Dodger Thoughts

- This was a recent exchange during a Q&A session with 3rd base / outfielder Jason Grabowski at AthleticsNation.com (actually held the day that DePodesta was named GM of the Dodgers):

Question: Do you think Paul DePodesta leaving to go to the Dodgers will have a big impact on the A's immediately?

Grabowski: I haven't heard that Paul has left. If he has, that is a great opportunity for him and he definitely deserves it. I think it will have an impact but not as far as on the field production. If anything it gives Billy another team to trade with! Paul did a lot of things for the organization that nobody will ever know about, so to lose him is like losing Billy. They are both great guys and I will miss Paul. I wish him the best.

Another team to trade with? Well he got that right as Grabowski was traded to DePodesta's Dodgers. Grabowski will be the left handed batter off the bench and I bet the Dodgers hope he develops enough to be insurance in case Adrian Beltre walks as a free agent after this year (or maybe DePodesta thinks Grabowski is developed enough right now to make Beltre and his $5 million contract trade bait).

- Jason Romano has been the best Dodger hitter in spring training BY FAR. The Dodgers need offense more than anything. Can this be the end for light hitting centerfielder Dave Roberts or light hitting 2nd baseman Alex Cora?

- The Dodgers got Jayson Werth in a trade with Toronto today that sent pitcher Jason Frasor to the Blue Jays. The deal makes sense in that Toronto is stacked with outfielders and the Dodgers are stacked with pitchers plus JP Ricchardi gets to break the ice with old friend Paul DePodesta. Werth is out of options - so he will be on the 25 man roster.

- The Jason (Romano), Jayson (Werth) and Jason (Grabowski) developments make me think that DePodesta is just getting started. Adrian Beltre just became expendable (Ventura and Grabowski can play third). Odalis Perez has been on the block all winter. Look for DePodesta to make a move for a big 1st base bat (maybe Adam Dunn and his .379 career OBP or Sean Casey and his contract the Reds wouldn't mind moving) or maybe a big 2nd base bat (Jose Vidro?). Maybe these moves a are a prelude to a monster Beltre and Perez (plus former Met Todd Hundley thrown in to even off the dollars) trade to the Mets for Mike Piazza?

- Why would the Dodgers waste a roster spot on Bubba Trammel? Sure he won't cost much for this year but his AB's would be better spent on Romano or Dave Ross. Dumping Trammel would be a way for DePodesta to show "there's a new sheriff in town" (Trammel was a pick up of former GM Dan Evans). If Trammel does stick on the 25 man roster - I would have to question if maybe some agreement is in place with the Commissioner's office (Trammel's salary will be mostly paid by MLB this year).