What's the plan for the off-season? I imagine you guys would like to spend whatever money you need to on bullpen help and another starter? Unless you wanted to replace someone like a Mark Ellis, I imagine your lineup is fine as is.
It's hard to say, because Ned Colletti is still the GM and he is a "loyalty guy" which means rewarding players for having decent seasons even though data/facts state that they are in major decline.
Just on the 25 man and now, putting bias and emotion aside:
AJ Ellis- Exceeded expectations and leader of the pitching staff, should get a pay bump via arbitration.
Tim Federowicz- Backup catcher, doesn't bring much offensive value. He's young and cheap, under team control.
Mark Ellis- Team option for 2014, has been solid but is in decline both offensively and defensively. Shouldn't be a starter in 2014.
Adrian Gonzales- Signed through 2018, starting 1b.
Jerry Hairston- Versatility is definitely a plus, but should't be on the 2014 roster.
Nick Punto- Started out hot, but bat has been terrible. Fan favorite and dread Ned giving him a 3 year deal. Shouldn't be re-signed
Hanley Ramirez- FA year in 2014, extension candidate. Does have his warts, and injuries are a concern. Has been a plus in the clubhouse.
Juan Uribe - Having a great rebound year, hope he doesn't get re-signed.
Carl Crawford - Signed through 2017, starting LF'er
Andre Ethier - Signed through 2017, will be dealt this winter, bank on it.
Yasiel Puig - Signed through 2018, starting RF'er.
Skip Schumaker- Good story, hometown kid, but not deserving of a roster spot in 2014
Matt Kemp (DL)- Hope he shakes the injury bug in 2014, signed through 2019, starting CF'er
Drew Butera- Recently acquired, to be an emergency catcher. Arbitration eligible, non-tender candidate.
Dee Gordon- Value is at rock bottom, should be packaged in a deal for a bag of peanuts.
Scott Van Slyke- Could be a solid bench player in 2014, under team control.
Alex Castellanos- Boom or bust in 2014, OF bench option in 2014.
Clayton Kershaw- Shuld and deserves massive extension. Ace.
Zack Greinke- Signed through 2018
Hyun-Jin Ryu- Signed through 2018
Ricky Nolasco- Free agent, team will make an effort to re-sign a hometown kid.
Chad Billingsley- Team hopes he can rebound from elbow surgery, signed through 2014 w/team option for 2015.
Chris Capuano- Will not return in 2014.
Stephen Fife- Emergency fifth starter, has options, under team control.
Ronald Belisario- Has come on in the second half, second year of arbitration. Doubt he gets non-tendered.
Kenley Jansen- Eligible for arbitration for the first time, will get healthy pay bump.
Brandon League- Signed through 2015, albatross of a contract.
Chris Withrow- Under team control.
JP Howell- FA after the season, team will attempt to re-sign him.
Scott Elbert- Injury prone, arbitration eligible, non-tender candidate.
Paco Rodriguez- Under team control.
Brian Wilson- FA auditioning for the 2014 season, price will be too high to retain.
Carlos Marmol- FA auditioning for the 2014 season.
Jose Dominguez- Under team control.
Peter Moylan- Will not be on the 2014 roster.
Javy Guerra- Trade candidate, value is at rock bottom.
Shawn Tolleson- Injury prone, under team control.
Matt Magill- Under team control, underwhelming performance in 2014.
Needs:
Offense: Second base and third base needs to be addressed, and Ethier will have to be moved. Having a glut of OF'ers worked in our favor in 2013, but it can backfire if everyone is healthy in 2014.
Defense: Second base and third base. Third base has been a black hole since Adrian Beltre left.
Pitching: I'm sure they are going to give Bililngsley a shot at the fifth spot. Goal is to re-sign Nolasco.
Bullpen: Retain the current make-up of the bullpen: re-sign Howell. Stop ******g with Kenley, he's the closer. Look for a long-reliever.
