No word yet if the guys got across the lake to the girl's side of camp
We'll have lots of audio from Day Two of media access to L.A.'s winter mini camp later today, but in the meantime, here are some of the newsy highlights of the afternoon. The first, at least judging by the throng of photographers and video cameras following him around, was the appearance of Joe Torre (he's the new manager, for those who haven't really been paying attention). The skip had a chance to meet some of the team's touted prospects- albeit briefly- before giving the media a lot of face time. He broke down a variety of positional issues, ranging from the crowded outfield to the battle for third base. Torre has a lot of issues to work out as he familiarizes himself with his new team, but has already started talking to some players whose roles and/or playing time could be in question. The most significant, at least for many Dodger fans, is the Juan Pierre Question. Torre understands he has one more outfielder than he does spots to play them, and while he gave respect to what Pierre's consecutive game streak means, he also made it clear it wouldn't necessarily keep Pierre in the lineup every day.
In other news, the Blue and Jason Repko agreed on a one-year deal. And for those who missed it, Mark Hendrickson signed with the Marlins. Another former Dodger, Willy Aybar, is also on the move.
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I am guessing Joe knows just a bit more about his players than he lets on. AK/BK if you were there, was there a twinkle in his eye as he professed unfamiliarity? I will say againI have NO disrespect for Juan Pierre but having said that, I think he's the fourth best OF they have going into Spring and reading that Joe is concerned over the age of his bench players he may use that as one more reason to prefer Ethier and Kemp in the outfield with the more experienced Pierre on the bench... to give it some age. Perhaps the same applies Nomar unless Andy LaRoche just falls flat on his Spring face...hopefully he will shine.
Nomar is an interesting case. He was a superstar in his prime. Magazine covers with ARod and Jeter, yet as far as I know he hasn't displayed much ego given some of the "indignities" he has suffered "for a (once) superstar". Tell me if I've missed Nomar temper tantrums?, but I think not. Truly, he gives the Dodgers a super utility man...provided his ego really isn't hurting from being asked to be one. Barring serious injury, that role could significantly lengthen his career if he's successful. anyone agree?
Posted by: Dan in Pasadena | January 18, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I'll miss the days when Furcal would wander over and tickle Hendrickson and he would go "Ho Ho Ho!"
Without Hendrickson around, who is going to convince me to eat my veggies!
Posted by: Benzo Jones | January 18, 2008 at 11:07 AM
BK/AK,
Any word on if Babe the Blue Ox will soon be joining Mark Hendrickson in Miami?
http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=92827&rendTypeId=4
Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | January 18, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I think that Hendrickson should have signed with the Lakers, they need another big.
Posted by: richard | January 18, 2008 at 02:52 PM
What a strange attitude from Torre.-We will go North with the players that prove themselves in Spring Training. No set positions or batting order. Just the opposite of hunch man Grady.
David
Posted by: David | January 18, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Dan-
Not sure if I saw a "twinkle," so to speak. I get the impression he really doesn't know most of these guys on the sort of level a manager knows his players. I think he's likely to have learned a lot about them, via Colletti, etc., but in terms of knowing them personally, I really don't think he does. Not a big deal, though. That's what ST is for.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | January 18, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Dan
I totally agree that Nomar could produce big for us as the new late-inning, crunch-time pinch hitter and occassion starter in the infield. He would be taking Saenz's spot on the roster and thus become the "Killer Nomato". I think that with the twins and the rest of his family in LA, he wants to stay with the Dodgers and will play whatever role he has to to make that happen and even try to get another extension after this season. If he's healthy and proves to be a good role player, I'd give him another 2 year contract after this year in that role.
Posted by: dodgerskip | January 18, 2008 at 08:03 PM
dodgerskip - Yeah, your thoughts on his twins and family were mine too. I'm sure he'd much rather be a starter, who wouldnt with his past but he SEEMS to be without too much ego and let's ace it, when Nomar is "on" - assuming he's got enough left in the tank - he is a house afire. The man's got skills and he is clutch as hell. Some guys never really "become Dodgers", but Nomar seems like he was born one to me.
Posted by: Dan in Pasadena | January 20, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Dan and Dodgerskip,
I agree about Nomar only thing is this guy is a serious competitor and i don't know if he can stay sharpe without playing at least 3-4 days a week but we shall see because he can pretty much play all positions other than pitcher-catcher.
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | January 22, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Richard didn't Hendrickson play for Jackson at chicago
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | January 22, 2008 at 06:53 AM