 7th-inning reliever for the Dodgers. His stuff is nasty and his ability to get ground balls (58.5 percent for his career) is crucial when the Dodgers need a double play.
RHP Jonathan Broxton
- We all know Big Bad Jon struggled mightily after June 27. He still made the All-Star team and closed out the win for the National League. We all know what happened in the World Series. Anyway, I'm one of the only people left in Broxton's corner, it seems. He's the No. 1 scapegoat of all the Dodger pitchers -- even more than the "gutless" Chad Billingsley (love ya, Chad!). I haven't made many predictions, but I'm predicting Broxton gets back to his 2006 through the first three months of the 2010 season. He will make folks forget about the horrific 29 2/3 innings last year. He will re-establish himself as one of the game's best closers.
RHP Matt Guerrier
- In one of the biggest head-scratchers of the off-season, the Dodgers have Guerrier a 3-year contract. The guy is durable, which is a plus. However, if that's his best quality, the Dodgers definitely overpaid. He was consistent in Minnesota. Coming to the National League should help him, but that isn't always the case. He'll be a 7th-inning guy for the Blue.
RHP Kenley Jansen
- Jansen was dominant at every stop he made last season. With an electric fastball and a nasty slider, Jansen will be a key player in the Dodger 'pen. He'll serve as a 7th- and 8th-inning guy for the Dodgers, with the chance to snake a save opportunity from Hong-Chih Kuo and Jonathan Broxton every once in a while.
LHP Hong-Chih Kuo
- Kuo had one of the greatest seasons any Dodger reliever has ever had. He was rewarded with an All-Star berth and the chance to take over for Broxton when he faltered in 2010. Kuo's inability to pitch on consecutive days is the only thing keeping him from being mentioned among the league's best relievers (even though he still is). He could step in as the part-time closer, if needed.
RHP Vicente Padilla
- Padilla re-signed with the Dodgers in the off-season, despite not being guaranteed a spot in the rotation. He was the team's 2010 Opening Day starter (for some reason). Padilla got on a role in 2010. From April 16 to Aug. 10 (12 starts, due to injury), Padilla went 6-2 with a 2.42 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and a .188 BAA. He was flat-out dominant.
However, he's slated for long relief this season with the Dodgers -- a role in which he could thrive. There's even talk of him getting a save opportunity every once in a while. He has the stuff, but the Dodgers have a few other relievers capable of closing.
Guys in the mix
The 25-man roster is far from being set, so here are some guys competing for the last bullpen spot (assuming the Dodgers go with a 12-man pitching staff, as they're prone to do).
LHP Scott Elbert
- Elbert had a tumultuous season in 2010, which ended when he took a leave of absence from the Albuquerque Isotopes. He had a great Arizona Fall League showing and was primed to lock up the last spot in the Dodger 'pen. However, the signing of Mahay could spell the end of that. Elbert, like Troncoso, will likely begin the season in Triple-A because he has options remaining.
RHP Blake Hawksworth
- Hawksworth was acquired from the Cardinals for Ryan Theriot. At the time, we all knew it was amazing a team gave up anything for "The Riot," but to get a potential decent (which I use loosely) reliever was good for the Dodgers. However, he's out of options and isn't exactly the favorite to win the last opening. If he's to remain a Dodger, he'll have to be lights out in Spring Training or slip through waivers -- neither of which I see happening.
LHP Ron Mahay
- Mahay was signed just last week and could steal the last bullpen spot. He's a veteran LOOGY and had a decent season with the Twins in 2010. I'd bet a large amount of money he's the last guy to make the Dodger 'pen.
RHP Ramon Troncoso
- Troncoso had a decent debut in 2008 before having a better 2009 (though, not as good as some may think) before falling down a little in 2010. He isn't going to blow you away with his stuff, but his ability to get grounders is vital to his success. He had a bout with the home run ball, giving up seven last season. While that may not sound like a lot, just consider he gave up just five home runs in his first two seasons -- combined. His HR/9 rate jumped from 0.3 in 2009 to 1.2 in 2010. He'll likely start the season in Triple-A, as he has an option remaining. He could get a midseason call-up.
