What we did on our winter vaca (Dodgers off-season news)

[Kilroy]

In the face of the interminable NBA lockout nonsense, at least there's some positive news for LA...
I think Dodger Blue is poised to make a big turnaround if we can get a good buyer quickly.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Matt Kemp are reportedly in an agreement on an eight-year $160 million contract, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman. The deal is pending a physical.

According to Heyman, the deal will likely include a full no-trade clause for the slugging outfielder.

Kemp, who wasn’t eligible for free agency until after next season, had stated that he did not want to negotiate a contract extension after the 2012 campaign had begun.

http://tracking.si.com/2011/11/14/dodgers-agree-on-160-million-extension-with-matt-kemp/?sct=hp_t2_a5&eref=sihp

[Kilroy]

Not sure about this one... Thoughts?

The Dodgers have agreed to a two-year deal with Mark Ellis for $8.75 million. The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney.

This is what you might call a slightly more curious signing than Kemp.

Ellis turns 35 next season, hit .248 in 2011, and although a solid glove at second, cannot play shortstop.

As opposed to Jamey Carroll, who will be 38, but can play all over the field and recently left the Dodgers to sign with the Twins for two years for approximately $7 million. And hit .290.

The addition of Ellis -- who started last season with the A’s before being traded in June to the Rockies -- leaves the Dodgers a set infield of James Loney at first, Ellis at second, Juan Uribe at third and Dee Gordon at shortstop. At least until the Dodgers announce they have signed Albert Pujols.

Ellis has been in decline the past two years, but still offers more RBI production than the light-hitting Carroll. Ellis had 41 combined RBI last season, which would have been a career-high for Carroll, who had only 17 for the Dodgers. Ellis has mostly hit second in the lineup.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/11/dodgers-mark-ellis.html

[Phil XI]

I hate to say this, but kind of a reasonable deal for him. happy

[TyCobb]

Should be an asset for potential buyers,

[Kilroy]

I agree, I think it's a good deal all things considered...
And I'm getting kind of excited about the solid young core we have...

I just hope my hapless Dodgers don't find a way to screw it up.

I honestly can't wait to see the "Under New Management" banners hanging from Chavez Ravine.

[Kilroy]

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their signing of free-agent infielder Adam Kennedy to a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.

The deal carries an $800,000 base salary, and Kennedy will receive an additional $25,000 for each of 325, 350, 375, 400, 425 and 450 plate appearances, meaning he could stand to earn as much as $950,000.

Kennedy, who will turn 36 in January, will serve primarily in a utility role and has the ability to play first, second and third.

"Adam gives us infield depth and an experienced left-handed bat," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said in a statement issued by the club. "He provides us with infield versatility at second and third base and can play first as well."

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7303328/los-angeles-dodgers-finalize-1-year-deal-inf-adam-kennedy

It's in the WT as well...

He's getting older but I think he bolsters our infield and didn't cost us a whole lot.
I think it's a pretty solid signing.

[TyCobb]

Chris Capuano has signed a 2-year deal with the Dodgers for $10 mil.

Meh..

[Phil XI]

Chris Capuano has signed a 2-year deal with the Dodgers for $10 mil.

Meh..

[Kilroy]

Chris Capuano has signed a 2-year deal with the Dodgers for $10 mil.

Meh..

I saw that too... I wasn't even interested enough to post it.

I take it we need lefty's...

[Kilroy]

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $10.95 million contract.

Ethier would receive an additional $25,000 for each of 600 and 625 plate appearances.

Ethier, who will turn 30 on April 10, is a five-plus player (at least five years of major league service time) and is in his final winter of arbitration-eligibility and will be eligible for free agency after the 2012 season unless the Dodgers sign him to an extension before then. He received $9.25 million in 2011, the final year of a two-year, $15.25 million contract he signed before the 2010 season.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7470780/andre-ethier-los-angeles-dodgers-agree-1095-million-contract

Nice start, avoiding arbitration and all, but here's hoping that once the dust settles, the New Ownership can sign him to an extension.

[Phil XI]

I love Andre. I am glad he is sticking around.

[Kilroy]

Resigning Kemp has got to be the biggest news...

But merges ongoing.

[Kilroy]

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $10.95 million contract.

Ethier would receive an additional $25,000 for each of 600 and 625 plate appearances.

Ethier, who will turn 30 on April 10, is a five-plus player (at least five years of major league service time) and is in his final winter of arbitration-eligibility and will be eligible for free agency after the 2012 season unless the Dodgers sign him to an extension before then. He received $9.25 million in 2011, the final year of a two-year, $15.25 million contract he signed before the 2010 season.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7470780/andre-ethier-los-angeles-dodgers-agree-1095-million-contract

Nice start, avoiding arbitration and all, but here's hoping that once the dust settles, the New Ownership can sign him to an extension.

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier, a two-time All-Star who would have been eligible for free agency after the season, has agreed in principle to a five-year, $85 million contract extension that will keep him in town through at least the 2017 season, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed Monday.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/8040921/source-andre-ethier-agrees-principle-5-year-85-million-contract-extension-los-angeles-dodgers

And we did it. Ethier extended...

[TyCobb]

Oh wow! I thought for sure he was leaving. Great news for the Dodger fans!