The Los Angeles Dodgers head into the MLB winter meetings with the majority of their offseason moves already made. From the moment the season has ended, the Dodgers have been baseball's busiest team, seeking to improve on their 80-82 record in 2010. Here is a summary of where the Dodgers are at heading into the baseball winter meetings, which begin Monday in Orlando, Florida.
Additions already made: SP Ted Lilly, SP Hiroki Kuroda, SP Jon Garland, 2B Juan Uribe, C Rod Barajas, OF/1B Jay Gibbons, P Blake Hawksworth
Key Departures: C Russell Martin
Payroll: The Dodgers have already committed at least $27.9 million in 2011 salary to free agent signings this offseason, and have an estimated 2011 payroll of roughly $105 million with the current roster.
What to expect: The Dodgers have their lineup pretty much set, except for left field. General manager Ned Colletti has stated that Jay Gibbons, Xavier Paul, and Jamie Hoffmann could rotate time in left field, but expect the Dodgers to be active in acquiring a left fielder. While a low-level signing like Scott Podsednik is much more likely than trading for an impact bat like Josh Willingham of the Washington Nationals, expect the Dodgers to actively seek a left fielder.
The Dodgers will also look to make some minor moves, like signing an experience reliever, preferably left-handed, or even signing a catcher to split time with Rod Barajas. A.J. Ellis is the incumbent backup catcher, but given the lack of organizational depth at catcher, look for the Dodgers to sign another backstop this winter. There has even been talk of Martin returning in some sort of super utility role, but that seems unlikely given his cost, his hip injury, and the fact that his bat won't play at any position but catcher.
For more Dodgers winter meetings news and analysis, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.
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