Roly Poly is Back in Blue (Ausmus Too)
by meercatjohn on Jan 26, 2010 1:15 PM PST
in Roster
303 comments
According to a tweet by Ken Gurnick the September catalyst is back, and now we are left to wonder why we wasted a contract on Jamey Carroll.
The Dodgers and free agent infielder Ronnie Belliard have agreed to a one-year contract for $825,000
Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times reports that Belliard can also earn $250,000 in incentives based on plate appearances.
UPDATE: Hernandez also reports that Belliard may or may not see all that money.
Dodgers: Belliard's contract is not guaranteed.
Belliard slugged over .600 during his reign of terror and provided some key moments during the playoffs. When he sprained an ankle and was unable to play from Sept 27th to Oct 2nd the Dodgers lost every game. When he finally returned on Oct 3rd he provided a key pinch hit which helped propel the Dodgers to a 5 - 0 victory and a clinching of the NL West. Belliard also added the game-tying single, setting up Mark Loretta's swan-song theatrics in the exciting comeback the Dodgers pulled off in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Cardinals.
"Ronnie was a tremendous asset to us at the end of last year in both a starting role and off the bench," said GM Ned Colletti. "He can play three different positions in the infield, has postseason experience, and adds to the versatility of our club."
While some analysts feel Belliard is an afterthought, the fact is that Belliard punishes left hand pitching, something this Dodger bench sorely needed. Having him around in 2010 either as a back up to DeWitt or platooning with DeWitt should help the offense. This writer is damn glad he's back in the fold.
UPDATE: Dylan Hernandez also brings the news that Brad Ausmus has chosen backup catching over retirement:
The Dodgers have agreed to a new deal with backup catcher Brad Ausmus, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The contract for Ausmus is $1 million guaranteed, which includes $850,000 in salary for 2010, and a $1 million mutual option for 2011, with a $150,000 buyout. Ausmus can also earn up to $100,000 in incentives: $25,000 for each of 150, 175, 200 and 225 plate appearances.
“Brad provided us with a very strong presence off the bench last season and his contributions were many, both on and off the field,” said Colletti. “We are very glad that he decided to return for another season in Los Angeles and look forward to him filling a similar role this year.”
The 40-man roster now has 39 players.
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Mm, what could we get though…..
by TheNewbster on Jan 26, 2010 1:21 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Carlos Santana, perhaps?
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 26, 2010 2:29 PM PST up reply actions
I would only guess Carroll is meant to be a back up infielder similar to what Mark Lorreta was? That and cause it originally not figured we could get Belliard to return.
by TheNewbster on Jan 26, 2010 1:20 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Bench?
Carroll – SS/2B/OF
Belliard – 3B/2B/1B
Ellis – C
Paul – OF
Minky – LHPH/1B
I’m not sure they think Carroll can play SS.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:23 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, I think our bench will have Green or Berroa on it
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
Carroll last played SS in 2007, I think he could handle it on occassion but if we needed a SS for an extended period we could call up Berroa or Green, asuming they stay on in the minors.
That’s logical, but most managers, Torre included, like the security of the proven backup SS
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:33 PM PST up reply actions
I like Hu. You like Hu. We all like Hu. But we aren’t making the decisions. IMO he’s well behind Green and Berroa on the backup SS depth chart right now.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:33 PM PST up reply actions
I don't get it though
Nick Green was shit in Boston, he only played because Boston has had terrible SS depth forever now :o
Me either
him or Carroll made no sense. Carroll because so many 2nd baseman were still on the board at the time with no apparent place to go. Green because he sucks. Like Hu, but we have Hu so use him.
Have to agree
they wouldn’t even bother bringing in Nick Green if they felt Hu was going to be the backup SS.
Ned likes options and competition. The Dodgers clearly want Hu to prove he can hit AAA pitching – at least – before they count on him for any major-league role.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I like Hu with a glove on. A fielder’s glove, not a batting glove.
by KellyStephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:08 PM PST up reply actions
Belliard = starting 2B
Carroll and his agent are probably pissed. I think DeWitt gets dealt or optioned.
