Dodger's Offseason

[loseyourname]

First priority is to resign Gagne and Beltre. I'd offer small, one-year contracts to Jose Hernandez and Odalis Perez. I'd also offer a small, one-year contract with a team option for a second year to Steve Finley. The team needs a catcher and a starting pitcher. I'd go after Jason Varitek first and Jason Kendall second. I'd want to avoid getting into a bidding war with the Yankees, so I think you can forget about Carl Pavano. Chris Carpenter has great stuff and quietly had a very good year. I'd try to sign him and I'd bring back Jose Lima as well. I'd try to wrap up Izturis and Jayson Werth to multi-year extensions cheaply before they reach free agency.

Then I'd get bold. Assuming the Cubs trade Sammy Sosa, I'd offer them Alex Cora and Steve Finley for Todd Walker, maybe even Mike Venafro or another middle-relief guy if they want that. Then I'd offer as large of a contract as the team could possibly afford to Carlos Beltran. In fact, if I could wrap up Beltran, I might even let Beltre walk and sign Troy Glaus or Corey Koskie instead.

This would obviously raise payroll, but the team saved money last year by getting rid of Kevin Brown. Todd Hundley is now off the books, Perez would be off the books if he signs elsewhere, and huge contracts will expire next year with Shawn Green and Darren Dreifort. Dreifort won't be back, and maybe by then Hee-Sop Choi will be a viable replacement for Green. Bite the bullet for one year in order to build a winner. I'd pay the big money for a powerful, consistent lineup and hope for good things from all the young pitching prospects in the organization.

Ideal team next year:

Starting rotation:

Jeff Weaver
Chris Carpenter
Jose Lima
Edwin Jackson
Brad Penny

Everyday lineup:

Cesar Izturis SS
Milton Bradley RF
Carlos Beltran CF
Troy Glaus 3B
Shawn Green 1B
Todd Walker 2B
Jayson Werth LF
Jason Varitek C

Bullpen:

Gio Carrarra
Yhency Brazoban
Wilson Alvarez
Darren Dreifort
Eric Gagne
Chad Billingsley, Greg Miller, Joel Hanrahan (one of these guys needs a shot at the majors at some point)

[jilbagh]

First priority is to resign Gagne and Beltre.

That should be done ASAP!!!

I'd offer small, one-year contracts to Jose Hernandez and Odalis Perez.

Perez can walk just like the players he pitched to.

I'd also offer a small, one-year contract with a team option for a second year to Steve Finley

I dont think that will happen. Finely is a big money player, and it will be a player opt not a team opt, he holds the cards on this one!

and I'd bring back Jose Lima as well.

even if he doesn't play sign him to be entertainment

I'd try to wrap up Izturis and Jayson Werth to multi-year extensions cheaply before they reach free agency.

hell ya, Werth actually showed up in the playoffs.

Dreifort won't be back

I HATE HIM!!!!



count out beltran if houston has anything to do with it, he's liking it there. but i'll take him.