Dodgers Add Carroll-ing to Holiday Plans
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:12 PM PST
in Los Angeles Dodgers Roster
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PrintThe Dodgers have signed utility man Jamey Carroll to a two-year contract, pending a physical, per Buster Olney of ESPN. Carroll, who bats right-handed, will likely be Blake DeWitt's caddy at second base in 2010, in addition to filling in at third base or perhaps the outfield if needed. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the deal is worth $3.85 million over two years, with incentives that could take the deal over $4 million.
Carroll, who turns 36 in February, has posted a .355 on-base percentage in each of the last two seasons with the Indians, but has little power. Carroll is one of two active major leaguers with a career OBP of .350 or higher and a slugging percentage lower than his OBP (minimum 1,000 PA):
| OBP Greater Than SLG | |||
| Player | PA | OBP | SLG |
| Jamey Carroll |
2515 | .351 | .350 |
| Luis Castillo | 7172 | .369 | .354 |
Carroll has been rated from slightly below average to slightly above average fielder at both second and third base in each of the last three seasons by both UZR (per Fangraphs) and Plus/Minus:
| Jamey Carroll 2B Defense |
|||
| Year | Innings | UZR | +/- |
| 2007 | 431.1 | +1.9 | -1 |
| 2008 | 580.1 | +0.1 | -4 |
| 2009 | 467.0 | +2.7 | +6 |
|
|
|||
| Jamey Carroll 3B Defense |
|||
| Year | Innings | UZR | +/- |
| 2007 | 64.2 |
+0.4 |
0 |
| 2008 | 199.2 |
+1.8 |
+5 |
| 2009 | 156.0 |
+0.8 |
+3 |
In other words, Carroll won't kill you in the field. He played ten games in the corner outfield spots for Cleveland last season as well. Also, per Bill James Online, his defensive strengths at second seem to lie in his ability to field ground balls, a stark contrast to noted flyball hawk Orlando Hudson. Maybe Andre Ethier won't be so tentative now coming in on short flies to right field.
Carroll hails from Evansville, Indiana, as does Dodger hitting coach Don Mattingly, a hero of Carroll's youth. Both Carroll and Mattingly have teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville to refurbish local baseball fields through the years. Here's an interview with Carroll from the 2008 Evansville event (the reporter sounds a little like Will Ferrell's impression of Harry Caray):
I can't say I'm a fan of giving Carroll a two-year deal, but at least he does provide some skills and versatility. Still, I can't shake the feeling that if you squint hard enough, Carroll looks an awful lot like Mark Loretta, signed by the Dodgers last season:
| Player | Years | Ages | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS+ |
| Jamey Carroll |
2008-09 | 34-35 | .276/.355/.343 | 89 |
| Mark Loretta | 2007-08 | .35-36 | .284/.352/.376 | 91 |
I eagerly look forward to Carroll's game-winning hit in Game 2 of the 2010 NLDS (much like his game-winning sacrifice fly off Trevor Hoffman in the 2007 Wild Card playoff game for the Rockies against the Padres).
There are now 35 players on the Dodgers' 40-man roster.
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Wasn’t Carroll part of the big ass rumored trade for C.C., with Kemp and Carlos Santana going the other way?
Oh, that's all we had to give up huh?
What crap.
The outfield would have been Jones, Pierre and Ethier, because Kemp would have been gone and the centerpeice of the Manny deal would also be gone. With Jones injured, either Blake would have been playing the outfield (which means DeWitt back at third) or fill ins like Repko.
Yup, that team would have been made weaker for a few months of CC.
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions
But it's not like we got to keep CC
It would have only been for a few months.
And losing the 1 star Kemp would have been enough for me.
And while LaRoche doesn’t look so good right now, flipping him for Manny looks like a genius move (which couldn’t have happened.) Playing it out, perhaps Ned decides to deal for Manny anyway (considering Jones was hurt and sucked and Kemp was gone) and who knows who gets dealt in LaRoche’s place? I’m guessing Elbert.
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 4:28 PM PST up reply actions
Well Kemp would have been gone
and Ethier couldn’t be traded because he was the only outfielder who was actually good at baseball.
So if they wanted hitters, my next guess would be Lambo.
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 4:31 PM PST up reply actions
FUCK THIS
Couldn’t we at least have signed a utility that can mash lefties to platoon with DeWitt?
Look at it this way:
a) Belliard was at his best when playing regularly, not playing sparingly (in Washington)
b) Carroll is better on D, and good enough to play multiple positions well.
Not saying I’m fully endorsing the signing.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:18 PM PST up reply actions
I don't love Belliard by any means
but I liked him more than I like Carroll, plus couldn’t Belliard also play 3B or am I mistaken?
It was the other way
Decent at 2B, awful at 3B
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:27 PM PST up reply actions
You said it Eric
I don’t know what the point is of giving Carroll two years when the Dodgers have been able to fill the role of utility infielder in the past with 1 year contracts.
We still don’t have a backup SS. There’s still a spot for Hu.
Carroll fills the Loretta role.
The Castro role awaits!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions
Dewitt can play the occasional Shortstop
its not like Castro got a ton of starts last year. And when Furcal gets hurt, Hu will get called up until the team can trade for Jack Wilson…
Not placing Hu on the 25 man allows for the team to carry both Repko and Paul.
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 4:20 PM PST up reply actions
So this signing is lame.
But at least it seems they are giving DeWitt the reigns to see what happens.
Not that I want to give the Nutcracker $128m
but it would have been awesome if the Dodgers signed Carroll and Holliday on the same day, for purposes of enhancing my lame headline :)
More Buster
Carroll’s two-year deal is worth just under $4 million, with incentives
That actually is quite reasonable
I really don't understand why we had to give him a 2 year deal.
Its almost like saying they are going to keep DeJesus in the minors for two more years, unless its a competition between him and DeWitt and the other is trade fodder.