I'll bet on a platoon
they aren’t paying Belliard enough to be a starting 2nd baseman. Yes, you are right, I expect Carroll’s agent is pissed.
Sure, but Carroll got a better contract then than he would now. From anyone.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Still, I would be amazed I was able to find {Carroll} employment
Totally agreed. That’s why I would like to nominate Jonathan M. Mauer for election as California Secretary of labor in 2010.
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 26, 2010 2:36 PM PST up reply actions
This makes the Carroll signing more puzzling as the Belliard/DeWitt platoon would likely be more productive.
It reminds me of Ned giving a guaranteed contract to Mota last year
that came early, and it seemed out of left field. Others out-performed Mota and were NRI’s (Weaver and Belisario.)
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 1:28 PM PST up reply actions
Ned is apparently allotted one signing from “Ned’s hard-ons” list.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
How do I get on that list?
I mean from him throwing money away…not the “hard on” part.
by KellyStephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:09 PM PST up reply actions
More Dylan
Belliard’s agent, Dominic Torres, said Belliard will compete for the starting job at second base with Blake DeWitt and Jamey Carroll
Belliard could also spell James Loney at first base and Casey Blake at third
Belliard is to old to be an everyday 2nd baseman
no matter how it plays out he will not be an everyday 2nd baseman.
Good point
Belliard could spell Loney against tough lefties
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
I like Belliard w/a batting glove, but certainly not a 3rd baseman’s glove.
by KellyStephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:10 PM PST up reply actions
I added a note to the article about Belliard’s big hit in NLDS game two.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Now Mike needs to add a note, and it’s a TBLA group effort!
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:32 PM PST up reply actions
Carroll is now the cheaper, older, suckier, will-play-less Dodger version of Macier Izturis.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I love Macier
and we’d be lucky to have that guy as our starting 2nd baseman or SS or all around utility guy.
He’ll eventually be on the Dodger Blues “wrong brothers” list, even though Cesar did make an A-S team in LA. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:38 PM PST up reply actions
The Norm Chow thing was just a smoke screen to throw off the wolves (reporters) during the first day news conference. It didn’t work with some of them, but it was a brilliant idea. In hindsight, I think there was .03333% that Chow would come to USC. He used us to get an extension. I always thought he was a smart guy!
by KellyStephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:12 PM PST up reply actions
Can we get some new feet for Thome and get him back on board? Maybe some 6 million dollar man type surgical implants. Manny seemed to love his little buddy.
We can’t afford $6 million man type stuff :)
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:37 PM PST up reply actions
I'm not going to get worked up about this...
but like others have stated – the Jamey Carroll gauranteed contract doesn’t make much sense, but we kind of already knew that already.
vr, Xei
Makes as much sense as the guaranteed contract to the relief pitcher who never played last year?
by 68elcamino427 on Jan 26, 2010 4:19 PM PST up reply actions
I guess I am confused by the “never played last year” comment
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 4:22 PM PST up reply actions
Or trade him to Baltimore for Josh Bell?
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 26, 2010 2:39 PM PST up reply actions
I think Joe is smart enough
to know who is the better player based on what he knows or has seen and not so much on how they perform in spring training. As SilverWidow said, he must have liked what he saw from Belliard so Belliard is going to get the job even if Carroll hits .500 this spring. That said Belliard has a problem staying healthy so I don’t see him getting more then 350-400 at bats.
At the very least, Belliard ensures the Dodgers will have some pop off the bench (when he’s on it, that is).
I hope they have the good sense this year
that when Casey gets hurt they simply move DeWitt to 3rd and Belliard to 2nd and not leave Belliard at 3rd. He really sucks as a 3rd baseman, or should I say, he looks like he sucks at 3rd base.
