Dodgers Stan Kasten Holding off on Contracts Until End of Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers new ownership group has two golden opportunities to make a mark on the new era of Dodger baseball.

And...well, they're gonna wait to make that statement until the season is over.

Free agent to be, Andre Ethier, has made it known that he would have no issue discussing a contract extension during the course of the season.

According to Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal, Stan Kasten wants to hold off and be sure that Ethier can put together a fully healthy, productive season before moving forward with any negotiations.

According to Bill Shaikin via Twitter, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti has stated that nothing will be negotiated with Clayton Kershaw on the extension front either until the winter rolls around.

Both of these notes provide an interesting prospective on the team's mindset.

I do like that they are waiting and being cautious with Ethier, even though I do ultimately think he'll be back. By holding off, should Ethier get injured or slump, the Dodgers will have money to throw at players like Josh Hamilton or Nick Swisher, should they decide to part ways.

The idea of waiting for Kershaw makes sense as well. Yes, the big man is underpaid for his ability. However, waiting for the winter to extend him makes the news seem much grander overall.

Imagine one day the team announces the re-signing of Ethier followed up a couple of days later with the extension of Kershaw?

More so, imagine they make those moves and then sign another big free agent, just to really accentuate their mark on the team. It could get pretty interesting.

That being said, I can't wait to see what happens in town; besides, at least we know Matt Kemp will be around for a long, long time.