Scott Podsednik today declined the $2 million option for 2011, opting instead to become a free agent. On Tuesday, the Dodgers exercised their half of the mutual option, which gave the outfielder 48 hours to decide whether or not to return to the team at their price.
Last winter, Podsednik signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract, which included the $2 million club option for 2011 or a $100,000 buyout. The option became a mutual option once Podsednik reached 525 plate appearances on the season, which he reached on August 18.
Podsednik was acquired by the Dodgers from the Royals on July 28, for minor leaguers Lucasy May and Elisaul Pimentel. Manny Ramirez at the time was on the disabled list for the third time, and the Dodgers were in need of a starting outfielder. Podsednik struggled, however, with the Dodgers, hitting .262/.313/.336 in 39 games as a Dodger. He also had his season cut short by plantar fasciitis, as he didn't play in a game after September 9.
The Dodgers have eight free agents: Rod Barajas (Type B), Hiroki Kuroda, Vicente Padilla, Jay Gibbons, Reed Johnson, Brad Ausmus, Jeff Weaver, and Podsednik (Type B). The Dodgers' 40-man roster now has 32 players.
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