Dodgers on the verge of a new deal with Vicente Padilla

The Dodgers are close to re-signing Vicente Padilla to a one-year deal worth $2 million plus incentives, according to a baseball source with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The opening day starter last season, Padilla will return as a swing man for the Dodgers, who went into the winter meetings with their five-man rotation already set. Because of his stuff and makeup, Padilla is also viewed as an option to close if Jonathan Broxton doesn’t regain his All-Star form.

That Padilla would agree to such a deal is somewhat of a surprise. While neck and arm trouble limited him to 16 starts last season, Padilla was expected to be able to land a spot in someone’s rotation because of the low supply and high demand for starting pitching.

-- Dylan Hernandez in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Comments

[Jay from Sactown]

I sure hope he doesn't read this and other articles and blogs and up the ante or back out! That said, this seems like an absolute steal for the Dodgers, and good for him if he's showing loyalty by providing a hometown discount.

We're getting a lot closer to respectability, aren't we?

[Chuck Booth]

If starting pitching is in such demand maybe we could make a two for one trade. Two of the three; Kuroda,Garland,Padilla if he is signed or Kruroda,Garland who we do have sidgned. That way we could get one pitcher of better quality.

[Sweaty Eephus]

I love this move.

[Jay from Sactown]

Decent idea, Chuck, although I'd be a little queasy not having a bullpen relief valve, what with Broxton's uncertainty. Still, it'd be nice to have a real ace (or, out of respect to Kershaw, a second ace) on the staff.

[Mrs. Vincente Padilla]

Jaime just scored a run in the first.
.
I strongly urge Vicente to get paid in cash.

[Petros]

"We're getting a lot closer to respectability, aren't we?"

Maybe on the field of play. But as long as Mr. and the former Mrs. McCourt are the owners in some configuration or another, then respectability for the organization is still a long way away.

Jus' sayin/

[DG]

Good move on Padilla, for all the right depth reasons...
So now, Ned, please at least EXPLORE where Adrian Beltre currently is in this market.

[Jay from Sactown]

I couldn't agree more, Petros. Thanks for clarifying my comment. I nearly added that disclaimer myself...

[joe]

DG, I'm afraid Beltre is way out of our price range. Prince Fielder was a more likely possibility but that has been shot down. There will be no additional power coming to LA. The most likely possibility is career bench player Matt Diaz platooning with Jay Gibbons. Ethier and Kemp better hit 40 homeruns each next season!

[nedisfrankspuppet]

"Because of his stuff and makeup"

This is why the Dodgers must sign him.

The Nicaraguan Assassin is not afraid to throw his heater inside to anyone and if he hits a few in the process, well that's hard-nosed baseball, something that the boys in blue are in desperate need of.

Make it so, Ned.