His career UZR/150 is -13.4 at 3B, but that is a far too small sample size of 550 innings.
Casey’s injury will have to be enough to DL him to get DeWitt up from AAA.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
If they send DeWitt
to AAA they must keep Paul. They can’t have one lefty on the bench in Minky. I actually think this makes Minky expendable.
Minky – old guy who plays 1b
DeWitt – Young guy who can play all over the infield.
by 68elcamino427 on Jan 26, 2010 4:17 PM PST up reply actions
Everybody on the team has postseason experience
Including DeWitt
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 1:45 PM PST up reply actions
I told you...
Dylan:
The Dodgers have agreed to a new deal with backup catcher Brad Ausmus, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity
Band. back. Together.
I’ll add this to the story in a second.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:45 PM PST up reply actions
We Still have to sign Weaver
We can’t have our band back together without Weaver and his rocker hair
40-man roster now stands at 39 (now that I see Ausmus signed)
With Stults, Haeger, Monasterios and Zerpa all on the spring chopping block.
THE HOT HAND IS BACK
I almost got tired of hearing about hot hand and hot horse but after the last few months, I’m up for it again.
That baby looks like a young Patton Oswalt.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 1:48 PM PST up reply actions
Too good to bury in the comments. Don’t you have a blog or something to post that on? ;)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Ausmus
from Dylan:
Ausmus’ deal with the Dodgers includes a mutual option for 2011. He will earn a base salary of $850k this year
Buster Olney says:
Heard this: Brad Ausmus got $1 million on a 1-year deal from the Dodgers
Which implies the option buyout is $150k
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
Apparently so
Dylan tweeted this earlier:
Ausmus’ 2011 option is worth $1 million. If either Ausmus or the Dodgers declines the option, Ausmus will receive $150,000
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:06 PM PST up reply actions
It's all we got left. Open Arms.
We sailed on together (through the NLCS)
We drifted apart (through the offseason)
And here you are by my side (or by Dewitts side or Carrolls side)
So now i come to you, with open arms(and about $1 million)
Nothing to hide, believe what i say
So here i am with open arms
Hoping you’ll see what your love(in a manly way) means to me
Open arms
by RawhideBlue on Jan 26, 2010 1:56 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
See Phil
I don’t hate Ronnie Belliard when he’s making 800k and doesn’t cost viable team controlled talent for a month :o
It's a shame!
Just think how many portable concession stands the Dodgers could have bought if they hadn’t signed Jamey Carroll.
The budget still has enough money for a truck load of these.
Talk about portable… Just don’t miss any Ethier walk-offs while you’re getting a Coke.
I'd buy a coke
just to watch it work if it used the claws to hand me the coke.
Finally saw the last terminator last night. Still a fun ride though John Connor didn’t seem to mind as much as he should have when took the dudes heart.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I thought Ronnie and Brad were full of shit when they signed my yearbook saying see you next year!
But seriously… the only way this can make any sense is if one of them can play third also. Of course none of them do well. So we have crappy backups at all 5 infield positions now.
by delias man on Jan 26, 2010 2:05 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
You mean in AAA?
I like Dewitt at third, he seems to have a pretty nice skill set. Looks smooth fielding, good range, good arm. I think he barely worked at third last year because the team was trying to groom him into the utility infielder role so that he could start at second and third, and fill in at short if necessary.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 2:35 PM PST up reply actions
We all know why he was not at third last year. That was a year of development lost there at that position. It is going to be funny that he worked at 2B all last year only to see significant time at 3B this year. I predict at least 50 starts there if healthy.
DeWitt played 92 games in the minors last year. I can’t find innings, but in terms of games: 45 – 2B, 39 – 3B, 7 -SS, 2 – DH. Because that totals 93, I’ll guess he didn’t play multiple positions in a game much. In his limited MLB appearances in 2009, he played 3B more than anywhere else.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
And very good reaction time on the ball – DeWitt.
by 68elcamino427 on Jan 26, 2010 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
Garland to the Padres.
