It appeared as though Shane Victorino's days with the Dodgers were numbered when they acquired Carl Crawford, but today GM Ned Colletti told Steve Dilbeck of The Los Angeles Times that bringing him back for 2013 has not been ruled out.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” quipped Colletti. “Use your imagination.”
Crawford is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery but is expected to be ready early next season. Matt Kemp had shoulder surgery today and is also expected to be ready in time for Opening Day. Either way, the Dodgers are locked into those two as well as Andre Ethier on big money contracts. There doesn't appear to be a spot for Victorino, who reiterated to Dilbeck that he wants to play everyday.
“I’m not taking a back seat to nobody," he said. "Not in a negative way am I saying that. I still feel like I can play every day and that’s my goal. I don’t know who came up with the mindset that all of a sudden that I’m not an everyday player."
Victorino, 31, hit .245/.316/.351 with the Dodgers and .255/.321/.383 overall this season. He is scheduled to become a free agent for the first time in his career this winter, and he is working to hire a new agent after recently dropping ACES. Victorino could be a more affordable alternative to top outfield free agents Michael Bourn and B.J. Upton.
Even in imaginary land I don’t think they can keep Victorino.
As a Dodger fan I don’t want them to, even if Crawford won’t be ready. Victorino put up a .245/.316/.351 batting line in Los Angeles. I’d rather see what Puig can do.
I think at the very least Alex Castellanos could fill in until Crawford is ready to go.
And the Dodgers still have Hairston under contract next season as well. Not an ideal solution, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out in LF occasionally.
I agree. Victorino is done as a everyday player. His hitting ability has declined too much. Hope Dodgers avoid him.
“We just really really reeeaaallllyyyy wanna add payroll.”
But seriously where would he play? o.O
Victorino is insurance against the possibility that Crawford or Kemp could play but not make the outfield throws. DH one till midseason then unload Victorino when the guy is fully ready to return.
“DH one till midseason”…you do know the NL does not have a DH, right?
You know that the Dodgers are in the NL, correct?
Gonna be pretty pricey for a backup outfielder and DH for 10 games
“I’m not taking a back seat to nobody,” he said. “Not in a negative way am I saying that. I still feel like I can play every day and that’s my goal. I don’t know who came up with the mindset that all of a sudden that I’m not an everyday player.”
Maybe not in a negative way Shane, but definitely in a double negative way.
Colletti has to feel like a kid in a candy store right now. It seems like he’s pretty much been given a blank check to make sure the Dodgers are permanent contenders.
So… what’s the over under on him surviving past a year if the Dodgers miss the playoffs in 2013?
Actually, Mattingly is at a bigger risk. Ned can always say’ I got you the pieces, you didn’t utilize them properly’. Dodgers need to at least be one of the Wild Cards next year.
“Use your imagination.”
Victorino plays rover!
I’d love to see Yasiel Puig start the season in left field. The Dodgers are paying him a lot of money and he probably will be major-league ready by then.
He had a very good showing but it was just 95 PA so as long as Crawford is healthy I think Puig will be in the minors.
It will be interesting to see what happens if Puig keeps hitting at the level he showed, however.
doubt he comes up. He was playing A ball, and it was his first game action in over a year