Tag: Los Angeles

MLB Rumors: What Crawford’s Signing With The Red Sox Means For The Yankees

Carl Crawford has agreed to a seven-year, $142 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. But what does that mean for Boston’s AL East rival, the New York Yankees?

Well if nothing else, we now know the Red Sox have big league money and are willing to spend it.

Just last weekend, Boston traded for San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez. The first baseman is expected to get a deal worth an estimated $154 million over seven-years.

No doubt now the Yankees are pressing to sign Cliff Lee and make a splash of their own this offseason.

After all, the Red Sox are on the verge of becoming the Miami Heat of the 2011 MLB season.

New York has a stellar team, there is little doubt. But can they really afford to sit back and watch the Red Sox reel in all the available talent?

Is the Yankee pitching staff good enough to carry them past Boston’s newly acquired sluggers in a seven game ALCS?

No one can answer these questions with a confident and definitive “yes.”

Thus making it essential to the Yankees’ future success that they sign Cliff Lee before someone else does.

Lee would solidify New York’s starting rotation and make them the odds on favorite to win the AL East in many minds.

The Yankees have six-year contract, which they increased to seven years following the Crawford signing, worth between $140-150 million on the table for Lee, but will he bite?

No one knows for sure yet. Lee likes living in Arkansas and maybe he doesn’t need another Escalade. Either way we will find out shortly.

But perhaps more intimidating than who they Red Sox signed, is how they signed them. Boston’s total disregard for it’s bank account has to be somewhat frightening to the Yankees’ front office.

Boston has laid out all the chips in order to win and now it’s New York’s turn to make a move.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.

 

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MLB Trade Rumors: Xavier Paul’s Future Doubtful With Los Angeles Dodgers

When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed outfielder Tony Gwynn, Jr. to a one-year Major League deal on Tuesday, it became almost apparent that Xavier Paul is not part of the club’s future plan. And with General Manager Ned Colletti still pursuing outfielders Jeff Francoeur, Bill Hall, and Scott Podsednik, one wonders if the X-Man is being considered as a possible bartering chip to fill in a few remaining gaps on the roster.

As of Tuesday evening, MLB analysts such as Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports have already reported that similar rumors about Paul may become reality.

Stop for a moment and think back to June 9, 2010—a time when everything was just glorious at Chavez Ravine.

The Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals that evening, improving their record to 36-24—the best in the entire National League.

Clayton Kershaw struck out 10 batters while outduelling Adam Wainwright and earned himself his sixth victory on the season. Manny Ramirez, who was completely healthy, belted his fifth home run into the stands in the bottom of the first inning which put the Dodgers ahead to stay. In the bottom of the third, Blake DeWitt ripped a two-run single into right that provided the necessary insurance runs. Jonathan Broxton sealed the game with his 16th save—and it was only the beginning of June.

Things were just dandy in Dodgertown.

At that point in time, Dodger fans knew that Ramirez wouldn’t be back in 2011, and there was no doubt that Xavier Paul, the Dodgers’ fourth-round draft pick in 2003, was the heir apparent to Manny’s starting outfield spot. Some folks argued that Paul should have been on the big league roster to prepare himself for everyday action in 2011, while others thought he needed the daily repetitions in the minors where he could continue to hone his skills.

Regardless, Paul would get the call a total of three times during the 2010 campaign. It could be fair to say that skipper Joe Torre misused Paul during that time, as Paul found himself in a three-way platoon with veterans Garret Anderson and Reed Johnson. And to add insult to injury, Torre, being a huge fan of the hitter’s match-up, started Jamey Carroll in left field five times in July.

Nevertheless, although he did consistently hit the ball hard, Paul didn’t capitalize on the opportunities he had in the 44 games he appeared over the course of 2010. His average before his third call-up was a productive .281, but just before being sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque in August, he drifted down to a 231 average and a .314 slugging percentage. Still, there weren’t many players on the squad who were hitting much better, as the entire team was amidst a tremendous drought for most of July and August.

