Since the Los Angeles Dodgers were sold this year it seems like they are trying to do what the Yankees have been accused of doing for the past thirty seasons, buying a World Championship like the New York Yankees have been accused of doing since the mid 70’s. First they trade for Hanley Ramirez, a talented but moody and erratic ballplayer. Now if this trade with the Red Sox is finalized, they will add Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford and their combined $270 million in salary.  Gonzalez is the one they want in this deal. Beckett is having a terrible season and Crawford was a big bust in Boston before getting injured. Seems like a lot to take on just to get Gonzalez.  If this deal is finalized it will be I think a great deal for Boston, getting rid of some problems.

The Yankees have had success and failure taking this approach over the years. The Red Sox the same. The Red Sox of the past few years look like a bad mix of players who were taken on because they were big names. Are the Dodgers doing the same thing? Chemestry on a ball club sometimes can be overrated but I also think adding bad characters who are making a ton of money is not wise. No one knows which Hanley Ramirez is going to show up. He may be extremely talented but I don’t know if I’d be turning cartwheels if he were on my team at his current salary. Carl Crawford is a huge risk for the Dodgers. I always felt he had more value as a fantasy player than a real live player. Josh Beckett’s problems in Boston the past two summers have been well known. I just don’t know about this deal from the Dodger standpoint. Maybe they have an unlimited amount of money they are willing to spend? But will the parts work? or not work at all [like the Red Sox of the past few years} You need character players..not characters.