Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2018 14:18:17 GMT -5
Two years ago, a Dodgers team that had been shedding veteran contracts turned some heads when they shelled out $20 million per year for free agent Don Hood. It was a large cash outlay that seemed to contradict the moves that the team had been making the previous season and were continuing to make with some smaller scale moves.
The move was made with a very specific intent - to change the culture. After a year of discontent in watching big name players shipped out, the Dodgers wanted to show the remaining players that they did not intend to be a doormat forever. The club would take a shot when the opportunity presented itself. Faced with the possibility of adding a staff ace several seasons before they expected to contend for a playoff spot, the Dodgers opened the checkbook and made a splash. They hoped this move would set a tone and would pay dividends in the future. Their hope was that more players would be willing to sign in LA and less players would refuse to accept an offer because the team was losing and rebuilding.
That plan may be working as this year a couple big names signed on the dotted line and committed to joining a young Dodgers team. Armed with strong finances, payroll space, and a young core that was in need of some veteran leadership the Dodgers again made a splash.
Veteran stud Don Sutton, in the twilight of his career, was signed away from divisional foe San Diego. Even at an advanced age, the Dodgers felt he could be a short-term filler until some of their younger players are ready to step up. Sutton will fill in behind the only big ticket FA this Dodgers front office had signed so far - Don Hood. Sutton seemed to be happy to stay on the coast and remain in the only division he has ever known - having played for both the Giants and Padres.
The Dodgers signed another former Giant in reliever Tippy Martinez. Tippy received a 1 year trial deal with the Dodgers as a talented pitcher who has never experienced success in the majors. If the deal proves mutually beneficial, both parties could pursue an extension that would keep Tippy around longer. If it doesn't work out, both parties are expected to move forward with other options.
Finally came the signing of longtime Phillies 3B Ron Cey. The Dodgers were prepared to turn 3B over to top prospect Tim Wallach. However, Cey was greeted with a softer than expected market. Armed with payroll space and the desire to add one more big bat, the Dodgers decided to make an offer to see if they could convince Cey to move across the country to join an up and coming Dodgers team. The club considered him the best fit among free agent options to add a bat. Center field or catcher were other possibilities, but they didn't like the available options as much as Cey and Ty Waller and Don Slaught both seemed ready to join the show very soon as well. Wallach could have probably been successful, but he will benefit from another few months of training at AAA. If Cey doesn't work out, Wallach could be promoted later this year. Cey could also be traded sometime this year to make room for Wallach if Wallach forces the issue with his play at AAA. Wallach also has some positional versatility that could cover other areas in the event of an injury.
The bottom line was that Cey could provide options - options that didn't exist before he signed. With Cey's decision to join the Dodgers, the offseason was complete. The club was happy with the offseason and direction, and is interested to see what this club can do. They ascended to a .500 team last season despite missing 3+ months from Don Hood. Will they take the next step and contend for a playoff spot this season? That remains to be seen, but the Dodgers spent $40 million this offseason to find out. The club was comfortable with that bet because they only gave out short term deals that they can move on from if it doesn't work out. This will not hamstring the club moving into the future.
The move was made with a very specific intent - to change the culture. After a year of discontent in watching big name players shipped out, the Dodgers wanted to show the remaining players that they did not intend to be a doormat forever. The club would take a shot when the opportunity presented itself. Faced with the possibility of adding a staff ace several seasons before they expected to contend for a playoff spot, the Dodgers opened the checkbook and made a splash. They hoped this move would set a tone and would pay dividends in the future. Their hope was that more players would be willing to sign in LA and less players would refuse to accept an offer because the team was losing and rebuilding.
That plan may be working as this year a couple big names signed on the dotted line and committed to joining a young Dodgers team. Armed with strong finances, payroll space, and a young core that was in need of some veteran leadership the Dodgers again made a splash.
Veteran stud Don Sutton, in the twilight of his career, was signed away from divisional foe San Diego. Even at an advanced age, the Dodgers felt he could be a short-term filler until some of their younger players are ready to step up. Sutton will fill in behind the only big ticket FA this Dodgers front office had signed so far - Don Hood. Sutton seemed to be happy to stay on the coast and remain in the only division he has ever known - having played for both the Giants and Padres.
The Dodgers signed another former Giant in reliever Tippy Martinez. Tippy received a 1 year trial deal with the Dodgers as a talented pitcher who has never experienced success in the majors. If the deal proves mutually beneficial, both parties could pursue an extension that would keep Tippy around longer. If it doesn't work out, both parties are expected to move forward with other options.
Finally came the signing of longtime Phillies 3B Ron Cey. The Dodgers were prepared to turn 3B over to top prospect Tim Wallach. However, Cey was greeted with a softer than expected market. Armed with payroll space and the desire to add one more big bat, the Dodgers decided to make an offer to see if they could convince Cey to move across the country to join an up and coming Dodgers team. The club considered him the best fit among free agent options to add a bat. Center field or catcher were other possibilities, but they didn't like the available options as much as Cey and Ty Waller and Don Slaught both seemed ready to join the show very soon as well. Wallach could have probably been successful, but he will benefit from another few months of training at AAA. If Cey doesn't work out, Wallach could be promoted later this year. Cey could also be traded sometime this year to make room for Wallach if Wallach forces the issue with his play at AAA. Wallach also has some positional versatility that could cover other areas in the event of an injury.
The bottom line was that Cey could provide options - options that didn't exist before he signed. With Cey's decision to join the Dodgers, the offseason was complete. The club was happy with the offseason and direction, and is interested to see what this club can do. They ascended to a .500 team last season despite missing 3+ months from Don Hood. Will they take the next step and contend for a playoff spot this season? That remains to be seen, but the Dodgers spent $40 million this offseason to find out. The club was comfortable with that bet because they only gave out short term deals that they can move on from if it doesn't work out. This will not hamstring the club moving into the future.
