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October 19, 2008

Every Given Sunday

Down to the Wire

by John Perrotto

The Dodgers' up-and-down season ended with a five-game loss to the Phillies in the National League Championship Series. Now, the real fun begins for the Dodgers, who will have an extremely busy offseason with 12 of their players eligible for free agency. One certainty, though, is that general manager Ned Colletti will be there to oversee all of the activity. Owner Frank McCourt silenced speculation that Colletti would be fired following the Game Five loss to the Phillies that eliminated the Dodgers; the GM has one year left on his contract as things now stand. McCourt also made it clear that expectations are high now that LA came within three wins of their first World Series appearance in 20 years. "At some point in time, organizations need to stop talking about winning and go win," McCourt said. "That's what we've accomplished this year. Now we have to move forward. We've tasted winning. We're not going to let that slip away."

McCourt would not say if he would be offering Colletti an extension, but he did refute speculation about adding a president of baseball operations that would be above the GM in the chain of command. McCourt also had praise for Colletti and manager Joe Torre for leading the Dodgers to their first post-season series win since 1988 as they swept the Cubs in the National League Division Series. "What we've accomplished is something significant for the organization," McCourt said. "We've turned a big corner. I'm proud of Ned and all the people in the front office. I'm proud of Joe and all the coaches. I couldn't be more pleased with the job everybody has done."

The most notable of the Dodgers' many free agents is left fielder Manny Ramirez, who led the team in VORP with 47.6, despite not being acquired until July 31 from the Red Sox in a three-team trade. He also had a .404 EqA while hitting .396/.489/.743 in 229 plate appearances, and posted a .520/.667/1.080 line in 36 post-season at-bats. Ramirez gave no indication after Game Five as to what he is thinking about free agency. Agent Scott Boras reportedly is going to seek a six-year contract even though Ramirez is 36 years old. "We'll see what happens in the offseason," Ramirez said. "We'll see what's out there for me."

Ramirez did make it clear that the cult-hero status he achieved in Southern California during his time with the Dodgers isn't going to be a factor in his decision-making process, just as it wasn't when he left the Indians as a free agent following the 1999 season to sign an eight-year, $160 million contract with the Red Sox. The Dodger fans chanted 'stay Manny, stay,' during the latter stages of the Game Five loss at Dodger Stadium. "The fans in Cleveland my last year wanted to me to stay, too" Ramirez said. "I am just going to enjoy my offseason." Torre wants Ramirez back, but realizes the Dodgers will likely face stiff competition. "Manny is a great player but Manny has to do what is best for him and his family," Torre said. "I don't know what club wouldn't want Manny Ramirez." Torre also feels that the Dodgers' off-season focus must go beyond keeping Ramirez. "I know we all get caught up in the offensive part of this game, but I certainly think that pitching is something that really should be front and center as far as being addressed," Torre said.

It is understandable, though, that the Dodgers would be more focused on the offense; they finished 24^th in the major leagues with an average of 4.32 runs scored per game, and second in runs allowed with a 3.99 average. Right-hander Derek Lowe is eligible for free agency after finishing fourth in the NL with 6.9 SNLVAR this season, and there has been talk that Lowe has felt unappreciated at times with the Dodgers and would prefer to leave the West Coast. The Dodgers also hold a $9.25 million club option on right-hander Brad Penny for next season that can be bought out for $2 million. Penny had 0.7 SNLVAR after ranking third in the NL last season with 7.3; his 2008 season was ruined by shoulder problems, and he did not stay with the Dodgers during the playoffs after being eliminated from consideration for the post-season roster when he was placed on the disabled list to clear a roster spot for shortstop Rafael Furcal. "He's been frustrated with his condition," Torre said. "He's a young man with a bright future, whether it's with us or somebody else."