Analysis
The Dodgers are shaping up to have one of the best bullpens in baseball. However, that's contingent on everyone -- or almost everyone -- playing up to his potential. If Broxton returns to form, Kuo stays healthy and Jansen continues his dominance -- Kuo's health being biggest question mark of the three -- the Dodgers could boast the best bullpen back end in the majors.
Next up: Starting Rotation
Showing posts with label Vicente Padilla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vicente Padilla. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Grading the Dodgers' off-season
I know the off-season isn't officially over yet, but the Dodgers have done about all they're going to do this winter, save for some non-roster invites and maybe another veteran signing -- Eric Chavez.
So I'm going to grade the Dodgers' off-season moves and give brief explanations of each. We'll go in chronological order.
Oct. 19: Ted Lilly re-signed for 3 years, $33 million.
Comment: At the time, it felt like a bit much. Three months later, it's still a bit much, but it was a decent deal.
Grade: C+
Nov. 15: Hiroki Kuroda re-signed for 1 year, $12 million
Comment: This was a great deal in terms of value and contract length. Kuroda could have gotten a 2- or 3-year deal on the open market, but his comfort level in L.A. seemed to be the determining factor.
Grade: A-
Nov. 26: Jon Garland signed for 1 year, $5 million with a club option for 2012 ($8 million)
Comment: This deal surprised many -- not only that a deal was made but the fact the Dodgers were getting Garland for $5 million. He must pitch 190 innings for his 2012 option to vest.
Grade: B
Nov. 30: Juan Uribe signed for 3 years, $21 million
Comment: This deal blew then and it still blows now. There is no way this player should have gotten this deal. By far the worst deal of the off-season.
Grade: F
Nov. 30: Ryan Theriot traded to St. Louis for Blake Hawksworth
Comment: Theriot was going to be non-tendered, so to get anything even potentially useful for him was a plus. Hawksworth could make the 'pen out of Spring Training.
Grade: B
Dec. 3: Declined arbitration to Russell Martin and re-signed Rod Barajas to a 1 year, $3.25 million contract
Comment: In hindsight, this might have been a mistake, considering the Dodgers spent $3.25 million on Barajas. Still, the Dodgers didn't want to risk paying an injured, regressing catcher in excess of $6 million. Barajas got $500,000 out of Spring Training last year, yet GM Ned Colletti felt it necessary to give him a $2.75 million raise.
Grade: B- and D-, respectively
Dec. 9: Vicente Padilla signed for 1 year, $2 million (plus incentives)
Comment: His contract can reach $8 million with 33 starts or as much as $6 million with certain relief bonuses. This, like the Garland signing, was a bit surprising.
Grade: B+
Dec. 11: Tony Gwynn signed for 1 year, $675,000
Comment: This was a decent signing at the time. Now, Gwynn will compete for an everyday job in the Dodgers' lineup.
Grade: B-
Dec. 14: Dioner Navarro signed for 1 year, $1 million
Comment: The Dodgers were desperate here. With Martin gone and Barajas not a full-time catcher, they panicked and, for some reason, gave Navarro $1 million to be the backup. Curious move, especially with A.J. Ellis making peanuts and could possibly out-produce Navarro.
Grade: D-
Dec. 16: Matt Guerrier signed for 3 years, $12 million
Comment: This makes almost less sense than the Uribe deal. The Dodgers weren't exactly hurting in middle relief, especially with Ronald Belisario's Venezuelan League performance. To give a mediocre reliever who doesn't strike many batters out a 3-year deal is a bad allocation of limited resources.
Grade: D
Dec. 27: Chin-lung Hu traded to the New York Mets for Mike Antonini
Comment: Hu could have been the second infielder off the bench for the Dodgers, but it appears the organization grew tired of him and was likely to non-tender him. Antonini is left-handed, which is about the best thing one can say about him.
Grade: C
Jan. 20: Marcus Thames signed for 1 year, $1 million (plus incentives)
Comment: This was one of the Dodgers' better off-season signings, despite Thames' horrific defense. His right-handed pop will be a welcome sight off the Dodger bench.
