Buster Olney is reporting it on ESPN.com:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3497321

There are a couple discussion points here, but I think the biggest one is what this means for Rickie Weeks. I think Durham can still provide good offense as long as he does not get injured, but Olney states that he could just be a utility guy for now.

I don't know much about the prospects going to SF (Keith Law is reporting that the prospects going to San Francisco are Steve Hammond and Darren Ford), but it seems like the Giants did good in unloading Durham now before he breaks down.

There was a recent post about over-valuing prospects which got me thinking about the impact of that on baseball.

For context on my thoughts, I think prospects are largely overvalued, but I can understand why. Long term, a few busts and one success cost less than free agents. I also believe that free agents are largely overpaid, yet I also understand why as it comes to impact players. For example, someone will overpay for Tex this offseason, but that does not mean it is a bad investment. I can see teams building around overpaid impact players and filling the rest of their roster with cost controlled products of the farm system. There are - of course - exceptions, but I think successful teams are trending down this path somewhat.

I wonder about the average player. Think Carlos Silva. We all know that contract stinks. I put Jeff Suppan into this category as well. These guys are average - at best - players. I think teams are getting wiser and less deals like this will be made.

As an example, what will Andre Ethier get when he becomes a free agent? Anything? A one year deal here and there until he is irrelevant?

Ultimately, I think the long term impact of teams (wisely) paying more attention to the farm system is that average free agent players will find that their market is much smaller than it used to be.

What do you guys think?

Kershaw left his start yesterday after only one inning. He struck out two and got Maybin on a groundout to first. I have searched around and there is no word of an injury that I found. So I am assuming that health is a non-factor. Sometimes the Dodgers will do this to limit pitch counts for an entire season, so I am not sure if this was planned or if they plan to call him up soon. The Dodgers need a fifth starter on Tuesday May 27.

Do the Dodgers call up Kershaw and what type of numbers do people expect from him if they do?

I'm not sure how much I care anymore, but I saw this just now on Fox Sports. There isn't much substance to the story yet, but - if true - I could see this getting some serious air time.

I guess this news comes at a good time for Clemens. Maybe people will talk about something else.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7799450/Report:-Bonds-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-'01-

The D-Backs optioned Carlos Quentin to Tucson today. What does everyone think of the move? I'm not sure that the D-Backs shouldn't let him figure it out in the majors (similar to Alex Gordon recently putting it together), but since they're still in the thick of the NL West, this looks like a good move for the team.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-diamondbacksmoves&prov=ap&type=lgns

There really isn't much to this but I thought it was interesting enough to post since bench clearing brawls have so much appeal.

I don't know too much about the Nats org but I have heard Everts name thrown around a bit. He ended up with a concussion though it does not appear that he will miss much time. The other prospect who got hurt is catcher Brian Peacock, who will miss about a month. Anyway, here is the link to the story.

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/6751900

The KC Star ran a great article about Colt Griffin today that I thought I would pass along. It's a decent read into his early prospect status and some of his experiences in the minors. If nothing else, this is an interesting glimpse into his rise and fall. Enjoy the article.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/baseball/mlb/kansas_city_royals/16998295.htm

You may be asked to register to read the article, but KC Star online is free so it's certainly worth it.

As a person interested in the deaf community, I have been wondering where Ryan Ketchner landed since ligament replacement surgery in 2005 (I believe it was the ulnar nerve, the same one that was bothering Eric Gagne).  I saw in the LA Times this morning that Ketchner has re-surfaced with the Vero Beach Dodgers bullpen.

So far this season he is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA.  He has a 18:3 K:BB in 16 2/3 IP in Vero Beach.  In 2004, Ketchner was a AA all star with some potential, and he also had a stint in AAA.

What does everyone think could be in his future?  He is now 24 years old, so while he is not young, he is certainly not too old to give up on.  Does anyone know the rate of recovery from this type of surgery?

The diary about Matt Kemp got me thinking about the Dodger rookies.  How many of them will stay up with the Dodgers and play significant roles?

Here are the guys up (that I can remember):
Andre Ethier
Jon Broxton
Matt Kemp
Willy Aybar
Joel Guzman
Russ Martin

Here are the guys on the DL:
Yhency Brazoban
Jeff Kent
Jason Repko
Ricky Ledee
Jayson Werth
Dionner Navarro
Bill Mueller

When these guys get healthy (or, depending on the player, "relatively healthy"), who of the Dodgers rookies will stay up and still receive a good chunk of playing time?

Looking through last night's box scores I saw that Edwin Jackson started for the Jacksonville Suns and only lasted one inning.  According to the wrap up:

"Jacksonville starter Edwin Jackson was removed after allowing one run and throwing two wild pitches in the first inning. Speculation was the outing was short because he was about to be called up to the Dodgers."

Does anybody know if there is truth that EJ might be called up to LA?  I think he still needs time in AA.  Thoughts?

The Veteran's Committee is voting soon on players that were not originally voted into the HOF.  Here are some names of some of the leading contenders:

Gil Hodges
Joe Torre
Jim Kaat
Luis Tiant
Sparky Lyle
Smoky Joe Wood
Maury Wills
Miguel Oliva
Ron Santo
Bobby Bonds
Roger Maris
Thurman Munson
Don Newcombe
Rocky Colavito

There are others, but I think I got most.  Basically, this diary is about which players do you think should go into the HOF via the Veteran's Committee?

Here are my thoughts:
Gil Hodges - When he retired, Hodges was 11th all time in home runs.  He had 7 seasons with 100 or more RBI.  He had a low career BA (in the .270s) which is probably why he was excluded in the first place.  Hodges was also the manager of the Miracle Mets in '69.

Joe Torre - Thought he had a .294 career BA, I think he should go in as a manager.  Say what you will about Big George's spending habits, Torre has won his share of WS rings.

Roger Maris - This is more honorary than anything.  I am one of the few that believe that some honorary members should be included.

Don Newcombe - Also honorary.  Newcombe was the 2nd black player in baseball in 1949.  He had 10 successful MLB season, but lost time due to segregation and two years fighting in the Korean War.  Newcombe is the only player in history to win the Rookie of the Year, CY Young, and MVP awards.  As a pitcher, Newcombe also compiled impressive hitting stats, batting .359 in one season (1951, I think).

Some other people are worth (if Puckett is in, why not some other guys?), but this is where I draw my line.  Please feel free to comment.