Editorials

What Free Agents Will The Dodgers Keep Or Let Go For 2014: Part 2

In part two of our four-part series about the Dodgers’ 12 free agents, we take a look at three veteran utilitymen as the Ned Colletti and Don Mattingly said at their season-ending press conference they wanted to get younger in certain spots.

Here are free agents four through six for the Dodgers:



Michael Young

If it were up to me, the Dodgers couldn’t cut Michael Young quickly enough.

Clearly a guy looking to start somewhere, Young should be on the outside looking in this off-season in Los Angeles.

After a dreadful postseason in which he created more outs than he had at-bats, Young should be packing his bags for whoever will pay him the most money.

Prediction: Not re-signed

Nick Punto

Another strong clubhouse guy, Punto, like Skip Schumaker, didn’t provide much to LA offensively off the bench this season.

That said, with Hanley Ramirez as the starting shortstop, the Dodgers are in desperate need of a capable back-up to come in at the end of games for defensive reasons.

While many assumed that Mark Ellis would definitely be gone next season, the news that GM Ned Colletti was interested in bringing him back as a bench player could impact the decision made on Punto.

I think if the Dodgers can re-sign Ellis, then Punto isn’t needed as much should they decide to keep Schumaker, Young or Hairston.

That said, I think Punto sticks around regardless of Ellis next season.

Prediction: Re-signed

Jerry Hairston Jr.

After two seasons with Los Angeles, Jerry Hairston is headed back to free agency.

The 37-year-old utility man enjoyed success in 2012, hitting .273 as one of the primary back-ups, but Hairston struggled this season, hitting .211 — leaving him off of the team’s playoff roster.

With that in mind, it’s tough to imagine Hairston coming back to LA next season in any capacity that would involve playing baseball.

I think Schumaker, Punto and Ellis are all better options than Hairston, with Schumaker being the most comparable given the wide range of positions they each can play.

Hairston is a great clubhouse guy, but after losing in the NLCS, the Dodgers can’t afford to load up on “clubhouse” guys instead of players who could add depth to their bench.

Prediction: Not re-signed

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In case you missed it, here are the “Mickey Mouse” antics from Adrian Gonzalez in the NLCS.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

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