All I want for Christmas is a Starting Pitcher...Oh & maybe a reliever

So the Dodgers got one of their guys in Andruw Jones & it's a great pick-up (we've discussed this), but there are other needs still there. The need for a 3b is a need only if you don't think Andy La Roche can carry the load himself. True his stint in the majors last season was not impressive, but he did battle injuries all season & a full year with the big club may be just what he needs to raise his game to the next level.

What the Dodgers really need is a starting pitcher and some relief help. As I've written before, who knows how good or healthy Schmidt or Loaiza will be after they were hurt last season? If the Dodgers land Kuroda then the need for a starter is lessened and a middle reliever can be found for perhaps Ethier. The Tampa Bay Rays could be interested but will have to come up with some better offers than Al Reyes for Ethier straight up.

There have been some ruminations that the Dodgers are interested in Johan Santana. Of course, they are interested, the Pirates are interested, he's the best pitcher in baseball. The fact is, though, that Ned Colletti does not want to move Matt Kemp. In his own words, to Tony Jackson of the L.A. Times,

"I'd have to have a conversation where my jaw drops. It's got to be something you can't say no to. I haven't heard anything like that. In fact, teams have stopped asking."

He also said,

"We are not of the mind to give up three or four prospects for one player, I'll tell you that."

Any 4 for 1 or 5 for 1 rumors should be put to rest. It is inconceivable to me that the Dodgers would create holes at other positions to fill another. A great story was written about this on the blog Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness, basically saying how the Dodgers Farm system is so much better than almost anyone else's that other prospects are more highly valued because of the depth. I agree with that sentiment and believe that Logan White deserves much of the credit.

If the Dodgers don't sign another player, don't get that pitcher & go into the season with what they have now...I think it's safe to say that it would still be a successful winter. Ethier can come off the bench or turn Juan Pierre into one of the most expensive bench players ever (I believe Jason Giambi is the most expensive).