Just like summer camp

I am encouraged now that the players will not just be handed a job because of their contracts and will have to compete and perform to get playing time. We can now look forward to seeing the best possible team we can muster on the field if they carry thru with their statements. GO 08 DODGERS!!!!

Big Joe is right. Either,Jones and Kemp start the season with Juan sitting. When one of these three needs a rest or is having a slow start, he's in. Pretty nice spot for him, no pressure right off the start and he can slide in every 2rd or 3th game or late inning sub.
Pierre has no worries, he's going to play. This is a good problem to have in terms of depth.

Chunk,

Brain cramp on my part, having just been thinking about the outfield. Thanks for the pickup.

AK

I guess the Marlins needed to show a $1.5 million loss for tax purposes.

Why else would they sign Timmmmmmmmmberrrrrrrrrrr?

I think the National League West will be won in the bullpen, all teams should lack for power, but have probably the best pitching top to bottom of any division in baseball. Maybe the American League Central is equal. Those teams tend to have an ace or two and the rest of the starting pitching are scrubs. So whatever team can hold the fort after the starters leave will probably win the division.

Selig disugsts me. The whole steroid thing has happened on his watch, and everybody knew about it and nobody did anything about it. Baseball has made tons of money off steroid-aided players, and fans don't care about the beauty of the game. They just want to see offense.

Theres' no arguing with money, however, and Selig stays therefore. Only history will be the judge, of a terrible era in the game.

Jim
Who was the last left-handed second baseman you can name?..........
There aren't any. Lefties can't get anything on the throw to first throwing from that posistion and just close your eyes and think of a lefty cutting across the bag to take a throw from short on a double play--would have to do a ballet twirl everytime. Not gonna happen.

Just for the record, in case anyone is unaware, it is mandatory that anyone playing 2B, SS, and 3B be RIGHThanded. The most obvious reason involves slow hit ground balls in the infield. A lefthanded fielder would not be able to make a quick throw across his body to first or second base. Making the play would require a time consuming pivot to get rid of the ball. And as dodgerskip points out, the pivot at 2B on a double play would not be very efficient, not to mention that the second baseman would be forced to have his back to the infield to make the throw to first. Making a throw home or to third, which occasionally occurs, would be impossible.

For various reasons it's also preferable (but not mandatory) to have a lefthanded first baseman. Throws to second and third are easier, more balls are hit in the hole between first and second (a lefthanders glove side) than down the line, and pickoffs are easier because a lefthanded first baseman does not have to bring his glove across his body to apply the tag.

Jim
Sorry, I don't know why I typed you and not Richard.