Sorry for the lack of posts the past week. I went out of town for the weekend. Lots of stuff has happened in the past week, so let's get right down to it (in no apparent order).
Jerry Sands and Justin Sellers demoted
- Both were long shots to make the roster -- especially Sands -- but the experience both gained in camp this year is invaluable. Both youngsters were sent to the Dodgers' minor-league camp.
While Sands put up impressive numbers (not the be-all, end-all, especially in spring), Sellers didn't. However, the fact Sellers was a candidate for the 25th man just shows what the Dodger organization thinks of him. He should be one of the first infielders called up, if needed.
With Sellers' demotion, the last utility infield spot seems to be down to Aaron Miles and Juan Castro. Oy vey.
Sands, despite his hot spring, was demoted. It was the right move by the Dodgers. I wrote a couple weeks ago that Sands needed to start in the minors to hit against more advanced pitching.
With his performance, a lot of people are excited at the prospects of this prospect. Here's hoping he lives up to the hype.
Matt Kemp is on fire
- Kemp hit his fourth home run of the spring on Sunday. Eight of Kemp's 14 hits this spring have gone for extra bases.
The Dodgers are counting on Kemp to rebound for him poor 2010. I'm extremely confident in Kemp's ability to best his career-best numbers in all the major categories this season. His role has been clearly defined by Don Mattingly (cleanup hitter, center fielder) which should help him realize his full potential.
Rubby De La Rosa is turning heads
- De La Rosa pitched four no-hit innings on Friday against the Giants, walking three and striking out two. De La Rosa's spring ERA is down to 1.80 in 10 innings of work. He's allowed seven hits, two runs, three walks and has struck out seven. His groundout/airout ratio is at 1.33 -- a little low for him. Still, the Dodgers must be toying with the idea of letting this flamethrower pitch out of the 'pen to start his career.
I'm not on board with this. The Dodgers have a glut of relievers and De La Rosa needs to stretch his arm out to be able to handle a full starter's workload. He should start in Double-A before being promoted to Triple-A. He could see time with the Dodgers this season, and possibly sooner than September.
Who is this Hector Gimenez?
- Gimenez, a journeyman, AAAA, is hitting enough to warrant consideration of a 25-man roster spot. Gimenez, who can catch and play first base (and possibly a little third), could be a nice utility-type player for the Dodgers. He has three home runs and a 1.136 OPS (I know, Spring Training). However, he certainly couldn't be much worse than Dioner Navarro, he of the .267 on- base percentage.
There isn't much chance of Gimenez beating out Navarro, but the Dodgers could consider keeping him aboard, especially if Casey Blake starts the season on the disabled list.
Xavier Paul got hot
- Paul has been hot since his cold start this spring. With Blake's season debut in doubt and Jay Gibbons having trouble with his eye sight (even though it appears to be "fixed,"), Paul, who is out of options, could find himself on the roster for Opening Day. However, his 1:14 BB:K ratio is rather alarming.
The pitching staff has struggled
- Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, John Ely and Hiroki Kuroda were all knocked around a little in their most recent starts. It's best to get those cobwebs out of the way in March.
Matt Guerrier, who gave up three home runs in 71 innings last season, has given up three home runs in six spring innings.
Speaking of Ely...
- Ely is bidding to be the Dodgers' fifth starter over Tim Redding. Ely has 15 strikeouts in 15 innings this spring. Could we be seeing the second coming of Elymania?
Will Mike MacDougal make the cut?
- MacDougal has a 0.00 ERA this spring, but he does have four walks in his 6 1/3 innings pitched. Still, folks will be influenced by that ERA and thanks to Ronald Belisario's inability to be in America, MacDougal, who seemingly had zero business breaking camp with the Dodgers, is looking more and more like a cinch for the 'pen.
Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness has a good blog post about MacDougal and what to expect. Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. also has a write-up on MacDougal.
Tony Gwynn is making an impression
- My last entry was about Gwynn and the Dodgers' need for him to hit. Petriello must have read it because he had a similar (and admittedly, more in-depth) post about Gwynn and what he can do for the Dodgers.
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In other Dodger blog news...
