Dodgers Roundtable Discussion: What to do with Hiroki Kuroda?

It’s no secret that the Dodgers’ third best start, Hiroki Kuroda, is available on the trade market. Given the lack of arms on the market this year, it appears as though he could be one of the most sought out players before Sunday’s deadline.  Here at The 110 Report, we sat down to talk about it, and asked ourselves the question, “What should the Dodgers do with Hiroki Kuroda?”

Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images via Zimbio

Samuel Archila: I say trade him for a bat. The guys not getting run support. You either keep a good pitcher and a lineup that doesnt seem to produce runs, or trade a pitcher that has generated interest, for a bat that can help with run support for an entire rotation.

Michael Castillo: But the Dodgers have one major need: getting cheaper. Since Kuroda is only signed through his season, and is still on the books for $4 million, what is gained from keeping him or taking on any money? The Dodgers are going nowhere, and because of that, they don’t need to add any pieces. Shed that money and maybe think about bringing him back in the offseason if he’s affordable. A bat would be nice, but at what expense? Unless the Dodgers can swing a deal for a hot shot young batter(those usually aren’t available), there’s no need to bring back anything of significance at the Major League level. A solid mid-level pitching prospect would be a steal.

Ryne Hodkowski: I’d trade him. Yeah, hes a great pitcher with a 3.11 ERA, but the Dodgers are going nowhere this year, and seem to be in rebuilding mode. Im not sure where a 36-year-old fits into their plans. Billingsley is still young, and if Rubby ends up being something, they would have a nice 1-2-3 with those two and Kershaw. Maybe getting an infielder would help, so I dont have to see Uribe or Aaron Miles on a nightly basis. Or, anything to help the bullpen.

Jonas Brock: Kuroda is currently, from what I have heard, refusing to get traded. He loves it in LA, but what I would do is trade him away for some prospects for the rest of the year, and then try to get him back at the start of next year.

Michael Castillo: If he’s cheaper next season, bringing him back in the offseason would definitely be a solid option.

Samuel Archila: It seems like the Yankees are the lead contenders for Kuroda. Why not trade for a solid Yankee prospect? Maybe not a Jesus Montero or Austin Romine, but definitely the Dodgers can get a solid bat that can develop in a year or two. Rubby De La Rosa seems like he could be something soon. Kershaw and Billingsley are in it for the long run. So i feel like the pitching staff is solid enough. They need bats.

Michael Castillo: I agree that the Yankees are the perfect fit. They’ve already come out and said they don’t want Zambrano from the Cubs, so Kuroda would fit. I can honestly see Kuroda having a Chien-Ming Wang type of success in the Bronx. If Eduardo Nunez is available, he would be nice for the Dodgers, but I don’t see Cashman getting rid of him for a rental of Kuroda. Romine, as mentioned, or Gary Sanchez would be a nice fit for catching prospects as well, because the Yankees are downright stacked behind the plate. But is Kuroda worth a high prospect like Romine? I’m not so sure. So why not go for Rob Segedin, a second base prospect out of the Florida State League in High-A? Or try to wrestle away Graham Stoneburner, a pitching prospect who has been promoted twice this season, despite being hurt at early in the season. He’s a solid prospect and doesn’t seem like too high of a guy for Kuroda. The only reason for keeping Kuroda is for the draft pick, as he could be a Type-B free agent. But it’s far from being worth the $4 million for that.

Samuel Archila: Nunez is definitely not available for a rental of a pitcher going to a team who has a good enough pitching staff. Austin Romine…well Cashman would have to be dumb for giving him up for two months of pitching. I’d say Stoneburner sounds solid. But if not the Yankees, other teams might be willing to give more. I feel like if the Indians could muster something good, he should go there. A contender needing a veteran starter? sounds like the Indians..and maybe even the Pirates?

Michael Castillo: If I’m the Pirates, I’d want to make that deal for my fans, showing commitment for 2011, but let’s face it, the Pirates are playing for the longevity of the decade. While Kuroda would give the Pirates a very solid starter during the stretch, that $4 million still could be spent better elsewhere for them, due to their budget. Deep in their heart of hearts, the Pirates know that this isn’t their time yet.