Grade: B+
The Dodgers also had a bunch of minor-league signings and non-roster invites (not counting prospects.
Juan Castro
J.D. Closser
Roman Colon
Dana Eveland
Jon Huber
Gabe Kapler
Trent Oeltjen
Tim Redding
Eugenio Velez
Oscar Villareal
I'd be surprised if any of these guys make the name out of Spring Training. The Dodgers usually find one or two NRIs to take into the season, but the 25-man roster is pretty full as it is, so that might not be the case this year. If I had to bet money on one guy making the team, it'd be Castro because of his ability to play shortstop -- even though he's the worst player on the list.
Overall grade: C (2.18 GPA)
- The Uribe, Guerrier and Barajas deals really bring down the GPA. And I think the GPA is about in line with what most think about the Dodgers' offseason: Average, but nothing special.
It's a shame, too, after starting off well with the shoring up of the starting rotation.
So I'm going to grade the Dodgers' off-season moves and give brief explanations of each. We'll go in chronological order.
Oct. 19: Ted Lilly re-signed for 3 years, $33 million.
Comment: At the time, it felt like a bit much. Three months later, it's still a bit much, but it was a decent deal.
Grade: C+
Nov. 15: Hiroki Kuroda re-signed for 1 year, $12 million
Comment: This was a great deal in terms of value and contract length. Kuroda could have gotten a 2- or 3-year deal on the open market, but his comfort level in L.A. seemed to be the determining factor.
Grade: A-
Nov. 26: Jon Garland signed for 1 year, $5 million with a club option for 2012 ($8 million)
Comment: This deal surprised many -- not only that a deal was made but the fact the Dodgers were getting Garland for $5 million. He must pitch 190 innings for his 2012 option to vest.
Grade: B
Nov. 30: Juan Uribe signed for 3 years, $21 million
Comment: This deal blew then and it still blows now. There is no way this player should have gotten this deal. By far the worst deal of the off-season.
Grade: F
Nov. 30: Ryan Theriot traded to St. Louis for Blake Hawksworth
Comment: Theriot was going to be non-tendered, so to get anything even potentially useful for him was a plus. Hawksworth could make the 'pen out of Spring Training.
Grade: B
Dec. 3: Declined arbitration to Russell Martin and re-signed Rod Barajas to a 1 year, $3.25 million contract
Comment: In hindsight, this might have been a mistake, considering the Dodgers spent $3.25 million on Barajas. Still, the Dodgers didn't want to risk paying an injured, regressing catcher in excess of $6 million. Barajas got $500,000 out of Spring Training last year, yet GM Ned Colletti felt it necessary to give him a $2.75 million raise.
Grade: B- and D-, respectively
Dec. 9: Vicente Padilla signed for 1 year, $2 million (plus incentives)
Comment: His contract can reach $8 million with 33 starts or as much as $6 million with certain relief bonuses. This, like the Garland signing, was a bit surprising.
Grade: B+
Dec. 11: Tony Gwynn signed for 1 year, $675,000
Comment: This was a decent signing at the time. Now, Gwynn will compete for an everyday job in the Dodgers' lineup.
Grade: B-
Dec. 14: Dioner Navarro signed for 1 year, $1 million
Comment: The Dodgers were desperate here. With Martin gone and Barajas not a full-time catcher, they panicked and, for some reason, gave Navarro $1 million to be the backup. Curious move, especially with A.J. Ellis making peanuts and could possibly out-produce Navarro.
Grade: D-
Dec. 16: Matt Guerrier signed for 3 years, $12 million
Comment: This makes almost less sense than the Uribe deal. The Dodgers weren't exactly hurting in middle relief, especially with Ronald Belisario's Venezuelan League performance. To give a mediocre reliever who doesn't strike many batters out a 3-year deal is a bad allocation of limited resources.
Grade: D
Dec. 27: Chin-lung Hu traded to the New York Mets for Mike Antonini
Comment: Hu could have been the second infielder off the bench for the Dodgers, but it appears the organization grew tired of him and was likely to non-tender him. Antonini is left-handed, which is about the best thing one can say about him.
