Dodgers have to be liking the dreamer in Matt Kemp

Why you need to dream big ... sounds like the title of 32 different motivational books.

Matt Kemp, however, is dreaming really big. Record big. You’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me big.

His 2011 cry of “40-40” was impressive stuff, and he nearly became the fifth player in major-league history to pull it off, finishing the season with 39 home runs and 40 steals.

Now he’s upped the ante.

“Fifty-fifty,” Kemp said.

That’s his 2012 goal. And hey, why not? Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown examines and applauds Kemp for giving himself lofty goals. Fifty-fifty never has been accomplished in a single season by any player in baseball history.

Of course, hitting 50 homers can get a little in the way of stealing 50 bases. Hard to steal when you’re trotting around the diamond.

Also on the Web:

-- Jonathan Broxton told the Associated Press he’s happy to be in the Kansas City camp and isn’t worried about his post-surgery velocity: “I could come out this year and throw 100 or come back and throw 95. You never know what your velocity is going to be.”

-- The Times’ Bill Shaikin reports on the Bryan Stow family charge that the Dodgers are using bankruptcy court to shield them from their liability claim.

-- In a Fox video, manager Don Mattingly looks to the team’s coming season.

   

 -- Veteran baseball writer Tony Jackson is ESPN/L.A.’s new Dodgers bloggers, and here reports on Rubby De La Rosa’s progress.

-- True Blue L.A.’s Eric Stephen is scheduled to be with the Dodgers all spring, and reports on Jerry Sands arriving at camp and wanting to start.

-- The Dodgers have claimed speedy outfielder Matt Angle off waivers from the Orioles, and in a corresponding move, placed De La Rosa on the 60-day disabled list to create roster room.

-- Mike Petriello gets in touch with his optimistic side in this look at the Dodgers’ coming season.

-- Reid Forgrave at Fox looks back on the historic effect of Dr. Frank Jobe’s ground-breaking Tommy John surgery.

-- Remember, he can play first! Jay Gibbons has signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers.

-- In a video from MLB, excited closer Javy Guerra says he thinks the Dodgers can win it all.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Dodgers Web musings: Manny Ramirez goes 'Moneyball'

Or maybe that should be the other way around. Our favorite dreadlocked, greatest-quote, not-talking, power-hitting, feeble-swinging bundle of contradictions has taken his waning talents to the Oakland A’s.

You probably missed that chapter in the book, but for an A’s team woefully shy on talent, it is a small gamble. At least financially. Pedro Gomez at ESPN reported that Ramirez signed for $500,000. Of course, the Dodgers still owe him $8.3 million in each of the next two years.

The Manny who absolutely electrified Dodger Stadium in 2008 is now 39 and coming off a year in which he sat out almost the entire season after being busted a second time for using performance-enhancing drugs.

He’ll have to serve a 50-game suspension first, but he wants to play, so best of luck and all. Manny is now Oakland’s problem, though it might make for an interesting sequel.

Also on the Web:

— Pitchers and catchers report to camp Tuesday and Dodgers.com’s Ken Gurnick writes that it will the first time in a decade they so with an ace. You can possibly figure out who that is.

— The Times’ Patt Morrison has an interesting Q&A piece with Sue Falsone, the first head female trainer in any American professional sport.

— Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti gives a video interview to Fox at a Kings game where he confirms that he wants to sign Andre Ethier to a long-term contract.

   

— ESPN’s Buster Olney says Yankees catcher Russell Martin has dropped weight for this season. Where have we heard about Martin adjusting his weight before? Oh yeah, here.

— Believe it or not, he’s still here: Brett Tomko has signed a minor-league deal with the Reds.

— And while on ex-Dodgers, infielder Blake DeWitt — the Dodgers’ future second baseman only two years ago — has accepted a minor league assignment with the Cubs after clearing waivers. He’s 26.

— Hong-Chin Kuo is ready to start his new life as a Seattle Mariner: “We all face challenges in life. I had one last year and my teammates helped me through it — everyone helped me through it. My coaches, my wife, everyone.”

— The Jeremy Lin phenomenon reminds some of Nomomania. Wait, check that, it’s Fernandomania.

— Don Mattingly tells Dodgers.com's Gurnick that despite not having an established closer like Jonathan Broxton, he is more confident in his bullpen this season.

— Robert Timm at Dodger Dugout offers his two cents on the team’s coming spring.

— Steve Dilbeck

The Vicente Padilla Experience lands with the Red Sox

Vicente Padilla, now there was a ride for the Dodgers.

No more, however, with the report Monday that he has signed a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox with an invite to their major-league camp. If he makes the team, the Boston Herald said he will earn $1.5 million.

