Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles 2005-06 Offseason Thread - Page 7

abailey3313 · 12-22-2005, 05:13 PM

The Dodgers have signed Brett Tomko.

Congratulations.

EagleEye_0 · 12-22-2005, 09:56 PM

I will say this. At least the Dodgers are not handing out big long term contracts or trading away prospects. While their signings might not be very good, they are short term contracts and so far have kept in tact one of the league's best farm systems.

Skipaway · 01-14-2006, 09:37 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2292564

Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany for Danys Baez and Lance Carter!

Karros270 · 01-14-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skipaway

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2292564

Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany for Danys Baez and Lance Carter!

Guh! Danny Baez was the best they could do? And to think what we could have gotten for Edwin Jackson just a couple seasons ago. *sigh*

blgoblue2 · 01-15-2006, 12:30 AM

im surprised they gave up on jackson so quickly and tiffany is a good prospect too for a 28 and 31 year old relievers

mgsports · 01-15-2006, 10:55 AM

Edwin Jackson is a SP!

Hotblack Desiato · 02-03-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

No stopping Guzman, but not at short
Dodgers will test prize prospect at new positions this spring'

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers fans with more than a casual interest in the organization's bluest of blue-chip prospects have been wondering ever since he signed where talented Dominican Joel Guzman will wind up on the diamond.

Terry Collins, the team's farm director, said Guzman has been wondering, too. And, said Collins, we'll all find out this spring.

"It's a question that won't be decided until our new Major League staff gets a good look at him," said Collins, referring to new manager Grady Little and his coaching staff, who will see Guzman for the first time at their first Dodgers training camp.

"I've recommended that he starts out at shortstop again, because it's an athletic position and his skills can be transferred anywhere. Then the staff can look at our needs and by the end of Spring Training, we should know."

Guzman has been a shortstop since signing for a franchise record $2.25 million bonus as a 16-year-old. But now 6-foot-6, his body has outgrown the position. Combined with the signing of Rafael Furcal to a three-year contract and the hopeful return to health of Cesar Izturis, there are plenty of reasons to believe Guzman will wind up anywhere except for shortstop.

Collins, in fact, told Guzman as much when they met in the Dominican Republic last week.

"In winter ball, he played mostly third base and first base, very little shortstop, and that should help him," said Collins. "There are a lot of people who think he'll wind up in the outfield. We had a little discussion and he's ready to make a change. He's aware it's going to happen, we just don't know where and when.

"His bat will dictate his career and the sky's the limit offensively. He's smart, he's fluent in English, even the older players like to be around him. He can be a leader. I've seen tremendous growth in him. When he gets it all figured out, he can be something."

But for all the promise, Guzman showed when promoted to Double-A last year why the Dodgers are not rushing him, or any of their top prospects. He spent the entire 2005 season at Jacksonville and hit .287 with 16 home runs and 75 RBIs, solid numbers but nothing to indicate he's ready for the Major Leagues at age 21.

Here's the scouting report on Guzman, according to Baseball America:

"Guzman's hitting ability and power are well above average. He keeps his hands inside the ball well and uncorks tape-measure blasts when he makes contact. He's a dangerous low-ball hitter. A good athlete, he has a plus arm and average speed.

"Guzman's pitch recognition and plate discipline still need improvement, and like most big players, he has a hole on the inner half. He lacks first-step quickness and his defensive actions are too long, which eventually will prompt a move from shortstop. He saw time at third base in 2005, but right field is his likely destination."

"We put a ton of pressure on him last year and his response was just OK," said Collins. "It wasn't what he wanted to do. But he was 20 years old in a good league and he became the focal point on the team. He got booed for the first time and he didn't like it. But the expectations were so high."

Guzman is expected to start the 2006 season at Triple-A Las Vegas, but also expected there are first baseman James Loney and third baseman Andy LaRoche.

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NA...t=.jsp&c_id=la

I'll definitely be interested to see where he winds up. I really wish he could stay at shortstop where he'd be most valuable, but we have such a glut of infielders and absence of outfielders that left or right might be best for him organisationally.

edog23 · 02-05-2006, 12:04 PM

Billingsley, Loney, LaRoche, Kemp and a few other guys in Double A could make this Dodger team pretty good in a year or two, granted they don't trade any of them for a quick fix. I've had a problem with this team since Piazza was traded in '98 and last year was the clincher. Trading LoDuca midseason pissed me off and letting Green leave was just stupid. Now, I will be more than happy to see new management make better moves to inprove this team, but not at the expense of the fans. Let the younger kids get there feet wet and stop trading and signing for guys who are past their primes and can't play more than 120 games. That's my 2 cents.

