Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Rumors

Benson throwing again, looking for work
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February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of National League teams are keeping track of Kris Benson's progress, including the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and Nationals, according to one major league source. The Dodgers are also looking to add starting depth but are a more remote possibility, sources indicated. Last week, Benson's agent said he expected the free agent right-hander to join a new team within the next few weeks. Benson has made only eight appearances in the majors since 2006, in large part because of injuries. He pitched in the majors and minors for Texas last year, with minimal success. But Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, is encouraged by the fact that he's already throwing his fastball, curveball, slider and ..."
Dodgers close to a one-year deal with Reed Johnson
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February 1
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers are close to signing Reed Johnson to a one-year deal to be their fourth outfielder, according to baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been completed. Johnson, 33, is a .282 hitter over seven major league seasons, the last two with the Chicago Cubs. He batted .255 with four home runs and 22 runs batted in last year in a season in which he sat out nearly two months because of a broken foot."
Dodgers in talks with Garret Anderson
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January 31
Los Angeles Times
 
"Garret Anderson could be on his way back to Southern California. The Dodgers are exploring the idea of signing Anderson to be their fourth outfielder and have been in contact with his agent, Scott Boras, according to multiple sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because talks are ongoing. Anderson, who played 15 years of his 16-year career with the Angels, hit .268 with 13 home runs and 61 runs batted in over 135 games for the Atlanta Braves last season. He started 124 games in left field and earned $2.5 million."
Dodgers sign free agent Vicente Padilla to one-year deal
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January 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"Vicente Padilla stayed out of trouble in the two-plus months he spent with the Dodgers last year, but can the reputed bad boy remain a model citizen for an entire season? Based on the way Padilla behaved during his stint with the Dodgers, General Manager Ned Colletti said he thinks so, which was why he spent $5.025 million to re-sign the erratic but electric-armed 32-year-old to a one-year deal. "As far as his attitude and approach, we saw nothing that would indicate there would be any problems in the future," Colletti said. Padilla will earn a base salary of $4.025 million this year and receive a $1-million signing bonus in 2011. He can earn an additional $1 million in incentives based on ..."
Dodgers re-sign Padilla
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January 21
ESPN.com
 
"The Dodgers finally completed their search for a fourth starter, re-signing Vicente Padilla to a one-year, $5.025 million contract after the veteran right-hander became a key member of their starting rotation down the stretch last season. Padilla, 32, will join a rotation that includes fellow holdovers Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Clayton Kershaw. The signing leaves lefties Eric Stults and Scott Elbert, knuckleballer Charlie Haeger, newcomer Carlos Monasterios and non-roster veteran Russ Ortiz to compete for the fifth spot. The Dodgers signed Padilla on Aug. 19, shortly after the Texas Rangers released him. Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in eight appearances, seven of them starts."
Andre Ethier and Jonathan Broxton agree to two-year contracts with Dodgers
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January 20
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers reached agreements with their six remaining arbitration-eligible players Tuesday, including outfielder Andre Ethier and closer Jonathan Broxton, who could sign two-year contracts as early as today. In the hours leading up to the deadline for players and clubs to exchange salary figures, the Dodgers also signed Russell Martin, James Loney, George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo to one-year deals. General Manager Ned Colletti would not confirm the signings of Ethier and Broxton, which will not become official until they pass their physical examinations, but said that the Dodgers now have the kind of cost clarity that could result in increased maneuverability on the free-agent market. ..."
Broxton, Ethier agree with Dodgers
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January 19
ESPN.com
 
"Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton and right fielder Andre Ethier, two of the club's most promising young players, agreed to terms on two-year contracts Tuesday, avoiding arbitration this winter and allowing the team to buy Broxton out of his remaining arbitration eligibility. The deals come on the heels of a similar two-year agreement with center fielder Matt Kemp, who signed last week for two years and $10.95 million. Terms of the Broxton and Ethier deals weren't immediately available. Hours shy of the deadline for teams and eligible players to exchange arbitration figures, the Dodgers also dispensed with the rest of their pending cases, reaching one-year agreements with relievers George ..."
Dodgers avoid arbitration with James Loney, George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo
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January 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers avoided salary arbitration with three of their players this morning, signing James Loney, George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo to one-year contracts. Loney, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time, will earn $3.1 million this year. Loney's agent, Joe Urbon, said the Dodgers approached Loney about a multiyear deal, but that Loney was focused on signing a one-year contract. Sherrill will receive a base salary of $4.5 million and can earn additional $150,000 in incentives based on appearances. The left-hander would receive $75,000 each for reaching the 60- and 70-game plateaus. Sherrill pitched in 72 games last season."
Dodgers avoid arbitration with Chad Billingsley and Matt Kemp
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January 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers avoided salary arbitration with pitcher Chad Billingsley today, signing him to a one-year deal for 2010 worth $3.85 million, according to baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Arbitration-eligible for the first time, the 25-year-old right-hander received a significant raise from the $475,000 salary he drew last season. The Dodgers also agreed to terms on a two-year deal with Matt Kemp that bought out the 25-year-old center fielder's first two arbitration years. Terms of Kemp's deal, which is pending a physical, are unknown."
Matt Kemp and Dodgers are close to a deal, agent says
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January 14
Los Angeles Times
 
"Matt Kemp and the Dodgers are nearing an agreement for a two-year contract, according to Dave Stewart, Kemp's agent. "The negotiations are going smoothly," Stewart said. "Do I think we can get it done? Yes. Will it get done? Only time will tell." The proposed deal would buy out the first two of Kemp's three arbitration years. "If it makes sense for both sides, it could happen," General Manager Ned Colletti said. Based on his statistics from last season, Kemp could draw a 2010 salary of around $4 million if he goes through the arbitration process. The 25-year-old center fielder batted .297 with 26 home runs and 101 runs batted in, and won Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards. Players and ..."
Dodgers could bring back Padilla
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January 14
Foxsports.com
 
"If the Dodgers don't sign free agent starter Joel Pineiro, they are open to bringing back right-hander Vicente Padilla, one major league source said Wednesday. The Dodgers and Mets are currently pursuing Pineiro, multiple sources have confirmed. The Mets are believed to have more cash at their disposal, due to issues pertaining to the divorce of Dodgers owner Frank McCourt."
Jays reportedly bid $23M for Cuban Chapman
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January 9
Toronto Star
 
"The Blue Jays may have moved a little closer to signing the first impact free agent of the Alex Anthopoulos era. According to a report published Friday in El Nuevo Herald, a Spanish-language version of the Miami Herald, the Jays have offered $23 million (all figures U.S.) to hard-throwing Cuban southpaw Aroldis Chapman. The report also states the Los Angeles Angels have offered Chapman an undisclosed sum believed to be close to Toronto's offer, although the term is not specified. Chapman has been reported to be looking for a five-year deal. Anthopoulos, who took over as Jays general manager in October, responded to an email from the Star but maintained that he couldn't comment on ..."
Dodgers among the teams looking at Noah Lowry
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January 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers are among the 14 teams that requested medical records for free agent pitcher Noah Lowry, according to Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa. Once considered among the top young left-handers in baseball, Lowry hasn't pitched in the majors in the last two seasons because of arm problems that first appeared in the summer of 2007. He underwent two surgeries in 2008, one in the spring on his forearm and another in the fall on his elbow. Lowry was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome last March, which led to him having a rib removed. Lapa said the latest procedure "relieved every one of his symptoms.""
Kemp not thinking long-term deal with Dodgers
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January 2
MLB.com
 
"The Dodgers have opened discussions on a multiyear contract with Matt Kemp, but his agent said Kemp might prefer to go year to year. "We've only talked about it a little bit, so who knows where it's going to go?" said former Dodgers pitcher Dave Stewart, who represents Kemp and pitcher Chad Billingsley. "We've got to figure out if it even makes sense to do a multiyear. The club is looking for something, the player is looking for something. Sometimes it's difficult to find a meeting of the minds. In that case, we're fine doing it one year at a time." Kemp is one of nine Dodgers eligible for arbitration this winter and one of five eligible for the first time in their careers. Traditionally, ..."
Agent: Kemp not thinking long-term deal
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January 1
MLB.com
 