It's not that bad
Carroll can play 2B and 3B well, and I don’t think he will be a regular (but will play more than Loretta did, by a lot).
In 2010, you have Carroll as DeWitt’s caddy, plus filling in for Blake
In 2011, Blake is a year older, Furcal is a year older, so there could still be a spot for DeJesus if those two need more rest (I’m thinking DeWitt to 3B, leaving 2B open for DeJesus with Carroll still as the utility man)
In other words, plenty of time between now and then.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:42 PM PST up reply actions
I see your points
but really don’t see the point in giving a utility guy like Carroll a two year. How would we all be feeling right now if Loretta had gotten a two year at the start of last year?
Yeah, I don’t agree with the two-year deal, but I don’t really see a $2 million salary in 2011 as some sort of major impediment if the Dodgers have better players.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:45 PM PST up reply actions
Hahaha I wouldn't have cared less six months ago
and would have said the exact same thing, but nowadays $2 MM is $2 MM.
Its like your parents buying you a stocking stuffer and a cool toy, when you would have rather had no stocking stuffer and the REALLY cool toy.
If this offseason has taught us anything, it’s that there is no Santa :)
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:51 PM PST up reply actions
how much money per year is he getting?
by Dodgermanramon on Dec 16, 2009 4:27 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Rosenthal with some more detail
Carroll terms: 3.85M for two years, incentives could take it over 4M
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:32 PM PST up reply actions
just 2 years ago in 2007
this jamey carrol guy hit .225 .317 .300 617 (ave/Obp/Slug/OPS) in 215 at bats..
please do not tell me we are getting mark loretta 2.0 !!!!!
we already have corey wade 2.0 in sherrill!!
.253 BABIP in 2007
rest of career .303+
Not saying he is great shakes as a hitter, but I don’t think he is that bad. Then again, I didn’t think Loretta would be that bad!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:31 PM PST up reply actions
I liked Loretta
but only because I am friends with his sister and I got to hear a lot of cool stories through her, and he is pretty cool guy.
As a pinch hitter?
Did we already forget that Loretta was an upgrade from the pinch hitter the Dodgers had in 2008?
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 4:40 PM PST up reply actions
this signing is not THAT bad
at least he didnt give him like a 3 year 18 million deal like the phils gave polonco! and to play 3rd base!!! hahaah
Is Jamey Carroll really the straw that broke the camel’s back for you?
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:44 PM PST up reply actions
Keith Law
“If Jamey Carroll is getting a two-year deal the recession is officially over. Don’t wait for further confirmation.”
Awesome line. A close 2nd to Diamond for line of the day though :)
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:51 PM PST up reply actions
The deal is less than 4mm...
far from the best example. That being said, not pleased about the 2nd year at all.
Anyone have any news about V Padilla. I would like for Ned to try and sign him
by Dodgermanramon on Dec 16, 2009 4:53 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Sources tell me Padilla is #1, with a bullet, on the Dodger priority list.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:56 PM PST up reply actions
Negotiations between the two parties appear to be explosive
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 4:57 PM PST up reply actions
Padilla doesn’t have a leg to stand on in those negotiations!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:58 PM PST up reply actions
If they sign Padilla to a large contract (think Penny $$$), it would be a misfire
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 4:57 PM PST up reply actions
given how gun-shy they were about resigning Wolf,
I just don’t see them pulling the trigger with Padilla.
As usual?
2009 Dodgers starts at 1B
Loney 147
Loretta 14
Mientkiewicz 1
Blake 0
Blake played 1.1 innings at 1B (two games) in 2009
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:01 PM PST up reply actions
That said, with DeWitt on board, I’m OK with Blake as the backup 1B since Carroll and/or DeWitt cold play 3B/2B as needed.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:03 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, I was wondering if perhaps someone on the roster, like Blake, could take care of it. I’d prefer that option, with Carroll and DeWitt giving Blake plenty of rest at 3rd like you mentioned. If not that, Garko sounds good to me.
Something tells me that without having Pierre around
the Dodgers are going to be more apt to moving The Beard around a little more and might want to have five outfielders instead of just four. Of course that point could be completely null and void, if they ever use Blake in LF.
hope fully
doug mencawich…
that would be my nmber 1 choice.. im sure it would be neds too..
can he play 1st?
he would be a great backup for ethier against lefties and for manny on days he needs a day off..
and if he can play first.. he could back up loney against TOUGH lefties
I heard he can
Honestly, I’ve never given much thought to the defensive attributes of first basemen. The reason we expect first baseman to be able to mash is the logic that you can hide anybody there.
Thames can mash lefties (though his numbers went down a bit last year) so I would like to give it a shot. I like Thames, but he can only play LF, so he has no value as a platoon partner for Ethier (as I initially hoped.)
by Michael White on Dec 16, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions
I am fully on board the Johnny Gomes bandwagon, with Ryan Garko as a fallback (assuming both would sign for $2m or less), but I doubt it.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:00 PM PST up reply actions
jonny gomes is the laziest worst defender ever...
i would HATE absolutly hate for him to be on the dodgers..
garko im fine with but loneys bright spot last year was against LHP which garko is only usefull for
any new news on chris henrY?
is he alive?? or is he dead?
He’s on life support right now, it looks dire though, fox sports reports.
:(
by Julio Nievas on Dec 16, 2009 5:47 PM PST up reply actions
When the press release on the Caroll signing comes out
What are the chances one of the following words are used?
“Gamer”
“Grinder”
“Veteran”
I say 99.6.
Ned Colletti: “He has a lot of heart.” “I knew, that if I was going to trade JP, I had to replace his club house presence, and we did that with Jamey here.” “Does he have hitter hands, I don’t know. What I do know is that he’ll grind that at bat and will never give up. You could call it that veteran presence that can’t be filled by a Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, or chad Billingsley.”
If hadn't read that last sentence
I would have assumed that was a real quote!
