According to multiple reports, Frank McCourt is apparently now flush with TV ad revenue and says he's willing to spend money this off-season. Assuming he loses his divorce case, he will still retain control of the team for a couple of years thanks to the lengthy appeals process. Assuming that he is willing to spend some money (Though not Yankee money) to make this team a contender, I'm going to give an assessment of where I would spend it.
Let's start with the Dodger's position players:
Pos No Player
C 55 Martin (ARB)
1B 7 Loney (ARB)
2B 13 Theriot (FA)
3B 23 Blake
SS 15 Furcal
LF 30 Paul
CF 27 Kemp
RF 16 Ethier
INF 14 Carroll
C 17 Ellis
C 28 Barajas (FA)
Problems
There are a couple of problems here. First and foremost, Xavier Paul is not an everyday Left Fielder. However, he's also not expensive and is very solid in a back-up type of role. Theriot is a solid, if unspectacular 2nd Baseman and would come relatively cheap. Blake is no longer and everyday 3rd baseman and Russell Martin doesn't hit. Furcal is an MVP candidate when healthy, but he hasn't been healthy in 2 years.
Bright Spots
Andre Ethier is an all-star and is becoming a team leader. Matt Kemp, despite having a down year, still hit 28 Home Runs and drove in 89 RBI's. If he can put it all together, he's a potential MVP-type player. James Loney continues to hit well and many in the organization predict a power surge in the near future.
What Would Kevin Do?
It's time for Russell Martin to move on. He's still young and has high trade value, but is not working well in LA. re-signing Rod Barajas to platoon with AJ Ellis, who was great down the stretch last season, would more than make-up for Martin's departure while costing a fraction of his salary. Furcal is in his walk year and would not net much return, so there is no reason to get rid of him. Plus, Jamey Carroll is more than capable as a back-up, allowing Furcal to have more rest days. Theriot can be re-signed as well for 1-2 years until prospect David DeJesus is ready to step in.
On the Free Agent Market, although Carl Crawford is a top FA in the OF, the Dodgers need more power. Bringing back Jayson Werth or 2-3 year deal for Adam Dunn would add some much needed pop to the middle of the order, although Werth is expected to command a 5-6 year deal at between $10-13 million per year. Casey Blake is a great leader and clubhouse guy, and can still play, but not everyday. There is a mutual interest in returning Adrian Beltre to the Dodgers, who enjoyed a resurgent year and still has plenty of good years left. 4 years at $11-12 million would get it done.
Kevin's Re-tooled Roster
C 28 Barajas
1B 7 Loney
2B 13 Theriot
3B ??? Beltre
SS 15 Furcal
RF ??? Werth/Dunn
CF 27 Kemp
LF 16 Ethier
INF 14 Carroll
LF 30 Paul
3B 23 Blake
C 17 Ellis
We now move on to the Starting Pitching rotation:
Pos No Player
SP 22 Kershaw
SP 58 Billingsley (
ARB)
SP 29 Lilly
SP 48 Ely
SP 37 Monasterios
Problems
The Dodgers have only 3 proven starters on their current roster, and in a division with the Giants, Padres and Rockies, that's not going to work. Ely and Monasterios has some mild success, but ultimately need more seasoning or a change of direction. Vicente Padilla's inability to stay healthy means he won't be back.
Bright Spots
Clayton Kershaw is officially a staff ace. He keeps getting better and better each year, and Chad Billingsley is finally past the mental mistakes that plagued him previously. Ted Lilly was incredible after being acquired and re-signing him was a great move to shore up the middle of the rotation.
What Would Kevin Do?
As I mentioned previously, Russ Martin is good trade bait, and Zach Greinke of the Royals is available. With the Yankees busy in pursuit of Cliff Lee, the Dodgers are primed to make an offer. Martin, John Ely and another prospect would more than likely get the deal done. As for the 5th starter, Monasterios should be the leading candidate heading into spring training.
Kevin's Re-tooled Roster
SP 22 Kershaw
SP ??? Greinke
SP 58 Billingsley
SP 29 Lilly
SP 37 Monasterios
And now, the bane of my existence, the bullpen:
Pos No Player
CL 51 Broxton
LHP 56 Kuo
RHP 74 Jansen
RHP 54 Belisario
RHP 38 Troncoso
RHP 50 Link
RHP 59 Schlichting
Problems
Where do I even begin? Broxton was a mess in the 2nd half, Torre overused Troncoso, Belisario had too many personal issues to count, Cory Wade is still injured and the depth isn't there.
Bright Spots
Kuo was lights out all year long, Jansen came out of nowhere and dominated, Troncoso was solid before fatigue set in and Broxton's first half earned him a spot as the All-Star game closer.
What Would Kevin Do?
It's not hopeless, but this is where to hit Free Agency hard. Link and Schlichting need more seasoning and will be back in the minor's. Broxton will have an off-season to clear his head and the rest of the bullpen will get much needed rest, after consecutive extended seasons. Going after Scott Downs and Jose Contreras with a vengeance could probably net both. Relievers are seen as an after-thought in Free Agency but making them top priorities (while still going after OF and 3B needs) would put the Dodgers in the driver's seat. Joe Beimel
Kevin's Re-tooled Roster
CL 51 Broxton
LHP 56 Kuo
RHP 74 Jansen
RHP 54 Belisario
RHP 38 Troncoso
LHP ?? Downs
RHP ?? Contreras