Grade: C
Jan. 20: Marcus Thames signed for 1 year, $1 million (plus incentives)
Comment: This was one of the Dodgers' better off-season signings, despite Thames' horrific defense. His right-handed pop will be a welcome sight off the Dodger bench.
Grade: B+
The Dodgers also had a bunch of minor-league signings and non-roster invites (not counting prospects.
Juan Castro
J.D. Closser
Roman Colon
Dana Eveland
Jon Huber
Gabe Kapler
Trent Oeltjen
Tim Redding
Eugenio Velez
Oscar Villareal
I'd be surprised if any of these guys make the name out of Spring Training. The Dodgers usually find one or two NRIs to take into the season, but the 25-man roster is pretty full as it is, so that might not be the case this year. If I had to bet money on one guy making the team, it'd be Castro because of his ability to play shortstop -- even though he's the worst player on the list.
Overall grade: C (2.18 GPA)
- The Uribe, Guerrier and Barajas deals really bring down the GPA. And I think the GPA is about in line with what most think about the Dodgers' offseason: Average, but nothing special.
It's a shame, too, after starting off well with the shoring up of the starting rotation.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Dodger happenings: McCourts, Fielder, Padilla, Diaz, Gwynn
It's been a busy couple of days at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla. The Dodgers have been involved in a few things. Here's a quick recap.
The potentially big news is the judge in the McCourt v. McCourt case ruled in favor of Jamie, meaning Frank does not own the Dodgers completely.
Josh Fisher of Dodger Divorce has everything you need to know regarding the case, including the court document.
This is good news if you want Frank to sell the team. However, it virtually ensures it will be a long, drawn-out battle.
Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times says the ruling is reason enough for Major League Baseball to force the McCourts to sell the team. That would be splendid.
#####
On Monday, Tony Jackson of ESPN LA first reported (later updated) the Dodgers and Brewers were talking about a James Loney and Jonathan Broxton for Prince Fielder trade. It was shot down by a lot of other sources.
The Dodger blog, Dodger Rumors, made an interesting argument to try to find validity in the initial report. I'm sure there was some validity originally, but reporters are told false information by sources all the time. I'm not buying the rumor, mostly because it's too good to be true.
The Brewers would more than likely acquire a quality young starting pitcher in a deal for Fielder, which is why the rumor doesn't exactly pass the smell test. One can hope, though.
#####
The Dodgers have indeed re-signed RHP Vicente Padilla to a 1-year, $2 million contract with performance incentives.
The Dodgers have been rumored for nearly a week to be interested in Padilla's services. He's likely to serve as a swingman and potentially a late-inning reliever.
I'm not sure how I feel about the latter part of the above statement. Padilla has some nasty stuff but I'm not sure he's cut out for late-inning duties. This could be a precursor to a Broxton trade, as he is available, said CBS Sportsline's Scott Miller.
Having Padilla back as insurance for the rotation is great -- and at a great price.
#####
Finally, the ESPN's Molly Knight tweeted yesterday that former Tampa Bay Devil Ray (they were still the Devil Rays then), Kansas City Royal and Atlanta Brave Matt Diaz was the Dodgers' No. 1 priority for left field. Jackson followed it up with a story saying it was down to Diaz, Scott Podsednik and a "mystery" third outfielder.
Today Knight tweets that Diaz-to-LA could happen "sooner rather than later."
This would be a great get. Diaz absolute kills left-handed pitching, boasting a career .907 OPS against southpaws. He would be the ideal platoon partner for Jay Gibbons and/or Xavier Paul. Word is if Diaz is signed, Paul would be available via trade as he is out of Minor League options.
Update (2:51 p.m.): This just came across the wire: The Dodgers signed Tony Gwynn, Jr., to a 1-year deal, Major League contract, tweeted Tom Krasovic of Fanhouse. Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times confirmed the report. This is probably nothing more than filler (fifth outfielder) and shouldn't take the Dodgers out of the Diaz running.
