And here we are: the Winter Meetings. This is usually one of the most exciting times of the whole baseball year. But alas, not this year. In fact, one has to wonder why Ned Colletti is even attending. What's he got to do? He's made his list, checked it twice, and he's apparently quite satisfied with a team that had a decent half season last year.
Of course, we all know that Ned's days are numbered. Any new owner will "Dan Evans" him in a heartbeat. You remember how it works: tell Ned that his position is being flown but that he is welcome to apply for it. You interview a half dozen GM candidates and, guess what? You find someone with no experience who is more qualified than he is.
Still, if Ned can pull a rabbit out of his mustache this week, he might be able to save his job with a new owner. I'm serious. All he has to do is find a way to land Prince Fielder. And yes, it can be done. I know, I know, I've said this a time or two before. It's just that it seems so reasonable: Non-tendering James Loney and trading Andre Ethier for nothing more than a barrel full of prospects could save as much as $17 million for next season. Hand Fielder one of those back-loaded contracts that only pays him $16 million this year and you've got a brand new look to the Los Angeles Dodgers. A look that becomes more appealing to prospective buyers of the team, season ticket holders, TV executives, and even Frank McCourt himself as the perceived value of the team will only rise.
Like I said, Colletti's days are numbered. And Dodgers fans can mostly ignore these Winter Meetings and get on with our lives...