Los Angeles Dodgers

THT Fantasy Focus : Breakout party: James Loney

While I'd prefer to get him in round 12 or 13, if an 11th-round pick is needed, Loney still deserves serious consideration. He should hit at least .300—most likely higher—and may well be turning into a legitimate power threat. The sample size we're looking at is somewhat small, but the numbers we have are favorable and he's at a good age for progression. Batting fourth or fifth should allow him to drive in 100 runs if the power spike turns out to be for real, and 75 or 80 runs would come along with it (this number could rise if he starts walking more).
Worst case scenario is a line like .290-12-80-60-0 (ignoring the possibility of injury). Best case is a line like .310-25-110-80-10. Even if Loney hits the worst case scenario, you're really not losing much value with an 11th round pick. If he approaches the best case line, though, he is a steal. If you're looking to take risks, or at least looking to mix some high-upside guys into your draft plan, Loney would be a nice choice.

What is it with the Dodgers and ballplayers in their decline phase? I thought they brought in Joe Torre because he was supposed to be kid friendly. Yet the front office keeps bringing in free agents, way, way, way, past their prime.

Friggin Colletti, spreading the Sabean play book around is what it is. When is that thing hitting the New York Times Best Sellers list. ..

"45 year old Ballplayers, the New Market Inefficiency".

As only John Brittain can ..

John Brattain Battling Boras … round 2 -- The Hardball Times

Barry Bonds won seven MVP titles, eight Gold Gloves and was 30-30 five times and 40-40 once; A-Rod has won three MVPs, two Gold Gloves, was 20-20 five times and 40-40 once. Your client has never finished as high as second in MVP voting and his defense and base running is the subject of humor and not excellence.

What I’m trying to tell you Mr. Boras is this: Bonds and Rodriguez offer a lot more than a potent bat, and both may hold a title reserved for the inner-circle of inner-circle Hall of Famers. This is what puts “asses in the seats” and not a one-dimensional DH that may reach the levels of Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr. and if the wind breaks his way, Willie Mays.

It also should be noted that for whatever faults the other two may possess, their teammates could count on them being in the lineup were they able to play—a quality no one could say about Ramirez.

Were your client the equal of Bonds and Rodriguez I would wholeheartedly concur that he deserves to be paid on the same scale, but quite frankly, the only common ground is the fact that like them, Manny Ramirez has an excellent shot at turning 42."

The Dodgers were sure busy today. a $75m offer to Manny, Penny gone, Kent gone.

Those of you that wanted big bucks tossed at Manny, there you go. I bet Manny turns it down though. Manny won't sign anything without hearing the Yankee offer first. Scott Boras inc. would never let it happen. His is 10 days away from true free agency, and Scott Boras dreams of days like this. Its why Manny asked out of Boston in the first place, or so we have been told.

Glad to see Jeff Kent isn't hanging them up yet. Second basemen are in demand right now, and Kent has another year or three left in him.

Maybe a return to San Fransisco is in order?

as of November 4th 2008, 1:40pm est, Jacob Peavy is still a padre.

todays Kevin Towers radio show, here

Rosenthal Peavy could be the friars Opening Day starter

The best guess on Jake Peavy is that the Padres eventually will trade him to the Braves, who appear to be the most attractive suitor of Peavy's preferred teams. The Cubs seemingly lack the inventory to make such a deal work, but the Padres might need to turn creative if the Braves balk at their price. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti all but acknowledged that he is unlikely to acquire Peavy from a division rival, and two of Peavy's other preferred clubs — the Cardinals and Astros — are not factors in the discussions.

Peavy has the right to veto any trade, and Padres GM Kevin Towers acknowledged that the pitcher still could be the team's Opening Day starter. Such a scenario, however, is unlikely. The Padres want to purge the remaining four years and $63 million remaining on Peavy's contract.

I'll say yes, but he doesn't make it past Christmas.

the pundits

SDUnion Tribune In Peavy trade offers, quality is number one criteria for Towers

Towers said several clubs have shown interest in Peavy, He added that he is “focused on three” clubs that Peavy has said he might favor. Towers declined to identify the three but said that “if any is willing to step up, there's a deal there.”

One step forward, and two steps back.

Welcome to LA.

You'd think by now they would be rolling out the red carpet for Manny Ramirez, but nope.

The piece is a few weeks old, but still a great read.

Alex Eisenberg Brad Penny and the Intent to Throw Hard:

I have two clips below. The clip on the left is of Penny on August 8th, in his first start back after injuring his shoulder. The clip on the right shows Penny in a start on May 13th. The May 13th clip shows Penny throwing a 97 mph fastball (which was Penny's max for that day) and the fastball thrown during the August 8th start was clocked at 90 mph

a poll i hoped i would never see.