True Blue L.A.'s Chad Moriyama has a Prospect Profile on one of my favorite Dodger prospects, Trayvon Robinson.
Memories of Kevin Malone's Greg Zakwin has his 2010 Center Field Year in Review up.
L.A. Dodger Talk's Jared Massey and Mark Timmons of have been in Arizona following the Dodgers for the last few days. The guys from True Blue L.A. (Eric Stephen and David Young) have been there, too.
Opinion of Kingman's Performance's Evan Bladh, Sr., has an interesting post on nicknames.
Lasorda's Lair's Kenny Shulsen takes a first-hand look at Camelback Ranch.
New Mexico Fan's Evan looks at how the Isotopes' roster is shaping up.
Showing posts with label Xavier Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xavier Paul. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Dodgers need Tony Gwynn to fill voids
Much has been made this off-season about a few things: The Dodgers' third base situation, left field and the No. 2 hitter.
Well, the Dodgers have one man who could fill two of those roles. The barely-newsworthy signing of Tony Gwynn this off-season has the potential to be an outstanding one.
"Potential" being the key word.
Gwynn, a career .244/.323/.314 hitter, has been on fire this spring. Gwynn does possess good plate discipline (career 11.6 percent walk rate) and Gold Glove-caliber defense. His best season came as a in 2009 as a part-time player. He hit .270/.350/.344 (93 OPS+) in 393 at-bats. He did have 48 walks in those at-bats, which shows his ability to work the count.
I've been preaching for the last few weeks that Gwynn would have to play his ass off to unseat Matt Kemp from center and move Andre Ethier to left field. Well, the only other position either has played this spring is DH, so it's safe to say Kemp and Ethier are the Dodgers' starting center- and right fielder.
However, Gwynn could unseat Jay Gibbons and/or Marcus Thames in left field.
Gibbons is 2-for-22 this spring. Thames is 7-for-23 with four doubles, but his glove won't allow him to be an every day option in left.
Gwynn, who had two hits off a left-handed pitcher yesterday, is hitting .321/.375/.429 this spring and would be the ideal No. 2 hitter in the Dodger lineup.
Casey Blake hurt the back of his rib cage on Saturday bunting after a Gwynn had singled to lead off the game. Manager Don Mattingly has stated his desire for Blake to be the team's No. 2 hitter, but I haven't been a fan of it since I first heard it.
Spring Training statistics don't mean a whole hell of a lot, but Gwynn has speed (6-for-6 in stolen bases), can bunt and do everything you'd want a traditional No. 2 hitter to do. He isn't going to hit for a lot of power, but he has the skill set to get on base; it just remains to be seen if he can put it all together.
It might be wishful thinking on my part, looking at Gwynn's career numbers, but if he's ever going to be someone other than "Tony Gwynn's son," it's going to be right now.
Besides, the Dodgers need Gwynn to be the No. 2 guy in the lineup -- Blake in the 2-hole was doomed from the start.
Well, the Dodgers have one man who could fill two of those roles. The barely-newsworthy signing of Tony Gwynn this off-season has the potential to be an outstanding one.
"Potential" being the key word.
Gwynn, a career .244/.323/.314 hitter, has been on fire this spring. Gwynn does possess good plate discipline (career 11.6 percent walk rate) and Gold Glove-caliber defense. His best season came as a in 2009 as a part-time player. He hit .270/.350/.344 (93 OPS+) in 393 at-bats. He did have 48 walks in those at-bats, which shows his ability to work the count.
I've been preaching for the last few weeks that Gwynn would have to play his ass off to unseat Matt Kemp from center and move Andre Ethier to left field. Well, the only other position either has played this spring is DH, so it's safe to say Kemp and Ethier are the Dodgers' starting center- and right fielder.
However, Gwynn could unseat Jay Gibbons and/or Marcus Thames in left field.
Gibbons is 2-for-22 this spring. Thames is 7-for-23 with four doubles, but his glove won't allow him to be an every day option in left.
Gwynn, who had two hits off a left-handed pitcher yesterday, is hitting .321/.375/.429 this spring and would be the ideal No. 2 hitter in the Dodger lineup.