I wonder what it will cost to acquire him in July.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:11 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Eric
out rec’d comments should turn a Dodger Blue, can you make that happen.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Might have to get the tech team on that.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:15 PM PST up reply actions
Just as long as we’re playing the Pad’s when they tell Garland he’s been traded to the Dodger’s AGAIN.
That would be awesome
if that happened again. Let us see who we are playing on July 31st.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Giants on the 31st
but we finish up with the Padres on the 29th.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I can see the Giants trading for Garland
and then sending him to us 2 days later, because it’s something both Ned and Sabean would do.
Good stadium fit for Garland. If the Pads play D for him, he’ll do fine there.
Maddux the second time around from the Padres cost 2007 2nd round pick Michael Watt. Maybe Garland the second time around costs the 2008 2nd round pick. ;)
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Garland
Rosenthal with the details:
Garland: One year, $5.3M with #Padres- $4.7M plus $600,000 buyout on $6.75M mutual option for 2011.
Slightly more expensive than Padilla = no Garland in LA
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:08 PM PST up reply actions
Lowry?
Eric can you tell us if you have heard anything about how Noah Lowry’s workout went today? And, what are the chances of the Dodgers taking a flier on him?
The workout is next Tuesday, and the Dodgers will be among the 15 or so teams there. Dylan Hernandez reported they aren’t likely to move on him though.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:18 PM PST up reply actions
Lowry of course hasn’t pitched in two years, and one of the scouts expected to be on hand next week offered his prediction for Lowry.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:21 PM PST up reply actions
Belliard, Carroll and Blake are going to be in their age 35, 36 and 36 seasons, respectively
Methinks we’ll see a fair amount of DeWitt this season.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
OK, so it's Monday, April 5 in Pittsburgh
Opening Day. Gotta figure Zach Duke is on the mound, or maybe fellow LHP Paul Maholm. So Belliard likely gets the call at 2B that day.
The Lineup — in no particular order (9)
C Martin
1B Loney
2B Belliard
3B Blake
LF Manny
CF Kemp
RF Ethier
P Kuroda (could be Kershaw or Bills, but that’s not important; they’re all on the roster)
The Bench (5)
C Ausmus
2B/3B Carroll
OF Repko
1B Mientkiewicz
SS Green
Rest of Starting Staff (4)
SP Kershaw
SP Bills
SP Night Stalker
SP Stults
Bullpen (7)
CL Broxton
LH Sherrill
LH Kuo
RH Belisario
RH Troncoso
RH McDonald
RH Monasterios
Unsure of the last bullpen spot (could be an NRI), but those are my guesses for the other spots. Elbert and DeWitt start in ABQ
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:35 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
That all looks about right to me.
Haeger DFA.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jan 26, 2010 2:38 PM PST up reply actions
That’s how I see it right now, although I’m thinking they might easily do a Cody Ross-like dump of Stults. Stults and Monasterios certainly are the most shaky picks but basically that’s the roster barring further deals.
Yeah, I figure Stults will be on his usual short leash, only with more bridge-burning consequences this time.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:44 PM PST up reply actions
There's still the spot deep deep deep deep deep deep in the bullpen
the one Mota used to hang out in.
Torre doesn’t like using Stults out of the pen.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 9:08 PM PST up reply actions
I'm going with DeWitt over Minky
Green will not be ready by opening day will he?
Belliard can play 1st if you need someone to spell Loney. Minky is to one dimensional for this team.
It might be close with Green, but I thought one of the Boston beat writers mentioned he would be ready in time for opening day.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:42 PM PST up reply actions
He had back surgery to correct a disk issue after the season, but said he expects to be healthy by spring training. Assuming he makes the team, Green could return to Fenway on June 18, when the Dodgers take on the Sox in interleague play.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
Belliard is, what, 5’8"? That would be the shortest 1B I’ve seen in quite sometime.
