For better or worse, Dodgers won't change much

Sporting News staff reports The Los Angeles Times noted the Dodgers' offensive core should return almost entirely intact next season. However, there probably won't be much money to spend on free agents. That is because key players like outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, first baseman James Loney and catcher Russell Martin can expect big raises in arbitration. In addition, pitchers Jonathan Broxton, Chad Billingsley and Hong-Chih Kuo are eligible for arbitration. Also weighing down the payroll is the $20 million left fielder Manny Ramirez will earn next season, assuming he exercises his player option. Shortly after the Dodgers were eliminated by the Phillies in the NLCS, Ethier told the team's Web site that he would like to see Los Angeles acquire an ace this offseason. However, general manager Ned Colletti told the Web site that is unlikely. "There's not a long list of (free-agent starting pitchers) where you would say, 'This g...