The Dodgers re-signed Robin Ventura to a one-year, $1.2M contract early in December. In addition to his base salary, Ventura reportedly will receive bonuses of $200,000 when he reaches 250 and 350 plate appearances as well as $300,000 when he accumulates 500 and 550 plate appearances. If he's traded, his base salary escalates to $1.4M.

I'd rather see Chin-Feng Chen receive a shot at the job, but if the Dodgers had to field a team today, Ventura likely would be their starting first baseman. Fortunately, L.A. still intends to acquire an alternative.

Ventura's skills remain similar to those he displayed in his prime, but as he's aged, the 36-year-old has become less effective at the plate. After the Yankees dealt him to the Dodgers this year, he hit .220 with a .311 OBP and .422 SLG on 24 H, 5 2B, 1 3B, and 5 HR with an 18:25 BB:K in 109 AB. Consequently, he no longer appears worthy of an everyday starting job. However, I do think he has value to the Dodgers as a bench player capable of covering first and third. While L.A. could probably find similar production at a reduced cost, he shouldn't be too overpriced as long as most of his bonuses aren't triggered.