Third base is a dangerous place, and other issues of import
A few issues today. First, if anyone was still clinging to hope that the preseason version of the Freeway Series matters in anything beyond a "How is my team playing?" kind of way, well, I'm sorry to disappoint. If the lack of buzz surrounding Thursday's ten inning, 2-2 tie in Anaheim is any indication, it's time to stick a fork into that aspect of the local rivalry. As for the onfield issues, in his final preseason tune up, Derek Lowe allowed three hits, including a two run jack to Vlad Guerrero in the first inning, and walked a batter over his three frames of work. He'll round out the spring with a 5.73 ERA. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched well, striking out three over two innings of work. Takashi Saito managed to escape the fourth without allowing a run, though he did give up a triple to Howie Kendrick, as he attempts to work through the injury issues that have plagued him this spring. Speaking of injuries:
- Sorry timber cutters, pilots, structural metal workers, and fishermen, third base for the Blue is officially the most dangerous job on Earth, or so it seems. Tony Abreu will start the season on the DL, joining Andy LaRoche and Nomar Garciaparra on the shelf, and making Blake DeWitt the likely starter on Opening Day, mostly because he's not injured.
- Meanwhile, Jeff Kent is still a question mark to open the season in the lineup because of his strained right hammy- Chin-Lung Hu would likely fill in for him- but the influx of infield injuries (say that five times fast) means the Blue might have to carry an extra glove man... meaning no space for a guy like situational lefty Mike Myers, who was released on Thursday.
- In other news, Andre Ethier continued to separate himself from Juan Pierre, at least as far as Spring Training performance goes, in the battle for left field. He had a hit in four at bats, but Ethier's D was the story as he made a leaping catch at the wall, and also threw out two runners. Pierre went 0-5, and is hitting .179 in the preseason. (Apparently, Tony Jackson at the Daily News has come around to our line of thinking...)
- Those of you showing up to Dodger Stadium tonight will be greeted with new, wider concourses and food offerings. Tommy likes it, but he's biased. Let us know what you think.
BK
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Ruben Gotay was placed on waivers by the Mets - maybe the Dodgers can put a claim in. He should be able to help at both 2nd and 3rd, and is making little enough that he can be waived later on if need be.
Posted by: akrasian | March 28, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Turned on the tube last night, found the Dodgers, and realized pretty much nothing had changed since last season -- Pierre was 0-4 at the time, then the "speedy-little-outmaker-man" came up with the bases loaded and popped out, going 0-5 for the night (typical). Ethier, of course, threw several people out and hit the ball -- all of which means he'll definitely have to sit the bench. Kemp still looks off balance on any outside breaking pitch. Loney still looks awesome. Broxton still looks awesome. And Jones looks like he's going to be a great addition to the team. For my meaningless opinion, put DeWitt at 3B, Pierre on the bench permanently (no platooning), and let Ethier, Kemp, Jones, Martin, and Kent all hit 20+ homers. Then we MIGHT be in contention for the NL West.
Posted by: LossLeader | March 28, 2008 at 09:48 AM
After last night performance by Pierre there should be no doubt on who the starting outfielders should be:
Ethier, Jones, Kemp
It would be a complete travesty if Pierre is starting instead of Ethier. Dude should only come in on pinch running duties. It's one thing to have no power that's fine, but when you are hitting .179 how does that deserves to win the starting job? If you don't hit for power any power than you should hit for average which Pierre is not. Why then after watching Pierre struggle all of last season, all during spring training, and after nailing the coffin closed last night against the Angels would you keep on playing him regardless of how many years he has been playing in the big leagues. Let's hope Torre does the right thing and gives it to the player that's been hot and completely deserves it.
Posted by: dcerros | March 28, 2008 at 12:21 PM
It couldn't be much easier for Joe now; Either, Jones, and Kemp. Pierre simply played his way out of the lineup. As long as Kent is out, the Dodgers need all the run production they can get.
As for third, give DeWitt a chance. Sometimes serendipity is necessary to discover a hidden gem. Anyone remember Eric Karros' path into the everyday lineup? Time to see what kind of offers we can get for Abreu and let Hu be the heir apparent to Jeff Kent, which will mean Furcal needs to be resigned; a much easier task now that Jones is around.
Posted by: dalegribel | March 28, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Gotay claimed by the Braves today. I say give DeWitt a chance rather than bring in a stopgap.
Posted by: chuck | March 28, 2008 at 06:09 PM
dalegribel,
If the Dodgers can get a lot for Abreu I certainly wouldn't have a problem trading him. In fact, for the right deal, I wouldn't have a problem trading anyone. However, what is the right deal?
Despite his injury problems, Abreu is a very talented player, both offensively and defensively. When he was healthy last year he played well for the Dodgers, especially considering his rookie status. With time and maturity, he has the skills to become one of the better second basemen in the league. Like all of us on this blog, I'm not privy to any inside information about Abreu's health. But based upon the surgery he had after last season, and the injury he currently has, I am guessing that a vigorous program to strengthen his core would be in order. I have little doubt that Abreu would embrace such a program, and ultimately become a top notch second baseman. If Abreu has to spend some more time at AAA until he's physically ready, I have no problem with that.
As for Hu becoming the heir apparent at 2B, that works in the short run. However, in the long run his defensive skills at SS are just too valuable to waste at 2B. No doubt Furcal may have several more good years left in him (and maybe not), but perhaps the money could be spent more productively somewhere else, especially if there is a viable replacement such as Hu.
I prefer to hold onto both Hu and Abreu. Having depth in the infield is not a bad thing, and at the very least, it would make it less likely the Dodgers would need utility types like Ramon Martinez, or any other player of his ilk.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | March 28, 2008 at 06:51 PM