Dodgers part ways with Chin-Lung Hu

two days ago it was announced that the Dodgers Traded infielder and failed prospect Chin-Lung Hu to the Mets, for marginal crap prospect lefty pitcher Micheal Antonini.

Hu signed with the Dodgers in 2003, and was once considered a top prospect. but since then he has fallen out of favor with the Dodgers despite being called up in september over the last few seasons.

Hu put up good numbers in the minors, and at 26 is still young enough to improve. spending most of the 2010 season in the minors he batted a mostly empty .317 in AAA. he batted just .130 during his september callup for the dodgers while battling an injured thumb. he was also the dodgers minor league player of the year in 2007.

as said ealier in one of our previous posts, and originially pointed out by MIke from http://www.mikesciosciastragicillness.com/   that the Dodgers fascination with Juan Castro could cost them Hu, and here we go. now Hu is gone, and its looking likly that the Dodgers could give their last bench spot to Castro, who is in his fourth stint with the Dodgers and 17th season in the majors.
as you well know Castro is one of the worst hitters in baseball history with an absolutly attrocious career .228 avg. it is still unclear as to why the Dodgers have such a fascination with him, a possibility could be that he is just so terrible and so useless, that the dodgers just cant resist such a useless washed up veteran like Castro who is on an auto out level, kind of like a moth to a flame. Castro is so bad, that he will actually make us miss theriot. let me just write this again so you have an idea of just how bad he really is.   Castro is likly to make us miss ryan theriot........ just let that one sink in for a moment.

in other ridiculous news, the Blue Jays have signed ex-Dodger and professional Meatballer octavio Dotel (Bumtel) to a 1yr 3.5 mil dollar deal. this is laughable. Bumtel who was traded to the dodgers at the trading deadline, pitched a terrible 18.2 innings, and blowing several games, including an unfathomable horrible 3 wild pitch 3 walk performance one inning. he was then put on waivers. the Rockies claimed him as the Dodgers just said, here take him please. he was just as useless with the Rockies and is now joining his fourth team in just over a year. the Blue Jays desperate for relief pitching after losing a couple of their solid pitchers to free agency. Dotel is one of the worst relief pitchers in baseball, and like ive said before has no business pitching on any level in any way whatsoever.

Dotel provides zero value to the bullpen

thats all for now. spring training is just around the corner! keep checking in for more dodgers news as we wait to hear those beautiful words we love every year......ITS TIME FOR DODGERS BASEBALL!
until next time Dodgertown.......

The Shopping Binge for Pitching Continues...

The Dodgers officially signed right hand relief pitcher Matt Guerrier to a 3 year $12 million deal. Interestingly this is the longest contract given to a relief pitcher by the Dodgers since 1998 when they signed Jeff Shaw for 3 years and $15 million. Guerrier is a 32 year old who has been playing solely with the Minnesota Twins since 2004 when he debuted. Last season his record was 5-7 with a 3.17 ERA in 74 appearances. His career stats, in 393 games and 472 innings pitched with the Twins, record is 19-25, 5 saves, 3.38 ERA, and 310 Ks. He is mostly a 7th or 8th inning guy rather than a closer.

So our bullpen is beginning to be standing room only now with Broxton, Kuo, Jansen, Hawksworth, Padilla, Guerrier, Belisario, and don't forget Troncoso, Monasterios, Schlichting, Elbert, and Ely. No doubt the later half of those mentioned may be destined to wait in the wings in AAA. Belisario and Hawksworth are out of options, so trading one of them may be a possibility unless Broxton can be traded for something of value which may be doubtful. For now we have some much needed depth to the pen with the exception of a second lefty. Kuo's delicate arm may warrant a trade for another lefty. The spending binge by Colletti on pitching is obviously in response to the bullpen's meltdown of last season. After performing excellently in 2009, the bullpen plummeted to the bottom of the barrel in 2010. It was a year of memorable meltdowns including Broxton's denouement after saving the All-Star game to his remarkable implosion during the Yankees series. We won't know if Broxton's picked up the broken pieces until the start of the season. Then there was Belisario's mental breakdown. If he has battled his demons during the offseason perhaps we will get the Belisario of old who is often very effective.

