Two More Years! Two More Years!

Oh, there's a big difference between having Nomar and having JD. While they both are questionable as far as health goes, when Nomar is in there he's an impact player. To JD, "clutch" is something his tractor uses. Saying someone had a "soft" 100 RBI season might seem simple-minded, but let's face it, with all of Nomar's ailments he was still the one you wanted up there with the game on the line. JD performed a great service for us last year, make no mistake about that. When we'd be down 8-0 late in the game he could come up with that 2 run shot that kept us from being shut out. If we are not going to have a power lineup this year, a truly impact player is essential.

Dodgers fans have waited eighteen years since their last taste of glory. It seems that waiting another few years is not going to kill anyone.

It is possible that Soriano or Lee could have put us over the top. That the addition of one of those big sticks would have added that dynamic player that last year's lineup lacked. This becomes an unanswerable question as it is now clear that Colletti and company are not going to throw huge amounts of cash at the few big bats that are on this years FA market.

Maybe this points to a wait and see strategy being employed by the front office. I still believe that a full-season (500+ AB's) of Betemit, Ethier, Martin, Kent, and Nomar makes for a relatively potent offense. Is this asking a lot? Yes. Is it realistic to think that it will happen? No. But that doesn't mean it is not possible.

If you shift the mentality from winning now to building on last year's success, I think it opens up more long-term possibilities for the team. Why not sign Lofton or Roberts and then go into spring training with an outfield spot up for grabs? It looks as if Werth may finally be healthy; plus Repko, Anderson, and Kemp can battle for the available spot. None of those guys are all-star caliber players but I am not sure that is what this team needs.

Starting off with a platoon type situation in RF might lead to a career year for one of the above mentioned players (last we saw Werth he was on his way to becoming a solid major league baseball player). It could also lead to a breakout year for Matt Kemp. Who knows?

The point is that the foundation for this team is still being laid, and having a position or two that are open, at least for now, will give the organization more long term flexibility (in terms of what FA's to pursue next year + which prospects to invest in, hold onto, or deal away).

Makoto,

"Quick, someone email Ken Gurnick and ask if the Dodgers will sport players' last names on the backs of their jerseys!"

HAHAHA!! Yeah, he certainly sounded pissed about the fact that he gets emailed all the time about this.

2 years at $19million. We're basically keeping him for the same amount of money he earned last year with the incentives. Not a bad price, in my opinion. I surprised he settled for only 2 years. Then again, Nomar wanted to be a Dodger, so I'm sure he gave us a "discount" on the years.

Happy to have Nomar back. He's giving himself and the Dodgers utility-man status but I think with Loney and Nomar we'll be in good shape.

Also, I'm hoping to see more action on the pitching front with most of the legit heavy hitters already off the table (Lee? no thanks).

I'd really like to see a combo of Zito, Maddux, Schmidt and a trade of Penny and a prospect or two for power bat.

ASA-JASON WERTH AND CAT STEVENS- TWINS SEPARATED AT BIRTH ???

I DON'T THINK HE HAS MUCH TRADE VALUE PER THE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS HEALTH. GIVE HIM A CHANCE IN SPRING TRAINING AND WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

Fox Sports is reporting that the Dodgers are close to signing Juan Pierre. There're saying he will probably get a 5 year deal--yikes. While having Furcal and Pierre at the top of the line-up should give Nomar & Kent plenty of RBI chances, 5 years is a little scary. He has a history of not being injured though--which means Nomar will play in 160 games next year & Pierre will do 3 stints on the DL--Murphy's Law.

I'll be honest, I really enjoy watching Juan Pierre play. He's basically what kenny lofton was ten years ago. He plays a good center field (great catches but not much of an arm), he's a solid hitter and he is going to steal some bases. It'll be weird having two leadoff guys on the team, but I like it. plus, he guy has charisma.

NEXT TIME I'M GOIN RUN AS AN INDEPENDENT.

bmurph:

cool take on Pierre. A good team guy with his offense would be a nice addition. I would guess he will hit in the 2-hole. Unless there is something that has sorta been in the back of my mind for a while...let Furcal try and hit for more power down in the lineup. He swings so darned hard anyway, and face it he stikes out enough to be a power guy, maybe they are thinking about letting him try it?

Juan Pierre has the reputation of being an incredibly hard worker. A nice change from the Princess. The Dodgers are bulding a team made of excellent work ethics, losing guys with questionable habits such as Princess, Odalis, Navarro, even Guzman.

I think Pierre is okay too, but I worry about the arm..too bad we can't put Repko's arm into Pierre's body..!!! but we didn't have an arm out there last year with Lofton...Now we still need another power bat....wondering if they'll trade for one or what?...Anyone know anything?