Theoretically, Casey Blake can also slide over to 1B.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
But then you weaken two positions in the field instead of 1
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
Loney rests. 1B – Blake, 2B – Belliard, 3B – Carroll. The all right handed lineup.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Belliard can play 1st if you need someone to spell Loney.
I like Belliard, but the thought of him playing first base with anything approaching a significant number of games is depressing.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jan 26, 2010 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
Why would he need a significant number of games?
How many games has James missed the last two years?
missed 12 starts at 1B in 2008, 15 in 2009
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:47 PM PST up reply actions
Carroll is great for the bench, just expensive
Ausmus is what you’d expect for a backup catcher. SS backups by their nature suck. Minky or DeWitt and Repko, Paul, or Barton. Not that bad to me. Compare to other teams, it is really lacking compared to them?
The Rockies bench will probably be awesome.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:45 PM PST up reply actions
I like the outfield depth
but what is so awesome about
Miguel Olivio
Dan Ortmeier
Eric Young Junior
Omar Quintanilla
?
Colorado Bench
OF Ryan Spillborghs
OF Seth Smith
1B/PH Jason Giambi
C Miguel Olivo
IF not sure (EY Jr back to 2B? Chris Nelson?)
That’s an awesome bench.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:57 PM PST up reply actions
Only one 40-man spot at the moment, although MonasterZerpa getting returned opens up one to two spots. Barton’s shot looks longer with each addition to the 40-man.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
My 2010 ailment prediction for X-Man will be Rickets.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
Kurt Rambis before his time.OK, Now
imagine that on the plane back from Taiwan, the 25 guys on the plane get H1N1. They all have to go on the DL.
Starting lineup! Go!
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jan 26, 2010 3:04 PM PST up reply actions
I believe a hermetically sealed envelope labeled “MLB Contingency Plan” would then be opened.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:05 PM PST up reply actions
What 2B spring training will look like...
O-Dog? Is that you? Ronnie! Get OFF of me! you’re crushing my ribs! Is that Casey Blake or Blake Dewitt? Jamey, you’re elbow is in my ear!
by RawhideBlue on Jan 26, 2010 2:39 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
FYI
per the Hyang-Nam Choi minor league deal (that Jon Weisman reported via Baseball America on Dodger Thoughts earlier today)…Choi doesn’t have an invite to big league camp, but he still might see some time in some big league ST games occasionally.
He has zero chance of seeing major league action unless a wrecking ball runs through the Dodger major and minor league bullpen.
Agreed
just clarifying. Closser did get a big league invite.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 2:52 PM PST up reply actions
In Conclusion, how many of our current players have been on the Sports Illustrated cover?
When you tell Ronnie “Jump!” He says, “How high? no seriously, how high do I have to jump? 4”? 6"? Can I kick up my feet?
SI covers don’t carry the weight they once did with all the regional covers these days. Still, cool though.
Manny, of course, has been on the cover. At least twice as a Dodger.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:10 PM PST up reply actions
Thome to the Twins: $1.5m + $700k in incentives. Closest comp to Killebrew in Twins/Senators history?
Little know fact: The back of my head was on NBC Nightly News in 1993 when they did a story on local elementary schools.
So I have been on national TV for longer than most! :)
I was an unpaid, uncredit crowd extra in an ABC TV Movie of the Week called “The Unwed Father”. Five seconds or less, rear-view only.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I was on an episode of Wild and Crazy Kids
I was on the orange team, and we won. I was a born gamer.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 3:27 PM PST up reply actions
No idea
I was pretty young and they just showed up at my summer day camp one day (Pettit Park in Granada Hills) and asked people if they wanted to be on the show.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 3:30 PM PST up reply actions
Well
It looks like the show only aired from 1990-92. And Jessica Ganes was on the show for only the second two seasons (I remember her being on the other team) so I was on the show in either 91 or 92.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2010 3:34 PM PST up reply actions
For some reason, the main kids game show that popped into my head was KidQuiz, which would air at like 6:30am on Saturdays. I loved that show.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:41 PM PST up reply actions
I’m a publicist for a studio, so sometimes I show up in the background of premiere or award coverage. When I was in the background at the SAG Awards in… oh, must’ve been 2005, my phone rang off the hook. I was like, “Yes, that’s me on TV. Quit calling me! I’m working!”
