The Dodgers figure to be a dramatically different team next season. Although the core of young players remains under organizational control, there could be a slew of free agent defections among the veterans. One of the biggest decisions of the winter will be whether to pony up whatever it will take to re-sign LF Manny Ramirez or to spend that money on a host of other acquisitions that could make the team better as a whole.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Dodgers must add a starting pitcher. RHPs Derek Lowe and Greg Maddux are free agents, and RHP Brad Penny appears to have worn out his welcome after he and manager Joe Torre made what Torre called a mutual decision for Penny not to have him stick around for the playoffs when he wasn't able to pitch because of shoulder problems. The Dodgers probably will decline Penny's option, making the two-time All-Star a free agent, as well. FREE AGENTS: LHP Joe Beimel, RHP Derek Lowe, RHP Greg Maddux, RHP Chan Ho Park, 3B Casey Blake, SS Rafael Furcal, INF Nomar Garciaparra, 2B Jeff Kent, INF Mark Sweeney, LF Manny Ramirez, C Gary Bennett, RHP Jason Johnson, INF Pablo Ozuna, RHP Brad Penny.
Kent probably will retire, Lowe probably isn't interested in returning, and Garciaparra isn't likely to be invited back because of his history of injuries. Furcal could be back, and his asking price figures to be dramatically reduced by the fact he missed most of the season with a back injury. Beimel will test the market, but he probably will return. Blake is a small-town guy from Iowa who enjoyed playing close to home in Cleveland, so Los Angeles probably isn't a long-term destination for him. Ramirez is believed to be seeking about $20 million per year on the open market.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Jonathan Broxton, RHP Scott Proctor, SS Angel Berroa, RHP Yhency Brazoban, RHP Takashi Saito, OF Jason Repko, C Russell Martin, OF Andre Ethier.
Saito already was making $2 million and missed most of the second half with an elbow injury, so he could be at risk of being non-tendered.
IN LIMBO: OF Juan Pierre appears to be untradeable with three years and $28.5 million left on his contract. But if he isn't dealt, it won't be for a lack of trying. The emergence of OFs Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have reduced the once-valuable Pierre to a speedy fourth outfielder and left-handed pinch hitter, hardly making him worth what he is being paid.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Jason Schmidt (shoulder surgery in June 2007) hasn't pitched in a year and a half, but he finally might be ready to return by the start of spring training. But given the pace of his rehabilitation, club officials aren't holding their breath.
OF Andruw Jones (sore knees) missed most of the final two months, but a bigger concern than his health is whether he will regain his lost stroke next season.
RHP Scott Proctor (sore right elbow) was scheduled to undergo elbow surgery in mid-October. He was to have a partial tear repaired in his flexor tendon and a bone spur shaved down. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
