Mueller-Laroche

by bolton on Dec 14, 2005 2:59 PM EST

LA Times reports that Bill Mueller has signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers, reuniting him with Grady Little.

If true, what's the plan for Andy Laroche? A year at Double-A, a year at Triple-A and then Dodger Stadium.

Or will he be traded, perhaps for a center fielder?

And what about Willy Aybar?

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Well.......

Aybar I think is viewed as a utility guy, notwithstanding his end-season performance. Best case is he ends up the starting 2B if Kent is dealt and Izturis can't carry a bat at the position.

LaRoche is right on target for a call-up end of 2006 and contending for the job in 2007; if he's ready earlier, Mueller still has good value for a team that'll be playing a rookie at 3B and a 1B who has holes in his swing bigger than Kansas.

by silvysilv on Dec 14, 2005 3:02 PM EST reply actions

If Choi=Kansas

I think the odds are 100-to-1 that he opens the season as the Dodger first baseman. He'll be traded or not offered a contract. He's too closely identified with Depodesta.

by bolton on Dec 14, 2005 3:07 PM EST reply actions

laroche

laroche will not be traded. mueller is just a vet stop gap until laroche is ready.

by npurcell on Dec 14, 2005 3:24 PM EST reply actions

Mueller

I cannot remember, but hasn't he played 2B as well. It may be a long shot, but he could moved there after Kent is a FA.

Basically, I do not believe that Mueller will block LaRoche.

by count sutton on Dec 14, 2005 5:24 PM EST reply actions

2b

Mueller has played 2b in the past; but has been reluctant to play there recently due to his injured knees.

by RandyKutcherHair on Dec 14, 2005 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

Mueller Traded Eventually

The Dodgers wanted to sign Mueller to only a one-year deal, which tells you when they think LaRoche will be MLB ready, but a one-year deal was not going to get Mueller in the fold. If LaRoche is ready for 2007, Mueller can be traded, and if Mueller does poorly in 2006, the Dodgers may even eat much of the 2007 salary -- if they must.

by CanuckDodger on Dec 14, 2005 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Guzman

Isn't he going to end up moved to third too?

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Dec 14, 2005 7:36 PM EST reply actions

Guzman

A lot of people think Guzman will end up as a corner OFer, but he's playing 1st base in winter ball. It's tough to tell where he'll end up for sure, but I'd have to guess in left or right field.

by Dodgerblue34 on Dec 14, 2005 7:50 PM EST up reply actions