Piazza Retires, Bennett to the DL
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After an incredibly productive 16 year career, Mike Piazza is calling it quits. For many in LA, the May 15, 1998 trade that sent him to Florida is still considered a black moment in the city's history. Before being moved, Piazza was a Rookie of the Year (1993) and five time All Star for the Blue, and will go down in the annals as one of the great offensive catchers the game has ever seen.
In other catching news, the Dodgers have placed Gary Bennett on the DL with a case of plantar fasciitis. Danny Ardoin was brought up from Vegas to take his spot.
Good Audio from last night I forgot to post: Matt Kemp- Download matt_kemp_5.19.mp3
BK
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This continues a discussion begun in the last thread.
I have no problem with the Dodgers sending down Hu if he's not going to get significant playing time this year. But Maza is NOT the answer. He's a natural second basemen, and from what I've seen, his arm is too weak for SS. And I'm not going to be swayed by his 5 hits in 11 ABs. Anybody remember Oscar Robles?
I'm not sure how well Angel Chavez plays SS, but he is a possible alternative. Even Ivan DeJesus, who's having a good year at Jacksonville, is a possible alternative. However, with DeJesus the issue of playing everyday in the minor leagues vs. mostly sitting on the bench with the Dodgers, is the same as it is with Hu, probably even more so.
No doubt Hu has struggled at the plate, but I still remain convinced that he will eventually hit. It could come quickly, or it could take time. In any case, I believe he is a better hitter than Maza, and his defense is superior by far.
In sum, if the Dodgers have (or can obtain) a viable alternative to Hu, then by all means send him down to get playing time. But I reiterate, Luis Maza is NOT that viable alternative. Absent a better alternative, I'm still comfortable with Hu, and believe his play will improve with more repetitions.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | May 20, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Just saw this on today's Dodger Report. It's the last couple lines from the section on Jones' injury:
"In addition to damaged cartilage, Jones said he has a golf-ball sized wart behind his knee that might have to be surgically removed. Because of the wart's location, he said, it can't be drained."
A GOLF BALL SIZED WART!!!!!! Golf-Ball sized!!!! And only now does it occur to him that it might need to be removed!?!? This is like the weird people you see in the tabloids that have the 20-pound cyst hanging off their elbow. At what point as these things grow bigger and bigger does it occur to them, "you know, maybe I should have this looked at..." A freaking golf-ball sized wart!!!!! I used to think he was just pompous and pudgy; now I think he might actually be insane.
Posted by: VA Blueblood | May 20, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Best wishes to Mike Piazza! I have no idea which cap the Hall of Fame Committee will decide he's going to wear when he enters, but I am grateful for the time he spent wearing Dodger Blue.
Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | May 20, 2008 at 06:33 PM
I assume the Dodgers put their players through some sort of physical. And how much time could Jones have spent in the locker room without someone noticing a golf ball sized wart? I doubt that this is something that was unknown by the Dodgers. As inconceivable as it may seem, Jones is probably perfectly sane.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | May 20, 2008 at 10:12 PM
how about talking mike out of retirement and signing him for the remainder of this yr, as our backup catcher......even though mike is well past his prime, he still is likely a considerable upgrade from bennett?
Posted by: OlahBlew | May 20, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Good luck with your next career Mike...Hope you go in the hall as a Dodger....It was Lasorda who gave you your chance
Posted by: K T USN (feeling retired) | May 21, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Great career for Piazza, too bad the suits traded him in his prime. Maybe we can bring him in as a hitting coach or something. After all, he was the last real dodger with a pure power swing and high average. Mike... the dodgers turn their weak bats to you! Hats off to a wonderful career.
Posted by: poppinfresh | May 21, 2008 at 07:39 AM
poppinfresh --
great idea!......bring piazza back as hitting coach, totally agree.......also, i would love to see dodgers bring mike back for remainder of this yr, as part-time/backup player, right-handed bat off the bench.......I recall that jr. gilliam, during the final yrs of his career, sorta served as a part-time player/coach -- would love to see a similar role for piazza for rest of this season, then he could be fulltime hitting coach starting next yr? (though not sure how this might impact don mattingly's role w/team?)
Posted by: bigunit | May 21, 2008 at 09:38 AM