The Dodgers' dollar dilemma 

Let’s face it. What was good for Frank McCourt hasn't always been good for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The embattled owner allowed myriad personal problems and self-indulgence to impact one of the most storied franchises in baseball. This has left the franchise in an uncompromising position and severely hampers what moves general manager Ned Colletti can make to improve the club.

Going into the offseason, Colletti had three top priorities:

1. Lock up Matt Kemp to a long-term deal.
2. Either re-sign Hiroki Kuroda or somehow replace the 202 innings he pitched
3. Sign or trade for an impact bat in the middle of the lineup

Secondary to those was solving second base and acquiring a backup catcher. Colletti has already rolled up his sleeves and gotten to work, signing Mark Ellis to a two-year deal reportedly worth a little over $8 million. A second year for Ellis was debatable because of his age and a below-average bat, but he is a steady player. Colletti also signed Matt Treanor to serve as a third catcher and back up starter A.J. Ellis until top catching prospect Tim Federowicz is ready.

Colletti already took care of Kemp, which is huge for the franchise. But otherwise this offseason is one of treading water for Colletti and the Dodgers. The sale of the team leaves all major signings or trades in question. I’ve said that Prince Fielder would make the most sense for the Dodgers, but Colletti has stated publicly a signing like that is unlikely because of the sale.

Of course, that’s up to McCourt.

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