The Dodgers might not have enough funds to sign Bill Hall or another left fielder. Colletti said he may just let Gibbons, Paul, Gwynn, Hoffmann, Oeltjen, and Robinson compete for platooning jobs. At least I don't see Pod's name in that bunch.

It looks like the offense, especially Kemp and Ethier, will have to step up and take the bull back by its horns so to speak. Although this pitching cast is quite capable of throwing shut-outs, we as fans can't take another season of 1-0 losses.

Stay tuned for more Dodgers news and Blue Bios!

hes baaaaaaaaack! Juan Castro just wont go away.....

just when we thought we had seen the last of Juan Castro.....guess what? hes baaaaaack!



NOOOOOO! NOT AGAIN! Castro provides zero value.

yes its true, in what appears to be what we only hope is some sort of cruel sick joke. ealier this week, the Dodgers signed IF Juan Castro to a minor league deal, and an invite to spring training. if Castro makes the club he will recieve 500K. This is Castro's fourth stint with the organization. normally this would be nothing major, as alot of teams give spring training invites to players, most of the NRIs dont even make the roster usually, however this is Castro, and we all know the Dodgers have some kind of sick fascination with the 39 year old 16 year vet.
Castro is a walking Dodgers history guide. Castro signed with the Dodgers in 1991, and came up to the Dodgers in 95. he played alongside Mike Piazza, Erik Karros, Raul Mondesi. He has also played alongside, such legendary 90's bums like Tom Prince, and Billy Ashley. In Castro's first season, tommy lasorda was still manager, and the O'malleys still owned the team. Garret Anderson (auto out) was in his second season with the Angels.
Castro quickly established himself as one of the worst hitters in baseball history, really its true! check out MSTI,

MSTI- http://www.mikesciosciastragicillness.com/

as he explains how the Dodger's sickening fascination with Castro, might cost us Chin-lung Hu. as Hu is out of options, and Castro could concievably take his roster spot.
Castro a career .228 hitter, played five years with the Dodgers, including attrocious .197 .147 and .195 performences from 1996-1998 respectivly. Castro, then signed with the Reds, playing from 2000-2004. he Played parts of two years with Minnesota, then came back to the reds in 2006. played in Cincy until 2008. played a part of a season in Baltimore, before returning to the Dodgers in 2009. Castro hit .277 in 2009 for the Dodgers, and played all infield positions and 2 games in the outfield. he signed with Philadelphia in 2010, and was predictably horrid, hitting .198 in limited playing time. he was DFA'd, and after Furcal got hurt again in august, the Dodgers desperate for an infielder, claimed him once again. Castro only played in 1 game last year, and it was 1 game too many, before finally being released again. Imagine at how we laughed at Auto Out's existence in 2010. that was only one season, Castro has been an automatic out his entire career. just think about that for a minute......

we had thought we had seen the last of Castro, but then this week the Dodgers once again resigned him.
now alot of things would have to happen. Castro would have to make the team, and Hu would then be put on waivers, a team would most likly claim him, and then of coarse he would have to be productive. I know I at one time called him useless last year, but he is no where near the Jaun Castro type of incompetence. plus he is still young, and has time to improve.
I think I have written enough about Juan Castro, so I will stop at this point.

The Dodgers also extended minor league contracts and spring training invites to two other players. IF/OF Eugenio Velez, the 28 year old ex-giant, and journeyman Catcher J.D. Closser.

news sources are also reporting that the Dodgers are close to a deal with Red Sox OF Bill Hall. Hall 30 could be the Dodgers primary left fielder according to reports. Hall hit .248, with 18 HR last year for Boston. he could also bring the Dodgers more valuable versatility as he can also play 2B/3B/SS.

Keep Posted for more Dodger news at your number 1 source for all things Dodger Blue!

