Wait until next year

Dodgers have been done for a while already but it is offically over as they are too far behind and there are too few games left.

It is one of those "what if" seasons with too many injuries.

One of them is Gagne. He probably pitched too many innings in the pennant drive of 2004 but would they have won the NL West if he hadn't pitched so much? He went into 2005 not quite right and started the season on the DL and may have got back in too soon. He soon returned to the DL and eventually required season ending surgery.

In today's ESPN.com e-ticket is the story of Robb Nen. As a Dodger fan, it is reflexive to root against the Giants but reading the story of Nen, all you can do as a fan of the sport is to tip your hat in respect to the guy for leaving it all out there.

In addition to Gagne, Drew was lost for the season due to getting hit on the wrist by a pitch. Werth was also hit by a pitch on the wrist but eventually returned to the line up but was never quite the same. Bradley was injured most of the season and with off-the-field and in-the-clubhouse issues is probably not coming back. Valentin messed up his knee and eventually returned but was ineffective. Izturis, spent time on the DL and eventually had season ending surgery as well.

The Dodger brain trust has some big decisions to make.

Do they take a chance on Bradley?

Do they try to re-sign Weaver who turned into this year's pitching workhorse?

If they go with a youth movement, how will they package Kent to ship him off to a contender for a shot at the MLB championship to cap off a remarkable career?

If they keep Kent, how much money are they willing to take from the piggy bank to bring in a big bat and proven pitcher for the starting rotation to make a championship run in 2006?

The bright spot has been the play of some of the rookies. Navarro at catcher, Aybar at third, Robles at short, Repko in the outfield, Schmoll in relief and Houlton as a fifth starter.

Wait until next year to find out.