Casey Blake hurt the back of his rib cage on Saturday bunting after a Gwynn had singled to lead off the game. Manager Don Mattingly has stated his desire for Blake to be the team's No. 2 hitter, but I haven't been a fan of it since I first heard it.
Spring Training statistics don't mean a whole hell of a lot, but Gwynn has speed (6-for-6 in stolen bases), can bunt and do everything you'd want a traditional No. 2 hitter to do. He isn't going to hit for a lot of power, but he has the skill set to get on base; it just remains to be seen if he can put it all together.
It might be wishful thinking on my part, looking at Gwynn's career numbers, but if he's ever going to be someone other than "Tony Gwynn's son," it's going to be right now.
Besides, the Dodgers need Gwynn to be the No. 2 guy in the lineup -- Blake in the 2-hole was doomed from the start.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Dodger notes: Garland, Redding, Paul, Ng, more
Jon Garland left today's game against the Seattle Mariners with an oblique injury, as reported by Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
Oblique injuries aren't the end of the world, but if it's a more-than-mild strain of the oblique, Garland could spend some time on the disabled list. He should have an MRI in the next couple of days.
With Tim Redding lighting it up (a term in which I use loosely) and Vicente Padilla recovering from elbow surgery, could he have just nabbed the fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation?
Not so fast.
Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. pointed out that the Dodgers conceivably wouldn't need a fifth starter until around April 10 or 12. That would give Xavier Paul couple of weeks or so as a Dodger before the team would need to call up a fifth starter from Triple-A (Redding, John Ely) or go with a spot starter (Blake Hawksworth) until Garland is 100 percent healthy.
However, as Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness points out, the extra couple weeks wouldn't do much for Paul's long-term future as a Dodger. Do you remember when Cody Ross went nuts for an eight-game stretch in 2006? He was immediately traded for a player to be named later (Ben Kozlowski, who pitched all of two games with the Rangers in 2002).
In no way am I saying the Dodgers should still have Ross; I'm just saying if Paul gets ridiculously hot, there's no guarantee he wouldn't be shipped off for a PTBNL.
But back to Redding. Redding has thrown eight scoreless innings this spring, walking two, hitting one and striking out four batters. Not exactly a dominant performance, but a 0.00 ERA is a 0.00 ERA.
Would the Dodgers be better off having Redding as the No. 5 starter if Garland requires a stint on the DL? Is two weeks and limited appearances enough to justify letting Paul leave on waivers? What about Ely? Would Paul even get enough playing time as the fifth outfielder? These are the questions potentially facing General Manager Ned Colletti. We'll see what happens.
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Jerry Sands got on base again today. No shock there. His slash line this spring is .467/.500/1.000, if ya need him.
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After posting the statistical leaders through the first 10 Spring Training games, the Dodgers' offense exploded. Rod Barajas, Andre Ethier, Tony Gwynn, Matt Kemp, Aaron Miles, Paul and Sands have all homered this week.
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Ramon Troncoso continued his solid spring, pitching 1 1/3 innings in relief of the injured Garland today. He sits at six scoreless innings, allowing five hits, striking out five and perhaps the most encouraging statistic: zero walks.
Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut, throwing one inning while giving up a home run to Jack Wilson. Kuo also struck out a batter.
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A belated congratulations to Kim Ng, former Dodgers' assistant general manager, for accepting a position to be the next senior vice president of Major League Baseball.
This move was an absolute no-brainer for Ng. Even if the McCourts' situation was fine-and-dandy, she would have been foolish to pass up this opportunity. Former Dodgers' manager Joe Torre made the hire.
She had the assistant GM position with the Dodgers for nine years. It's a shame she didn't get a chance to be the general manager. I still maintain (and I'm not alone) that if a woman is going to be a general manager of a professional sports team, Ng will get the first crack at it.
Shaikin has a nice story on Ng and her decision.
Oblique injuries aren't the end of the world, but if it's a more-than-mild strain of the oblique, Garland could spend some time on the disabled list. He should have an MRI in the next couple of days.
With Tim Redding lighting it up (a term in which I use loosely) and Vicente Padilla recovering from elbow surgery, could he have just nabbed the fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation?