Dodgers bring back Dioner Navarro for some reason

as the Dodgers continue their agressive offseason renovations this winter, Ive been generally optimistic. the Dodgers have solidified pitching depth, added a power bat in Uribe, and even got rid of useless players like Theriot, and Sherrill. Ive been generally defending Ned's moves this winter, as hes focused on improved pitching and defense, and marginally improved power. that is until the Dodgers dropped this little nugget on us today.

the dodgers close to agreement with Catcher Dioner Navarro.........

now terms of the contract have not been disclosed yet, but didnt we try this already before?

yes yes yes now I remember. Navarro played for the Dodgers in parts of two seasons from 2005-2006

The right handed hitting catcher (26) was acquired by the Dodgers whil estill in the minor leagues, and recieved limited playing time. he wasnt terrible with the Dodgers the first time, actually he was decent. putting up avgs of .273 and .280 respectivly, with OBPs of .353 and .374.




Navarro bitched his way out of a starting job in Tampa Bay

 

then he was traded to the rays in mid 06 to make room for Russell Martin.  he had to bad years, before becoming an all-star in 2008. in 08 he batted .295 with an OBP of .349, with 7 home runs and a .717 OPS. then he went on to have two horrendous years in 09 and 10. batting .218 and .194, and having many questions raised about his wieght and conditioning. his tenure with the rays ended badly last year, after he was demoted to the minors, and continued to play poorly after being called back up. Navarro was left off of the playoff roster, and instead of choosing to stay with his team, Navarro chose to act like a whiny little bitch, as he packed up his equipment and left the team. this doesnt give me alot of confindence.

this certainly marks the end of Russell Martin's tenure as a Dodger. he is already talking with other teams, (Yankees red Sox), and has said he would like to play for an east coast team, as he has family in Montreal.

The Dodgers are no longer in communication with him or his agent, according to sources.

I know why the Dodgers did this. they needed a third catcher, and if Big rod or ellis were to get hurt they would be screwed. and since Ellis is the only one that has options to be sent down to AAA, and they cant start the year with three catchers on their roster, someone has to start the year in ALBQ. unfortunatly that is AJ Ellis. Ellis will start the year in AAA, while Big Rod will start 60% of games, as Navarro backs him up. according to reports. this dismays me. I think this is a mistake, as I think Ellis should get a shot to prove himself at the big league level.

The Dodgers are also still looking for a right handed hitting left fielder to possibly platoon with Jay Gibbons.

after Matt Diaz signed with the Pirates, and Jeff Franceour signed with Kansas City, this leaves us with slim pickens in free agent pool. rumors are swirling about the Dodgers signing either Austin Kearns, or Bill Hall.

Hall would be interesting, the former Red Sox, can play 2B, 3b and SS along with LF, and has power, after hitting 18 home runs last year.



Hall

we will keep you updated on any and all Breaking Dodgers news. same dodger station, same Dodger time, same dodger channel........

Dodgers bring Gwynn Jr. into outfield fray, Padilla close to returning, as bitching continues accross the internet

 The Dodgers made more moves ealier today as they continue their agressive offseason push. adding an outfielder, and appearing close to resigning Vicente Padilla, while also continuing ongoing discussions with the Royals about acquiring Zack Greinke.

The Dodgers stole the third player from an opposing NL west Team. after already signing Jon Garland away from the Padres, and Juan Uribe from the Giants. The Dodgers signed Tony Gwynn Jr. son of hall of fame Padres OF Tony Gwynn Sr.. Gwynn Jr. is nothing at all like his father. while his father won many batting titles and has a statue of himself on display in front of Petco Park.

Speedster gwynn jr. can be a pest on the basepaths.

Gwynn Jr. is a speed and defense guy. that is hes not much of a hitter. hes 5'11 and 195, bats left and throws right. after playing three seasons in limited playing time with the Brewers, Gwynn came over to the Padres, and to live forever in the shadows of his father. Gwynn is not a good hitter, and many people wondered why the Dodgers signed him. I can kind of understand why, even though he bats left, he can be a very useful guy on the bench as a fourth or fith outfielder. 

My son signed with which team now!?!?!