"The Dodgers have opened discussions on a multiyear contract with Matt Kemp, but his agent said Kemp might prefer to go year to year. "We've only talked about it a little bit, so who knows where it's going to go?" said former Dodgers pitcher Dave Stewart, who represents Kemp and pitcher Chad Billingsley."We've got to figure out if it even makes sense to do a multiyear. The club is looking for something, the player is looking for something. Sometimes it's difficult to find a meeting of the minds. In that case, we're fine doing it one year at a time."Kemp is one of nine Dodgers eligible for arbitration this winter and one of five eligible for the first time in their careers. Traditionally, ..."
Dodgers exploring a deal for Aaron Harang
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December 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Aaron Harang, according to multiple baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. Harang, a 31-year-old right-hander, finished fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2007 and tied for the league lead in wins in 2006 with 16. But Harang has won only six games over the last two seasons, losing a total of 31 games over that span. Harang was 6-14 with a 4.21 earned-run average this year in a season that was cut short by an emergency appendectomy he underwent in August. The Reds are asking for one or two players on the Dodgers' major league roster in ..."
Who owns the Dodgers? May 24 trial date is set to settle McCourt feud
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December 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"As a May 24 trial date was set to determine who owns the Dodgers, the lawyer for Jamie McCourt called into question Frank McCourt's bookkeeping and promised "bombshell" allegations against him. "Mr. McCourt is not spending all of his income on his family and on the team," attorney Dennis Wasser said at Tuesday's hearing. Wasser declined to elaborate, other than to say he intends to present those allegations to debunk McCourt's claims that he is low on cash. Wasser opened his statement by saying that Frank McCourt had contracted RAIDS: "recently acquired income deficiency syndrome." "It's an illness many people seem to have in dissolution cases," Wasser said. "We need to explore that ..."
Dodgers trade outfielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox
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December 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"Juan Pierre will be an everyday player again. The Dodgers sent their No. 4 outfielder and $10 million in cash to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players to be named. Signed to a five-year, $44-million contract prior to the 2007 season, Pierre is still owed $18.5 million over the final two years of his deal. "Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said in a statement released by the team. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an opportunity presented itself in which his chance to play would be enhanced, we would pursue it and ..."
Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox
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December 15
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded Juan Pierre and cash to the Chicago White Sox for two players to be named. Pierre, 32, hit .308 (117-380) with 30 stolen bases, 57 runs and a .365 on-base percentage in 145 games with the Dodgers in 2009. He began the season as a reserve but proved to be a valuable asset when he was thrust into the starting lineup upon Manny Ramirez's 50-game drug suspension. Once Ramirez returned, Pierre became a reserve again. "Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an ..."
Sources: White Sox acquire OF Pierre
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor-leaguers and cash, according to major league sources. Of the $18.5 million left on Pierre's contract, the White Sox will pay $3 million in 2010 and $5 million in 2011. Pierre will be Chicago's leadoff hitter and it likely means Scott Podsednik will not return to the South Side."
White Sox acquire Juan Pierre from Dodgers
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December 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have acquired leadoff hitter/outfielder Juan Pierre from the Dodgers for a pair of minor leaguers, thus ending Scott Podsednik's career on the South Side. Pierre, the 32-year-old former Cubs center fielder, is owed $18.5 million over the next two years, but the Dodgers will pay about half of that. The trade is expected to be announced this afternoon. Relegated to bench duty last spring, Pierre filled in for suspended Manny Ramirez and hit .308 in 145 games. He also stole 30 bases in 42 attempts."
Dodgers' cost at winter meetings not an arm and a leg, just 2 arms
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December 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"Reporting from Indianapolis - When the Dodgers departed from baseball's winter meetings Thursday, Roy Halladay still belonged to the Blue Jays. Joel Pineiro and Jon Garland were still free agents. But the Dodgers didn't leave without adding a couple of pitchers to their roster: Carlos Monasterios and Armando Zerpa. Never heard of them? You're probably not alone, which is probably why the Dodgers had to spend only about $120,000 to acquire them in a couple of player-for-cash swaps with the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays. Based on what General Manager Ned Colletti said, Monasterios and Zerpa weren't acquired to replace Randy Wolf, who officially parted ways with the Dodgers when he agreed ..."
Dodgers working to fill Wolf's void
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"Randy Wolf is gone, the Dodgers never making an offer to keep him nor receiving Draft-pick compensation for losing him. But Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Wednesday he had no second thoughts about not offering the free-agent left-hander salary arbitration, which would have preserved compensation at the risk of a possibly large one-year salary for the Dodgers' most consistent starter this year. Colletti has already moved on with efforts to replace Wolf. "We've tried to get creative with a couple of three-way deals, but nothing yet," Colletti said. "As of right now, we're not close on anything." While issuing a second day of endorsements for Blake DeWitt to be the starting second ..."
Brewers reach agreement with Wolf
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December 9
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Milwaukee Brewers got their man. Once the Brewers decided they had no shot at signing the top pitcher on the free-agent market this winter, John Lackey, they pinpointed left-hander Randy Wolf as the pitcher who best fit their budget and need. And they went hard after him. That aggressive pursuit culminated Wednesday morning in a three-year deal with a club option for a fourth year that will pay the 33-year-old Wolf $29.75 million. The Brewers did not announce the agreement because Wolf has to pass a physical examination to make it official. The deal was consummated on the third day of baseball's winter meetings when general manager Doug Melvin finalized the details with Wolf's agent, ..."
Tigers among Juan Pierre's suitors
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December 9
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are among the teams pursuing Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre during the winter meetings, multiple major league sources told FOXSports.com. The Dodgers want a reliable pitcher in exchange for Pierre. With $18.5 million left on his guarantee, a swap of similar contracts would be ideal. But it's doubtful that Los Angeles would view any of Detroit's expensive, oft-injured starters — Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis — as an attractive option. So, in order for the Tigers and Dodgers to strike a deal, a third team would probably need to be involved. Detroit would love to trade switch hitter Carlos Guillen for a pitcher, then ship the pitcher to the Dodgers for Pierre. ..."
So far, Dodgers unable to swing deal
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December 9
MLB.com
 