Not so fast.
Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. pointed out that the Dodgers conceivably wouldn't need a fifth starter until around April 10 or 12. That would give Xavier Paul couple of weeks or so as a Dodger before the team would need to call up a fifth starter from Triple-A (Redding, John Ely) or go with a spot starter (Blake Hawksworth) until Garland is 100 percent healthy.
However, as Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness points out, the extra couple weeks wouldn't do much for Paul's long-term future as a Dodger. Do you remember when Cody Ross went nuts for an eight-game stretch in 2006? He was immediately traded for a player to be named later (Ben Kozlowski, who pitched all of two games with the Rangers in 2002).
In no way am I saying the Dodgers should still have Ross; I'm just saying if Paul gets ridiculously hot, there's no guarantee he wouldn't be shipped off for a PTBNL.
But back to Redding. Redding has thrown eight scoreless innings this spring, walking two, hitting one and striking out four batters. Not exactly a dominant performance, but a 0.00 ERA is a 0.00 ERA.
Would the Dodgers be better off having Redding as the No. 5 starter if Garland requires a stint on the DL? Is two weeks and limited appearances enough to justify letting Paul leave on waivers? What about Ely? Would Paul even get enough playing time as the fifth outfielder? These are the questions potentially facing General Manager Ned Colletti. We'll see what happens.
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Jerry Sands got on base again today. No shock there. His slash line this spring is .467/.500/1.000, if ya need him.
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After posting the statistical leaders through the first 10 Spring Training games, the Dodgers' offense exploded. Rod Barajas, Andre Ethier, Tony Gwynn, Matt Kemp, Aaron Miles, Paul and Sands have all homered this week.
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Ramon Troncoso continued his solid spring, pitching 1 1/3 innings in relief of the injured Garland today. He sits at six scoreless innings, allowing five hits, striking out five and perhaps the most encouraging statistic: zero walks.
Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut, throwing one inning while giving up a home run to Jack Wilson. Kuo also struck out a batter.
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A belated congratulations to Kim Ng, former Dodgers' assistant general manager, for accepting a position to be the next senior vice president of Major League Baseball.
This move was an absolute no-brainer for Ng. Even if the McCourts' situation was fine-and-dandy, she would have been foolish to pass up this opportunity. Former Dodgers' manager Joe Torre made the hire.
She had the assistant GM position with the Dodgers for nine years. It's a shame she didn't get a chance to be the general manager. I still maintain (and I'm not alone) that if a woman is going to be a general manager of a professional sports team, Ng will get the first crack at it.
Shaikin has a nice story on Ng and her decision.
Friday, February 25, 2011
2011 Los Angeles Dodgers Season Preview: Left Field
In the seventh of a nine-part series, I preview the left field situation for the Dodgers.
Let's just say it isn't pretty.
Andre Ethier
- "Wait, I thought Ehtier played right field?" Currently, he does -- and not very well. Since Ethier took over in right field in 2008, his UZR/150 has been atrocious: -11.8 in '08, -14.2 in '09 and a Major Leauge-worst (by far) -19.7 in '10. The bottom line is, Ethier needs to move back to left field, where he's still bad, but it isn't nearly as bad as this. The only way this happens is if Tony Gwynn takes charge of the center field position in Spring Training.
Jay Gibbons
- I wrote about Gibbons in my bench preview and he is the favorite to get the most at-bats as the left fielder. Gibbons has some pop but is bad defensively and probably won't maintain a .500+ slugging percentage, as he did in limited time in 2010.
Marcus Thames
- I was for the Thames signing this off-season, despite his horrific defensive metrics. If you thought Ethier's -19.7 was bad in right, well, it has nothing on Thames' last three seasons in left field: -26.5 in '08, -23.8 in '09 and a whopping -35.6 in '10. Good thing there are significantly fewer left-handed pitchers in baseball than righties, or Thames would be getting a lot more time in the field. Just from the eye test, he cannot be that much worse than Manny Ramirez, but with numbers like this, who knows? Thames will also backup James Loney at first base.