#####
Finally, many thanks to the Dodger blog, Dodgerbobble, for a mention in his most recent post. :)
The potentially big news is the judge in the McCourt v. McCourt case ruled in favor of Jamie, meaning Frank does not own the Dodgers completely.
Josh Fisher of Dodger Divorce has everything you need to know regarding the case, including the court document.
This is good news if you want Frank to sell the team. However, it virtually ensures it will be a long, drawn-out battle.
Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times says the ruling is reason enough for Major League Baseball to force the McCourts to sell the team. That would be splendid.
#####
On Monday, Tony Jackson of ESPN LA first reported (later updated) the Dodgers and Brewers were talking about a James Loney and Jonathan Broxton for Prince Fielder trade. It was shot down by a lot of other sources.
The Dodger blog, Dodger Rumors, made an interesting argument to try to find validity in the initial report. I'm sure there was some validity originally, but reporters are told false information by sources all the time. I'm not buying the rumor, mostly because it's too good to be true.
The Brewers would more than likely acquire a quality young starting pitcher in a deal for Fielder, which is why the rumor doesn't exactly pass the smell test. One can hope, though.
#####
The Dodgers have indeed re-signed RHP Vicente Padilla to a 1-year, $2 million contract with performance incentives.
The Dodgers have been rumored for nearly a week to be interested in Padilla's services. He's likely to serve as a swingman and potentially a late-inning reliever.
I'm not sure how I feel about the latter part of the above statement. Padilla has some nasty stuff but I'm not sure he's cut out for late-inning duties. This could be a precursor to a Broxton trade, as he is available, said CBS Sportsline's Scott Miller.
Having Padilla back as insurance for the rotation is great -- and at a great price.
#####
Finally, the ESPN's Molly Knight tweeted yesterday that former Tampa Bay Devil Ray (they were still the Devil Rays then), Kansas City Royal and Atlanta Brave Matt Diaz was the Dodgers' No. 1 priority for left field. Jackson followed it up with a story saying it was down to Diaz, Scott Podsednik and a "mystery" third outfielder.
Today Knight tweets that Diaz-to-LA could happen "sooner rather than later."
This would be a great get. Diaz absolute kills left-handed pitching, boasting a career .907 OPS against southpaws. He would be the ideal platoon partner for Jay Gibbons and/or Xavier Paul. Word is if Diaz is signed, Paul would be available via trade as he is out of Minor League options.
Update (2:51 p.m.): This just came across the wire: The Dodgers signed Tony Gwynn, Jr., to a 1-year deal, Major League contract, tweeted Tom Krasovic of Fanhouse. Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times confirmed the report. This is probably nothing more than filler (fifth outfielder) and shouldn't take the Dodgers out of the Diaz running.
#####
Finally, many thanks to the Dodger blog, Dodgerbobble, for a mention in his most recent post. :)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
2010 Los Angeles Dodger off-season preview, part IV
When I was writing part three -- potential free agent targets -- I saw it was getting a bit long after just the position players. So this part of the off-season preview is about potential free agent targets on the pitching market.
The biggest prize, despite his putrid Game 1 performance against the Giants, is Cliff Lee. He has the best control in baseball (10.28 K:BB ratio) and shows up in the playoffs. In theory, the Dodgers should be all over this guy, especially after failed attempts to trade for him in the past. However, these are the Frank McCourt Los Angeles Dodgers, where money is apparently a factor in the second-largest media market in the country. But I digress.
Right now, the Dodgers have three quality starting pitchers under contract: Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly. If the season started today, guys like John Ely and Carlos Monasterios would fill out the Dodger rotation. Truthfully, the Dodgers can only have one of those guys in the rotation at worst.
So the Dodgers are definitely in the market for a starter or two. Here's a look at who's available and who might be worth a signing.
Starting Pitchers
Hiroki Kuroda, LA
11-13, 3.39 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 7.3 K/9
- Kuroda had his best season as a Major Leaguer in 2010. He battled injuries but was still able to log a career-high 196.1 innings while posting the lowest ERA of his career. When the Dodgers re-signed Lilly, it effectively took them out of the Kuroda sweepstakes -- unfortunately. Kuroda will be 36 years old by the time the season starts and odds are he'll return to Japan.