It’s difficult to say if 44 games is enough time to give a 25-year-old outfielder the opportunity to prove his value, but there’s no doubt that the X-Man has the tools. He has a rifle of an arm, which can easily be ranked second-best in the organization next to the cannon of Matt Kemp. And his minor league statistics prior to being injured in 2009 are excellent.

In 2008 with the Las Vegas 51s, Paul appeared in 115 games while batting an impressive .316/.378/.463. He also added 28 doubles, nine home runs, 68 RBI and 17 stolen bases. His OPS calculated to .841, which is exceptional for someone hitting out of the one or two holes.

Heading into 2011, the Dodgers have a need for speed, and if Rafael Furcal happens to suffer an injury as he typically has in years past, there’s few on the roster who could fill that spot as well as Paul. And outside of Furcal and Kemp, there’s not a single player on the squad who is even a threat to steal a base. Newly acquired first base coach Davey Lopes is a professor of the art of stealing, but there may be little for him to work with in that area next season.

The Dodgers aren’t getting any younger, and there are very few players on the Dodger’s farm who have seen any action at the big league level. Considering a starting lineup of Rod Barajas, Casey Blake, Furcal, Juan Uribe, James Loney, Jay Gibbons, Kemp, and Andre Ethier, only three of those players are under the age of thirty. The “young core” of players, as they are so often referred to, aren’t very young anymore, and it may be a good time to experiment with a few of the farmhands such as Paul, Russ Mitchell, or Ivan DeJesus.

Additionally, while in the minor leagues, Paul has always played well under Tim Wallach, who will be responsible for the Dodgers’ third base coaching duties next season. Now is a good time as any to give the X-Man a proper opportunity to show what he can contribute to the club.

The first half of the season is seemingly the best time for such types of experimentation, as the team can make any necessary adjustments before the All-Star break or trade deadline. Instead, Los Angeles has worked backwards from that angle over the last few years, having rounded out the Opening Day roster with veterans, then calling upon a few minor leaguers in awkward or very high pressure type situations.

Regardless of what the future holds for Xavier Paul, he will have the opportunity to prove himself, whether it be for another team or for the Dodgers in Spring training next year. Many who have seen him play recognize his overwhelming potential, and hope that Los Angeles provides him with the chance to prove his value. And if Los Angeles does indeed decide to retain him, the decision must be concise, as he no longer has any options remaining, and cannot be jockeyed between the Dodgers’ minor and major league rosters.

After a brutal 2010 campaign and with ownership still in question, folks across Dodgertown are mentally fatigued as it is, and really don’t need additional nightmares of dealing away very young, untested future stars such as Paul Konerko, Cody Ross, Carlos Santana, Sid Fernandez, John Franco or Pedro Martinez.

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MLB Rumors: 10 Reasons Jayson Werth Just Made Carl Crawford Very Rich

WOW!

That’s what came to mind when I read about the Washington Nationals signing OF Jayson Werth to a 7-year $126 million deal. Jayson Werth? Really?

That got me thinking. If Werth can command that kind of money, what is Carl Crawford worth? In the simplest terms, he is worth more. Let’s take a look at a few ways Jayson Werth made sure he is going to get it.

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Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers Discussing Prince Fielder Trade

According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Brewers and Dodgers are discussing a possible trade that would send 1B Prince Fielder to the Dodgers in exchange for 1B James Loney and closer Jonathan Broxton.

The Dodgers are a team in need of power and run production which Fielder would provide. Fielder’s HR, RBI, BB and OBP numbers would all dwarf the other player’s in the somewhat anemic Dodger’s offense.

While the Brewers would not be getting starting pitching in return, they would be getting a very capable 1B and a once-dominant closer. While Jon Axford acquitted himself admirably in the closer’s role for the Brewers, Broxton would be solid insurance if Axford were to falter in 2011.

The deal makes sense for both sides. Based on what I had been hearing, I am a bit surprised the Brewers would get as much as is being discussed. If Broxton can regain his form, this could end up being a steal for the Brewers especially if Fielder walks as a free-agent.

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MLB Trade Rumors: Brewers and Dodgers Discussing Prince Fielder Trade

According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Brewers and Dodgers are discussing a possible trade that would send 1B Prince Fielder to the Dodgers in exchange for 1B James Loney and closer Jonathan Broxton.