Guys in the mix
Casey Blake
- Blake is a masher against lefties and if the Dodgers had a legitimate backup third baseman capable of starting against right-handers, perhaps Blake would get a look in left. However, he's played just two games in the outfield since being acquired by the Dodgers in July 2008.
Xavier Paul
- Early last season, Paul was my preference to take over for Ramirez in left following the 2010 season. A less-than-impressive showing in the majors and defensive problems caused many to give up on him, including management. Paul's ceiling is as an average No. 3 outfielder, but he does have some value. I highly doubt he makes the team out of Spring Training (barring injury). However, he deserves to be in this discussion.
Trayvon Robinson
- Robinson is one of my best Dodger prospects, but he needs some more seasoning before he gets a legitimate shot at left field (or center field). His strikeout rate is too high for my liking, but the rest of his game is progressing quite nicely. If there are enough injuries, Robinson could make his debut before September. If that happens, the Dodgers are in trouble, unfortunately.
Jerry Sands
- Sands is surprisingly comfortable in the outfield and could take grasp of the left field job come 2012. But like Robinson, Sands needs more seasoning at the upper levels of the minors. As my No. 1 Dodger prospect, Sands needs to show he can adjust to veteran pitchers. All the scouting reports say he has the ability to adjust to breaking balls and is willing to go the other way, so that bodes well for his and the Dodgers' future.
Others: Jamie Hoffmann, Gabe Kapler, Russ Mitchell, Trent Oeltjen
Analysis
Left field was all the talk this off-season for the Dodgers -- and for the wrong reasons. Unless Ehtier plays 140 games in left field or one of the prospects explodes, I don't see the Dodgers getting league-average production -- offensively or defensively -- from the position. The 2012 LF outlook is a lot better than 2011. Paul is a sleeper in all this, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Next up: Center Field
Let's just say it isn't pretty.
Andre Ethier
- "Wait, I thought Ehtier played right field?" Currently, he does -- and not very well. Since Ethier took over in right field in 2008, his UZR/150 has been atrocious: -11.8 in '08, -14.2 in '09 and a Major Leauge-worst (by far) -19.7 in '10. The bottom line is, Ethier needs to move back to left field, where he's still bad, but it isn't nearly as bad as this. The only way this happens is if Tony Gwynn takes charge of the center field position in Spring Training.
Jay Gibbons
- I wrote about Gibbons in my bench preview and he is the favorite to get the most at-bats as the left fielder. Gibbons has some pop but is bad defensively and probably won't maintain a .500+ slugging percentage, as he did in limited time in 2010.
Marcus Thames
- I was for the Thames signing this off-season, despite his horrific defensive metrics. If you thought Ethier's -19.7 was bad in right, well, it has nothing on Thames' last three seasons in left field: -26.5 in '08, -23.8 in '09 and a whopping -35.6 in '10. Good thing there are significantly fewer left-handed pitchers in baseball than righties, or Thames would be getting a lot more time in the field. Just from the eye test, he cannot be that much worse than Manny Ramirez, but with numbers like this, who knows? Thames will also backup James Loney at first base.
Guys in the mix
Casey Blake
- Blake is a masher against lefties and if the Dodgers had a legitimate backup third baseman capable of starting against right-handers, perhaps Blake would get a look in left. However, he's played just two games in the outfield since being acquired by the Dodgers in July 2008.
Xavier Paul
- Early last season, Paul was my preference to take over for Ramirez in left following the 2010 season. A less-than-impressive showing in the majors and defensive problems caused many to give up on him, including management. Paul's ceiling is as an average No. 3 outfielder, but he does have some value. I highly doubt he makes the team out of Spring Training (barring injury). However, he deserves to be in this discussion.
Trayvon Robinson
- Robinson is one of my best Dodger prospects, but he needs some more seasoning before he gets a legitimate shot at left field (or center field). His strikeout rate is too high for my liking, but the rest of his game is progressing quite nicely. If there are enough injuries, Robinson could make his debut before September. If that happens, the Dodgers are in trouble, unfortunately.
