Little Ball

For the first time in months I am feeling optimistic. The Dodgers have not only signed an excellent baseball man in Grady Little as their manager, but Ned Colletti seems far better suited to be their GM than Paul Spockpodesta. The signing of Rafael Furcal as their new shortstop, while incredibly expensive, seems only the first salvo in a concerted effort at rebuilding themselves to a legitimate contender again. As of this hour on Wednesday, the Dodgers are involved in numerous rumors which have the potential to alter the balance of power in the west significantly on their side. Some things I'm hearing at the present moment are: bringing Bobby Abreu and David Bell to the Dodgers for either Brad Penny or Derrick Lowe and prospects. The Alfonso Soriano rumors seem to be dying quickly on the vine. But the explosive deal, which Steve Phillips of ESPN says will likely get nixed, is Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers in a three way trade that would send JD Drew, Derrick Lowe to Boston, Boston would send someone (can't remember) to the Phillies, and the Phillies would send Abreu to the Red Sox. If the Dodgers can land Manny Ramirez, that would be the prize of the century. But I can't really see that happening. Why not go for the best though?
They need pitching desperately as well. A masher in the middle, left handed relief and a solid third baseman. Things should play out quite soon.