Hello,
One year ago today I wrote two blogs. The first blog I wished everyone a Merry Christmas! I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas this year as well. I hope that whatever your festivities are that they are truly joyous and you are able to spend a lot of time with those you love the most.
The second blog I wrote a year ago is about the Dodgers signing both Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu. I would say after the first year that both of those deals worked out well for LA. Behind Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, those two were the most consistent Dodgers starters. Granted there wasn't much competition, but all 3 of those guys were solid pitchers last year. I also like that all three are a threat with the bat, especially Greinke.
The Dodgers seem to be acting more financially conservative this year, which I think is the right course. Just because a team has a lot of money, doesn't mean they should spend it. Much thanks to the entire Dodgers organization for not participating in the Robinson Cano sweepstakes. I'm guessing about half way through that contract the Mariners will be regretting it. It won't be as bad as the horrendous Alex Rodriguez contract, but the last few years are going to be painful for Seattle.
Thankfully the Dodgers signed Dan Haren to a $10 million one year contract (with a second year option.) (Thanks to ESPN LA.) That should give the Dodgers a solid fourth or fifth starter. Then I'm hoping that Chad Billingsley can turn into a solid starter once he returns from injury. That would give the Dodgers 5 solid starters and the carcass of Josh Beckett. Thankfully only one more year of having Beckett on the roster. I'm so glad that the Dodgers don't owe the oft injured Ted Lilly any more money.
I liked what Ricky Nolasco added to the Dodgers, but it was clear he was just a rental for the playoffs.
I'm also happy that the Dodgers resigned Brian Wilson. That gives the Dodgers a solid 8th and 9th inning pitching duo with him and Kenley Jansen.
The Dodgers seem to be well situated when it comes to pitching, now what they will do about their inept offense? For the amount of payroll the Dodgers paid out last season, they scored too few runs. Of course they'll be managing the consequences of their big 2012 trade with the Red Sox for a few more years. Although that trade cost the Dodgers a lot of money, it also brought them their most consistent player in Adrian Gonzalez. He played the whole season, flirting with .300 the entire time.
I'm glad Yasiel Puig will be coming back, one more year more mature and hopefully fundamentally more sound. Will Hanley Ramirez have another solid season? Puig got the love last season, but Hanley was just as much of a spark plug as was Puig. Honestly the Dodgers season would have been kaput if either of those players hadn't played up to that level last season. Carl Crawford will miss several games as usual, but hopefully he can be a solid lead off man and bat around .300 when he does play. What will Joc Pederson and Alexander Guerrero bring to the line up?
It looks like the Dodgers big off season question now is will Juan Uribe return. Honestly if LA is truly going to a more cost effective youth movement, wouldn't it make more sense to let him move on?
No I didn't forget either Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, but honestly I'd be glad if those two players aren't with the Dodgers next season. I've grown tired of the injury prone and underperforming Kemp and Ethier. After starting out so hot in 2012, Kemp has been a colossal disappointment. He has simply missed too many games, he was on the DL 3 different times last season. If the Dodgers can dump both players, by throwing some money in, and get back solid pitching and back up players I suggest that would be a win for the Dodgers.
themusicaddict
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