The Dodgers figure to be a dramatically different team next season. Although the core of young players remains under organizational control, there could be a slew of free agent defections among the veterans. One of the biggest decisions of the winter will be whether to pony up whatever it will take to re-sign LF Manny Ramirez or to spend that money on a host of other acquisitions that could make the team better as a whole.
ARRIVALS: INF Mark Loretta (free agent from Astros), LHP Shawn Estes (minor league free agent from Padres), C Brad Ausmus (free agent from Astros). DEPARTURES: RHP Brad Penny (free agent, signed with Red Sox), RHP Scott Proctor (non-tendered, signed with Marlins), RHP Chan Ho Park (free agent, signed with Phillies), SS Angel Berroa (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees), RHP Jason Johnson (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees), RHP Takashi Saito (non-tendered, signed with Red Sox), RHP Derek Lowe (free agent, signed with Braves), INF Pablo Ozuna (free agent, signed minor league deal with Phillies), RHP Guillermo Mota (free agent from Brewers), 2B Jeff Kent (retired).
FREE AGENTS: LHP Joe Beimel, INF Nomar Garciaparra, INF Mark Sweeney, LF Manny Ramirez, C Gary Bennett, OF Andruw Jones (released).
Garciaparra isn't likely to be invited back because of his history of injuries. Beimel will test the market, but he probably will return. Ramirez is believed to be seeking about $20 million per year on the open market.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: OF Andre Ethier.
Ethier asked for $3.75 million, while the team offered $2.65 million.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Chad Billingsley (left leg surgery in November 2008) hopes to be recovered for the start of spring training.
RHP Jason Schmidt (shoulder surgeries in June 2007 and September 2008) hasn't pitched in a year and a half, but he finally might be ready to return by the start of spring training.
