Dodgers not expected to make run at Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The Dodgers aren’t expecting to make a run at top-line free agents Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols.
Asked Tuesday of the possibility of adding a big bat this winter, General Manager Ned Colletti said, “As of today, it looks less realistic.”
Fielder was at the top of the Dodgers’ wish list at the start of the winter, but Colletti said he has no meetings scheduled with Fielder’s agent, Scott Boras, at the general managers meetings in Milwaukee this week.
In fact, the Dodgers’ payroll in 2012 will be less than it was this year, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Dodgers’ payroll was around $110 million last season.
The Dodgers finalized an eight-year, $160-million contract with Matt Kemp on Monday. Colletti wouldn’t confirm the deal, which is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Without a premium bat coming in, Colletti said, “we’re going to have to find other ways to produce runs.”
He said he is counting on Andre Ethier, James Loney and Juan Uribe to produce as they have in seasons past.
“Their seasons weren’t indicative of their careers,” Colletti said.
The Dodgers are closing in on a deal with light-hitting catcher Matt Treanor, according to baseball sources. Treanor would back up A.J. Ellis.
Colletti said he would like to add a backup infielder capable of playing shortstop, but wouldn’t mind starting the season with Justin Sellers as the utility man.
Colletti said he is also looking for a starting pitcher, adding that Hiroki Kuroda hasn’t told him whether he would re-sign with the Dodgers.
RELATED:
Frank McCourt apologizes to Dodgers fans
Mark Ellis signs two-year deal with Dodgers
Bill Plaschke: Matt Kemp’s new contract is the first step in Dodgers’ revival
-- Dylan Hernandez
Left photo: Prince Fielder. Credit: Zia Nizami / Belleville News-Democrat / MCT
Right photo: Albert Pujols. Credit: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press