Sometimes you lose a game
And sometimes you lose a little more. First, the game, which was a 6-4 Grapefruit League fall to the Cardinals. The Dodgers managed to get their share of long balls, courtesy of shots from Andre Ethier, Nomar Garciaparra and Andruw Jones. After notching his second inning jack, Nomar got drilled in the wrist two frames later, which brought Andy LaRoche into the contest. Which brought the Dodgers some issues. A ball deflecting off baserunner D'Angelo Jimenez clipped LaRoche's thumb in just the wrong way to tear some ligaments. Surgery is in the cards, along with an 8-10 week stint off the field. Nomar's been claiming throughout spring training that he's still got some Super Unleaded petrol left in the tank. Here's a shot to prove his mouth's checks don't bounce. Otherwise, one of the Dodgers' most notable weaknesses just got a little more vulnerable (on top of any panic that could come from Takashi Saito needing some rest). This could even be enough to make Joe Torre sweat a touch (which hasn't happened much, if at all, since joining up with the Blue).
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You know, it looks like LaRoche breaks down easier than Nomar. I know it is a real letdown for some. I also know Nomar would have won the position early on anyway. Who would have thought it would have ended with someone other than Nomar hurt.
Posted by: Package | March 08, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Package,
I sense some satisfaction in your post. And may I add, I anticipated that you might just post comments to that effect. In other words, you are predicatable.
Let me add, I'm glad that Nomar's X-rays were negative. I hope that he performs well, because that's what's best for the Dodgers. I simply do not believe he will hold up playing everyday over the long run. I also believe that it would be good if the Dodgers could establish a young, long term solution at 3B. I think even you agree that Nomar is not a long term solution.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | March 08, 2008 at 03:16 PM
One could argue that this is a master managerial move by Joe Torre to eliminate any controversy at the start of the season. Even though Nomar is/was playing better than LaRoach.
related - if memory serves me correctly didn't nomar have a major wrist issue when he was with the Red Sox???
Posted by: benzojones | March 08, 2008 at 04:51 PM
BD
I guess you are right. I am somewhat predictable. However, even though I am satisfied that Nomar would have won the job anyway, I by no means wanted Andy to be injured. I do agree that the Dodgers need a long term solution for 3rd base. My only point was that I thought that Nomar got a bum rap because he had a reasonably poor season and many, including yourself, wanted to just give his job away to someone who had not proved anything, other than some minor league success and no major league success the 3rd base job.
Andy has also had a lot of injuries for a player that is so young. To me, Nomar's punishment did not fit the crime.
Package
Posted by: Package | March 08, 2008 at 05:44 PM