I say 100% on “veteran,” and less than 5% on the other two.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:22 PM PST up reply actions
I have most of the press releases from 2009
and I haven’t found “gamer.”
I know Ned called Casey Blake a “gamer” in July 2008, but haven’t found anything newer…yet.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:28 PM PST up reply actions
Same with "grinder"
Haven’t found a newer instance by Ned since the Casey Blake acquisition, in July 2008.
Also, how is this for an MLB.com headline and subheadline (click the link):
GM lands Blake without big sacrifice
Colletti doesn’t deal key Major Leaguers or prized prospects
Wow.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions
Does anyone know how Carroll has performed as a regular starter?
As in, if DeWitt gets injured or seriously struggled, would Carroll be still be a 90 OPS+ guy as a regular starter or does he get worse?
His career splits, from Baseball-Reference.com:
as Starter (2267 PA): .268/.346/.347 (.313 BABIP)
as Sub (248 PA): .322/.402/.376 (.383 BABIP)
The one season he started 100 games was 2006, and he had his best offensive season (.300/.377/.404, 94 OPS+)
He has started 84 & 85 games in the last two seasons, respectively.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:44 PM PST up reply actions
Well those splits as a sub probably reflect if he was brought into a game as a PH or late in the game. Its probably impossible to locate, but I guess what I was wondering is if he plays better if he starts 6 games in a row, or if he is better in spot starts.
Hopefully DeWitt and The Beard are playing so well it won’t matter!!
That would take some intense scrutiny of game logs.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 5:49 PM PST up reply actions
Not sure if the question about Henry was ever answered but I just read this...
FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez is reporting that Chris Henry is on life support in a Charlotte hospital after being throwing from a pick-up truck Wednesday afternoon. Marvez is told that the situation is “dire.”
What a bummer
Carroll's agent chimes in
per Ken Gurnick:
“Jamey is excited to be a Dodger,” said Maurer. “The Dodgers have a professional front office. It’s been great dealing with Ned Colletti and Kim Ng and we look at this as a chance to team with Blake DeWitt and take the club to the playoffs again.”
Carroll hit .273 and played in 93 games with Cleveland this season, accumulating 315 at-bats while earning $2.5 million. He previously played with Montreal and Washington and reached the World Series with Colorado in 2007.
“Jamey expects to play a lot,” said Maurer. "Blake DeWitt is a strong left-handed hitter and a good second baseman, but this will be an opportunity to form a tremendous team at second base.
Minor signing
from Dylan Hernandez:
Right-hander Luis Ayala agreed to a minor-league deal with the Dodgers that includes an invitation to spring training
Ayala will earn $750,000 if he makes the Dodgers’ major-league roster. He can earn an additional $100,000 based on appearances
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 6:10 PM PST up reply actions
Ayala hasn't had a decent season since 2007
but I suppose its not out of the question
More Carroll detail per Dylan Hernandez
Dodgers’ deal with Carroll is worth $3.85 million over two years. He can earn an additional $250,000 per season based on plate appearances
Jamey Carroll’s middle name is Blake.
If you ask me, that’s destiny.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 6:38 PM PST up reply actions
Dodgers have 3 of 6 Blakes in MLB
other 3 are:
Blake Hawksworth
Greg (Blakemoor) Norton
Mitch (Blake) Stetter
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 6:49 PM PST up reply actions
We all do
To me, this offseason will come down to just how much we get out of whomever we sign as the #4 starting pitcher for ~$4-5m or so (or less).
Because I think that’s pretty much it.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 6:44 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe whomever “loses” out on Fernando Rodney can come asking for Duckbill. I still like Blanton for Sherrill but wonder if the Phillies would do that.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 6:50 PM PST up reply actions
Is there a difference..
between Blanton and some of the SPs left on the market like garland or padilla?
If we can fill that role via free agency, sherrill might be better kept for something else that we currently don’t have in our system. Maybe like uhh… a power hitting 3b prospect? I wonder where we can get one of those for Sherrill?
/sigh
Probably not much difference
but I don’t think Sherrill gets dealt unless he brings back a major leaguer (and I wouldn’t deal him otherwise). Just spitballing.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 6:59 PM PST up reply actions
well if they did that
I’m sure Philly fans would give him a standing ovation- they certainly owe him one! :-/
Seriously, though, I can’t begin to imagine the Phillies and Dodgers dealing with each other at this point in their history. Both teams’ objectives would be to weaken the other one, so if a deal WERE to happen, they each would have to believe they are ripping the other one off- kind of a Spy vs Spy mentality!
LOL
i never thought of it that way…
wow good one!
Nice
breaking it down:
Dodgers saved $3,661,202 by not paying Garland (AZ paid $1.1m remaining salary plus $2.5m buyout)
2010-2011
Dodgers pay Carroll $3.85m
Dodgers save ~$810k by not paying Abreu
Total of $3.04m
So for roughly $650k and 6 starts of Jon Garland, the Dodgers miss out on the age 27-29 seasons of Abreu.
That’s classic trading long term for short term.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t understand how a player like Carrol makes even $1 Million a year. I’ve never liked weak RH hitters and as Eric showed in the graph he is one of the weakest RH hitters in baseball. Oh yeah, he can take a walk. So this means we are now doing battle with an infield of Loney, DeWitt/Carrol, Furcal, Blake. Furcal and Loney better step up their games to make up for Blake regressing significantly.
Maybe his defense will also surprise me but it has been along time since a 35 year old 2nd baseman surprised me on the positive side with their defense.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Would rather have Carroll as a backup for 2m/yr
than Garrett Atkins as a starter for 4m/yr as it seems some team is soon to do.
