Dodgers and KeMvP Announce Deal, Roster changes

I hope you all had a very good blue weekend. Here is some Dodgers news and notes from this past weekend to catch you up. Earlier this weekend, the Dodgers finally announced Matt KeMvP’s contract extension. The eight year, 160 million dollar deal, reportedly will not have a no trade clause. The new contract is mostly back loaded so KeMvP’s salary will continue to rise, and by his final year he will be making 21.5 million dollars per year. Here is how his contract breaks down, and how much he will earn each year. according to sources, KeMvP recieved a 2 million dollar signing bonus.

2012: 10 Million

2013: 20 Million

2014-2015: 21 Million

2016-2019: 21.5 Million

The Dodgers made several roster additions this weekend.  With the deadline to add players to the 40 man roster to avoid the rule 5 draft, the Dodgers added five players. The Dodgers added outfielder Alex Castellanos, and Pitchers, Michael Antonini, Josh Wall, Chris Withrow, and Stephen Fife. If a player is not added to the 40 man roster, they can be selected in the rule 5 draft. To make room Carlos Monasterios and John Ely were removed from the roster and optioned to Albuquerque.

The Dodgers also acquired minor league right handed pitcher Ryan Tucker from the Texas Rangers. Tucker was signed to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. With everything going on I had not heard about this under the radar move. I was informed of the move by Will Privette of Marlin Manic http://marlinmaniac.com/ Thanks Will!

Tucker is 24 years old. The six foot one 200 pound righty, went to high school in Temple City California. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins as the 34th pick of the first round of the 2005 draft. He actually made it to the major leagues for a cup of coffee. Tucker made his MLB debut in 2008 for the Marlins against the Reds. Tucker allowed one run in five innings, to pick up the win. That season he appeared in six games, and started three. He finished 2-3 with an 8.27 ERA. In 2010 Tucker was claimed off of waivers by the Rangers. In 2011 he pitched in five games, posting an ERA of 7.20 all in relief. This week the Dodgers acquired Tucker on a minor league deal. This is probably a move to restock Albuquerque, but The former first round pick is still young enough to improve and take advantage of an opportunity to revive his career, and hey you never know right?

After Clayton Kershaw very predictably won the NL Cy Young award last week, were waiting to see if KeMvP will take home the NL MVP honors. The awards for both leagues will be announced this week. The American league MVP will be announced on Monday, and the National League will be on Tuesday. KeMvP’s main competition will be Ryan Braun, and Prince Fielder of the Brewers. I still believe KeMVp will win it, but it wont be as clear cut as Kershaw’s win of the Cy Young. After his huge mega deal, it would be nice to see him win it, wouldn’t it? Good luck Bison!

We will have more Dodger news and hot stove action this week, so check back in with us. Plus the NL MVP announ cement on Tuesday. Until then Dodger fans….Go Blue.