DODGERS AREN'T DONE; SUNDAY'S TRADE IS STEP IN PROCESS.Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer The Southland, and baseball, continued to shake their heads Monday about the Dodgers' unloading of salary the day before. But before everyone is done piling on and saying the Dodgers were absolutely robbed in the trade that sent pitcher Ismael Valdes
n. Baseball The infielder who is positioned near and to the first-base side of second base. Noun 1. second baseman - (baseball) the person who plays second base second sacker Eric Young Eric Young can refer to:
At Mary G. Montgomery High School he went 12-2 with a 1. and a pair of minor-league pitchers, general manager Kevin Malone
Kevin Malone is a fictional character from the US television series, The Office. He is played by Brian Baumgartner. wants everyone to understand the offseason moves aren't completed. The Dodgers have no natural leadoff hitter In baseball, a leadoff hitter is a batter who bats first in the lineup. Strategy Leadoff hitters must possess certain traits to be successful: they must reach base at a proficient rate and be able to steal bases. , but by April 3 when the season begins in Montreal they may. They have no solid major-league second baseman, but by April 3 they may. The Dodgers may need another starting pitcher Noun 1. starting pitcher - (baseball) a pitcher who starts in a baseball game baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; , or help in the bullpen, but they have time. The dumping of Young's and Valdes' combined $10.5 million contracts next season put the Dodgers in position to make other moves. ``It's not like we're saying, `This is the team,' '' Malone said. ``We're in the middle of a process. Opening day is not tomorrow, it's months away. We have a few more things to do. This trade puts us in better position to strengthen our club and be able to make other moves. Opening day is not today.'' Dodgers brass doesn't dispute the financial implications of the deal. The Dodgers claim to have lost close to $20 million last season, and they had to slice from somewhere. Still, the Dodgers are already committed to approximately $80 million of salary, and that's expected to escalate to $86-$89 million by spring training. Malone points out the Dodgers went 77-85 with the group that included Raul Mondesi, Young and Valdes. He also said this isn't the first move, but rather the latest in a series of moves that began with the acquisition of Shawn Green Shawn David Green (born November 10, 1972, in Des Plaines, Illinois) is a 6' 4" left-handed Major League Baseball player. Green is the starting right fielder for the New York Mets.[1] Green was a 1st round draft pick, and has been a two-time major league All-Star. for Mondesi. ``One, we think we can get better without (Valdes and Young),'' Malone said. ``Two, we created some financial flexibility to address our bullpen and bench weakness and, three, we think we can improve the overall makeup and chemistry of the club. . . .'' The public may be waiting for the Dodgers to sign or trade for another marquee player, but that's not the plan. Instead, they are looking into signing second- and third-tier free agents. Baltimore free agent Arthur Rhodes Arthur Lee Rhodes (born October 24, 1969 in Waco, Texas) is a left-handed relief pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He has also spent time with the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians. remains a long shot, but Malone talked with his representatives Sunday. Rhodes wants a four-year contract, a major deterrent for the Dodgers. The club is also looking into signing either Steve Avery
Fassero was drafted by the St. to fill the left-handed void in the bullpen and perhaps challenge for the lefty spot in the starting rotation. While sources said Malone spoke with representatives for both players, two sources said the Dodgers would prefer to sign both players to minor-league contracts. The Dodgers are also looking to strengthen their bench, and utility player Shawon Dunston
Meanwhile, Malone is slated to talk to Kurt Abbott's representatives today, though an offer for the former Colorado infielder isn't expected. Of course, much of the Dodgers' plans remain on hold while the Adrian Beltre saga drags on. A source familiar with the talks said the decision would be announced Friday. Sandy Alderson, executive vice president of baseball operations for the Office of the Commissioner, said the fact-finding portion of the investigation is complete. ``His potential free agency has not been a factor in the pace of this inquiry,'' Alderson said. ``The fact that the possibility exists has been a burden on both the player, reportedly, as well as the club. That's unfortunate in both cases. ``What we have to do, from a conceptual standpoint, I think aside from this case . . . we have to make sure there's an interest on the part of everyone involved to comply with the rules.'' The case could leave Beltre, and the Dodgers, in limbo until late January. If Beltre isn't declared a free agent and a grievance is filed, it could take more than a month to sort out. NINE-PLAYER DEAL In the biggest trade of the offseason thus far, nine players shifted teams Monday, including Jeff Cirillo of Burbank's Providence High. Milwaukee gets: P Jamey Wright, P Jimmy Haynes, C Henry Blanco Colorado gets: 3B Jeff Cirillo, P Rolando Arrojo, P Scott Karl, IF Aaron Ledesma Tampa Bay gets: 3B Vinny Castilla Oakland gets: P Justin Miller CAPTION(S): BOX: Nine-player deal (see text) |
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