Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers need an ace for their pitching staff, and with the winter meetings fast approaching, it isn't clear how they will go about making such a major addition.

With so many key players eligible for salary arbitration, payroll will increase over the team's 2009 total of $100 million if everybody is retained. The list of arbitration-eligible players includes Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, George Sherrill, James Loney, Russell Martin, Jonathan Broxton and Hong-Chih Kuo.

It is widely believed, though, that the Dodgers could end up decreasing salary. The Dodgers deny that possible salary reductions would be due to the pending divorce between team owners Frank and Jamie McCourt.

The Los Angeles Times reported Nov. 19 that the Dodgers aren't interested in free agent pitcher John Lackey. Dodgers president Dennis Mannion was quoted as saying the sluggish economy would prevent the pursuit of the longtime Angels right-hander.

Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay figures to be dealt at some point between now and next summer's trade deadline. But even if the Dodgers can put together a desirable trade package, taking on any of Halladay's $15.75 million salary for 2010 figures to add to the bottom line.

The team's ace in waiting, left-hander Clayton Kershaw, turns 22 during spring training. Whether he is ready or not, he looks destined to sit atop the rotation next season with the Dodgers possibly adding somebody that can fit in as a No. 3 guy.

--rhp K

enley Jansen, a former catcher who moved to the mound this year, was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster. In 12 relief appearances for Class A Inland Empire, Jansen allowed six runs in 11 2/3 innings (4.63 ERA). The team also purchased the contracts of OF Trayvon Robinson, SS Ivan DeJesus and RHP Javy Guerra.

• RHP Hiroki Kuroda will see the biggest salary increase next season among Dodgers players who currently have a deal through next season. Kuroda will make $13 million in 2010, $3 million more than the just-concluded season. He was 8-7 with a 3.76 ERA as he pitched his way through a side injury, a concussion and bulging disk in his neck.

• LF Manny Ramirez might have agreed to his $20 million player option for 2010, but he will merely see a quarter of that next year. Ramirez's contract stipulates that $15 million of that salary will be deferred. He will get $3.33 million on June 30, 2011; $3.33 million more on June 30, 2012; and $8.33 million on June 30, 2013.

• CF Matt Kemp won his first Silver Slugger award shortly after winning his first Gold Glove. Kemp had career highs with 26 home runs, 101 RBIs, 97 runs and 52 walks. He was third in the NL with 34 steals, and he batted .297.

• RF Andre Ethier added a Silver Slugger award to go along with an award from Major League Baseball for being baseball's best clutch performer this past season. Ethier had six walk-off hits, four of which were home runs. He set career highs with 31 home runs, 42 doubles, 106 RBIs, 72 walks and 92 runs.

• RHP James McDonald went to the Dominican Republic to get in some extra work in winter ball, but his numbers were brutal. In just two outings (3 2/3 innings), McDonald gave up seven runs and eight hits with four walks. He pitched mostly in relief for the Dodgers in 2009 and figures to get a crack at a rotation spot at spring training.

By The Numbers:

$20 million—Amount that the Dodgers' payroll is expected to increase if core players Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, George Sherrill, Hong-Chih Kuo, Russell Martin, Chad Billingsley, James Loney and Jonathan Broxton all are retained in salary arbitration this offseason.

Quote To Note:

"Just leaving my options open. At this moment, no, I'm not thinking about pitching anymore. Down the road, I'm not sure. Initially, I'd say no way. I'm not planning on playing at this moment. In my mind, I retired when I left in August."

—RHP Jason Schmidt, on his surprise decision to file for free agency instead of retire due to continued arm trouble.

The Dodgers will have to figure out what to do at second base next season, and they have an open spot in the rotation. The bench, peppered heavily with veterans, could be rebuilt. Nearly all of the core players will return.

Biggest Needs:

If there was anything the loss to the Phillies in the NL Championship Series showed, it was that the Dodgers are void of a staff ace. Chad Billingsley fumbled that role this year, and Clayton Kershaw, 21, is too young for it. Expect the Dodgers to take an active role when the Roy Halladay sweepstakes begin anew or bidding begins on free agent John Lackey.

Free Agents:

C Brad Ausmus, LHP Randy Wolf, RHP Jon Garland, LHP Eric Milton, RHP Vicente Padilla, RHP Jason Schmidt, RHP Jeff Weaver, INF Ronnie Belliard, INF Juan Castro, 2B Orlando Hudson, INF Mark Loretta, INF Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B Jim Thome, RHP Guillermo Mota, LHP Will Ohman.

Padilla interests the Dodgers the most because of the production he gave the team down the stretch and into the playoffs. Belliard could wind up as the starting second baseman. Those are the only two from this group that figure to get more than a one-year deal. Hudson was an All-Star but isn't likely to return.

Arbitration-eligible:

RHP Chad Billingsley, RHP Jonathan Broxton, RF Andre Ethier, CF Matt Kemp, LHP Hong-Chih Kuo, 1B James Loney, C Russell Martin, OF Jason Repko, LHP George Sherrill.

There will be no surprises in this group—everyone is expected to be tendered. Kemp and Ethier stand the best chance of getting locked in to a deal that extends beyond their initial free agent years.

In Limbo:

LF Manny Ramirez picked up his $20 million player option for next season. That likely leaves Juan Pierre as a backup again.

Medical Watch:

RHP Travis Schlichting (back spasms) looks to be recovered from two back injuries in 2009 and was testing himself in the Arizona Fall League.

OF Xavier Paul (staph infection, sprained ankle) was in the major leagues for just 11 games before landing on the disabled list May 21. He stayed there the rest of the season. He already is at full strength.

LHP Eric Milton (back surgery in July 2009) could be ready by spring training. He missed nearly all of the previous two seasons after left elbow surgery.

RHP Jason Schmidt (shoulder) had no life on his fastball in a late-season return from shoulder surgery and was sent back to the disabled list. He figures to retire.

RHP Vicente Padilla (gunshot wound in right leg) was hurt Nov. 3, but the injury was reportedly minor.