Padilla spent the past two-plus seasons with the Dodgers, and he was all over the map. Sometimes brilliant, others awful, sometimes a starter, briefly a closer, and most often injured.

He’s 34 now, and with his history of injuries he’s a real gamble, though not necessarily a bad one.

It was only two years ago that Padilla was the Dodgers’ opening-day starter. As they say, you could look it up. This followed a midseason acquisition from the previous year, when a Dodgers team desperate for a starter signed him after he was released by the Rangers, and he went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.22 WHIP.

Injuries limited him to just 16 starts (6-5, 4.08, 1.08), but the Dodgers took a flier on him last off-season, signing him as their swing man, potential starter and backup closer for $2 million. But his sore elbow flared up before the Dodgers could get out of camp and he had minor surgery in March.

The Jonathan Broxton ride moves to Kansas City

And so ends that, Jonathan Broxton the Dodgers’ next great closer.

It had looked so promising for a while. Big, imposing Broxton on the mound, firing serious heat. His mere presence intimidating, if not his 100-mph fastball.

But the promise waned in the postseason, and then after a strong start to 2010, came completely undone.

Now Broxton has officially moved on, signing a one-year contract Tuesday with the Kansas City Royals for a reported $4 million guaranteed.

That’s not a bad deal for a guy who missed most of last season with a sore elbow and ultimately had minor surgery. Broxton appeared in just 14 games, going 1-2 with a 5.68 earned-run average and seven saves.

In Kansas City, the pressure figures to be much less than under the bright lights and heavy expectations in Los Angeles. Plus, the Royals are not asking him to close but to set up Joakim Soria.

That, of course, is the role in which Broxton first gained acclaim with the Dodgers, and just possibly, is best suited.

Jonathan Broxton not returning to the Dodgers, agent says

Jonathan Broxton has ruled out the possibility of re-signing with the Dodgers, according to his agent, BB Abbott.

“He will not be back in L.A.,” Abbott wrote in a text message Monday morning.

Abbott said his client is close to moving on.

“He had multiple suitors and we should have something tentative in the next few days,” Abbott said.

Abbott acknowledged he had conversations with the Dodgers about Broxton, but declined to say how far the talks advanced. Abbott had previously said Broxton was open to returning to the Dodgers.

Broxton’s departure wasn’t surprising, considering the uncertainty about his form and the emergences of Javy Guerra and Kenley Jansen in the back of the Dodgers’ bullpen. Guerra and Jansen flourished last season, as Broxton pitched in only 14 games because of elbow problems.

Broxton, 27, underwent a minor procedure in September to shave down a bone spur and remove loose bodies. He last pitched on May 3.

Broxton was the Dodgers’ second-round pick in the 2002 draft.

A hard thrower, Broxton quickly turned into a reliable and frequently used setup man. He became the Dodgers’ part-time closer in 2008, when Takashi Saito was sidelined with elbow issues. The Dodgers parted ways with Saito the following winter and made Broxton their full-time closer.

As a closer, Broxton was often spectacular, utilizing his 100-mph fastball to become a two-time All-Star.

But equally, if not more, memorable were his postseason failures.

He gave up the winning home run to Matt Stairs of the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the 2008 National League Championship Series. The Dodgers were eliminated a game later.

In Game 4 of the 2009 NLCS, Broxton walked Stairs on four pitches, starting a three-run rally for the Phillies. Again, the Dodgers were eliminated a game later.

Broxton was arguably at his best in the first half of the next season. He had a 0.83 earned-run average in through the first 33 games. But his season and career took a turn in a 48-pitch appearance in a loss to the New York Yankees on June 27 of that year. He wasn’t the same after that.

MORE:

Joe Torre reportedly weighs joining bid to buy Dodgers

Bill Plaschke: Writers strike out not choosing Matt Kemp as MVP

-- Dylan Hernandez

Photo: Jonathan Broxton. Credit: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times.

Dodgers web musings: Does sale put Matt Kemp return in danger?

While everybody and his gardener seem to be putting a group together to bid on the Dodgers, what’s to become of the team in the interim?

Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown is not only concerned what the Dodgers might look like on opening day 2012, but that the ownership change could mean not re-signing star outfielder Matt Kemp.

Brown doesn’t like the chances of Frank McCourt adding more debt to the team before heading out of town, but holds out hope after talking to a friend of McCourt:

"The friend told me McCourt still hopes to repair his relationship with Dodgers fans, in part by helping put the team together again, and that to leave the Dodgers short now would weigh on McCourt’s conscience."