IatricSB · 02-05-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edog23

Billingsley, Loney, LaRoche, Kemp and a few other guys in Double A could make this Dodger team pretty good in a year or two, granted they don't trade any of them for a quick fix. I've had a problem with this team since Piazza was traded in '98 and the year before last year was the clincher. Trading LoDuca midseason pissed me off and letting Green leave was just stupid. Now, I will be more than happy to see new management make better moves to inprove this team, but not at the expense of the fans. Let the younger kids get there feet wet and stop trading and signing for guys who are past their primes and can't play more than 120 games. That's my 2 cents.

Fixed the one part. I realize last year was a nightmare but it still did occur so we can't forget that it's been more than a season since those were traded

I personally don't have a problem with all the vets they signed. They're trying to stick to a philosphy of bringing up the kids as a group. Move them from AA to AAA and let them continue to play there with one more year of seasoning (though I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the 2nd half of the season some time). By signing a bunch of rent-a-vets, they were able to avoid trading some of their coveted talent so now they can field a team which may or may not amount to much and still keep their eye on the kids that are their future. I just hope they don't get impatient if the players come up and struggle a bit (see Konerko).

edog23 · 02-05-2006, 04:18 PM

You're right...'04. I'm thinking Konerko was traded to the Reds for Jeff Shaw....was that right? Shaw pitched for what....2 years or so....yikes. Paul had no position at the time but they should've done something. No way Karros was leaving, but 3rd or outfield could've worked. Oh well, hopefully, they won't do something like again. It's nice to know that the Dodgers still have a shot in this division this year. They have to stay healthy though. I'm true blue, so I'm gonna be positive.

Hotblack Desiato · 02-14-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

THE DODGERS released the following news release on Dec. 19: "The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today they have signed five-time All-Star Nomar Garciaparra…"

A day later they issued another release: "The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today they have signed six-time All-Star Kenny Lofton…"

I'd hate to think you can't believe a thing the Dodgers have to say, but I heard the Dodgers still haven't signed Lofton or Garciaparra.

"You're correct," a Dodger spokesperson said. "We're still working on the contracts."

Maybe so, but there was also talk the agents for the unsigned players were giving consideration to filing grievances with the players' union.

My concern, of course, is the Boston Parking Lot Attendant has run out of money and is unable to make good on the signing bonuses until he can get some more deposits on season tickets.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseba...rts-mlb-dodger

darkhorse · 02-14-2006, 03:27 PM

Ever since the new ownership moved in, to be frank, the Dodgers have been mccourting disaster.

QuestGAV · 02-14-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotblack Desiato

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseba...rts-mlb-dodger

This blows my mind; they haven't actually inked Nomar?

lukster · 02-14-2006, 04:15 PM

remember who the writer is t j simers. i can't take anything he writes or says seriously. seriously, he's a BOZO.

cheers lukster

IatricSB · 02-14-2006, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotblack Desiato

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseba...rts-mlb-dodger

From the same link:

THE OLYMPICS have no problem with the halfpipe, but don't consider baseball an Olympic sport?

ROFL (Though the halfpipe has been fun to watch)

LivnLegend · 02-15-2006, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukster

remember who the writer is t j simers. i can't take anything he writes or says seriously. seriously, he's a BOZO.

cheers lukster

lukster, you and I see eye to eye on most issues, especially those regarding Dodger Blue. However, I do disagree with your take on TJ. He can appear to be a trouble maker on the surface but he has a lot of integrity and is a very careful fact checker. I think you really have to take what he writes seriously, if any sports writer in the LA Times is to be believed. He's called out his fellow writers and no one will forget when he called out that real BOZO from Fox Sports Jack Haley who guaranteed that Carlos Boozer was on his way to the Lakers last year.

molarmite · 02-15-2006, 09:09 PM

Are these guys gonna be contenders this year?

edog23 · 02-16-2006, 01:56 AM

YES!!! I'll go on record and say the Dodgers will win atleast 92 and win the division. The playoffs will be a different story but let's worry about the regular season first. Just my 2 cents. GO BLUE!!!

