Dotel Suggestion

Apparently, Dotel is getting some interest from a lot of teams and it got me thinking about how the A's could keep him. Obviously, they have cash if they can give Witasick $3 million for two years, so how about this: Offer him arbitration.

Seeing as how he made $4.75 million, he can't get more than that and if at the most, $5 million. And while that is a steep price to pay, you have the possibility to get draft picks as relievers are always a premium. Looking at the Yankees Tom Gordon, should he not re-sign with the Yankees, they will receive draft picks for his services. A solid 2006 campaign will undoubtably get the A's draft picks should Dotel perform.

But the other part of offering arbitration is that the A's are highly likely to win their case should they submit an offer around $2.5 million. Dotel cannot have the same value he signed his '05 contract for on account of the Tommy John Surgery which has made him an uncertain for the start of 2006. Knowing this, the A's could offer a two year contract guaranteeing him the amount he submits for arbitration or Dotel could risk losing 2+ million dollars.

Either way, the A's have the ability to bring in additional draft picks should he accept a contract or arbitration, all the while having a quality arm in the pen, which is of interest should they trade Barry Zito.