Thinking Out Loud - Feb 3, 2009

Manny turns down the Dodgers

Now that Manny-Boras has turned down the Dodgers 1-year, $25 million deal it's time for the Dodgers to move on. They can snag 2-3 really good players for that much money so I'd stop waiting and get back to work.

I think Bobby Abreu would be a great fit. His consistency would be incredibly valuable for a team with so many young players. Adam Dunn would be okay too, but he's too streaky for what they need.

Abreu is Manny-Lite. He has less HR power but gets on base just as well, has plenty of HR/RBI ability and, unlike Manny, Abreu is a good base runner and plays a decent RF.

If the Dodgers sign Abreu and someone like Randy Wolf that would be a solid move.

Abreu to ChiSox?

NY Daily News is reporting that the White Sox have made a 1-year offer to Abreu. The only way that makes sense is if Kenny Williams is planning on turning around and dealing somone like Paul Konerko, Jim Thome or Jermaine Dye.

Konerko's defense is needed at 1B (compared to that of Thome), so it wouldn't be him. Plus, he wouldn't bring much of a return at this point.

Thome's not exactly at the peak of his career and also wouldn't fetch much.

With Dye we have a whole offseason's worth of rumors to fall back on, plus he's a free agent at the end of the year. They could get something of value for him and I'd bet on him being the one who gets moved.

So, who needs a middle of the order outfielder?

Angels, Mariners, Giants, Dodgers, Reds, Mets. Maybe a couple of others on the fringe.

Would be a nice move for the Dodgers if they can't just sign Abreu themselves. Going by Williams' history, I assume he would be targeting young pitching. Dodgers, Giants and Reds can help there.

Playing at The Cell would be good for Abreu. It's a nice hitter's park so he could put up some numbers and then re-enter free agency again next offseason.

Where does Dunn end up?

I don't know the answer to that question - could be any number of places between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

What I do know is that Dunn should be the guy the Braves pursue hot-and-heavy right now. They need a productive OF and if you throw Dunn into the mix with Chipper, McCann & Co. you've got a very nice middle of the order.

He's not the perfect ballplayer but the Braves need offense and he can supply it, especially when surrounded by guys who are more consistent than he is. Plus, the Braves could get him on a 1-2 year deal.

Pull the trigger, fellas.

KW