The Dodgers are a team in need of power and run production which Fielder would provide. Fielder’s HR, RBI, BB and OBP numbers would all dwarf the other player’s in the somewhat anemic Dodger’s offense.

While the Brewers would not be getting starting pitching in return, they would be getting a very capable 1B and a once-dominant closer. While Jon Axford acquitted himself admirably in the closer’s role for the Brewers, Broxton would be solid insurance if Axford were to falter in 2011.

The deal makes sense for both sides. Based on what I had been hearing, I am a bit surprised the Brewers would get as much as is being discussed. If Broxton can regain his form, this could end up being a steal for the Brewers especially if Fielder walks as a free-agent.

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Los Angeles Dodgers: Power Ranking the 50 Worst Trades in Team History

With the Major League Baseball Hot Stove season almost at its boiling point, many fans across Dodgertown can’t help but recollect the most notable trades in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise.

Since officially moving to Los Angeles in 1958, many player trades occurred that were instrumental in winning nine National League pennants and five World Series championships. However, along with the deals that were beneficial came the deals that were dreadful, and people wonder what may have transpired if a number of these trades could have been undone.

The following slides rank the 50 worst trades in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, as well as offer a bit of commentary for each transaction. Please note that the rankings don’t include any free-agent signings, nor do they contain any deals made prior to the Dodgers moving to Los Angeles. The list is not syndicated in any fashion and it is purely opinionated and subjective.

Although some of the transactions listed may seem more prominent than others, the logic used in the rankings is based on the players ability at that time and into the future, weighted against what the Dodgers actually received in return.

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride through 52 years of Dodgers history.

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Padilla and Barajas May Still Be Dodgers in 2011 Despite Arbitration Snub

According to the team website, the Dodgers declined to offer arbitration to veterans Vicente Padilla, Rod Barajas and Scott Podsednik, making them unrestricted free agents.

However, declining to offer a player arbitration is not a signal that the team is ready to move on. Multiple media outlets have reported the Dodgers remain in talks with all three players. General Manager Ned Colletti has mentioned several times that he is still very interested in resigning Padilla to fill out the remainder of the rotation.

Tops on the Dodgers’ agenda is finding a consistent backup for Russell Martin, should the young, workhorse catcher need additional breaks in the upcoming season. 

Another area of concern is the outfield, and it seems Podsednik may not be the answer in Los Angeles. It is possible that the team and the speedy outfielder are on different pages concerning length of contract and yearly salary.

The Dodgers believed the $2 million was a decent figure to offer, but Podsednik may see this off-season as a chance to find a contending team. The outfielder is no stranger to the free agent market, and has played for six teams in his ten-year Major League career.

Rumors from the Hot Stove says Padilla is seeking a multi-year deal in the range of $5-7M a season. That estimated figure is slightly higher than the Dodgers’ estimated price range. Typically, during the free agent period looks similar to a pawn shop in several ways: Both sides are offering amounts higher than they expect to get, the media attempts to ballpark the information for the public.

When both sides exchange numbers, both sides typically attempt to meet in the middle if common interest remains in the venture. As negotiations continue, Padilla will test the market to see if another team has more to offer before deciding where to play next season.

Padilla still has a decent chance of playing in Dodger Blue next season, as he is not viewed as a Type A free agent. Due to nagging injuries, Padilla may be seen as a risk to other teams.

For Barajas, a late-season spark of offense may be attractive to other teams, and he most likely fares a slightly better chance on the free agent market. He will likely find a back-up role in the National League, and talks will certainly heat up between the Dodgers and the veteran.

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MLB Rumors: The 10 Best Cliff Lee Landing Spots for You, the Baseball Fan

Cliff Lee is a free agent, and that means the team that flashes the most cash will have the advantage in the arms race.

Lee most likely enjoys Texas, unfortunately, us fans don’t really get a lot of the Rangers during the typical MLB season.

As a casual observer of the game, I choose to take a glance at the 10 places in which Lee would look best. Of course, we are taking into account exposure, market and fan base.

