Playing GM

I hate playing GM, but if everyone else on God's green Earth were to turn down the Dodger GM position (and let's face it, we're 3/4 of the way there), here's a non-intricate look at the moves I'd make. First off the current team and who I'd keep:

1B-Choi, Saenz
2B-Kent, Perez
SS-Robles, then Izturis
3B-
LF-
CF-Bradley/Cruz
RF-Drew/Ledee
C-Navarro
Util-Aybar
SP-Penny
SP-O. Perez
SP-Lowe
SP-
SP-
SP/RP-Houlton
RP-Gagne
RP-Sanchez
RP-Wunsch
RP-Broxton
RP-Brazoban
RP-Schmoll

3B- Sign Joe Randa

Privately, I've always been a Randa mark. He's a decent enough stopgap until Laroche is ready and should be relatively inexpensive. Giving him the same deal as Valentin got (1 yr-3.5) should get it done and even if he completely tanks, Willy Aybar can be plugged in.

SP-Sign Esteban Loaiza

A Southern California product, Loaiza is miscast as a front of the rotation type guy. Unfortunately, it seems in this year's barren market, he'll be priced as such. But at 2 yrs/11 mil, I'll take my chances on him putting forth a Weaver-esque inning eating, league average performance.

SP-???

Given there isn't much more economically feasible on the free agent market than gambles like Joe Mays, Tony Armas, and Jason Johnson, the 5th spot will most likely have to be manned by Houlton, from within (Jackson, Billingsley) or acquired in a trade from outside the organization.

Back up C- Sign Todd Pratt

Pratt has put up a good OBP (.350) throughout his career and has a reputation for working well with a staff. He or Bako would be more than fine here as a one year back-up until the sure to be entertaining Navarro/Martin battle in '07.

Sign Brian Giles

Will he be worth the 9-10 mil per year he is going to sign for at the end of the 3 year deal he will get? With extra money to play with this year, borrowing from 2006 to offset whatever value is lost productionwise in '08 should be worthwhile. An on-base machine, Giles should find the right-field seats just inside the foul-pole at Dodger Stadium very inviting.

If Saenz goes elsewhere, Jeff Conine would be a nice fit to play 1st vs. lefties, (provided Choi isn't given that chance) and play some OF if need be.

This offseason is tough to speculate, given the less than stellar free agent market (which increases the likeliehood of trades), and the uncertaintly surrounding the GM job. In that respect, the best that can currently be hoped for is Ng and Smith working in tandem. As teams begin to sign free agents and no hiring of a GM in sight, it'll be interesting to see how these 2 navigate their way through this tumultuous offseason.