Dodgers Spend $25.7MM to Talk

It looks like money does grow on trees somewhere near Chavez Ravine. As if the Dodgers hadn't spent enough money over the last six months through trades, personnel additions and signing Cuban defectors to send Fort Knox into financial ruin, they felt it was necessary to pony up $25.7MM......just to talk. I guess the front office didn't get the memo that Verizon has plans starting at $30 a month.

Of course, it's not like they are blowing it on just anything. The amount is the posting fee for Korean pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, giving the team 30 days to negotiate a contract with the 25 year old pitcher. To be fair to Ryu, he has been an absolute monster in the KBO. In 2006 he won the ROY and the MVP (the only member of the KBO to do so), has one Wins Title, two ERA Titles and five Strikeout Titles. He also led South Korea to the Gold Medal in the 2008 olympics and then in 2009 led South Korea to the championship game in the WBC.

Of course, if the Dodgers can't negotiate a contract within the 30 day window, then they get their money back, but with the streets littered with failed Asian stars, I still don't understand why teams are throwing so much money at teams just to have this right. Even Yu Darvish who cost the Rangers a $51MM posting fee on top his $56MM six year deal didn't pitch like a number one. Hideo Nomo had his good years and Diasuke Matsuzaka has been a running joke for the last two years.

The only truly successful player to come over from the Far East has been Ichiro Suzuki. Who's stats, nor his profanity filled All Star speeches need no refresher course.

The Hanwha Eagles said on their official website:

"We believe this figure is acceptable for the rights to the top ace in South Korea,"

And Why shouldn't they, $25.7MM translates to 2,800,265,024 in South Korean Won. Ka-Ching.

And so far this is the only thing Ned Colletti has said:

Ned: "We have watched Ryu pitch for a long time and he is another option to consider as we look to improve our team in 2013 and beyond."
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) November 10, 2012

For Ned's sake, I hope he is right. Just because money is growing on trees near Dodger Stadium, doesn't mean they'll keep growing. What with the pollution and all.