Hmm. Some openings you just have to pass on …

Also on the web:

-- ESPN’s Buster Olney, however, said the assumption throughout baseball is whoever the new owner is, he will re-sign Kemp (Insider status required). Which is a good thing, because he doesn’t think much of the 2012 free-agent class.

-- ESPN/LA’s Tony Jackson said MLB will sort through potential new owners before the bidding process, leaving McCourt pretty much his pick.

-- MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch likes the chances of Clayton Kershaw getting the N.L. Cy Young award.

-- The Register's Howard Cole is tired of the dire predictions of the team's post-ownership situation.

-- ESPN’s Jim Caple has his own list of potential new owners  for the Dodgers. Alas, the Dilbeck Investment Group is not on it, but Brad Pitt is.

-- Good news for Jamey Carroll. CBS’ Scott Miller reports utility infielder Willlie Bloomquist has signed a two-year, $3.8-million deal with the Diamondbacks, which Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia’s Tragic Illness fears signals a ridiculous baseball off-season.

-- ESPN/LA’s Arash Markazi said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, who purchased Magic Johnson’s stake in the Lakers, has been approached by at least one group wanting to buy the Dodgers. Apparently he’s thinking about it.

-- Bloomberg’s Alan Sherman said Time-Warner is considering a bid on the Dodgers.

-- ESPN/Florida’s Tommy Rancel thinks the Rays could be interested in signing Jonathan Broxton. Hey, I just provide the links.

-- Evan Bladh of Opinion of Dave Kingman’s Performance, a brave man, tries to identify the positives in the McCourts’ ownership. He tries really hard.

-- 24/7 Wall Street lists seven other professional sports teams in danger of going bankrupt, none from MLB.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Dodgers have most free agents, four days of exclusivity to re-sign

The clock is now ticking on the exclusive window for teams to re-sign their free agents.

The Dodgers, with 10 free agents -– the most in baseball, have until 9 p.m. Wednesday before the players are free to also negotiate with other teams.

The four-day exclusive period for a team to re-sign its free agents began Saturday night.

Of the Dodgers’ 10 free agents, only one –- catcher Rod Barajas -– is thought to project as a Type B free agent, which could provide a team a supplemental draft pick if the Dodgers offer arbitration.

Of course, what the Dodgers can do financially is the great unknown. The team remains tied up in bankruptcy court. The team and Major League Baseball are reportedly working on a settlement. Their trial is currently scheduled to start Nov. 29.

Barajas, 36, earned $3.25 million last season with a one-year contract. The Dodgers are looking at going young behind the plate and not expected to offer him arbitration.

The Dodgers’ other free agents are: infielders Casey Blake, Jamey Carroll and Aaron Miles, pitchers Jonathan Broxton, Jon Garland, Hiroki Kuroda, Mike MacDougal and Vicente Padilla, and outfielder Juan Rivera.

Any could return, but it’s hard to have a firm offseason plan when ownership and a true budget is uncertain.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Outfielder Juan Rivera connects for a two-run double in a Dodgers victory over the Pirates in September. Credit: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

Daily Dodger in Review: Javy Guerra, the unexpected closer

JAVY GUERRA, 26 on Halloween, reliever

Final 2011 stats: 2-2, 21 saves in 23 opportunities, 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings, .218 opponent batting average in 46 1/3 innings.

Contract status: Under team control.

The good: The great surprise of the Dodgers’ 2011 season. If you saw this one coming, you predicted Lady Gaga. You knew the Cardinals would make the World Series.

The rookie may not have consistently blown people away in that classic closer mode, but he was a model of consistency. If he hadn’t allowed a pair of runs in his final game of the season — coming on his fourth appearance in five days — he would have finished the season with a sub-2.00 ERA. Until that last appearance, had been successful in all but one of his 22 save opportunities. Has a good, confident presence on the mound.

Daily Dodger in Review: Jonathan Broxton's unfamiliar terrain

JONATHAN BROXTON, 27, reliever

Final 2011 stats: 1-2, 5.68 ERA, seven saves, 1.89 WHIP, 10 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings.

Contract status: Free agent.

The good: He saved seven games in eight opportunities, six in the month of April. Ah, did not throw a wild pitch?

The bad: Alas, pretty much everything else. Despite his 7.58 ERA after his infamous 48-pitch meltdown against the Yankees on June 27, 2010, Don Mattingly entered his rookie managerial season declaring Broxton was again the closer.

He tried to make it work, but those seven saves were not exactly of the impressive variety and soon Broxton was finally ’fessing up to a sore elbow. Which led to a bone-bruise diagnosis in his elbow and a stint on the disabled list from which he never returned.

What’s next: The great unknown. He just completed a two-year, $11-million deal. He was no doubt hoping for a big season heading into free agency but instead has become a humongous question mark, pun intended.

