Mound Talk

For most of the season the Los Angeles Dodgers were one of the best teams in baseball but by the end they were in 4th place. Part of their collapse can be attributed to injuries to their starting staff; both Randy Wolf and Jason Schmidt spent a considerable amount of the season on the disabled list. Possibly the greatest factor to the collapse was the rift that occurred in the clubhouse between the veterans and the younger players. To help the rift the Dodgers brought in former Yankee manager Joe Torre to bring the players together. Torre has been heralded as being a great manager for keeping a clubhouse together.

The Dodgers 2007 payroll was at $108.5 million and is unlikely to increase in 2008 unless they decide to bring in Alex Rodriguez. In the past Los Angeles has not been known for giving their young players a chance to prove themselves early in a season and have instead focused on bringing free agents. They have a plethora of talent and over the 2007 season they began to let the young guys play. James Loney solidified himself at first base, and while he did not produce the power that is normally associated with that position he did show some pop and the ability to get on base. Russell Martin became one of the best hitting catchers in baseball and he stole 21 bases which is highly unusual for a backstop. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier proved they could handle the corner outfield positions and will be in place for years to come. It is possible; however, that Kemp could be used as a centerpiece in a trade (possibly with the Twins for Johan Santana or the Marlins for Miguel Cabrera).

Potential players leaving

Olmedo Saenz (1B) – $1 million
Mark Sweeney (1B) - $0.95 million
Ramon E. Martinez (SS) - $0.85 million (Dodgers declined 2008 club option)
Mike Lieberthal (C) - $1.15 million ($1.4 million 2008 club option)
Chad Moeller (C) – $0.7 million
Marlon Anderson (OF) - $0.925 million (finished season with the Mets)
Luis Gonzalez (OF) - $7.35 million
David Wells (SP) – prorated minimum
Randy Wolf (SP) – $7.5 million (Dodgers declined 2008 option)
Roberto Hernandez (RP) – prorated minimum
Rudy Seanez (RP) – $0.7 million
Odalis Perez (SP) - $7.5 million (finished season with Royals)
Bill Mueller (2B) - $4.5 million (did not play in 2007)
Brady Clark (OF) - $1.7 million (finished season with San Diego)

The Dodgers will have $35 million coming off their books in 2008 with $28 million to spend after pay increases if they keep their payroll at the same level. This gives them tremendous payroll flexibility to go after free agents or to offer long term contracts to players they may trade for (Santana/Cabrera). The $28 million would allow them to afford A-Rod, although the whole amount would go to him and it may be better spent locking up their young players to long term contracts or filling multiple holes with free agents.

Strengths

Young Talented Position Players – In 2007 the Dodgers finally let their young talent get playing time. Russell Martin (C - 24), James Loney (1B - 23), Matt Kemp (OF - 23), Andre Ethier (OF - 25). These players give them a core of outstanding talent and they still have more coming, Delwyn Young (OF – 25) should see more time with the big club this season and allow them to offer Matt Kemp in trade offers. Andy LaRoche (although Nomar Garciaparra will likely be given the job) will be given a shot to win the third base job in spring training unless they bring in A-Rod or Cabrera (he would likely be included in a trade for Cabrera. Speaking of Cabrera (3B - , he would fit in with the youth movement in LA as he is only 24 years old and will turn 25 during the 08 season. They have Chin-Lung Hu (2B/SS - 23) to spell Jeff Kent on his days off or to fill in the likely event he becomes injured during the season.

Starting Staff – Brad Penny has become an ace and also stayed healthy for the 2007 season. Derek Lowe gives them a solid number 2 starter and Chad Billingsley is a tremendous number 3 and could be the best starter on the team. If Jason Schmidt can come back close to his old form he will be the best number 4 starter in baseball and the starting staff for the Dodgers will have to be considered one of the best if not the best in all of baseball. Scott Elbert and Clayton Kershaw will be invited to spring training but only Elbert has a legitimate chance of making the staff. It is more likely that he will start in the minors and newly reacquired Chan Ho Park will earn the 5th spot. He was very good when he pitched for the Dodgers and while expectations will be low and could become a decent number 5 starter.

Weaknesses

Power Bat – The Dodgers offense is full of good hitters with some power but they lack the middle of the order power bat that is needed for them to become a force in the National League. If they were able to bring in Cabrera or A-Rod the lineup would be very formidable.

Off-season Priorities

The Dodgers have already filled one of their off season needs by bringing in Joe Torre to manage the team. Grady Little had a winning record with the Dodgers but he couldn’t keep the clubhouse together and Torre will accomplish this.

The Dodgers do not have many holes they need to fill on their roster. Third base will be their focus as their current options are the oft injured Nomar or Andy LaRoche who they have been tentative of giving a solid shot. They will likely be one of the major players in the A-Rod or Cabrera bidding but if they loose out their do not expect them to make a free agent signing. Another third base option that could be intriguing to them would come from Texas in the form of Hank Blalock. It is rumored that Blalock is available but the Rangers are not specifically looking to move him.

The other big deal they would be apart of if he becomes available is Johan Santana. The Twins are currently looking to resign him but if they cannot the Dodgers have one of the best packages to offer the Twins. They would likely have to give up top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw, outfielder Matt Kemp and third baseman Andy LaRoche.

The Dodgers farm system is regarded as one of the best in baseball which allows them to be major factors in the trade market. Even with the emergence of several of their top prospects they still have more coming and will remain a top team in the National League for years to come because of it.