"General manager Ned Colletti said Tuesday the Dodgers have been unable to trade for any of the four pitchers they targeted coming into the Winter Meetings, and one of them is Toronto ace Roy Halladay. "We came here with four pitchers in mind, trying to figure a way to get them, and we're not really making headway," Colletti said. Colletti didn't mention Halladay or any of the others by name, but said he spoke to Toronto about "the big guy." "We talked to Toronto. It's tough to tell," he said when asked if the latest conversation was any more fruitful than a preliminary inquiry at last month's GM meetings. "They play pretty coy with what their thought process is." Halladay, a free agent ..."
Several teams interested in veteran Carroll
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent infielder Jamey Carroll remains in demand. A number of teams are interested in Carroll, including the Indians, A's, Dodgers and Angels, according to a major-league source. Carroll, who turns 36 on Feb. 18, is looking for a two-year deal — and could get one, considering the competition to sign him. Free-agent infielder John McDonald reached a two-year, $3 million deal with the Blue Jays, Alex Cora a one-year, $2 million deal with the Mets."
Torre, LA talk extension, front-office gig
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Monday that talks of extending manager Joe Torre's contract another season also have included a front-office role after he leaves the dugout. Colletti also gave a detailed explanation why Don Mattingly remains Torre's presumed heir apparent. "We feel Joe's interested in coming back at least one [extra] year as manager, then moving into a role in baseball operations," said Colletti. "It's in the early stages, not as much a negotiation as a discussion of what he wants to do. It depends how much time he wants to spend on it. "Obviously, he's a great evaluator, a great motivator; he can help us in a lot of ways. It depends how much time he wants to ..."
Dodgers' Colletti disputes trade reports
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti on Monday disputed reports that he's shopping reliever George Sherrill at the Winter Meetings and said the Dodgers' planned payroll for 2010 hasn't dropped from 2009. "We're not shopping anybody," Colletti said. "I think George Sherrill pitched great for us. He gives us the same component he gave us last year, somebody who can close, can pitch late in the game. He's a left-handed compliment to the right-handed [Jonathan] Broxton." Reports earlier in the day had baseball officials claiming the Dodgers were redirecting other clubs toward Sherrill, who is likely to receive a salary around $4 million through the arbitration process. Responding to ..."
General Manager Ned Colletti says Dodgers' payroll unlikely to decrease
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December 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"In response to widespread speculation that financial troubles could significantly compromise the quality of the Dodgers' on-field product next season, General Manager Ned Colletti said on the opening day of baseball's winter meetings that the club intends to spend at least as much on players as it did last season. Asked whether the Dodgers' payroll could decrease, Colletti said, "Not at the moment." Colletti didn't rule out that the payroll could increase, and downplayed concerns that have been raised about owner Frank McCourt's divorce proceedings and the club's decision not to offer any of its free agents salary arbitration. The club began last season with a payroll of around $100 ..."
Brewers making bid for lefty Wolf
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Brewers, in need of starting pitching, are making a strong push for free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf, according to major-league sources. "They've shown they're very interested," according to one source with knowledge of the discussions. Wolf, 33, went 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA for the Dodgers last season, pitching a career-high 214 1/3 innings. The Dodgers did not offer him salary arbitration, so any team that signs him will not forfeit a draft pick as compensation. The Brewers, who are looking for multiple starting pitchers to go with right-hander Yovani Gallardo, might be reluctant to give Wolf anything beyond a two-year deal. General manager Doug Melvin has indicated that he would not ..."
Sources: Tigers close to trading starter Jackson
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are close to trading right-hander Edwin Jackson, according to major-league sources. The identity of the team is not known, but both the Diamondbacks and Mariners are known to have interest. The discussions have been more serious with Arizona than Seattle, according to one source. The Angels, meanwhile, are still pursuing both Jackson and Detroit center fielder Curtis Granderson. The Brewers, Mets and Dodgers are not on Jackson, sources said."
Pirates and Rangers interested in Juan Pierre; Padres shopping Bell and Kouzmanoff
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December 7
CBSSports.com
 