He’s probably going to sign an incentive-laden, one-year contract with someone, trying to prove he has recovered from his injury. If he does, he figures to be a bargain. If he doesn’t, it may prove a small roll of the dice.

Even his agent, however, admitted that the days of Broxton throwing 100 mph are probably over, and he never did completely master an offspeed pitch to complement his fastball.

The take: It is possible Broxton could return to the Dodgers, if his price is cheap enough. No one is going to sign him as a closer, so he’ll have to be willing to return to his original position as a setup man. And many would argue that he’s better suited for that role.

What Broxton is thinking remains unknown, since he stopped talking to the media the last couple months of the season. Not that he ever said a whole lot when he was talking. Still, those so frustrated with Broxton over the past year and half that they’re fine with throwing him overboard should remember he's still only 27 years old. And a two-time All-Star.

And sure, you would be more easily convinced he was putting forth the proper effort if he’d lose a few pounds, but after watching the specimen that is CC Sabathia pitch for the Yankees, Broxton looks almost svelte.

He might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere, but it’s not like he’s ever been a problem in the clubhouse, and he likes it here. If the price drops into bankrupt territory, Broxton could yet return.

RELATED:

Daily Dodger in review: Clayton Kershaw, an ace delivered

Daily Dodger in review: Andre Ethier battles Andre Ethier?

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Jonathan Broxton. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times.

For Dodgers, the kids were a lot better than all right

There’s youth served and youth force fed.

Sometimes the play of a kid is just so exciting it demands that he be called up. And sometimes, bodies are just falling everywhere and a team has little choice but to reach into its system, give ’em a push and let go of the bicycle.

Outside of the play of their big two –- Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp -– the most encouraging aspect to the Dodgers’ improved performance over the final two months was the play of their kids. Lots and lots of kids, and almost every one responded. And most at a level the team had little right to anticipate.

None were really in their plans for 2011. Position players Jerry Sands and Dee Gordon and right-hander Rubby De La Rosa were scheduled to be September call-ups. The rest were still deep in the development stage.

Then injuries hit the Dodgers unusually hard, though it wasn’t exactly totally unexpected given the age of their roster. Down went Casey Blake, Jon Garland, Jay Gibbons, Dioner Navarro, Vicente Padilla (all before opening day), Hector Jimenez (remember him?), Rafael Furcal, Hong-Chih Kuo, Marcus Thames, Jonathan Broxton, Blake Hawksworth, Kenley Jansen, Rod Barajas, Juan Uribe and Andre Ethier. Some made repeat visits to the disabled list. Some never came back.

All of which created opportunity. At least the Dodgers were willing to give the kids a chance, rather than signing or trading for some tired journeyman. They get points for that. And the Dodgers were delighted with how most responded:

-- Jerry Sands: The lone power prospect, he struggled during his first call up in (.200 average, .622 on-base plus slugging percentage) but was a different hitter in September (.342, .908). He hit in 15 of his last 16 games (.407, 1.063). Could start next season back in triple-A or in the starting lineup.

-- Dee Gordon: There are still real concerns about his defense, but he figures to be their starting shortstop next season. The final month of the season, he hit in 21 of 26 games (.372) and stole 12 bases. There will be growing pains, but an exciting talent.

-- Justin Sellers: Struggled at the plate (.203), but can play three infield positions and is a heady player. If Jamey Carroll doesn’t return, option as a utility infielder.

-- Javy Guerra: The surprise of the season. Guerra only figured to be up a couple weeks while Hawksworth was on the DL, but he was pitching so well he stuck and by early July had become the Dodgers’ unexpected closer. Saved 21 games in 23 opportunities.

-- Kenley Jansen: You’d pay to see him pitch. After he came back from a sore shoulder, he was almost unhittable. In his last 31 games, had a 0.55 ERA. Set an MLB record of 16.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

-- Josh Lindblom: The former second-round draft pick seems to have found himself as a reliever. Had a 2.73 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 27 games.

-- Rubby De La Rosa: The hard-throwing right-hander was looking like a rotation find for years to come, before injuring his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery. He could return next summer, though initially as a reliever.

-- Scott Elbert: Not a rookie, but after a frustrating few seasons finally appeared comfortable as the left-handed reliever (2.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP).

-- Nathan Eovaldi: Another called up largely out of desperation, but in six starts had a 3.09 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Penciled in as a starter.

MORE:

Bankruptcy judge rules against McCourt

Dodgers need to swing for fences to keep Kemp

Strong finish sparks hope for Dodgers for next season

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Dee Gordon, next year's starting shortstop, has been a pleasant surprise. Credit: Christian Peterson/Getty.