Lima’s Deal Is a Lesson Learned

It is a classic case of had they only known then what they know now. The recent signing of pitcher Jose Lima for one year at $2.5 million by the Kansas City Royals represents a lost opportunity for the Dodgers and Lima.

The Dodgers declined to offer Lima arbitration before the Dec. 7 deadline -- thereby giving up negotiating rights -- because he was seeking a two-year contract for about $6 million. Lima was 13-5 last season and pitched best in important games, but the Dodgers were not convinced he merited a commitment beyond one year.

Other teams obviously felt the same way, because the best he could get was a one-year deal from a small-market team.

The Dodgers miscalculated as well, not realizing the price of proven free-agent starters would climb upward of $20 million for three years. They did not offer Lima arbitration, because they calculated he could have been awarded $3 million to $4 million based on his performance last season and 11-year big league tenure.

However, had the Dodgers accurately predicted the market, an offer comparable to that of the Royals would have been palatable.

Instead, according to Lima’s agent, the Dodgers offered one year at $1.3 million the day of the arbitration deadline.

So they parted ways. The result is that Lima lost a chance to pitch for his first preference and the Dodgers are left frantically trying to fill holes in their starting rotation.

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Every time Dodger General Manager Paul DePodesta is asked about off-season priorities, starting pitching tops the list.

Yet because he has been loath to pay the going rate for free agents and potential trades that would have brought Tim Hudson and Javier Vazquez did not materialize, the Dodgers are at risk of going into spring training without a clear No. 1 starter and with a rotation of fewer than five dependable arms.

DePodesta is pursuing World Series star Derek Lowe, but the Detroit Tigers and perhaps other teams could push his price beyond what DePodesta is willing to pay. Left-hander Odalis Perez, a Dodger the last three seasons and the only other starter with a consistent track record, is being courted by several teams.

The Dodgers were interested in right-hander Kevin Millwood, but he completed a physical Tuesday in Cleveland and is close to signing a one-year deal with the Indians.

Next on the list would be left-hander Shawn Estes and right-hander Esteban Loaiza. Beyond them, there are the aged, injured and unproved, a group that includes Darren Oliver, Ismael Valdez, Steve Sparks, Aaron Sele and Miguel Asencio.

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Dodger fans can learn about the history of the franchise by reading the lively and comprehensive “The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball.”

The 480-page illustrated book is co-written by Glenn Stout and Richard A. Johnson, who previously published two best-sellers, “Red Sox Century” and “Yankees Century.” This effort sheds new light on well-chronicled chapters of team history.

Stout suggests that the career of Sandy Koufax was cut short by improper medical care and that the African American media played a role in Jackie Robinson’s breaking the color barrier. Of particular interest is a segment on the 1955 World Series champion team.

Stout and Johnson also point out that the Dodgers have always enjoyed a strong identity and that for co-owner Frank McCourt to continue the legacy, the team needs “another somebody, a [Tom] Lasorda, a Robinson, a [Branch] Rickey ... someone whose personality can drive the franchise and give it passion again.”