Vicente Padilla, LA
6-5, 4.07 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 8.0 K/9
- I wasn't exactly a fan when the Dodgers first brought Padilla over in late 2009, but before a few poor starts toward the end of his season, Padilla was one of the biggest surprises for the Dodgers. He returned to the Dodgers in 2010 on a 1-year, $5.025 million contract with performance bonuses (none of which he reached). He was only able to log 95 innings, though, which is a concern. If the Dodgers could get him back at a cheap rate with incentives, it'd be worth a look.
Kevin Millwood, BAL
4-16, 5.10 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 6.2 K/9
- Millwood is coming off the worst season of his career after a solid 2009 with Texas. He isn't the pitcher he once was, but he could fit well into the back of the rotation as an innings-eater (has averaged 189 innings a season since 1998). Millwood made $12 million last season and probably will not be offered arbitration by the Orioles. If the Dodgers could nab him at a deal similar to Padilla, it might be worth a chance.
Carl Pavano, MIN
17-12, 3.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 4.8 K/9
- Pavano came out of nowhere in 2010 after four putrid seasons with the Yankees, Indians and half a season with the Twins. He'll be 35 years old before the season and there's no guarantee he'll repeat his 2010 performance. He signed a 1-year, $7 million contract with the Twins last year and I wouldn't be surprised if he signs for more than that this winter. He is a Type-A free agent, which could hurt him if Minnesota offers arbitration.
Jake Westbrook, CLE-STL
10-11, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 5.7 K/9
- Westbrook seemed to fit right in with the Cardinals after being traded to St. Louis at the trade deadline. He performed significantly better in the National League than the American League. He is coming off a 3-year, $33 million contract and could net something in the $8- to $10 million/year annually. I wouldn't be surprised if he stays in St. Louis (perhaps at a discount).
Others: Erik Bedard*, SEA; Justin Duchscherer, OAK; Aaron Harang*, CIN; Rich Harden*, TEX; Ben Sheets, OAK; Brandon Webb, ARI
- The common theme with all these guys -- they're all projects. All are coming off injuries or poor performances. A guy like Duchscherer could be a nice risk for the Dodgers.
What to do: At least one starting pitcher must be signed so the Dodgers don't have to go with two unproven arms in the rotation. I suspect another starter will be explored via trade.
The Dodgers always seem to find a way to fill out the bullpen with quality arms (Troncoso, Bellisario, etc.), so signing free agent relievers doesn't seem like the smartest allocation of resources. With Kenley Jansen emerging and Hong-Chih Kuo dominating, the Dodgers have two quality relievers. And if Jonathan Broxton returns to form (which I think he will), the Dodgers will be in great shape in the 'pen.
I'm not including guys like Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano or Brian Fuentes as they are likely to get closing jobs elsewhere (Rivera will stay in New York or retire).
Relief Pitchers
- Downs has been one of Toronto's best relievers since 2007. He's a quality left-handed arm out of the 'pen who can get lefties and righties out. The one thing that will hurt his stock is he's a Type-A free agent and Toronto is quite likely to offer him arbitration. If Toronto doesn't, for some reason, a lot of teams will be in line for his services.
Pedro Feliciano, NYM
3-6, 3.30 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 8.0 K/9
- Feliciano is nothing if not durable. He has led the Majors in relief appearances each of the last three years (average: 88.7 appearances). And he has a 3.44 ERA and 8.5 K/9 rate in those three years. He's a valuable lefty out of the bullpen and could be a hot commodity on the market. He's a Type-B free agent.
J.J. Putz, CWS
7-5, 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 10.8 K/9
- After a poor and injury-riddled 2009, Putz seemed to return to form in 2010. He signed a $3 million contract with the White Sox last winter and is primed to improve on that. He has a mid-90s fastball and a nasty upper-80s splitter. He could be an asset to any bullpen, but he's probably priced out of the Dodgers' range. He is also a Type-B free agent.