I’m not excited by this signing, esp at 2 yrs vs. 1, but he’s a solid role player and as a reliable veteran that’s what they get paid, right or wrong. I actually think he’ll be better than Loretta. Though why I think that I’m not quite sure about. Unexciting but doesn’t quite make me enraged either…
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
Also:
I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy, but that goes without saying.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
That sounds like a signature change to me!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 7:39 PM PST up reply actions
It was reported like a week ago that he would be off from December 11-20 dealing with a family matter. Not sure what.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 7:39 PM PST up reply actions
Wife is ill I believe, or maybe she passed away.
by Julio Nievas on Dec 16, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions
Lakers got some calls down the stretch
down 6 under 2 minutes in OT, Kobe hit another buzzer beater for a win.
Busy couple of hours for them
Mike Gonzalez and Atkins
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 7:54 PM PST up reply actions
Now THOSE
seem like a waste of a lot of money, but we’ll see. Just mho.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
and Gonzalez cost them a 2nd round pick too!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 7:59 PM PST up reply actions
so what are carroll's platoon splits? Mobile web isn't working well with baseball-reference.com.
by StolenMonkey86 on Dec 16, 2009 8:02 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Almost identical from each side in his career
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:03 PM PST up reply actions
If Carroll goes into obvious decline this season and is released before 2011, which is not far-fetched at his age and position, it becomes a $3.85M commitment for only one year of actual play. I can’t believe there was actually competition to sign a 36-year old, part-time player for two years. And if he really is supposed to be the RH half of a 2B platoon with DeWitt, I might rather see if I can’t get Roly-Poly Belliard – a year younger and coming off three straight 100 OPS+ or better seasons – for that job for one year. Belliard also hits lefties:
.329 / .370 / .521 / .892 – 2007
.307 / .408 / .614 / 1.021 - 2008
.282 / .363 / .479 / .841 – 2009
.285 / .362 / .466 / .829 – Career
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Agreed. I’m not as down on the Carroll signing, but I would have signed Belliard
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:06 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah
At least I hope that’s the case :)
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:08 PM PST up reply actions
I think that's the case too
but also, isn’t it possible they felt they wanted someone who was a better “clubhouse guy” too? Maybe Belliard’s reputation precedes him. Not that he seemed a problem when with LA last year, mind you. i.e., combination of Carroll being better defensively (?) and as a bench guy and such + Belliard possibly being more expensive (again – ?) made JC more attractive? I don’t know, just thinking out loud.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.
JC?
He’s going to sacrifice himself a lot and save us from all of Ned’s sins?
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Assuming Carroll's salary is the same for both years and the incentives aren't reached
$1.075M left of this year’s Pierre money, $3.075M left of next year’s Pierre money.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
For purposes of the payroll worksheet, I have assumed $1.85m/$2m for the payout.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:13 PM PST up reply actions
Forgot to mention baserunning
Outside of an abnormally poor stolen base season in 2006, Carroll has been above average on the bases. Per Bill James Online:
BR Gain / SB Gain / Total
2004: +5 / +3 / +8
2005: +7 / -5 / +2
2006: +6 / -14 / -8
2007: +1 / +2 / +3
2008: +21 / +1 / +22
2009: +6 / 0 / +6
He will likely not do another Chone Figgins impression like 2008, but Carroll seems to be a good baserunner overall.
BR Gain
per Bill James, is defined as:
BR Gain (or Loss if a negative number) is the total of all the types of extra baserunning advances minus the (triple) penalty for all the BR Outs compared with what would be expected based on the MLB averages. Zero is average. Plus numbers are above average and negative numbers are below average
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:14 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah
I wonder what the hell happened that year. I’m sticking with bad contact lenses causing him to miss stop signs from the 3B coach for 3 months, only he happened to get the extra base nearly every time.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:23 PM PST up reply actions
He hit behind Sizemore a lot, so he took a lot of extra bases as the trailer?
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Sizemore himself was +22 (and +28 on steals, wow!)…could be
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:36 PM PST up reply actions
Who hits a home run first in 2010?
Juan Pierre or Jamey Carroll?
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
That’s the sort of production we used to expect from the second Ramon Martinez. At least Ramon could play a passable SS at the time.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
It almost looks like the production from the first Ramon Martinez.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:42 PM PST up reply actions
DeJon Watson on the top prospects in the Dodgers System:
Lindblom: A reliever in college, here’s the working plan for him: If he’s needed on the Major League roster, it will be in relief. If not, he will start in the Minor Leagues and get needed innings. “He has the weapons to pitch there quickly,” said De Jon Watson, assistant general manager of player development. “He’s got versatility. He can do either. It’s hard to find starting pitching, so if everything works out, we’ll continue with him there. He handled starting well in the second half.”
Gordon: The organization’s Minor League Player of the Year is spending the winter on a conditioning program to fill out the small frame he inherited from longtime pitcher Tom “Flash” Gordon, his father. “I see him as a top-of-the-order table-setter who can put pressure on a defense,” said Watson. “Defensively, his hands have improved. He’s almost like a different player than the one we drafted. It will be interesting to see how the ball jumps off his bat after this conditioning program.”
Withrow: He bounced back in 2009 after a 2008 season of injuries and wildness. Watson said his velocity was clocked as high as 98 mph this year. “He’s throwing harder than when he signed (for $1.35 million in 2007),” said Watson. “His breaking ball needs tightening, but he can be a No. 2 or 3 starter. He’s really competitive, determined. We’ll take the gloves off this year and stretch him out.”
Martin: The 2008 first-rounder tore knee cartilage before he ever threw a professional pitch, but he rebounded to hit the club’s 100-inning target and was begging for more at the end, stepping up and pitching well in the playoffs. “In instructional league he showed poise and confidence,” Watson said. “He has the skill set. He’s athletic with power stuff. He can be a front-of-the rotation starter” who might jump to Double-A in 2010.
Miller: The left-hander, this year’s top pick, impressed Watson while debuting at Class A. “He has a sound delivery and he’s a strike thrower,” he said. “He has a feel for three pitches. We had him in the Arizona Fall League, but shut him down with a lat strain. I would think we’ll push him next season.”
