Dodgers Diaries

Whenever you see a contract and say, “Thank God it wasn’t longer or for more money,” expectations are suitably lowered to the point where you can’t lose. The approximately $5 million that the Dodgers will be paying the Nicaraguan marksman is less than they’re on the hook for Juan Pierre.

With an ERA+ of 100 in 2009, Padilla was exactly average. His exceptional numbers in his short stint with the Dodgers balanced out a subpar performance for the Rangers in the first four months of the season. And he brings a reputation for headhunting: he led the league with 17 HBP in 2006. Maybe the Dodgers brought him in to toughen up Chad Billingsley. Mix Billz’s stuff with Padilla’s warrior mentality and you’ve got Bob Gibson. Or at least Althea Gibson.

I’m guessing that the Dodger roster you see today is the one that will start the season. The eight starters are set, and so are the first four in the rotation. Spring training will be a competition for the fifth starter job and the sixth and seventh inning roles. Cory Wade, James McDonald, Scott Elbert, Charlie Haeger and Eric Stults will all get a look-see.

I can’t say it’s terribly exciting, but it’s not surprising. The Dodgers policy of “hope these guys all improve” worked well enough last year that the team is happy to do the same this year. Another quick exit in the NLCS seems likely.

-- JOHN ROSENTHAL