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Dodgers’ Musical Bases: Weighing Five LA Second Baseman Possibilities for 2011

One of the main concerns for GM Ned Colletti and the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason is finding a permanent solution for second base. For Dodgers fans, the last few seasons have been confusing in the middle infield, as several journeyman veterans and utility players have stepped in, taking turns manning the right side of the infield.

The upcoming season appears to be heading in the same direction. However, it is also possible with major names on the free agent market, the Dodgers will be able to sign a solid fielder with a productive bat to a multi-year deal.

With the future beyond the 2011 season in mind, let’s examine the possibilities of a second baseman with stability-type qualities for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

Also check out: One Spot Left: Should the LA Dodgers Sign Vicente Padilla or Brandon Webb?

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Clayton Kershaw: Is the Dodgers Ace Being Bullied by Los Angeles Management?

After the Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed both Ted Lilly and Hiroki Kuroda to lucrative contracts, lefty ace Clayton Kershaw can’t help but sit scratching his head with concern.

In 2009, at only 21 years of age, Kershaw’s salary was $404,000—just $4,000 over the league minimum.

And after proving to the team that he is indeed one of the brightest future stars of the Dodgers franchise, Los Angeles awarded him a $40,000 raise in 2010.

That’s right, while Lilly and Kuroda each earned over $10 million last year, Kershaw was shining among the best in the business while collecting his meager $440,000 salary.

Even George Sherrill ($4.5 million) and Vicente Padilla ($5.025 million) both banked at least 10 times more cash than Kershaw last season.

It is, however, fair to say that Kershaw’s situation isn’t completely out of the norm; and after only two full years of MLB service, his salary fits well within the guidelines set by Major League Baseball.

General Manager Ned Colletti and team owner Frank McCourt probably find it difficult to forget that they paid Kershaw a $2.3 million signing bonus back in 2006, which at the time was the highest in Dodgers history.

With the signing bonus still in mind, perhaps Colletti and McCourt believed that Kershaw’s 2010 salary was somewhat justified; yet when first-round draft choice Zach Lee was awarded a $5.25 million signing bonus this year, Kershaw took a backseat once again.

Kershaw is pre-arbitration eligible this winter, which basically means he will get paid whatever the Dodgers want to pay him. The only stipulations are that he makes at least the league minimum, which is $400,000, and the salary must be at least 80 percent of last year’s compensation.

While pre-arbitration is still considered a two-sided negotiation, and the player involved has the option to refuse a deal, the club still has the choice to pay whatever salary it wishes during this stage of the player’s career.

After the 2011 season, Kershaw will become arbitration eligible, which means each side will submit a prospective salary, and if an agreement can’t be reached, both the team and the player will take part in a hearing in front of a panel of three arbitrators.

Still, with all of those guidelines in mind, there’s nothing that prevents Ned Colletti from offering Kershaw something like a three-year, $20 million contract today. And he would certainly deserve every dime of it.

Whether or not Clayton Kershaw is actually ace material isn’t the question at hand, but what is important to remember is that he is far and away the most talented pitcher in the starting rotation.

Last year, Kershaw led all Dodgers starters with 13 wins, 212 strikeouts, over 204 innings pitched and a stellar 2.91 ERA. On September 14 against the San Francisco Giants, he threw the first shutout of his young career, and perhaps his most impressive win of the season occurred on May 9, when he outdueled Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies by throwing eight innings of two-hit shutout ball while earning the win.

Immediately after the Lilly and Kuroda signings, some fans across Dodgertown were almost bitter with the amount of money offered in the deals, being that Los Angeles needs to upgrade in quite a few areas in order to make a push for the playoffs in 2011. And the problem is that while having obvious limits, the overall payroll can be distorted and constrained very quickly, putting several of the younger players in a position to earn less than their actual value.

The underlying point is after the 2011 campaign, more than a handful of the Los Angeles players will be eligible for free agency; and after 2013, Kershaw himself may be eligible, depending what type of contract he is offered in the future.

The players remember times like these—and more often than not, the way a player is rewarded determines whether they walk or stay come free agency time.

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