Manny Suspension Only Frees Up $2.7MM For L.A.

first

So it is even less than I figured this morning. For $2.7M the Dodgers can run out and sign... uh... Kenny Rogers?

Kershaw, Billinsgley, and Wolf is hardly a totally dominant playoff rotation though. Billingsley is totally legit, he is an ace for sure, I will give you that, but Kershaw, while having worlds of talent, is hardly a sure thing in any given start at this point. He walks about 4.5 per 9, he is not the dominant pitcher that he will be soon. He can be beaten in a playoff game. As for Wolf, he isn't scaring anybody in a playoff series. It isn't a terrible threesome by any means, but you hardly consider a series impossible to win because of Bills, Kershaw and Wolf.

Wasian, I agree, there are few things in the world that are as stupid as posting "first" in a blogging comment section. These guys act like they explorers who just came across unknown territory.

FIFTH!

Thoughts on whether the Dodgers will go after Peavy? Does the smaller amount of money they're saving this year on Manny mean no?

I'm guessing that even with the savings they won't get Peavy. Not sure why, I could be wrong but I don't think it's going to happen. I don't think the Padres would be all that willing to trade him in the division without a huge haul coming back, and I don't think the Dodgers will want to overpay for him when there will likely be other descent pitchers available.

Yes, the Dodgers do need to add pitching and no, it's not a given that even without Manny they will win the division by 10 games. One significant injury in the rotation or on more loss of a good position player and suddenly that division will start looking a lot more competitive. Not improving the team now when they have the chance to do so just because they think they'll win the division by a lot is a serious and stupid mistake. Their fans who are saying they shouldn't do anything because they're going to win the division will be the first ones bitching if they end up losing it.

If any Dodger fan needs proof that teams who are supposed to win their division aren't guaranteed anything, just look at what the Cubs are going through. Almost every one of their star players have been hurt at one time or another this year and suddenly they aren't a lock to win anything anymore.

Red Sox Dynasty,

I was saying IF the Dodgers acquired Lee, then they would have the No. 1 rotation.

Dodgers behind the Red Sox? Definitely would NOT be the case if they traded for Lee and probably not behind them right now with Matsuzaka on the DL and Beckett and Lester struggling.

I will give you Tampa Bay but not necessarily the Yankees or Cubs either.

When the Angels get back healthy, then, yes, they should be better too.

BTW, the Dodgers' team ERA of 3.84 was good for 5th in MLB going into today and that doesn't take into account the fact that they shut out the Giants today 8-0. So I think you may be underestimating the Dodgers' pitching a little bit.

A deal for Lee or any #1 or #2 would probably require at least one of Lambo and McDonald.

While I would love to have Peavy here, it seems unlikely because the Pads dont want to face him for 5 yrs. However, a package with Lambo and McDonald for Peavy, espically if Peavy is just as strick as he was last yr in where he wanted to go, it would be smart for them to consider it.

I could see the Dodgers trading McDonald but definitely NOT Lambo.

A McDonald, Paul plus a prospect (maybe Eovaldi) for Lee could be a possibility.

The Indians could be in rebuild mode next year, especially in terms of their pitching, and may want to cut salary.

The Dodgers can give them a couple decent arms and an OF prospect and save them $8 mill for next year (Lee's salary for '10).

If the Indians want the farm for Lee, then let them keep him. Chances are, they still won't be contending next year with that staff and you know Lee is gone after next year via free agency.

“A McDonald, Paul plus a prospect (maybe Eovaldi) for Lee could be a possibility.”

Why do you keep saying Paul? Don’t the Indians already have Sizemore, Choo, LaPorta with Francisco, Crowe and Dellucci also around, a DH locked in for a couple years a solid enough 1B in Garko and 2 catchers they are trying to find ABs for? And I think everyone of those players will be around for a couple years outside of Dellucci. Cant see where they would have any interest in Xavier at all.

"If the Indians want the farm for Lee, then let them keep him"

As if no other team other then the Dodgers would be looking for a SP. That was a silly statement.

"he is going to be a good player, can play all 3 spots and CF really well, but we dont have any ABs"

Oh, well I cant see where the Indians would have any ABs for him at all either, so he probably shouldnt be included. They probably wouldnt value him enough to give him the value you think you might be able to find elseware. I would think they would be looking for 2nd, 3rd, SS and pitching only - or low minors guys with a larger upside if they took yet another player for the OF or 1st. Between players like Sizemore, Choo, LaPorta, Francisco, Hafner, Garko, Crowe, Martinez, Shoopach, Carlos Santana (who you might remember), Brantley (the other player in the Sabathia trade) and probably a couple more, finding ABs in the Cleveland OF, 1B or DH slots will be near impossible I imagine.

why dont they go out and sign pedro martinez. i know hes getting up there in age but come playoff time pedro would be very valuable if he stays healthy. hes demanding 5 mil which isnt that bad anymore because their saving 2.7 mil from manny.

they also wouldnt have to give up prospects. if they wana make a run for the series this year then this would put them over the top in the NL as the clear favorite. although I do consider them the best team in the NL thus far.