In this case, he is shopping for the 2011 season. It seems like Colletti is a whole different GM than he was last year. You can attribute that to the fact that he actually has money to spend on players this year. Instead of standing on the sidelines, Colletti is actively participating in getting the players that the club needs. Since my last update Colletti has signed 2 starting pitchers to complete the rotation, a 2nd baseman, solidified our man behind the plate and made room for more players to be obtained.

Signed

Hiroki Kuroda- Signed a one-year $12 million contract. I think it’s a big excessive, but he wants to be with the Dodgers and I hope he works on improving his pitching, especially when it comes to his first innings

Jon Garland- He was with us in the 2009 season and performed well, but really hit a stride when he signed with the Padres who held 1st place for most last season. His contract is for one-year, $5 million and club options, which could end up being $16 million for two years. He will be the 5th man in our rotation and is the innings-eater we’re looking for.

Juan Uribe- Signed for the steep sum of $21 million for 3 years, Uribe signed with the Dodgers after the Giants offered the same amount. He is a good bat and can basically play anywhere in the infield depending on what other moves Colletti makes. I think the amount of money we paid him is too much, but here’s to hoping he plays what he’s getting paid for.

Rod Barajas- Signed to a one-year $3.25 million contract, Rod returns are our starting pitcher while Martin is tendered due to his injury that kept him out of the latter part of last year. Rod showed us he is a great catcher and excellent hitter, something we’ve been looking for since Martin’s slump in the past two years.

Blake Hawksworth- Comes from the Cardinals in a trade for Ryan Theriot. He is not a game-changer, neither here nor there unless he works on his pitching. He couldn’t do it with the cards, let’s hope Honeycutt can work some magic

Non-tendered

Russell J. Martin- After his injury, Dodgers can’t afford to give him a contract as a catcher and all he’ll be doing is sitting on the bench. However, latest news is that they’re giving him the option of another contract as a utility man. I’ll keep you posted on any updates with regards to what he decides. Let’s hope he doesn’t inform us like LeBron James did!

George Sherrill- Good riddance! Everyone knows I have not been a fan of his since his rapid descent somewhere in between 08 and 09. Sure, I felt bad for the guy who was booed. No one ever wants to be booed by their team’s fans. However, it was about time the Dodgers cut the cord on him!

Very good moves so far, but please, Colletti, don’t stop there. Keep working toward a better team because the Giants are the World Champs and we’re all sick of hearing it =/

Lastly, everyone knows that I bleed Dodger Blue and my heart is with them, but I have a love of a man who wears pinstripes and I affectionately call him Mo (like any of his fans would). Mariano Rivera was up for contract this year. He was offered large sums of money from the Red Sox, Angels, and various other teams looking to get their hands on the “Sandman“. He could have easily gotten $17 million a year signing with another team. What comes next is the mark of a baseball that is admirable, to say the least. He signed with the Yankees for 2 years and less money. Why, you ask? Why would anyone sign with a team for less money? Loyalty, that’s why. Yankees are the only team that Mo has ever played for. So, Mr. Rivera, to you I tip my cap because you are the epitome of what a baseball player should be. Loyal.

As always, Viva Los Dodgers!

Lily