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091203&content_id=7753572&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
The Lindblom, Martin, and Miller answers are eerily familiar
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:51 PM PST up reply actions
Withrow one is new though. DeJon comments makes me think Withrow is closer to McDonald than Kershaw on the scale of starting pitchers.
I wasn’t getting on you for posting that; just noting that Watson has similar answers (which of course makes since, given that he gives numerous interviews).
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 8:57 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t get the Withrow-McDonald comparison.
J-Mac didn’t start popping mid-90s until the major league pen. Withrow is already doing it at age 20. In that respect, Withrow has a much higher ceiling.
by silverwidow on Dec 16, 2009 10:24 PM PST up reply actions
We think McDonald can eventually be a 3 starter. DeJon said that Withrow projects as a 2-3 starter. I don’t think anyone said that Kershaw’s ever projected below ‘ace’ status.
Judging by Watson’s comments, he seems to rate Martin higher. BA has it just the opposite. 2010 will tell us a lot.
by silverwidow on Dec 16, 2009 10:29 PM PST up reply actions
Watson's Comments About Withrow Are Bizarre...
…and I am not taking them seriously. Maybe he is hoping that when Ned makes another trade the other team will look at his lack of enthusiasm for Withrow and say “We don’t want Withrow.”:)
by CanuckDodger on Dec 16, 2009 10:32 PM PST up reply actions
Also, reading the comments in the article is hilariously disconnected. Its a frigging prospect report and all the comments on how the Dodgers are cheapstakes for signing Carroll and trading Juan Pierre.
Regular fans have no concepts of prospects.
Also, I’m seeing a Billy Mays ad for something called ‘Jupiter Jack’.
“I take it kind of personal,” Lowe said. “Noboby made them give me a four-year, $60 million contract. There wasn’t a ransom or anybody holding a gun to their heads. It was a negotiation and that’s what they viewed as fair. I would have never even considered going there if I knew that ultimately this was going to happen.”
BillPlaschke
Did Access Hollywood today, talking about Tiger Woods column. I know I’m not the only one who has noticed his physique, am I?
He's on one of his Twitter rants
Does he do this every Wednesday night?
My mouth's bleedin', Burt! My mouth's bleedin'!
by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Dec 16, 2009 9:26 PM PST up reply actions
So we sell Juan Pierre
In order to sign the infield version of Juan Pierre who is a few years older.
I’m floored. (not really)
It looks like the low return on Juan’s contract was the free agent budget. The good news is there is almost certainly a crappy starting pitcher who will be signed as I can’t see paying 4 million for Dewitt’s backup without signing another starter. 4-5 mil for him and we should be good. We still might have to dump Sherill’s salary, but I hope not.
To be honest this seems like a pointless signing, but I guess we need a backup, I’m just not sure what the difference is between Hu and this guy. I guess Hu can’t play short and 3rd when Blake and Furcal are inevitably injured at the same time. Such a Ned move. This probably means Ausmus is done, went with aging middle infielder instead of aged catcher. Maybe a couple hundrend thousand left for a catcher. We’ll see.
So trade Juan's bloop singles for walks
Well at least we can we debate the worthiness of the bloop single over a walk during his at bats.
I seriously want Furcal and Blake to take up Yoga or something.
Not after what I saw yoga do for Russell Martin. :)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 17, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
Seriously, calm down
I know the money situation sucks, but doling out $4 million (over two years, mind you) to Jamey Carroll is not going to max out Ned’s credit card.
My mouth's bleedin', Burt! My mouth's bleedin'!
by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Dec 16, 2009 9:35 PM PST up reply actions
Unfortunately due to the divorce
We have seen Ned’s credit card statement, and from what I’ve seen (I don’t work on Wall Street mind you) this pretty much does indeed max out the credit card. We have to use the Discover to sign the starter, and that’s pretty much it.
I strongly disagree
My mouth's bleedin', Burt! My mouth's bleedin'!
by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Dec 16, 2009 9:46 PM PST up reply actions
The divorce is good copy
but the real reason for the financial troubles is all the debt service. That is the story of the offseason.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 9:46 PM PST up reply actions
Right
But that all came out Because of the divorce (or maybe the divorce is because of that as well).
He would have hid it for another year or so otherwise. I guess knowing is better than not knowing, it certainly got my expectations in line for the off season, but now that I know I just want the disease treated asap.
I disagree. People were wondering with the payroll-neutral trades, e.g. Santana, and the continuing practice of deferred money, then the lowered Opening Day payroll for 2009 made it pretty evident. The divorce announcement merely heightened the interest (of us and the media) and the focus on the interest (of all the debt.)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 17, 2009 12:34 PM PST up reply actions
The actual financial docmuments came out because of the divorce
that’s where Dodger Divorce and all got their 411. Before it was just speculation and common sense.
Except that the only divorce documents are Jamie’s filling, and her motivation is to make them look as rich as possible, leading to the biggest possible settlement for her. A lot of the information has been out there for a while. Remember, the sale itself was known to be highly leveraged early on.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
09 Projections
My 2009 projections for Carroll are pretty much in line with what Bill James has him at. If I match up my projections with BJ’s playing time projection of 226 at bats for Carroll, I come out with. vr, Xei
Xeifrank…..AB: 226, Hits: 59.6, 1B: 49.5, 2B: 7.4, 3B: 1.3, HR: 1.3, wOBA: .3032
Bill James AB: 226, Hits: 59, 1B: 48, 2B: 9, 3B: 1, HR: 1, wOBA: .298
I seriously hate this NLF Network thing on the sides
My mouth's bleedin', Burt! My mouth's bleedin'!
by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Dec 16, 2009 9:37 PM PST reply actions
After thinking about the Carroll signing a little more
there must be something about him that Ned @ Co particularly like. There’s no other reason why we should be competing to sign this guy and offering two years. Especially this early in the off-season when there are utility players abound, and our internal options couldn’t be much worse.
