For the Los Angeles Dodgers this off season is a cross roads. When they won the 2008 Pennant they created expectations. The team of 2008 is gone now and the new team will be created in the front office. The man who signed Jason Schmidt, Andruw Jones, and Juan Pierre for reasons never explained will remake the infield and replace the majority of the pitching staff.
The public relations offer for Manny Ramirez, never intended to be serious, is the only noteworthy move so far. The Dodgers created a lot of excitement only after the Red Sox gave them the gift of a superstar.
Now in the quiet before the storm, many questions circulate. But the biggest and un-asked question is: Why Los Angeles, the second biggest city in the USA and one of the biggest media markets in the world, does not operate like the “Big Boys”?
The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and Cubs (lately) manage to shop for the top free agents. They have the prospects for replacements, and trades. Year after year they build teams so they EXPECT to be in the postseason? The Dodgers won the pennant in 2008 more because the Red Sox wanted to get rid of Manny than because of any front office brilliance.
Why does a fabled MLB franchise, operate like a second tier team when it comes to the free agent market? Why is the new ownership looking to maintain a budget when the character of the 2009 team is at stake?
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about 1 month ago
The Dodgers should dump every player cover 30 & go for the young players that don't know they can't win & win. NO more long term contracts for anyone & then hope they play well after going to the bank. NO more paying before seeing the performance. NO more moneys payouts while the player either gains 50 pounds or needs to be cut & rest for years while being paid millions.. A team almost NEVER trades a player that is valuable, forget trades, forget free agents, go out & get young, eager players that can be taught how to play & win. Find players who will sign contracts for NO more then 3 years & even better, give them 1 year deals that double every year they produce... Marty
about 1 month ago
The *Dodgers* won the Pennant? Must've been a shock to see the Phillies in the World Series, then.
about 1 month ago
This article would make more sense if written at the start of spring training with no talent having been brought in. I would say it is premature in the present time.
I would not want to give Manny more than 3 years, 4 at the most. I would not want to give Furcal multiple years guaranteed without some incentives given his injury history. I would not give Lowe a dollar to shine my shoes.
Keeping the 2008 roster would not guarantee success in 2009. While Colletti is a questionable GM for his past moves, let's see what he gets finished for 2009 before gutting him over this off-season.
about 1 month ago
The Dodgers will not become the San Diego Padres unless Frank McCourt gets a divorce and Jamie McCourt takes half of the money.
We still have the winter meetings to look for some news. The Dodgers have been quiet but so has the rest of the MLB teams. Teams will offer players money but has anyone big really signed? We'll see in the upcoming months.
about 1 month ago
"The Dodgers won the pennant in 2008"
What?
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