It's time for Dodger baseball...

Phoenix, AZ

Well today's news comes from Phoenix, AZ and it's not about Spring Training. Not yet at least. In Phoenix the biggest news right now isn't about Alex Rodriguez. It's also not about the home team Diamondbacks. Manny mania has taken the early train south towards Camelback Ranch, and reported even before pitchers and catchers do this Saturday. Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune is reporting the Dodgers could make a 'big splash' in the next 72 hours. It would be coming at a good time as the Dodgers really haven't done much tinkering during the off-season. After losing 14 free agents including pitchers Derek Lowe (signed with the Braves) and Brad penny, veteran Randy Wolf has been their biggest addition. The Dodgers have signed infielder Mark Loretta to a one year deal. More recently, the club offered both Jeff Weaver and Eric Milton minor league contracts to battle for a fifth spot in the rotation. Although that is a few names, none of it means too much. Both Weaver and Milton are pitchers coming off a bad few years and are just hoping to find a fresh start in Los Angeles. 

"Don't be surprised if the Dodgers sign not only Manny Ramirez but Orlando Hudson as well", says Scott Bordow.

This report has said to have been confirmed by a "pretty reliable source". The Dodgers have shown interest for the second baseman Hudson all winter long, but never admitting to more than just mild interest. The team does however, need a solid option at second with Casey DeWitt looking like the man heading into the spring. Hudson could be signed relatively cheap for around $5-7 million on a one year deal. Oh yeah, and Manny. Don't forget about that. It has been increasingly evident to me that the Dodgers need Manny more than he needs the Dodgers. This seems true since Ned Colletti and Frank McCourt seem to not be offering Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreau anything as of yet. The team could likely sign a multitude of players for the rich price that Ramirez will command. Ramirez did draw in an additional 5,000 fans each home game and will be responsible for huge profit margins in merchandise sales. Dodger fans have been clamoring to bring back the super slugger ever since he brought his .396 average, 17 homers, and 53 RBI's to LA for the last 53 games of the '08 season.