He is the classic veteran, like the non-Pierre trio last season, who “know their role,” “provide veteran leadership,” etc. Sure, it’s a cliche, but that’s where we’re at.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 9:48 PM PST up reply actions
I agree
but aren’t there about 5 – 10 more of these guys sitting around that if they waited long enough would have signed one year deals. The Beard must have declared him a great clubhouse guy or something else intangible that made Ned want to jump on him fast. I remember Carroll’s name being the very first to pop up as being on the Dodgers radar.
What were the other options in the minors
Assuming the theory that Hu can’t back up a hurt Blake and Furcal at the same time, which is pretty likely.
next in line on the 40-man roster is DeJesus, the only other infielder on the roster
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 9:56 PM PST up reply actions
I never really thought about this before, but with Hu and DeJesus as the only other backup infielders on the 40-man roster, I think the Dodgers will end up signing another veteran type to play the Castro role. I don’t know if they would go into the season with Hu at the major league level, leaving DeJesus as the lone remaining infielder on the 40-man.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 10:15 PM PST up reply actions
I pretty much assumed that before, but figure it will be someone who is just offered a spring training invite without a guaranteed major league contract. That’s why Castro didn’t re-sign with us. Then they’ll let Hu and whoever that guy turns out to be battle it out in ST
That’s a good point. You are right, that is the likely path. Then, if Hu ends up winning the job, you still have the veteran backup in ABQ
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 10:23 PM PST up reply actions
Castro hasn’t been that good defensively for a while, but his reputation still exists. And he never had an OBP over .290 in 15 seasons, until his .311 career year in 2009.
Let’s not go crazy with the Carroll / Castro comparisons.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 10:57 PM PST up reply actions
I have already stated that I don’t like the second year of the contract, but I stand by my point above regarding another backup SS.
It’s more about what Ned will do, rather than should.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:07 PM PST up reply actions
With Abreu now gone there aren’t really any internal options other than Hu or DeJesus (which would have been a rush) , but I was more referring to FA
Utility guys likely to sign one or two year deals:
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Pablo Ozuna
Juan Uribe
Adam Kennedy
Ronnie Belliard
Kelly Johnson
Looking at the list, Carroll is looking better and better.
Ozuna was definitely not a possibility
especially after his failed drug test
My mouth's bleedin', Burt! My mouth's bleedin'!
by Mr. LA Sports Fan on Dec 16, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions
Why?
I fail to see how this guy is a two year guy. We blew $2 Million we don’t really seem to have for a very weak hitting backup infielder who can only walk and hit singles.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:43 PM PST up reply actions
spitballing on "jamey"
there are likely 75 roughly comparable players hovering around the aa- aaaa level who could give you identical contributions for the mlb minimum. some of them probably gritty gamers as well. horrible signing. unlike some of you I wouldn’t even want this guy for one year. rather go with hu or minor league ptbnl and spend the 1.5 — 2 mill saved on pitching. I don’t see the upside of a 36 year old with zero pop no matter how scrappy.
by lchristmas on Dec 16, 2009 9:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The upside is that at least there was 4 million lying around
The first indication that we might actually be able to sign our core to arbitration and keep them.
The downside
is that we just spent that $4 Million that was lying around.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:44 PM PST up reply actions
Ditto that
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:48 PM PST up reply actions
USC
Wondering if you guys know any good recruiting sites? I don’t buy into that star BS, just info on the particular player
by Julio Nievas on Dec 16, 2009 10:52 PM PST up reply actions
The one with the most overall content is the USC Rivals site, and they probably have the most video content, etc. I’m on both Rivals and Scout for USC, and like them for different reasons.
Awesome
I’m familiar with rivals and I looked into the othersites as well, so far I would say rivals is best.
by Julio Nievas on Dec 16, 2009 11:03 PM PST up reply actions
I updated the payroll worksheet
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/1/14/720656/dodger-payroll
I basically just cleaned it up and re-ordered some players around based on the current roster. There are some assumptions right now for the arb numbers. I haven’t gone through all the numbers yet, so don’t read too much into them, but they are a rough idea of where we are at.
Just an FYI, the payroll is always on the right hand side of the front page (scroll down, under the Fan Posts and Fan Shots), along with a link to this page.
If there is a player with more details, you can click on the footnote reference to get to his spot. For the most part, the anchor tag is always the last name, so just add #lastname to the end of the link For instance, Jamey Carroll is:
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/1/14/720656/dodger-payroll#carroll
…to take you directly to Jamey Carroll’s spot (which has just assumptions right now).
Also, new on the left side of the front page is the running list of non-roster invitees. There is also a link at the bottom of that list to the minor league signings page, which has more detail and links on each player:
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/12/11/1197078/dodgers-2010-minor-league-deals
If anyone has any questions or suggestions on things to add to these pages, I’m all ears.
Chone
felt the Padres were going to compete for the West based on their projections last year. I’m not to scared about ignoring the Chone projections, if you were to use them to play in a Roto league I’ve got some money leagues I’d love you to join.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:51 PM PST up reply actions
Orlando Hudson's First Full MLB Season:
.268/.328/.395
I think DeWitt can better that, frankly, but if he doesn’t, what’s wrong with letting a rookie produce a rookie season that LOOKS like a rookie season? It will be something to build on for the future.
by CanuckDodger on Dec 16, 2009 10:24 PM PST up reply actions
I'm more worried about how he does defensively.
If that is his line offensively, I think most of us can live with that.
I would be disappointed
if Blake DeWitt had that type of production in 2010. I think he can do better; I have always liked his plate discipline.
I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for 2009, because of the six up-and-downs, but he already has 474 major league plate appearances. He’s not a rookie any longer.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 10:30 PM PST up reply actions
At 24, DeWitt...
