Gary Bennett wastes no time
He filed for free agency within hours of official notification that the Dodgers weren't picking up his option. This doesn't affect the 40-man roster, as Bennett was on the 60-day DL. Eleven Dodgers players have now filed, with Jeff Kent yet to do so. If the Dodgers reject Pablo Ozuna's option ($1.2M, $200k buyout), he'll file too. The club is almost certain to reject Brad Penny's option ($9.25M/$2M), a decision I BELIEVE has to be made my tomorrow, at which point he'll file, too. Penny is also on the 60-day DL.
Tony what do you think the odds are we go after Brian Fuentes? He is a shut down guy and has been very dominant. That way Broxton can remain the set up guy, and we can pick up a long relieve like Chacon. We then pickup Ben Sheets or Peavy and have a rotation like this:
Sheets/Peavy
Billingsley
Kuroda
Kershaw
McDonald
We move Martin to third, DeWitt to second and pickup Jack Wilson to play short and a veteran catcher like a Ivan Rodriguez
It'll take Bills and/or Kershaw (plus at least 2 other solid prospects) to get Jake...and the Pads have to be willing to trade him within the division...don't see it happening...
My guess is that we'll have to wait for Jones' 18 million to clear the books before anything stellar happens...
And Schmidt stills has one more year doesn't he? That contract will get in the way of things too...
It will be really interesting to see how things play out though...
I'm guessing the outfield is set for next year between JP, Andre, Kemp, and Jones?