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jan 26, 2010 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
Belliard's Oct 3rd hit on TBLA night
Is the video highlight accompanying Gurnick’s article on his signing.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
My favorite Belly moment at a game I was at. And he hit it off of Brad Penny
Belliard’s grand slam
09/19/2009 SF@LAD: Belliard rips a grand slam in the first
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=6728713
aarongleeman
Absolute no-brainer at that price. Nice work, Twins. RT @StoneLarry: Thome getting $1.5 million, chance to earn 700K in incentives.
Dude, I rather have Thome being a PH for $2 million than Jamey Carroll
Details of Carlos Ruiz’s contract, through his 3 arb years, plus an option (per Todd Zolecki / MLB.com):
He will make $1.9 million this season, $2.75 million in 2011 and $3.7 million in 2012. The club has a $500,000 buyout on its 2013 option, or they will pay him $5 million. Ruiz also receives $100,000 performance bonuses for 120, 130 and 140 games started. Any of those bonuses reached in any year will be added to his 2013 salary.
Rough estimate: Carlos Ruiz hits .698/.846/1.297 lifetime against the Dodgers.
Garret Anderson? Jim Edmonds? I have no idea whom the team is looking for
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:40 PM PST up reply actions
Jim Edmonds would make sense if he’s willing to be the 4th/5th outfielder. What we really need is a guy who can play center field.
Yeah, he might be done, but he could be a nice bat off the bench. I doubt he will cost much so the risk is low.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:57 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe the Dodgers are going to have
- an expansion team. Or are expecting a few defections in mid March.
vr, Xei
The best part about that news is that Robb Quinlan is right-handed :)
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 3:49 PM PST up reply actions
If you like the Ausmus signing
ont-day ead-ray eyer-nay’s atest-lay ost-pay.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
If you're having trouble with your infield, I feel bad for you, son
you’ve got 99 middle infielders but a star ain’t one
hit me
Always leave them wanting more!
You should have went out on the Patton Oswalt baby pic :)
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 4:02 PM PST up reply actions
Personally
I have one hundred problems.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jan 26, 2010 4:02 PM PST up reply actions
Dylan Hernandez coming through with the info today
Ausmus can earn $100k in incentives this year: $25k each for making 150, 175, 200 and 225 plate appearances
O-Dog in Tampa?
Heard this: Rays in on Orlando Hudson talks; Ben Zobrist could play right field. All depends on the price on whether TB gets him
Crazy
Zobrist as a 2nd baseman is awesome with bat and glove. as a RF he’s misused. Bet this is agent talk trying to make it look like Hudson has options.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Gurnick also added from the Belliard return article
One free agent the Dodgers have had interest in previously is Frank Catalanotto
Any thoughts on this? Does it really matter?
I'll add this as an update to the article
But Dylan H. just tweeted this:
Dodgers: Belliard’s contract is not guaranteed.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
More Dylan H. tweets
Belliard’s agent denies a report that the contract would become guaranteed if he reports to camp at 209 lbs or less. However, Belliard’s agent admitted that the Dodgers have requested that Belliard report to camp at 209 lbs. or less.
He’s listed at 5’ 8"!
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I don’t think I’ve been at 209 since like 11th grade.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 7:05 PM PST up reply actions
Incentive non-fat laden contract -
Guarantee Big Belly $2,000,000.00 if he is under 180 lbs. each and every day of the season.
by 68elcamino427 on Jan 26, 2010 7:06 PM PST up reply actions
Is a lighter roly poly
necessarily a better roly poly?
