STATE OF THE DODGERS

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UPDATE 1/22/10 - 9:01 AM PST
With the big name pitchers no longer available on the free agent market, the Dodgers made sure they were at least getting the guy back who might have been their best pitcher down the stretch in 2009. Vicente Padilla, who was 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA after being signed by the team in late August, was re-signed to a one-year deal worth $5.025M. Regarded as a 'disruptive clubhouse presence', Padilla was designated for assignment and later released by the Rangers after going 8-6 with a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts. The Dodgers apparently did not have the same issues with the 31 year-old, who also threw seven shutout innings in a divisional series win over the Cardinals. He'll likely be the team's #4 starter behind Clayton Kershaw, Hiroki Kuroda, and Chad Billingsley.

UPDATE 12/16/09 - 5:59 PM PST
The Dodgers have signed IF Jamey Carroll to a 2 yr-deal worth approximately $3.85M. The 35 year-old, who will likely split time with Blake DeWitt at 2B and can also fill in at SS, 3B, and the corner outfield spots, hit .276 with a .355 OBP in 315 AB's for Cleveland last season. Carroll helps to fill a void left with three infielders leaving the team via free agency this offseason (Ronnie Belliard, Juan Castro, and Orlando Hudson).

UPDATE 11/6/09 - 8:12 PM PST
LINEUP - Barring a trade, the only change will likely be at 2B with Orlando Hudson and Ronnie Belliard eligible for free agency. Their departure would leave Blake DeWitt as the starter although the team is likely to look for an upgrade via free agency or a trade.

BENCH - Bringing in a starting 2B baseman would allow the team to utilize DeWitt's versatility off the bench. If not, bringing back a player like free agent Juan Castro or Mark Loretta could make sense. The team has plenty of OF depth with Xavier Paul and Juan Pierre.

ROTATION - Randy Wolf is a free agent and Jon Garland had his option declined by the team, meaning that Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, and Hideki Kuroda are the only locks to be in the 2010 rotation. After that, I have unproven James McDonald and lefty Eric Stults penciled in to the last two spots. It is obvious where the Dodgers will focus their attention this offseason. The only question is if they go after a big name to front the rotation or a mid-rotation starter to help the back of the rotation.

BULLPEN - The bullpen is in good shape with their top five relievers all coming off of strong seasons. Jonathan Broxton will close. George Sherrill wil be the main setup guy. Hong-Chih Kuo, Ramon Troncoso, and Ronald Belisario will take the mound in the 6th and 7th innings.