2012 MLB Free Agency: Why Dodgers Should Re-Sign Hiroki Kuroda

Hiroki Kuroda is one of the hardest working players for the LA Dodgers.  Even during the turmoil of Frank McCourt, he still managed to keep working at his game and put up some fairly decent numbers during this year for the Dodgers.  

Unfortunately, the language barrier prevents him from being completely immersed in the team. Regardless, he has put up a valiant effort for the team.  His record should also not be the sole fact in determining whether or not to keep Kuroda in the lineup or not.  

He allowed the Dodgers rotation to have a consistent pitcher in the lineup.  There was not too much that stood out about his stats this 2011 season, but there is one thing for sure. The Dodgers should do what they can to keep Kuroda in LA this year.

Consistency

One of the problems with the Dodgers this season was inconsistency in all facets of the organization.  It started with the front office and ownership with the Frank McCourt debacle, which then led to the play of the players which has huge variance throughout the season.

Kuroda added a level of consistency to the team throughout the last three years and in fact has increased his level of production with each year.  Starting from 2008 his ERA has decreased from 3.73 all the way down to 3.07.  

Granted, this ERA is nothing special, but, showing constant improvement is something that the Dodgers desperately need during a time of inconsistency.

Even while batting, from 2010 to 2011, he has increased his average from .036 to .115.  Although they are nothing special, Kuroda offered a level of efficiency and progress that did not ultimately hurt the teams success.

Hiroki Kuroda should be looked at in terms of how much he offered to a team during a time when paychecks coming in on time was uncertain.  

Passion

In any organization, finding players who want to be there is a huge plus.  They bring a level of passion and commitment that money can not really buy.  Passion is what keeps players coming in 15 minutes early and leaving 15 minutes late.  

Kuroda loves the LA Dodgers and playing for the boys in blue.  Kuroda was known for having a big interest in the Dodgers considering this is the only team he has played for in the states.  The only issue is whether or not he has enough passion for the LA squad to stay in the states or move back to play in his native land of Japan.  

It is highly unlikely that he leaves the Dodgers for another MLB team, and if he does stay in the states, it is most likely that he will try to re-sign with LA.

The losses in his record is in no way indicative of the pitches he threw.  If the losses were all that was important, not so many people would be interested in acquiring him.

Kuroda was a good teammate, and it is vital for the Dodgers to keep him in the lineup.

Professionalism

Even amongst constant media frenzy over whether or not he will be staying with the Dodgers, he never talked trash about the team or talked to the media about his options.  In fact, he enjoyed his tenure with the Dodgers, and it seemed that he could not see himself playing in another uniform in the MLB.

Kuroda understood that there was a time and place for everything.  

What seemed to frustrate him more than all these questions of trades and free agency was more so the losses that the team was taking in.  During the whole McCourt scandal, he never once stated his uncertainty of the team or whether or not he believed in the front office.  

Kuroda went out everyday and put full effort into every game.  He is the ideal teammate, professional and person that any organization would be lucky to have.

Loyalty

Hiroki Kuroda has been with the LA Dodgers all his MLB career.  Almost every year that he has been with the squad we have seen his numbers increase.  He has become a better pitcher since joining the team. With that, we see his loyalty to the team and vice versa.  

He has a passion for the game and his teammates.  If one of his teammates are in need of something he is there for them regardless of the language barrier that he possesses.  

Just as Kuroda has shown his loyalty for the team, it is only fitting that the team show him the same sort of respect.  Understandably they are currently acting on that that in giving him plenty of time to decide on whether or not he wants to re-sign with the Dodgers.  

During this offseason, it is vital for the Dodgers to strengthen up their pitching lineup due to their plethora of free agents.  Kuroda has been a fan favorite and stable piece to the Dodgers rotation.  Hopefully, Kuroda understands the Dodgers want him and decides to stay for another few years to help rebuild this Dodgers franchise.