"Trade talks continue to dominate the winter meetings. As CBSSports.com reported yesterday, the Dodgers are trying hard to find a taker for outfielder Juan Pierre, and the Pirates have emerged as a surprising possible partner. Sources said Texas is also interested in Pierre, but since neither the Dodgers nor the Rangers can add any money, a deal would require matching up salaries. The Dodgers are hoping to either get a starting pitcher back for Pierre, who is due to make $10 million in 2010 and $8.5 million in 2011, or free up enough money to add a pitcher from elsewhere. The Padres, sources said, are shopping both closer Heath Bell and infielder Kevin Kouzmanoff. All the trade talks are ..."
Tigers could target Los Angeles Dodgers reliever George Sherrill
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December 7
Michigan Live
 
"While most of the baseball universe expects Detroit to be sellers at the Major League Baseball winter meetings, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski could have a few curveballs up his sleeve. One could be a trade for Los Angeles Dodgers reliever George Sherrill. Sherrill, who closed games for Baltimore before being traded out West, is being shopped by the Dodgers, and the Tigers are interested, according to Yahoo! Sports. December 7, Yahoo! Sports: Bringing reliever George Sherrill from the Baltimore Orioles via trade last season was one of the things that really helped the Los Angeles Dodgers get over the hump and back into the National League Championship Series against the ..."
Pierre for Castillo swap being discussed?
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December 7
New York Post
 
