2013-2014 Offseason Predictions

I was planning on doing this in three separate posts, one which can be seen here, but fusing them all into one post seems much easier and concise. These are the moves that I would make as GM of the Dodgers. I will try to be as realistic as possible, in my mind at least. I'm not sure about the salaries but I tried to do my best in what each player may get, but my figures are probably a little on the high side. Feel free to express your opinions by leaving comments or tweeting at me @ChavezRavining


Trades:
Dodgers: Aramis Ramirez
Brewers: Matt Magill and a B prospect
The Dodgers need a third baseman and Ramirez would bring an above average bat to help extend the order. Ramirez doesn't bring the best glove or speed but he's an above average option at third.

Dodgers: Jin-De Jhang and B prospect
Pirates: Andre Ethier
The Dodgers won't go into the season with four outfielders, and Andre is the most likely to go. His contract and declining skills don't make him the attractive trade piece he once was, but the Pirates need some OF help. The Dodgers will eat a lot of the contract but get a decent catching prospect back in Jhang.

(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Free Agents:
Chris Capuano - 1 year, $4.5 million
Masahiro Tanaka - ($65 million posting fee) 6 years, $75 million
Brian Wilson - 2 years, $18 million + incentives with a vesting option
Dan Haren - 1 year, $10 million + incentives with a vesting option
Eric Chavez - 1 year, $4 million
Chris Young - 2 year, $8 million
Alexi Casilla - 1 year, $1 million

Chavez will back up oft-injured Aramis Ramirez at third and be the primary bat off the bench against right handers. Chris Young makes too much sense for this Dodgers team. They need a 4th outfielder and someone who can play CF. His power also adds something that this bench has been missing since what seems like the Olmedo Saenz years. I would have liked to re-sign Punto, however Casilla will be the primary backup to Hanley this season.






Injuries:
Chad Billingsley
Scott Elbert
Josh Beckett

Billingsley and Elbert should be back sometime this year and both will take on relief roles. Billingsley may fill into the rotation depending on his health. Beckett missed most of last season and there is a good chance he never returns from his injury. He'll go to Arizona in the spring only to aggravate his injury and miss the season. 

Rotation:
Clayton Kershaw - 8 years, $235 million Extension
Zack Greinke
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Masahiro Tanaka
Dan Haren

I said Kershaw would sign for 10/275 in my last post but that's a little exaggerated. I'd still go that high with him but its unlikely. He'll sign an 8 year extension for around $235 million. That said, Tanaka will be the biggest addition this off-season. Dan Haren had a decent 2nd half and should provide depth to a team that seemingly always loses starters to injuries.

Associated Press

Bullpen:
Kenley Jansen
Brian Wilson
Ronald Belisario
Chris Capuano 
Brandon League
Chris Withrow
Paco Rodriguez

Wilson will resign with the Dodgers, but won't take over the closer role by May. I'd give him a vesting option based on innings pitched. Capuano will return as a long man out of the pen, and occasional spot starter. 

Lineup:
RF Puig
LF Crawford
SS Ramirez
1B Gonzalez
CF Kemp
3B Ramirez
2B Guerrero
C Ellis

Bench:
3B Eric Chavez
IF Alexi Casilla
OF Chris Young
C Tim Federowicz
1B/OF Scott Van Slyke