…will be a year younger, in 2010, than, Hudson was in his first full MLB season. Not a rookie any longer in only the technical sense. He was no where near ready to “graduate” to the majors when he was used by the Dodgers in 2008. What we got from him then was gravy
by CanuckDodger on Dec 16, 2009 10:40 PM PST up reply actions
Gravy was fine when he was only a compliment, but we need him to step up and be at least a side dish this year. I’m thinking green beans. :)
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
While that was true
that was 2008 and this is 2010. Just because he came up before he was ready does not change how many major league at bats he already has.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:50 PM PST up reply actions
Which is why I granted that Technically he isn't a rookie.
I mean, really, if you put an 18-year-old in the majors and gave him 200 AB’s, would you expect much from him at 19, on the grounds that he has MLB experience and therefore should be held to a higher standard than a 19-year-old prospect? It is like the logic that was used to dismiss Edwin Jackson. In the majors on his 20th birthday, struggled in the majors in subsequent years, but nobody cut him the slack they would cut a 22-year-old in the minors because, hey, he is “not a prospect” any more.
by CanuckDodger on Dec 16, 2009 10:56 PM PST up reply actions
You're really bringing Edwin Jackson into this?
1) 20 years old isn’t 22
2) Jackson threw 22 innings at age 20 (age 19 season), whereas DeWitt played roughly 2/3 of a full season and started at 2B in the playoffs
Look, I am willing to cut DeWitt some slack, but if he puts up a worse season at age 24 than he did at 22 (which is what .268/.325/.388 would be) that will be disappointing. Not necessarily “get rid of this guy” disappointing, but it will definitely suck.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:03 PM PST up reply actions
I Am Not Saying "DeWitt = Jackson"...
…I drew an analogy with respect to the type of reasoning, logic, used to dismiss both players. I think it is a valid point.
by CanuckDodger on Dec 16, 2009 11:07 PM PST up reply actions
Fair enough
and I’m not saying disappointed = dismissed
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:08 PM PST up reply actions
I Wasn't Thinking Of You As Dismissive
Regfairfield — now he is dismissive of DeWitt.:)
by CanuckDodger on Dec 16, 2009 11:10 PM PST up reply actions
Nothing
but you really oughta stop calling DeWitt’s 2010 season his rookie season.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:45 PM PST up reply actions
I think all he needs to do
Is play passable defense, hit 10+ HR, and have an OBP over .350
It’s interesting that he’s always hit lefties pretty decently. Hopefully he can make Carroll a permanent bench player
That would be fine by me (.350 OBP, 10+ HR)
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 10:38 PM PST up reply actions
When DeWitt Took Over 2B From Jeff Kent In 2008...
…he looked fine at 2B. A big improvement over Kent defensively, for sure, as little as that might be saying.:)
I thought he looked ok
but his range was lacking, and he didn’t seem to look smooth and fluid like he did at 3B. Obviously with a full ST playing 2B he will become a lot more comfortable, but I hope he comes along fast.
I would never expect DeWitt to look smooth at 2nd base
but he showed he can at least handle the position. I’m still of the opinion that DeWitt will be more then people give him credit for and while that may not come in 2010, I think in the future we will be glad we held onto him.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Dec 16, 2009 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
I hope Casey Blake gets “Pierre’d” in 2011 and we go with the homegrown infield.
by silverwidow on Dec 16, 2009 11:03 PM PST up reply actions
Casey Blake 2009 was our 2nd best position player.
Matt Kemp: 5.0 WAR
Casey Blake 2009: 4.2 WAR
Rafael Furcal: 3.2 WAR
Orlando Hudson: 2.9 WAR
Manny: 2.7 WAR
Ethier: 2.5 WAR
Martin: 2.1 WAR
Juan Pierre: 1.8 WAR
James Loney: 1.4 WAR
Ronnie Belliard: 1.0 WAR
I expect him to fall off a cliff no later than 2011.
by silverwidow on Dec 16, 2009 11:12 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, but acting like He’s JP when Blake was signed to a much more reasonable contract and had a much better season JP could ever produce produce at his current levels seems a bit misguided. Its not Casey Blake’s fault that Ned Colletti traded an elite prospect for him.
I’m not comparing Pierre and Blake. When I said “Pierre’d”, I meant selling high, even if it meant eating some salary. Those hamstring issues are not going to get better with age.
by silverwidow on Dec 16, 2009 11:16 PM PST up reply actions
Belliard
He’s not a Dodger because:
a) Money
b) Playing time
c) Both
I’m going to guess c) and that he wanted plenty of it.
Dodgers pursuing Harang
(yay, the better of the two available Reds’ pitchers!)
Per Dylan H:
The Reds are asking for one or two players on the Dodgers’ major league roster in return.
The Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded.
Hmm. Sherrill and whom?
Troncoso would be my guess
Multi-inning guy, can get ground balls. And he is cheap
by bhsportsguy on Dec 16, 2009 11:28 PM PST up reply actions
I don't like this
Our pen is our strength that could last for years. Starting pitching is not in the stars this year. Short term gain long term pain.
I think it would depend on the player(s) going to the Reds, but I wouldn’t mind giving up Sherrill. It’s the other potential traded player that is worrisome.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:31 PM PST up reply actions
By the way the signings are going right now for us
I’m surprised it wasn’t Carlos Silva instead of Harang.
But I would definitely not mind trading Sherrill and a prospect for Harang, but 2 mlb Dodgers makes me nervous. I WANT ELBERT TO BE A DODGER AND GET A CHANCE TO START!
I guess it would depend on whom we would send to the Reds.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:28 PM PST up reply actions
I just got finished watching tonights DR game.
James was cruising through 2 then went wild in 3rd. Gave up 3 walks, single for 2 runs, then they yanked him with 2 outs. Disappointing.