Angel Berroa now facing serious uphill battle for both the backup SS job and the Manny’s buddy job.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I see the Belliard signing as more of a threat to Berroa, Green, and Hu than I do to DeWitt. Having three middle infielders on the bench is not very smart.
I think DeWitt is far more likely to start in AAA. He’ll get a shot, but it’s an uphill battle.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 7:16 PM PST up reply actions
No…he’s all about depth, and having multiple options
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 7:18 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t know, I just don’t see Torre having any particular affinity towards Berroa or Green and I pretty much know how he feels about Hu. My hope is he will surprise and allow Carroll to backup SS.
I would be perfectly fine with that, especially since the backup SS barely plays, but I just doubt that will happen.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 7:23 PM PST up reply actions
so who will we have on the 25 man roster??
wow Dewitt Belliard Carrol and mencawich along with a backup SS (Hu nick green or berrao?) and then the regular infielders blake furcal and loney
I posted my guess somewhere above, in the middle of the thread
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 7:17 PM PST up reply actions
wow so all those players on gonna be in the team...
no power in our infield sadly..
The key might be whom we can sign as the LHB outfielder, as Gurnick reported earlier. Gabe Gross would be nice.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 7:22 PM PST up reply actions
Belliard's incentives
I believe the $250,000 breaks down as follows:
$50,000 for each of 350, 400, 450, 500, and 550 PA
I haven’t confirmed this yet, but here’s how I came up with that…I searched Google and the first result was this:
This was a link to Tony Jackson’s ESPN article, which has since removed any note of the plate appearances. There was no cached version available on Google, so I took the screen shot.
I’m sticking with that as the breakdown though, until I can confirm.
Belliard’s incentives (Ausmus too) are confirmed by the AP.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 27, 2010 5:36 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/columns/story?id=4861564
Tony Jackson has a new column out about DeWitt
Mostly good stuff, but this…
And while they still don’t have a left-handed pinch hitter, Carroll’s ability to fill a backup outfield spot could free the Dodgers up to re-sign veteran Doug Mientkiewicz, technically as a seventh infielder but mostly as that lefty off the bench.
They already did sign Mientkiewicz, to a minor league deal, but I’m guessing Jackson just meant to purchase his minor league deal.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2010 8:22 PM PST up reply actions
and for those looking for any positive spins we can get…
So, while the Belliard signing might seem superfluous at first glance, it actually changes the Dodgers’ landscape going into spring training, in many ways. Add to that last week’s re-signing of Vicente Padilla to fill out the starting rotation, and the club probably has at least regained favorite status in the National League West. That, of course, means nothing in January. But if nothing else, there are more reasons to believe in the Dodgers than there were, say, two weeks ago.
by RawhideBlue on Jan 26, 2010 10:07 PM PST up reply actions
dylanohernandez
Sources: Belliard’s contract becomes guaranteed if he weighs in at 209 or fewer pounds at any point during spring training.
Oh come on, I love the Roly Poly
He’s listed as 212lbs and 5’10" on fangraphs. So he just has to loose a few lbs of water weight and lay off the Snickers? Must be a tad more than 212 right now.
I’m going to bed soon to dream of the new leaner, meaner 2010 Dodgers. Goodnight!
I'm Pro Rolly Polly
He’s like a SUPERLoretta.
This whole lower your expectations thing is really working out for the Dodgers, I’m actually pretty excited about the team now and am going to set up an altar to turn one of our pitching prospects into a starting pitcher God. Keep hope alive!
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NL West Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Diego
|
76 | 59 | .562 | 0 | Lost 10 |
|
San Francisco
|
76 | 61 | .554 | 1 | Won 2 |
|
Colorado
|
72 | 64 | .529 | 4.5 | Won 3 |
|
Los Angeles
|
69 | 68 | .503 | 8 | Lost 2 |
|
Arizona
|
56 | 81 | .408 | 21 | Lost 2 |
(updated 9.5.2010 at 7:48 PM PDT)
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