Gywnn Jr. who is 28, has a career avg of .244 with a .323 OBP and a .637 OPS. last season he hit .204 with 3 HR 20 RBI and 17 Stolen bases. in 2009 he batted .270 with 11 SB. while gwynn is not a good hitter he makes up for it with alot of speed, and very good defense. the terms of the contract were for 1 yr at 675K. this could signal the end of Xavier Paul's career as a dodger. as the dodgers probably wont need another lefty hitting outfielder on the bench. since Paul is also out of options, he could wind up playing somehwere else next year. but still, this doesnt automatically rule him out for a potential roster spot.

basically Gwynn is kind of like a POD both left handed bats with speed, both are crappy hitters with no power, but Gwynn plays much better defense, and is way cheaper.

according to reports, the Dodgers have finalized a deal to bring back Vicente Padilla. the deal would be for 1 yr and 2 Mil, with incentives, pending a physical on thursday. I am absolutly thrilled with this, very smart move. reports are saying Padilla would be a staff utility guy, providing the Dodgers with much needed depth. Padilla will mostly pitch out of the Bullpen in long releif, but could also spot start, or even close out games, if Broxton falters and starts with the meltdowns again. looks like the pitching is going to be very very good next year. Padilla is coming off of a injury plagued season in which he missed significant time due to forearm and neck injuries, limiting him to only 16 starts. Padilla was 6-5 with a 4.07 ERA. everyone will be most happy to know that we will be seeing more of the "soap bubble" once again.

there are also rumors floating around about the Dodgers expressing interest in former cy young winner Royals pitcher Zack Greinke. Greinke who won the cy young in 2009, is coming off a 2010 where he battled injuries and inconsistencies. the Royals have been toying with the idea of trading him, and the Dodgers are one of several teams involved in the discussions.  ummm yeah may I say yes please!!!

while bitching continues around the blog community, I reamin optimistic with a positive outlook for next season. Im not sure why so many fans online are unable to see a much improved team for next year. I mean if we cant have confidence in our team, how can we expect the players to have any? It looks as if Ned is still wheeling and dealing, making sure the nightmares of last year are never ever again repeated.

in the divorce trial, the judge ruled in favor of Jaimie MCcourt, ruling that the divorce settlement agreement was invalid, giving Jamie her claim that she was involved in the teams day to day operations. this could lead to the team being sold. I wouldnt expect this to be settled anytime soon, but if you would like more information you can check out the Dodgers web site for more details regarding the divorce case between mr. scumbag, and his bitch of a wife.

the winter meetings continue, and the Dodgers arent done making moves just yet. theres more rumors swirling about the Dodgers adding another OF, and possibly another relief pitcher.
what will happen next? stay tuned, we will be here to provide you with any and all Dodgers news as it happens. this is your number 1 source for all Dodgers news......stay tuned!

Big Rod Returns

After the Dodgers non-tendered Russell Martin last night, they announced that they re-signed Rod Barajas tonight. He agreed to a one year, $3.25 million deal. On the Dodgers website they state he will replace Russell Martin and team up with A.J. Ellis. Big Rod is 35, and has played 12 seasons in the majors for many teams including Arizona, Texas, Philadelphia, Toronto, New York Mets, and now his favorite childhood team, the Dodgers. We all enjoyed the heartfelt story last season of Barajas living out his dream of playing for the Dodgers. He even hit a HR during his first home game wearing blue. He only has a career .239 BA, but he does swing a power bat giving the Dodgers some much needed HRs. Last season he hit 17 HRs, which was 2nd among catchers in the NL. In 2009 he hit a career high 19 HRs.

Bitching has commenced regarding the amount of the salary given to Big Rod once the news broke. The thing is the Dodgers needed a catcher. We couldn't rely on the inexperienced A.J. Ellis as the solo backstop. With Martin's uncertainty and the slim pickins' for catching prospects amongst the free agent pool, we really didn't have much choice. Let's move on, accept that Big Rod and Ellis will be our catchers for 2011, and concentrate on filling the offensive needs we desperately must address.