Others: Jeremy Affeldt, SF; Grant Balfour, TB; Jason Frasor, TOR; Kevin Gregg, TOR; Chad Qualls, TB
- Affeldt could be worth a look, but the Giants aren't likely to let him go. Qualls has good stuff but was downright awful last season. Gregg had a solid season as the Jays' closer.
What to do: Unless the Dodgers can get one of the better relievers at a great price, just pass and patch the 'pen with young guys or non-roster invitees.
Next up: Potential trade targets
The biggest prize, despite his putrid Game 1 performance against the Giants, is Cliff Lee. He has the best control in baseball (10.28 K:BB ratio) and shows up in the playoffs. In theory, the Dodgers should be all over this guy, especially after failed attempts to trade for him in the past. However, these are the Frank McCourt Los Angeles Dodgers, where money is apparently a factor in the second-largest media market in the country. But I digress.
Right now, the Dodgers have three quality starting pitchers under contract: Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly. If the season started today, guys like John Ely and Carlos Monasterios would fill out the Dodger rotation. Truthfully, the Dodgers can only have one of those guys in the rotation at worst.
So the Dodgers are definitely in the market for a starter or two. Here's a look at who's available and who might be worth a signing.
Starting Pitchers
Hiroki Kuroda, LA
11-13, 3.39 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 7.3 K/9
- Kuroda had his best season as a Major Leaguer in 2010. He battled injuries but was still able to log a career-high 196.1 innings while posting the lowest ERA of his career. When the Dodgers re-signed Lilly, it effectively took them out of the Kuroda sweepstakes -- unfortunately. Kuroda will be 36 years old by the time the season starts and odds are he'll return to Japan.
Vicente Padilla, LA
6-5, 4.07 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 8.0 K/9
- I wasn't exactly a fan when the Dodgers first brought Padilla over in late 2009, but before a few poor starts toward the end of his season, Padilla was one of the biggest surprises for the Dodgers. He returned to the Dodgers in 2010 on a 1-year, $5.025 million contract with performance bonuses (none of which he reached). He was only able to log 95 innings, though, which is a concern. If the Dodgers could get him back at a cheap rate with incentives, it'd be worth a look.
Kevin Millwood, BAL
4-16, 5.10 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 6.2 K/9
- Millwood is coming off the worst season of his career after a solid 2009 with Texas. He isn't the pitcher he once was, but he could fit well into the back of the rotation as an innings-eater (has averaged 189 innings a season since 1998). Millwood made $12 million last season and probably will not be offered arbitration by the Orioles. If the Dodgers could nab him at a deal similar to Padilla, it might be worth a chance.
Carl Pavano, MIN
17-12, 3.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 4.8 K/9
- Pavano came out of nowhere in 2010 after four putrid seasons with the Yankees, Indians and half a season with the Twins. He'll be 35 years old before the season and there's no guarantee he'll repeat his 2010 performance. He signed a 1-year, $7 million contract with the Twins last year and I wouldn't be surprised if he signs for more than that this winter. He is a Type-A free agent, which could hurt him if Minnesota offers arbitration.
Jake Westbrook, CLE-STL
10-11, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 5.7 K/9
- Westbrook seemed to fit right in with the Cardinals after being traded to St. Louis at the trade deadline. He performed significantly better in the National League than the American League. He is coming off a 3-year, $33 million contract and could net something in the $8- to $10 million/year annually. I wouldn't be surprised if he stays in St. Louis (perhaps at a discount).
Others: Erik Bedard*, SEA; Justin Duchscherer, OAK; Aaron Harang*, CIN; Rich Harden*, TEX; Ben Sheets, OAK; Brandon Webb, ARI
- The common theme with all these guys -- they're all projects. All are coming off injuries or poor performances. A guy like Duchscherer could be a nice risk for the Dodgers.
What to do: At least one starting pitcher must be signed so the Dodgers don't have to go with two unproven arms in the rotation. I suspect another starter will be explored via trade.
The Dodgers always seem to find a way to fill out the bullpen with quality arms (Troncoso, Bellisario, etc.), so signing free agent relievers doesn't seem like the smartest allocation of resources. With Kenley Jansen emerging and Hong-Chih Kuo dominating, the Dodgers have two quality relievers. And if Jonathan Broxton returns to form (which I think he will), the Dodgers will be in great shape in the 'pen.