"There has been talk of a possible flip of bad contracts with Luis Castillo (two years, $12 million) going to the Dodgers in return for Juan Pierre (two years, $22 million). But the Dodgers feel they should get a better return on Pierre and do not like Castillo. Meanwhile, the Mets have not dismissed completely the notion of flipping Castillo for Pat Burrell ($9 million in 2010) if Burrell gets traded from the Rays to the Cubs for Milton Bradley (which remains a strong possibility). However, one Mets official described Burrell's poor defense and less than ebullient personality as major drawbacks to complete that deal. In other words, all avenues to trade Castillo would have to be blocked at ..."
Ex-Cubs, White Sox draw interest at winter meetings
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December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baltimore GM Andy MacPhail has interest in Kevin Gregg and Rich Harden, which comes as no surprise to those who have been following the former Cub president since his departure. Baltimore took Sammy Sosa off Jim Hendry's hands before Mac Phail got there, then MacPhail took Felix Pie, Corey Patterson and Rich Hill from the Cubs. But MacPhail won't do the same with Milton Bradley. Harden likely will end up in Seattle, near his Canadian roots. Former White Sox reliever Mike MacDougal is arbitration eligible in Washington, so he might be let go on Saturday, which is the date for tendering contracts. MacDougal was the Nationals closer but may not be worth the price. Former Cub Mark DeRosa is ..."
Dodgers' shortage of arms could be cause for alarm
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December 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"Itching for pitching By declining to offer Randy Wolf arbitration, the Dodgers essentially bid their most reliable starter farewell. And if they didn't want him back on a one-year deal -- albeit a potentially expensive one -- it doesn't appear likely that they'll offer him the kind of multiyear contract he is seeking. Wolf's likely departure leaves the Dodgers short on arms and experience in their starting rotation, which returns only Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda. The Dodgers have already said they won't pursue free agent John Lackey and their chances of acquiring Roy Halladay from Toronto appear slim. The Dodgers could bring back midseason additions Vicente Padilla ..."
Dodgers' stance on Hudson another curious move
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December 6
Foxsports.com
 
"As curious as it was for the Dodgers not to offer salary arbitration to free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf, their refusal to make an offer to free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson was even more inexplicable. The Dodgers feared Wolf might accept arbitration, then earn more than $10 million — a salary they considered too high — on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. There is no way, however, that Hudson would have accepted an arbitration offer, according to major-league sources. Dodgers manager Joe Torre benched Hudson in favor of Ron Belliard down the stretch and in the postseason. Hudson remained professional, waiting until November to reveal, in an interview with Ramona Shelburne of ..."
Giants and Dodgers going after Ausmus
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December 3
Foxsports.com
 
"The Giants and Dodgers are among the teams pursuing free agent catcher Brad Ausmus, his agent, Peter Mrowka, said Thursday. Ausmus batted .295 in 36 games for the Dodgers this season. He resides in San Diego and has a strong preference to play on the West Coast. Mrowka said it's "possible" but "not likely" that Ausmus will play for a team based somewhere other than the West Coast. The Padres, who lack veteran catching, might also benefit from bringing back the 40-year-old. Ausmus played in San Diego from 1993 through 1996."
Wolf won't take bite out of Dodgers' payroll
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December 2
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Considering they've just made their first decision that could be construed as allowing them to save a few dollars, considering Frank McCourt just last week told a judge he had $167,000 in his checking account (give or take the DirecTV bill), and considering they don't seem to be among the contending parties for John Lackey or Roy Halladay despite clear needs, this would seem a strange time for this bit of Los Angeles Dodgers news, but here goes: So far, team sources say, the baseball operations end of the ballclub is proceeding as normal. No ownership directives to cut payroll. No warnings to stay off free agents. No screaming hissy fits in the hallways. No changing of the locks. OK, ..."
Scutaro says he's interested in Sox and Dodgers
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November 30
Boston Globe
 
"Marco Scutaro could fill the hole the Red Sox have at shortstop, but there is already avid competition for the 34-year-old free agent. In an interview with the Venezuelan newspaper Diaro Panorama, Scutaro said the Sox, Dodgers, Mariners, and Rangers have expressed interest in him. "There are two teams that would interest me, which are the Dodgers and Boston,'' Scutaro said."
Angels and Dodgers face similar payroll situations
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November 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"When the last out of the American League Championship Series was made in October, the Angels trimmed almost $51 million from their payroll, as Vladimir Guerrero, Kelvim Escobar, John Lackey, Bobby Abreu, Chone Figgins, Darren Oliver and Robb Quinlan headed for free agency. Knowing his 2010 budget would be roughly the same as 2009 -- the Angels finished last season with a payroll of about $113 million -- the savings would seem to have given General Manager Tony Reagins all sorts of flexibility this winter. He could look to retain some of the Angels' highly coveted free agents such as Lackey, Abreu and Figgins. He could aggressively pursue a marquee free agent such as Matt Holliday or Jason ..."
Scutaro's top two: Sox and Dodgers
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November 29
Boston Globe
 
