The 5 Biggest Decisions the Los Angeles Dodgers Have to Make This Offseason
Despite their recent elimination from the MLB playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers will not cede the headlines. They were dispatched in ignominious fashion, as their bullpen failed so spectacularly that manager Don Mattingly refused to go to it when necessary. However, since their departure, they have hired Andrew Friedman, formerly of the Tampa Bay Rays, to be their president of baseball operations.
This changes the calculus for the offseason. Expectations we may have had are now entirely irrelevant; Friedman brings a different perspective than did Ned Colletti.
1. Manager
1 of 5
All reports indicate that Don Mattingly is expected to return as the Dodgers manager in 2015. However, without a replacement obviously lined up, that is likely what we would expect Friedman to say—particularly before a general manager is hired.
Current Rays manager Joe Maddon is under contract for one more year, so he could not join the team immediately even if Friedman wanted him to. However, it is within the realm of possibility that a trade is worked out, or Friedman hires someone else who suits his philosophy better.
2. Organization of Front Office
2 of 5
As I mentioned above, Friedman was hired to be the president of baseball operations. He was not hired as the general manager, and he did not bring one with him. Therefore, he still has to hire one to manage the day-to-day tasks involved in running a baseball team.
Additionally, former GM Ned Colletti has been shifted upstairs to be a senior adviser. I do not expect this to be an issue—it is likely just a way for Colletti to save face—but it is possible that too many egos in one organization could be a problem.
3. Hanley Ramirez
3 of 5
This is the biggest on-field decision the Dodgers have to make this offseason. Ramirez has been the shortstop for the last two full seasons, but his performance has been a mixed bag. He is an excellent offensive option, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired—and he has struggled to stay on the field. He only played 86 games last year and 128 this year, so it is difficult to count on him.
An added factor to mention is the presence of Corey Seager. He is a top prospect who also conveniently plays shortstop. Going with the youngster would provide a cheap, cost-controlled option who comes with much lower risk.
.png?w=256)
4. Back of the Rotation
4 of 5
The last month of the season exposed the back half of the Dodger rotation. When Hyun-jin Ryu got hurt, both Roberto Hernandez and Kevin Correia were forced into the rotation. Even though the Dodgers signed Dan Haren and were expected to have a deep pitching staff, they ran out of viable options before the season ended.
The new front office will have to decide how much of their vast financial might to devote to pitchers who may or may not be needed.
5. Catcher
5 of 5
A.J. Ellis is the presumed starting catcher, but he doesn’t rate all that well by any sort of defensive metrics—so the possibility exists that Friedman will go after an upgrade. Per FanGraphs, Ellis’ career 98 wRC+ makes him a league-average hitter, but the publicly available framing data does not like him. He ranked 99th of 100 catchers this season on Baseball Prospectus, which is obviously not good.
These metrics are not completely accepted, but there is evidence that the Rays under Friedman valued framing: Jose Molina, the main Tampa Bay catcher this year, ranked fifth and played in 80 games despite having a wRC+ of 23.
The Dodgers may not make an immediate change at catcher. However, the new front office clearly prioritizes different traits in a backstop.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