I'm not including guys like Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano or Brian Fuentes as they are likely to get closing jobs elsewhere (Rivera will stay in New York or retire).
Relief Pitchers
- Downs has been one of Toronto's best relievers since 2007. He's a quality left-handed arm out of the 'pen who can get lefties and righties out. The one thing that will hurt his stock is he's a Type-A free agent and Toronto is quite likely to offer him arbitration. If Toronto doesn't, for some reason, a lot of teams will be in line for his services.
Pedro Feliciano, NYM
3-6, 3.30 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 8.0 K/9
- Feliciano is nothing if not durable. He has led the Majors in relief appearances each of the last three years (average: 88.7 appearances). And he has a 3.44 ERA and 8.5 K/9 rate in those three years. He's a valuable lefty out of the bullpen and could be a hot commodity on the market. He's a Type-B free agent.
J.J. Putz, CWS
7-5, 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 10.8 K/9
- After a poor and injury-riddled 2009, Putz seemed to return to form in 2010. He signed a $3 million contract with the White Sox last winter and is primed to improve on that. He has a mid-90s fastball and a nasty upper-80s splitter. He could be an asset to any bullpen, but he's probably priced out of the Dodgers' range. He is also a Type-B free agent.
Others: Jeremy Affeldt, SF; Grant Balfour, TB; Jason Frasor, TOR; Kevin Gregg, TOR; Chad Qualls, TB
- Affeldt could be worth a look, but the Giants aren't likely to let him go. Qualls has good stuff but was downright awful last season. Gregg had a solid season as the Jays' closer.
What to do: Unless the Dodgers can get one of the better relievers at a great price, just pass and patch the 'pen with young guys or non-roster invitees.
Next up: Potential trade targets
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Dodgers sign RHP Vicente Padilla
In a move that is a direct result of Hiroki Kuroda getting nailed in the head with a line drive last weekend, the Dodgers have signed former Ranger, Phillie and Diamondback Vicente Padilla to a minor league deal. The Dodgers will only have to pay approximately $100,000 as part of the prorated veterans minimum.
Padilla has good stuff... well, had good stuff. He's turned into a very hittable pitcher and playing in the Rangers' launching pad didn't help matters. But there's one thing that has been consistent of Padilla throughout his career: He is a Grade-A douche bag.
Case and point: August 5 at Oakland, Padilla's last game as a Ranger, he hit Kurt Suzuki with a pitch after giving up a two-run home run to Scott Hairston. Two innings later, A's starter Chad Reineke beaned Rangers All-Star Michael Young. The camera switched to a shot of Padilla in the bullpen... laughing. He was laughing about Young being hit! What a joke! I'm sure Manny Ramirez, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are ecstatic about this move.
This is nothing new for Padilla. He's notorious for hitting batters -- he led the American League with 17 HBP in 2006 and had 15 last season.
I know the Dodgers need SP depth and this about the best they could do at this time in the season. And I'm not one to harp on the "chemistry" issue, but I really hope Padilla doesn't upset the flow of the clubhouse.
Padilla has good stuff... well, had good stuff. He's turned into a very hittable pitcher and playing in the Rangers' launching pad didn't help matters. But there's one thing that has been consistent of Padilla throughout his career: He is a Grade-A douche bag.
Case and point: August 5 at Oakland, Padilla's last game as a Ranger, he hit Kurt Suzuki with a pitch after giving up a two-run home run to Scott Hairston. Two innings later, A's starter Chad Reineke beaned Rangers All-Star Michael Young. The camera switched to a shot of Padilla in the bullpen... laughing. He was laughing about Young being hit! What a joke! I'm sure Manny Ramirez, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are ecstatic about this move.
This is nothing new for Padilla. He's notorious for hitting batters -- he led the American League with 17 HBP in 2006 and had 15 last season.
I know the Dodgers need SP depth and this about the best they could do at this time in the season. And I'm not one to harp on the "chemistry" issue, but I really hope Padilla doesn't upset the flow of the clubhouse.
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