Damn
That sucks. It’s hard to get a beat on what DR games really mean though. If memory serves, Troncoso was horrible last year and had a great year in the pro’s, so hopefully this is irrelevant. The problem is that this particular issue is the same one that hurt JMac last year as a starter. I think short of getting injured in the Winter Leagues, McDonald will be given a chance to compete for a starting job in spring training. The club will look for evidence that he can go more than 2 innings. Otherwise, they’ll get him “burning out” in a bullpen role.
by Michael White on Dec 17, 2009 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
I never understand why they don't give our youngsters any leeway to work through jams
Obviously walking three guys is a bad sign, but pulling a guy who has given up only two runs when there are two outs in the inning seems inane, unless he just completely lost his command suddenly. Even in the regular season, Torre always seemed to keep the younger guys on very short leashes. So what if the guy gives up 2 runs. What if he gets that third out, then comes out in the 4th inning and cruises through into the 6th. That would be a quality start at the least.
maybe he threw 40 pitches in the inning..
you never know
Well you could be right, but I was sort of using that example as an example for the general philosophy for the way Torre seems to handle McDonald, Elbert, Stults, etc. It seems like he has no faith in them working out of jams
Is there a reason Torre should have faith in them? The Dodgers are playing for a playoff spot; no sense in gambling on unproven guys when you had the best bullpen in baseball.
by Michael White on Dec 17, 2009 8:07 AM PST up reply actions
Well I agree if its in the 4th or 5th inning and its more than 3 runs, but if its 2 runs in the second inning, sometime it seems a little early. If you want to groom these guys to be starters, then they have to be expected to give up some runs. No one is expecting them to be #1 or #2 starters giving up under 3 runs every game.
The Reason Would Be...
… to avoid tiring out the other pitchers, like Billingsley, Belisario, and Troncoso, all three of whom had to work a lot of innings in 2009 because other pitchers were pulled at the first sign of danger.
by CanuckDodger on Dec 17, 2009 8:16 AM PST up reply actions
On the other hand
I remember Dusty Baker leaving Homer Bailey in way too long against the Dodgers and he ended up giving up something like 9 runs when they could have limited the damage. I’ll have to give the benefit of the doubt to Torre on this one. He’s interested in winning the game and he can make the call as to whether these pitchers can get out of the inning. As much as I hate to say it, McDonald hasn’t shown that he can get himself out of jams and there’s no point in throwing away the game, when you can stop the bleeding by going to the bullpen.
by Michael White on Dec 17, 2009 8:06 AM PST up reply actions
Actually
Trading middle relievers is not a bad strategy, usually outside of closers, their shelf life is pretty short.
I don't want to get ahead of myself
because it is just a rumor, but upon further preview, this trade is likely to piss me off in one way or another.
Either…
(a) the talent the Dodgers will give up to get the Reds to pay more salary will be too good
OR
(b) Harang’s total salary will be close enough to an amount they refused to pay for Wolf that I will be even more mad that they refused to offer Wolf arb.
I can’t see this ending well, not without our own salary dump previously planned (Pierre).
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:50 PM PST up reply actions
That said, I would probably be able to talk myself into a Sherill/Troncoso for Harang deal.
Man, I feel schizophrenic tonight!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 16, 2009 11:57 PM PST up reply actions
If Elbert Is Traded...
SOMEBODY…IS .. GOING…TO…DIE!!!
by CanuckDodger on Dec 17, 2009 12:04 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Have you ever heard any rumor involving Elbert?
If other teams had valued Elbert, I think he would have been traded prior to this month.
by bhsportsguy on Dec 17, 2009 12:16 AM PST up reply actions
Nope
But I wanted to join in and get ready to bust some heads open and start feasting on the goo inside. :)
by Eric Stephen on Dec 17, 2009 12:17 AM PST up reply actions
Saying That About Elbert...
…is tantamount to saying that the Dodgers value him so little he could practically be had for the asking, which I doubt is true. It is not known just how highly the Dodgers prize Elbert, but a more plausible reason that the one you suggest for why Elbert is still a Dodger is that the Dodgers DO want Elbert and see him as a part of their future. For all of the throwing away of young talent we have seen, there has been no jettisoning of ANY Logan White first rounders. Of course there could always be a first, which is why I worry now.
by CanuckDodger on Dec 17, 2009 12:32 AM PST up reply actions
My reasoning
Is that Elber t was hurt in 2007, thus he had low trade value two off-seaons ago. And even when he came back in 2008, he was limited 47.1 combined innings . and in 2009, 116 IP.
Had he not gotten hurt in 2007, he could have very well been packaged in some of those rumored trade offers. But his injury has removed him from being part of any major deal. That was my only point. My reaction to your original comment was more of me saying why would the Reds ask for Elbert (especially since Eric cited the Reds wanting someone on the MLB roster; which I took as the 25-man roster.)
If they deal for Harang
That gives them a lot of LH starters… you’d think they’d hold on to Elbert for that reason.
I meant the opposite
that they’d have a RHP heavy rotation with Harang, so Elbert (or Stults) would have the inside track at being 5th starter.
After their stupid trade for Scott Rolen
they have no need for corner IF, but maybe they want Chin Lung Hu!!
Any chance expanding this to include Brandon Phillips?
Or even better, Joey Votto?
The Reds must have really not wanted Pierre
Otherwise we probably could have worked out some sort of multi-player trade with them. Like Pierre, Sherrill, Hu for Harang and Cordero and some Cash. The Reds have a hole in LF although I suppose they are planning on promoting Chris Heisey
red want 2 major league players for harang??
please do not tell me they are asking for bills and someone else or ethier and someone…
why do the dodgers have to overpay for everyone !!!!?
It could be Hu and McDonald or something like that. Not even sure thats worth it though, since Harang is basically a one year guy since his option for 2011 is massive.
yup
i have a feeling tho that its Elbert! and not mcdonald..
New Post Up Top:
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/12/17/1205502/aaron-harang-dodger-rumor
conjecture away
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
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