The Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles have responded to the loss of Greg Maddux in their starting rotation with the signing of free agent P Jason Schmidt (3 years, $47 million). Schmidt and Chavez Ravine oughta be a good fit, though Chris Russo is beside himself over the rumor his San Francisco Giants are in the Barry Zito mix.
(UPDATE : wait just a minute, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bernie Miklasz is reporting the Cardinals say there’s no deal and they’re still talking with Schmidt.)
Mike Lieberthal is the Dodgers’ new backup backstop. I’ve not heard the details, but I’m presuming he signed for less than $47 million dollars.
There’s some hillarious footage on ESPN today of Steve Phillips running alongside the Sultan Of Surly through the lobby of the Dolphin Hotel. Phillips made an honest effort of shoving a microphone in Bonds’ face, but it would not be an exaggeration to say he was blown off.
Howard Johnson is the Mets’ new first base coach, with Sandy Alomar moving to third.
Various yack radio outlets are claiming Ted Lilly has narrowed his choices to the Cubs and Yankees. No word yet on how Lilly might take the news that Kerry Wood is expected to be the Cubs’ closer.
Did the Dodgers have a pretty good young catcher last year named Russ Martin? I seem to remember him being good on my fantasy team, but maybe he can’t throw out a runner or call a game?
I missed the part about Lieberthal being the backup.
yeah, Lieberthal will back up Martin. I don’t imagine Toby Hall will start April in a Dodger uniform, but stranger things have happened. Like Nate Robinson passing the ball, for instance.
speaking of “cant throw out a runner or call a game”….actually, Lieberthal isnt a bad pickup as he can still bring some stick. Marc, I would recommend him for backup catcher for your fantasy team next year.
Chuck,
I missed the ‘backup’ part of the Lieberthal signing and was wondering why the hell the Dodgers would want to put Martin on the bench. He seemed to be good at the plate and the couple of Dodgers games I caught on TV (including the Mets-Dodgers NLDS), he looked better than Mike Piazza defensively.
Anyway, all that seems resolved and I’m still glad I picked up Martin mid-season last year to finish (I believe) one ahead of Mr. GC in the fantasy world. (On the other hand, I’m still pissed I wound up with Victor Zambrano after the autodraft)