Ya know thinking about it more, we really don't know how A.J. Ellis will turn out. He's only played in 53 games! Let's give the guy a chance! Maybe he will actually hit his first big league homer this season. He showed some potential in the last part of the season with a surprising hitting streak.

Will Vicente Padilla be back? Will the Dodgers snatch up more free agents like Diaz?

Stay tuned for more  offseason deals and news!

Dodgers face tough decisions as arbitration deadline passes

The Deadline to offer players arbitration came and went tonight, and just less than an hour ago, we learned the fate of several Dodgers who were eligible. The big decision for the Dodgers was one of the toughest theyve had to make.....What to do with Russell Martin? unfortunatly Martin was one of the players that had their contracts non-tendered, which could signal the end of Martin's career as a Dodger.

There were six players eligible for arbitration, thery were as follows-Martin, Oeljten, Sherrill, Bills, Kuo, and Loney. the Dodgers offered Arbitration to Bills, Kuo, and Loney. meaning that those players will be signed through 2011, and exactly how much they will make will be decided in arbitration. normally they take whatever the player made the previous season, and then it either increases or decreases by no more than 20% I believe. players that accept arbitration are not allowed to negotiate with any other teams.

as the Dodgers continued their aggressive offseason approach by signing, Lilly, Kuroda, Garland, Uribe, and of coarse trading away the utterly useless Ryan Theriot to the Cardinals for Blake Hawksworth. They also faced touch decisions as to who to offer arbitration. they had already decided not to offer to POD, Big Rod, and Vicente Padilla. (Ill get to Padilla later).

it looks like Uncle Ned is busy at work, weeling and dealing trying to make sure that the nightmares of last season are never again repeated. but of coarse in order to do that in complete, the punchless offense must be improved.
a cloud of uncertainty hangs over catcher. as of right now, Aj Ellis is the only catcher signed udner contract. the farm system is picked clean, and the free agent market is terrible. so after Varitek resigned with Boston (yay! hes too old!, retread!), AJ Pierzynski  resigned with chicago. there is three options, resign Martin at lower cost, resign big rod as backup to Ellis, or sign someone outside the organization like Migue Olivo. whatever the Dodgers decide it could go either way. I would understand if they dont want to take a chance on Martins health, and his declining numbers. then again with the market as bad as it is resigning Martin might be the best choice. there is reports that Ned is still negotiating with Martin. it would very sad to see Martin play for another team. he was a good catcher and a good hitter before torre played him to death. we all like martin and were hoping to see him finish his career in Dodger blue, but alas we may have seen the end of Martin as a Dodger. whatever happens the Dodgers need a catcher.

in other news, theres unconfirmed reports that the Dodgers have either resigned Vicente Padilla, or are close to resigning him. well have to watch this story to see what happens, but if it is true, the Dodgers pitching staff is really shaping into one hell of a....one hell of a.....well PITCHING STAFF! the reports say that Padilla would be used as a staff utility guy for depth. he could be a spot starter, pitch in long relief, or even close if necessary. as I said earlier they declined to offer him arbitration, so they are free to sign him. I like this move as we all know that when Padilla is healthy he is a very effective pitcher.

in other baseball news, Adam Dunn also known as the ogre, has signed a 56 million dollar contract with the White Sox. waiving his no DH clause. so there goes that plan! eh the dodgers werent going to sign him anyways, but im glad hes in the american league, and we wont have to pitch to him!

There are also reports the Dodgers are very close to resigning big rod, so there you go. The Dodgers are also reportedly interested in Johnny Damon for LF.

rumors are flying! hot stove is swirling! dont step away, we will be providing you with all the hot stove breaking news, and more Blue Bios! so stay tuned to your number 1 source for any and all Dodgers news!

Blue Bios: Juan Uribe

Juan C. Uribe Tena  5

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6'0"  Weight: 230 

Career Stats: 1256 games, 1114 Hits,151 HRs, 599 RBI, .256 AVG

Welcome to the newest installment of Blue Bios! Today we look at our new second baseman for 2011! 

