Mr. Falcon's 2009 Plan (pt. 1)

It's been way too long since this blog has been updated...especially since the Dodgers had a pretty exciting run to end 2008 (Manny, sweeping the NLDS, underperforming in the NLCS). However, as they used to say in Brooklyn..."there's always next year." Therefore, it's time for my 2009 plan. Ned has probably been refreshing his TQ...ViG homepage since we exited the playoffs just looking for a clue. Look no further you stupid dego!!!

Before this 2009 Plan was posted Ned has already made what I believe is a monumental mistake. I'm referrring of course to the declining of Brad "Tiger Penis" Penny's 2009 option. Tiger Penis was only owed $9.25MM with a $2MM buyout. Therefore, we only saved $7.25MM. Almost any starter that can eat 150+ innings is worth $7.25MM. Granted, TP had a terrible 2008 campaign. He only managed a 6.27 ERA over only 94IP (the worst season of his career) while being hampered by a nagging shoulder issue. However, over the 3 prior seasons TP averaged a very solid 3.75 ERA over 190IP. Also, nobody in baseball seems to think that he's seriously injured. Therefore, a return to his average seems fairly likely AND $7.25MM for an average Brad Penny is an absolute steal. Unless we know something about his health that nobody else knows this was a big mistake. Compounding this mistake is that we're now only left with 3 starters (one of whom just broke his leg and another is still only 20 years old).

What's Set

The Dodgers have a bunch of holes to fill in 2009, but lets start with what's settled.

Kemp and Ethier will likely return as starting outfielders regardless of the situation with Manny or Andruw Jones. Ethier made great strides in 2008 in picking up his power numbers to become an absolute beast (OPS -- .885). Kemp was solid and improving, but needs to hit for more power in 2009 (OPS -- .799). However, Kemp did swipe 35 bags at 76% success rate. Both were solid defensively and Kemp began showing signs of being a force in CF. He lead the NL in OF assists for most of the year and his routes seemed much improved.

Loney and Martin will start at 1B and C respectively. Loney needs to pick up his power numbers in 2009 (OPS -- .772) and Martin simply needs more rest so he doesn't get so run down in the second half of the year. His pre-break SLG was .436 while his post-break SLG was only .336. A one-hundred point discrepency is pretty good evidence of over use. Overall, Martin posted a robust .385 OBP last season. Defensively, both Martin and Loney were quite good.

Billingsley, Kuroda, & Kershaw will be in the starting rotation. Bills had a great 2008 and is becoming a bonfide ace (3.14 ERA, 200IP, 1.34 WHIP, 200Ks). However, he did break his leg slipping on some ice recently. Reports indicate that he already had it repaired and should be fine for baseball camp in the Spring. Hopefully, this isn't something we're talking about 5 years from now. Kuroda was solid at home, but weak on the road. However, overall he was definitely serviceable++ (3.73 ERA, 183IP, 1.22 WHIP). Kershaw showed flashes of brilliance and earned a right to do his growing up at the big league level (4.26 ERA, 107 IP, 100Ks).

Broxton, Wade, & Kuo will be coming out of the bullpen (their roles will depend on Saito). Broxton had a solid season. His first over-3 ERA in the last three years, but only a 1.17 WHIP. Wade was absolutely dynamite with a 2.27 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 71.1IP. Let's all forget about their 8th inning NLCS-4. I still don't think that Matt Stairs jack-piece has landed. Kuo is the fucking truth!!! This guy is so god damn fucking diabolical. In 80IP he K'd 96 and only walked 21. This upsurd BB/K ratio was combined with a miniscule 1.01 WHIP. I luv this Taiwanese badass!!!

Well that only leaves (1) An outfield spot (2) Third Base (3) Shortstop (4) Second Base (5) Two to Four starting pitching spots (6) Relief (7) Backup Catcher

That's it????????

How I recommend we fill these holes will be coming shortly...THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!!