No Deals Appear Imminent

The Dodgers had hoped for help that didn’t come last season, watching in frustration as other clubs acquired impact batters for the stretch run.

Jeromy Burnitz, Robin Ventura and Rickey Henderson contributed, but their presence wasn’t enough to overcome the major leagues’ worst offense. The former regime wanted to sign Vladimir Guerrero in January, but Angel owner Arte Moreno moved more quickly.

Now that Frank and Jamie McCourt own the club, many within the industry believe new General Manager Paul DePodesta must make a deal to bolster a batting order considered to be below average. But not everyone is convinced DePodesta will make a major move soon.

Several baseball executives contacted recently said DePodesta and his employers might not be in as much of a hurry as some thought.

Although Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas appears to be a good fit, team sources said the Dodgers were not convinced they should go that route, especially if the price would be left-hander Odalis Perez and a top prospect. And the reality, the executives said, was that other available hitters at this point of spring training might not make an appreciable difference in the club’s run production.

One American League executive recently said he would not have tendered contracts to three of the Dodgers’ projected everyday players because of their production and salaries. The Dodgers probably need to make several moves to significantly improve the lineup, the executive added.

DePodesta is preaching patience while beginning an evaluation process expected to continue deep into Grapefruit League play, and he plans to make moves. Then again, his wait-and-see approach might extend into the regular season.

“Obviously it would have helped if we had added a player like Brian Giles or Vladimir Guerrero the last couple of years,” center fielder and leadoff batter Dave Roberts said. “A big bat would have made our team better, but we could have all made things happen as well if we had all played up to our abilities.

“If we get into a contending situation, hopefully we can show management that adding a player would help this team. But I don’t think it’s a matter of sitting back and hoping for a miracle like Vladimir Guerrero.”

Despite their offense shortcomings, the Dodgers still believe they can contend in a weakened National League West.

“I don’t think anyone outside this organization expects us to do anything because of all the things that have gone on in the change of ownership and a new general manager coming in,” Roberts said. “People just think that we’re in a state of chaos, but I think we’re going to surprise some people. We have the people in this clubhouse to do that.”

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Setup man Guillermo Mota arrived at Dodgertown after resolving visa issues in the Dominican Republic.

The Dodgers were delighted to see the popular Mota, who in two seasons with the team has developed into one the majors’ top relievers.

Some scouts said Mota would be the second-best closer in the NL West, and Manager Jim Tracy said he would consider using “The Big Filthy” in some save situations if All-Star closer Eric Gagne needed a break.

“We have the monster here, and I feel happy being the setup guy for this guy,” Mota said.

“I’ve got the opportunity to give the game to him to close the game.

“I feel happy to be one of the guys who pitches before him. He’s the best guy in baseball right now.”