Juan Uribe was born on March 22, 1979 in Bani, Domincan Republic. Juan was signed in 1997 as an amateur free agent by the Colorado Rockies. He made his MLB debut on 4/8/2001 for the Colorado Rockies playing in 72 games during his rookie season. He batted .300, had 8 home runs, and 53 RBI. He also had 11 triples, tying a club record. He tied three other franchise records, with two hits, two extra base hits, and six total bases in a single inning during an October 7th game against the San Diego Padres. In 2002, he played his first full season starting 150 games at shortstop. He had a career high 17 game hitting streak during April and May of that year. In 2003, he suffered an injury during Spring Training and his play time was limited. He played in Colorado for 3 years before being traded to the Chicago White Sox for Aaron Miles where he would play from 2004-2008.

Uribe played well from 2004-2006. He collected his first World Series ring in 2005 when the Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic. He made two memorable plays during the last two outs of the series. First he caught a ball while crashing into the third base stands, and then he made an off-balance throw on a slow grounder to beat Astro Orlando Palmeiro to give the White Sox their first title in 88 years.

In 2006 there was a controversy regarding a shooting incident he was allegedly involved in in the Domincan Republic. Two people were shot near his home. "I'm completely innocent," Uribe told ESPNdeportes.com. "They're trying to extort me because they know I play in the major leagues. They sent word to me that if I give them 1,000,000 pesos [about 33,000 U.S. dollars], all of this will go away."His name was cleared of any involvement in the case when he reached a settlement with the accuser, but it is unknown what actually occurred.

In 2009 he joined the San Francisco Giants after signing a minor league contract with them. He played with them for 2 seasons, winning his second World Series ring in 2010 when the Giants defeated the Texas Rangers. 

In 2010 Juan finished the season batting .256, with 24 HRs, and 85 RBI. He had 129 hits in 521 AB. In the 2010 National League Championship Series, Uribe played a key role in two victories, getting the walk-off sacrifice fly in Game 4 and hitting the go ahead home run in the top of the 8th to put the Giants up 3-2 in Game 6, which sent the Giants to the 2010 World Series. Uribe played a vital role for the Giants in the 2010 World Series, hitting a 3-run home run in the sixth inning of Game 1 and producing an RBI in the seventh inning of Game 2. 

He signed with the Dodgers for a 3 year $21 million contract about a month after winning the World Series with the Giants to the dismay of the San Francisco fans. 

Speaking of Giants Fans...after skimming through some ignorant musings on www.mccoveychronicles.com (yes a *gasp* Giants blog) I found these comments on the Uribe deal highly amusing:

"From beloved to hated within a matter of weeks

I wish him nothing but failures."

"I'll be so conflicted next year if he goes to the Dodgers

I mean, I love the guy. He was so clutch for us in the playoffs. Without him, no WS. But to see him wear the most despicable, lowly jersey ever? Pure evil."

"No Uribe, don’t do it! Don’t repeat Jeff Kent’s mistake!"

Then they go on to analyze how much money we are still paying on past players like Pierre, Dreifort, Manny, Jones, etc... Does it really matter? We still have more money than you! 

With the clear uselessness of Ryan Theriot, the Dodgers desperately needed a second baseman who could hit. Uribe said Manny Mota had been calling him everyday since the conclusion of the World Series and met with him in the Domincan Republic.

Ned Colletti commented on Uribe when he said, "As we witnessed, he can change a game with one swing of his bat," (Uribe drove in nine runs in the recent postseason.) "He has great enthusiasm for winning, defensive versatility and thunder in his bat."

Uribe, seemingly very happy to join the Dodgers organization said, "The Dodgers had a lot of interest in me to have me here and I'm very proud of that," said Uribe. "I hope I can help take the team to the playoffs."

Juan is married to wife, Anna, and has 3 children Juan Luis, Juanny, and Janny. His uncle is the former Giants shortstop Jose Uribe from the 1980's. 

So long Theriot, and welcome Juan Uribe! I have no problem with him being a former Giant. This not only allows us to bolster our lineup but now makes the Giants a weaker team. 

Stay tuned for more Blue Bios:)