Karros270 · 03-02-2006, 01:28 AM

The Dodgers are moving Guzman from SS to LF in a move I think we all saw coming.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2350316

edog23 · 03-02-2006, 02:00 AM

Yup. That kid's gotta play somewhere. My guess is on May 31st, Cruz will be hitting around .220 with 50 strikeouts and 2 or 3 homers. Which means, Guzman will come up, hit around .285 to .300 with 20 to 25 homers and win the Rookie of the Year award. It's a great story...hope it happens.

12-22-2005, 05:13 PM	#121
abailey3313 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 3,718	The Dodgers have signed Brett Tomko. Congratulations. __________________

01-14-2006, 09:37 PM	#123
Skipaway Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Where you live Posts: 11,017	http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2292564 Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany for Danys Baez and Lance Carter! __________________ Jonathan Haidt: Moral reasoning is really just a servant masquerading as a high priest.

02-14-2006, 03:27 PM	#132
darkhorse Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: fort worth, tx Posts: 10,850	Ever since the new ownership moved in, to be frank, the Dodgers have been mccourting disaster. __________________ "The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

02-14-2006, 04:15 PM	#134
lukster Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: living large in the OC Posts: 284	remember who the writer is t j simers. i can't take anything he writes or says seriously. seriously, he's a BOZO. cheers lukster __________________ say hello to your new home run king- BARROID BONDS!! We save no souls We break no promises "I've got wood you could swing from." soxwin

02-15-2006, 09:09 PM	#137
molarmite Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,920	Are these guys gonna be contenders this year? __________________ From the wise mind of Davey Eckstein "Now all you need is a signature. A quote or initial, perhaps." [

12-22-2005, 09:56 PM	#122
EagleEye_0 All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,426	I will say this. At least the Dodgers are not handing out big long term contracts or trading away prospects. While their signings might not be very good, they are short term contracts and so far have kept in tact one of the league's best farm systems.

01-15-2006, 12:30 AM	#125
blgoblue2 Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Walled Lake, Michigan Member #13775 Posts: 886	im surprised they gave up on jackson so quickly and tiffany is a good prospect too for a 28 and 31 year old relievers

01-15-2006, 10:55 AM	#126
mgsports Minors (Double A) Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 159	Edwin Jackson is a SP!

02-05-2006, 12:04 PM	#128
edog23 Major Leagues Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Rosa, CA. Posts: 493	Billingsley, Loney, LaRoche, Kemp and a few other guys in Double A could make this Dodger team pretty good in a year or two, granted they don't trade any of them for a quick fix. I've had a problem with this team since Piazza was traded in '98 and last year was the clincher. Trading LoDuca midseason pissed me off and letting Green leave was just stupid. Now, I will be more than happy to see new management make better moves to inprove this team, but not at the expense of the fans. Let the younger kids get there feet wet and stop trading and signing for guys who are past their primes and can't play more than 120 games. That's my 2 cents.

02-05-2006, 04:18 PM	#130
edog23 Major Leagues Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Rosa, CA. Posts: 493	You're right...'04. I'm thinking Konerko was traded to the Reds for Jeff Shaw....was that right? Shaw pitched for what....2 years or so....yikes. Paul had no position at the time but they should've done something. No way Karros was leaving, but 3rd or outfield could've worked. Oh well, hopefully, they won't do something like again. It's nice to know that the Dodgers still have a shot in this division this year. They have to stay healthy though. I'm true blue, so I'm gonna be positive.

02-16-2006, 01:56 AM	#138
edog23 Major Leagues Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Rosa, CA. Posts: 493	YES!!! I'll go on record and say the Dodgers will win atleast 92 and win the division. The playoffs will be a different story but let's worry about the regular season first. Just my 2 cents. GO BLUE!!!

03-02-2006, 01:28 AM	#139
Karros270 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,392	The Dodgers are moving Guzman from SS to LF in a move I think we all saw coming. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2350316 __________________ now everybody's praying...don't prey on me

03-02-2006, 02:00 AM	#140
edog23 Major Leagues Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Rosa, CA. Posts: 493	Yup. That kid's gotta play somewhere. My guess is on May 31st, Cruz will be hitting around .220 with 50 strikeouts and 2 or 3 homers. Which means, Guzman will come up, hit around .285 to .300 with 20 to 25 homers and win the Rookie of the Year award. It's a great story...hope it happens.