Nomar Garciaparra is now listed as, "doubtful," for Opening Day. The third-baseman announced that he will not resume swinging a bat over the weekend, as expected. Instead, the Dodger claimed that he has, "no control over it," and will be taking it easy.
With Andy LaRoche and Nomar Garciaparra now on the Disabled-List, Joe Torre has decided to extend Blake DeWitt's Spring Training time. The slugger has not played above AA Baseball, but is batting .372 thus far through the Pre-Season. The 22-year-old looks like a reallistic option at third-base for the 2008 Regular Season.
Tony Abreu is also a candidate to start at third-base in the 2008 Regular Season. However, the 23-year-old is still suffering from the aftermath of his abdominal surgery this past October. The youngster has only played in four Spring Training games thus far and does not look like a healthy candidate for the position.
The Dodgers are also exploring several other alternatives at third-base, such as throwing Chin-Lung Hu into competition for a starting job at third-base. Supposedly, the Dodgers have also expressed interest in acquiring Mark Loretta, Esteban German, and Ronnie Belliard. However, all of these teams will probably want a decent relief pitcher in return - which Los Angeles cannot afford to lose at this moment.
Although it would be a pleasure to see more of Tony Abreu, his health issues may interfere with his performance and playing time. Blake DeWitt, on the other hand, has been outperforming the talented veterans in Spring Training, indicating his potential in the 2008 Regular Season. Therefore, DeWitt should be a fine replacement until Andy LaRoche returns from his injury and reclaims his spot in the Starting Line-Up.
Jessica Hart
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It seems like Inge and Crede are basically out of the question for the Dodgers now. Many people forget Crede hit 30+ homers not too long ago. Problem is back issues are serious and the White Sox are asking the farm for him.
Mark Loretta, Esteban German, and Ronnie Belliard are good platoon/stop gap kinda guys.
Coletrain
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I'm fine with just starting DeWitt. There is no reason to start searching for guys when you have everything you need right already inside your organization.
Marc.H
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I think Inge is definitely out as he make has 19M left on his contract and the Dodgers won't pick that up. I also heard besides DeWitt and abreu they are thinking about Delwyn Young. He's not doing very well this spring and he is out of options and they could lose him on the waiver wire.
Foxy's Back
Total Comments (11708)
What is Young swinging - .192? I'd rather take the safe pick and go with DeWitt. The Dodgers have a plethora of youth and talent at third-base. I don't understand why they are looking into external players, when they have a substantial amount of talent already.
Marc.H
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They are looking for temp help and won't pay big bucks for anyone. With the way Young is hitting, and I think .192 was generous of you, they may be able to get him through waivers and down to the minors.
Foxy's Back
Total Comments (11708)
That might help. But, Young will not make a big impact on the Dodgers' organization right now. In fact, his current hitting performances may hurt them if they start him during the 2008 Regular Season.
Marc.H
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Good blog. I don't think that they need to look for anyone. They will be fine with the young guys.
Dyhard - four in a…
Germantown, WI
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I would most definitely work from within on this situation, there are plenty of people that the Dodgers could try here.
thehemogoblin
The University Of, OR
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Marc, I just read Heyman's Friday 3-21 column on si.com and he writes that DeWitt could possibly be the opening day starter. Being a Padres fan, of course I follow the Dodgers this spring a bit, and I just saw that. Speaking of Loretta, I've been waiting for him to return to San Diego for months now...
EastCoastKeith
Total Comments (2161)
I wonder if Heyman looked at my blog post, first. But, I agree with him 100%. Loretta, unfortunately, is with the Astros and will probably not return to San Diego. But, you never know if he'll flock back to the Golden State.
Marc.H
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Thank you, everyone, for reading my blog. I truly appreciate the time that you take to read over my analysis and insight on the Los Angeles Dodgers' exciting organization.
Marc.H
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The answer is here:
http://fannation.com/blogs/post/170479
Marc.H
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