Tanaka

[Silas]

We should know in about 11 days where Tanaka is going to sign. Reports suggest the Yankees, Dodgers and Angels are the "front runners". Reports also suggest that Tanaka's wife prefers the West Coast. I can't imagine any of these teams lacking funds to sign Tanaka.

So, reports are all we have and they aren't worth much more than a grain of salt. Only Tanaka knows what he is going to do and he probably hasn't made a decision yet.

The Dodgers can handle signing Tanaka and extending Kershaw and Ramirez. Whether or not they decide to spend that much money remains to be seen. On paper, adding Tanaka could very well lead to a WS Championship. But, that, too is speculation.

As a fan I'd love to see the Dodgers add Tanaka, but I believe extending Kershaw is even more important. Kershaw is a proven performer and, absent injury, should be stellar for some years to come.

Whatever happens in the Tanaka sweepstakes, the Dodgers should be in good shape, at least for 2014.

 

[bluepigpen]

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

Theirs going to be a lot of nail biting going on this season I believe. I agree that extending Kershaw & Hanley should be our main goal before the season starts, that way everybody can just concentrate on baseball going foward.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Wonder if he ends up with you guys? That would be one hell of a 1-2-3 punch at the top of the rotation.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

If it happens great, if not, that's fine too. I'm fine with Fife in the 5th in a worst case scenario.

 

[Silas]

Plenty of room to add Tanaka. We will see what happens.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

Plenty of room to add Tanaka. We will see what happens.

I just hope we extend Hanley now.

 

[Silas]

Only about a week away from decision time and it looks like the Dodgers are heavily in the mix. If he is signed, this would be the best Rotation in the game........at least on paper.

 

[Silas]

We should know Tanaka's decision within 48 hours. Many believe the Dodgers have a very good chance to sign Tanaka. The Dodgers have everything to offer Tanaka, but who knows what Tanaka's philosophy is. Is it all about money or the environment he will be in.

I think he will look real good in Dodger Blue!

 

[Silas]

Tanaka to Yankees. Dodgers will now look for another SP.

Would like to have signed Tanaka, but we can use that money to extend Hanley, acquire another SP and fill out the bench.

At least the waiting is over.

 

[Old1949]

I'm not too unhappy about this. That was a lot of money, and as you said, Silas, there are other important needs for that money. I'm not too keen on Aroyo or giving up prospects for Price. I think the Dodgers may be better off leaning on Beckett and, when ready, Billingsley. It may also be time to give one or more of their young arms an opportunity. Based on the schedule they won't need a 5th starter until well up in April. Spring training should tell us a lot about the options. It's nice that Tanaka went to an AL team.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Tananka would have been overkill anyway at such a high price, Greinke and Kershaw at the top of the rotation is menacing enough...