So... What's Next?

Part 2:

This season feels less "watchable" than any other in recent memory.  Though the Dodgers won't be turning their season around, their "watchability" should rebound in the second half.

Kershaw

Kemp

Even if the team doesn't win any more games this year (somehow it feels possible) I'll continue to be interested in the MVP and CYA bids of the two Dodger stars.  Over the last 2-3 months of the season these races will really take shape and both figure to be in the discussion.  At the very least, the Dodgers will be interesting every fifth game, which is about how often they command an audience now.

Youth

It's hard to say when the kids will get playing time in the bigs.  A lot of this will be determined by movement at both trade and waiver deadlines.  If the team keeps Loney and the middle infielders we won't be seeing Dee and co. until september.  Sands is a candidate to return at any point but likely won't given the acquisition of Rivera and Gwynn playing like he wants to be tendered a contract.  Once they get here it will be fun to see what they can do.  We'll see about the wait.

Umm.... I guess that's it.  When I planned to write this post I could have sworn there was more.  The bankruptcy hearings might turn up something both good and substantial but that's not likely happen for quite some time.

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The second half of this losing season will provide plenty of opportunities for the Dodgers to lose well.  I doubt that Colletti is interested in pursuing these options, but I've been wrong before.

Newly cut veterans

Youth experience

Every year, especially around the trade deadline, struggling veteran players get cut from teams that have better options.  Recently, the Diamondbacks released Aaron Heilman.  Heilman had a god-awful 6.88 ERA this season with the majority of his bad outings coming at Chase Field.  Borrowing from a move made by the Rays with Brad Hawpe, the Dodgers could pick up Heilman for the minimum salary provided he agrees to turn down arbitration after the season.  He's barely removed from type B status and could pitch well enough to earn a job next spring.

If Heilman continues to struggle the Dodgers waste a pro-rated minimum salary.  But if Heilman rebounds the Dodgers pick up an early round draft pick, the type that frequently yields good to star quality players.

And while they are losing, they might as well give valuable playing time to Sands, Gordon, Robinson, Sellers, Webster, even Tolleson could get a look.

So... will the Dodgers lose well?  Stay tuned.