"In an interview with the Venezuelan newspaper Diaro Panorama, Marco Scutaro said the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mariners and Rangers have expressed an interest in signing him. "There are two teams that would interest me, which are the Dodgers and Boston, as it would have the opportunity to be in the playoffs," Scutaro said. The Red Sox want Scutaro as a shortstop, the Dodgers as a second baseman and the Mariners as a third baseman. Scutaro would prefer to play short or second. Despite signing Gonzalez and defensively gifted backup John McDonald, the Blue Jays are expected to offer Scutaro salary arbitration on Tuesday to recoup a first-round draft pick from the team that signs him."
Phils, Dodgers both want Castro
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November 24
Foxsports.com
 
"One month after playing one another in the National League Championship Series, the Phillies and Dodgers are pursuing the same utility player: Juan Castro. Castro's agent, Oscar Suarez, told FOXSports.com Tuesday that both teams are interested in the 37-year-old infielder. Castro, who has been in the big leagues for all or part of 15 seasons, batted .277 for the Dodgers in 57 games this year. He started games at shortstop, third base and second base and appeared in two games as a left fielder, according to Baseball-Reference.com. The Phillies view Castro as an alternative to replace utility man Eric Bruntlett, who isn't likely to return."
Angels and Dodgers look into acquiring Toronto's Roy Halladay
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November 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels have resumed their pursuit of pitcher Roy Halladay, the Toronto Blue Jays ace who would be an extremely attractive alternative to free-agent right-hander John Lackey, with whom the team continues to negotiate. The Dodgers also have inquired with the Blue Jays about Halladay, the 32-year-old right-hander who is entering the final year of a three-year, $40-million contract. But one source familiar with their talks, who was not authorized to speak publicly, called the possibility of the Dodgers landing Halladay "a long shot." The Angels went hard after Halladay before the July 31 trade deadline last season, but talks broke down when the Angels refused to include shortstop Erick ..."
Dodgers won't be pursuing John Lackey
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November 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"Even with starting pitching as their most pressing need, the Dodgers do not plan to pursue John Lackey, the best starter available in free agency. As baseball's owners concluded their quarterly meetings here today, amid predictions from other National League executives that the Dodgers could lower their payroll substantially, Dodgers President Dennis Mannion said General Manager Ned Colletti has not been ordered to trade one of the team's eight arbitration-eligible players to save money. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who has not spoken publicly since his divorce proceedings started last month, declined an interview request. McCourt's estranged wife, Jamie, has asked a court to rule that she ..."
Pitching tops Dodgers' free-agent list
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November 19
MLB.com
 
"Rare is the year when the Dodgers lack quality starting pitching. But they might have to delve heavily into the free-agent market to maintain that asset. The reigning National League West champions are expected to focus on starting pitching when open bidding on free agents begins Friday. After leading the league in overall ERA last season and tying for second in starters' ERA, the Dodgers could lose as many as three members of their season-ending rotation -- free agents Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla and Jon Garland. Jeff Weaver, who started seven games, is also a free agent. With approximately $40 million in salary coming off the books, Los Angeles should be able to obtain a starter or two ..."
McCourts' divorce "in good hand"
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November 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"Commissioner Bud Selig said the Dodgers were "in good hands" for now but refused to offer assurances to fans worried that the McCourt divorce saga could compromise the future of the club. Baseball's owners held their quarterly meetings here today, with Jamie McCourt absent from sessions she had attended regularly. Frank McCourt last month fired his estranged wife as chief executive, and she cannot continue to serve on ownership committees so long as she is not involved in club management, said a high-ranking baseball official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of pending legal proceedings. Baseball officials are reluctant to comment publicly before a court takes up the issue of ..."