It’s All About Depth for the Dodgers This Offseason

The Dodgers continue to make moves this offseason, yet most seem to be aimed  at adding depth to the organization rather than signing expensive talent at the Major League level. The Dodgers were certainly lacking in depth in some areas, and now the new front office has begun to address these weaknesses. Center field has been one of those areas lacking depth, and the acquisition of outfielder Chris Heisey from Cincinnati in exchange for Matt Magill on Tuesday was in direct response to that lingering issue for the Dodgers.

Let’s be honest, the Dodgers were working with no true center fielder for awhile now. Matt Kemp was shifted out of center, and Andre Ethier and Skip Schumaker are not exactly one’s first choice to play center field. I’m sure Zaidi wanted to provide some defensive depth at center as soon as he walked in the door and became GM.

The Dodgers also tendered contracts to all their arbitration-elgible players. A.J. Ellis, Justin Turner, Dee Gordon, Kenley Jansen, Drew Butera, Juan Nicasio and Chris Heisey all received contracts ahead of the Tuesday evening deadline. Retention of all these players reflects the overall feeling that the new executive regime will not be making any sweeping changes to the team for 2015.

Darwin Barney, who seemed to be on the non-tender bubble, was signed by the Dodgers on a one-year deal worth $2.525 million for 2015.

"General Manager Farhan Zaidi said “He can play a variety of roles, that’s part of the attractiveness of bringing him back.”"

While we know that Barney is an excellent defensive player, I do not expect the Dodgers to go with Barney in the starting shortstop role but rather as an utility infielder. Barney, who is great to have as far as infield depth, is another player being retained for his defense which is a recurrent theme to this offseason for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have lost five pitchers this offseason: Matt Magill, Jose Dominguez, Onelki Garcia, Greg Harris and Scott Elbert. They have picked up Juan

Darwin Barney and Drew Butera are returning to the Dodgers for 2015. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nicasio, Mike Bolsinger, Joel Peralta as well as infielder Chris Heisey.

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I was a little disappointed with the trade sending Jose Dominguez to Tampa Bay since I thought he had some great stuff. Besides the loss of flamethrower Dominguez, I overall approve of the moves the Dodgers have made so far this offseason even though they haven’t been anything to be wowed about. I understand the importance of depth, and that you don’t win a World Championship with only 25 players. Sure, another outfielder seems a bit strange to pick up right now with the surplus of outfielders that the Dodgers already have. Yet with the possible trade rumors rumbling regarding the Dodgers outfield, the Heisey deal could be to offset a future trade of one or more of their outfielders.

I’m still waiting to hear about an offseason acquisition that makes me get really excited for next season. While I understand that the Dodgers are working on creating depth and increased defensive upgrades, I still would like to see reinforcements to their catching depth, starting pitching rotation, shortstop, bullpen and offense due to the loss of Hanley Ramirez.

The winter meetings will be held next week in San Diego culminating with the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday, December 11th. I still have high hopes for the new front office, and I don’t think their work is done this offseason. While the loss of Hanley Ramirez and the less than ideal memories of the 2014 Dodger bullpen have made me a bit anxious and grumpy, I am optimistic that the Dodgers will make strides toward a more sustainable long-term success with the new decision makers.

Perhaps with all these new execs coming from a financial backgrounds, I need to look at the Dodgers in terms of market trends. Hopefully the Dodgers are trending toward a bull market. Or should I say a Bison market?