MLB.com is reporting that free agent starting pitcher Jason Schmidt will sign a three-year contract with the L.A. Dodgers.
Although Schmidt’s age and health is a concern, he brings a popping fastball and a nasty slider to the mound for the Dodgers. Being in San Francisco for the better part of a decade, he’s also used to the National League and even more so, the NL West. All and all, this is a great move for the Dodgers and given what other free agents are receiving, a bargain in terms of contract price.
The signing of Schmidt leaves the Dodgers most hated rival in shambles. San Fran wasn’t necessarily ready to anoint top prospect Matt Cain as the No. 1 starter, but might have to given who’s behind him in the rotation. The Giants are filled with young pitching talent, but coconut GM Brian Sabean has been rumored to be dangling most of it in front of Seattle for Richie Sexson. If Sabean stays pat with youngsters, which rarely happens (just ask Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser), the Giants could have a nice rotation someday in Cain, Lowry, Jonathan Sanchez, Kevin Correia and Brad Hennessy. San Fran also has one of the best pitching prospects in the minor leagues in 22-year-old Tim Lincecum.
Apparently, the Giants are interested in Barry Zito, but he’s only 28. Zito is about eight years younger than what Sabean looks for in a player and would never pay him the $100 million that he’s seeking. Instead, Sabean will probably end up selling all of his young talent for some 36-year-old on the down side of his career and than turn around and sign David Wells as his No. 1 guy.
