| Joe Gutierez. 7th December, 2005 - 11:31 pm
 Dodger fans are a little more secure about their team after the hiring of Grady Little as the next manager. Little was chosen over several candidates to become the 25th manager in Dodger history. Jim Fregosi was supposedly the top candidate to succeed Jim Tracy after he left for Pittsburgh. This is a great move for the Dodger organization and their future. Little is an old fashioned type of coach who is capable of guiding a team in the right direction.
Grady Little comes to a very high profile city, but he is no stranger to this at all. Little’s last managerial job was in Boston with the Red Sox in which he came under heavy criticism for not removing Pedro Martinez from Game 7 of the ALCS. After their elimination, Little was dismissed as manager but was so unfairly. He compiled a 188-136 record and carried the Sox to 90+ wins in those short two years. Now he gets the opportunity to show the baseball world what type of manager he can be especially in the busy city of Los Angeles. Welcome Grady Little to Hollywood!
Dodgers Re-sign Saenz
The Dodgers and utility man Olmedo Saenz agreed to a two year deal Wednesday. This is a smart move for the Dodgers in bringing back Saenz as a bench player. He was the most productive man off the bench last season hitting 263 with 15 homers and 63 RBI in 109 games. They will no doubt need his power for next season as he may be a backup for Jeff Kent at 1B.
Furcal Officially Signs On
SS Rafael Furcal signed his huge 3 year $39 million dollar offer to play for the Dodgers next season in a press conference held today. Many people will criticize this move by LA, but I see it as a precaution at the shortstop position. Cesar Izturis isn’t due back until July so his health remains an enormous question mark. Furcal is a switch hitter that brings a speedy leadoff presence to the Dodger lineup. Remember, caution to opposing teams: once he gets on, a rabbit is on the loose. His 46 stolen bases last year with the Braves will be embraced by the Dodger organization this coming season. Last year’s squad wasn’t exactly the speedy type of offense which is an essential to scoring runs.
Grabowski Will Head to Japan
Former Dodger Jason Grabowski has agreed to a one year deal with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League. Well, not too surprised about this move for Grabowski. He wasn’t doing anything offensively to help the Blue Crew last year. Best of luck in Japan.
Trade Rumors Running Rampant Through Los Angeles
Each time you read a trade or free agent rumor regarding a player, the name “Dodgers” seems to be popping up as a team of interest. Most recently the name Alfonse Soriano has become a player the Dodgers seem to be targeting. An acquisition of a player of this magnitude would greatly increase the team’s offense for next season. He would assist Kent and J.D. Drew as the power hitters in the lineups that are all capable of 30 homeruns. His defense will remain a worry but if he’s hitting 30+ homers and driving in 100+ RBI, the front office may just overlook that and take their chance on the All Star second baseman. A player of his caliber is desperately needed in this lineup and he could very well be bleeding blue soon.
Don’t be surprised if the Dodgers sign 3B Bill Mueller in the coming days to be the team’s third baseman. He recently called GM Ned Colletti and had nothing but good things to say about Grady Little since he played for him in Boston. Pittsburgh Pirates are also believed to be chasing Mueller, but the Dodgers seem more of a suitable situation. The Winter Meetings will be wrapping up and I have a feeling the Dodgers will make some noise to upgrade the offense and pitching. |