Jerry Sands
- Sands is surprisingly comfortable in the outfield and could take grasp of the left field job come 2012. But like Robinson, Sands needs more seasoning at the upper levels of the minors. As my No. 1 Dodger prospect, Sands needs to show he can adjust to veteran pitchers. All the scouting reports say he has the ability to adjust to breaking balls and is willing to go the other way, so that bodes well for his and the Dodgers' future.
Others: Jamie Hoffmann, Gabe Kapler, Russ Mitchell, Trent Oeltjen
Analysis
Left field was all the talk this off-season for the Dodgers -- and for the wrong reasons. Unless Ehtier plays 140 games in left field or one of the prospects explodes, I don't see the Dodgers getting league-average production -- offensively or defensively -- from the position. The 2012 LF outlook is a lot better than 2011. Paul is a sleeper in all this, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Next up: Center Field
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2011 Los Angeles Dodgers Season Preview: Bench
In the third of a nine-part series, I'm previewing the 2011 Dodgers. This installment will preview the bench.
While some of these guys will be platoon players and/or start a fair share of games, they will still be included in this preview.
INF Jamey Carroll
- The Dodgers' team MVP last year, Carroll returns for his second season. When he signed last winter, I was unimpressed. He turned out to be a consistent player for the Dodgers and filled in admirably for Rafael Furcal, as he missed 65 games in 2010. Carroll should fill the same roll this season. With the addition of Juan Uribe, it frees him up to play more second- and third base, as Uribe is probably the team's top backup at shortstop. Carroll should be able to put up comparable numbers to his 2010 season.
OF/1B Jay Gibbons
- Gibbons made a comeback last season and OPS'd .819 in 80 plate appearances. His slugging percentage (.507) accounted for the high number, as he smacked five home runs. However, it's unrealistic to think he'd maintain that number, even as a part-time player, as he only OPS'd higher than .482 one time before 2010 (2002 with Baltimore). Gibbons splitting time with Thames and giving James Loney the occasional day off at first base looks to be the plan.
OF Tony Gwynn
- Gwynn was somewhat of a surprise signing this off-season. He hasn't hit much in his career, though, his .350 OBP in 2009 with San Diego was encouraging... until he had a .304 OBP last season. Gwynn's game is speed and defense, which is what the Dodgers need from him. He's in the mix to be the team's third outfielder, mainly because his defense in center field would be a massive upgrade over Matt Kemp's (subsequently moving Ethier back to his stronger positon, LF). The best-case scenario is Gwynn hits enough to be the Dodgers' everyday CF, making Gibbons and Thames true bench players.
C Dioner Navarro
- Navarro signed for $1 million this winter, which was an overpay by GM Ned Colletti. Triple-A catcher A.J. Ellis could have put up comparable -- if not better -- numbers than Navarro for the Major-League minimum. But I digress. Navarro was traded in 2006 to Tampa Bay and made the American League Al-Star team in 2008. However, his last two seasons have been horrific, posting a slash line of .212/.263/.306/.569. A .569 OPS! Bottom line: don't expect much from Navarro. The Dodgers are shaping up to have one of the worst catching duos in the majors -- and possibly Major League history (save the 2004 Dodgers after the Brad Penny-for-Paul Lo Duca trade).
OF/1B Marcus Thames
- Thames was the most recent signing of the Dodgers' bench mob and brings some much-needed power potential to a group that lacks it. However, he's currently slated to be a part-time left fielder, which isn't good news for Dodger pitching. He is one of the worst outfielders in baseball over the last few years, and it will show. But he should only play against lefties, which means Gibbons, who isn't much better, will play the rest of the time.
Then we come to the fifth/sixth member of the bench. As of right now, the Dodgers have no surefire last member of the bench. Here are some guys contending for the spot.
INF Juan Castro
- I'm really tired about writing Castro's name. I mean, there's no way he should get this much from me or anyone else. Yet, here we are. Castro is a good defender, but he is atrocious with the bat. I mean, you can probably pick five random guys off the street and one of them would be able to hit better than Castro. Here's hoping he stays in Albuquerque or is outright released.
2B Ivan DeJesus
- DeJesus has the most talent of anyone competing for the sixth spot, but the leg break he suffered in 2009 is still haunting him. He wasn't a "can't-miss" prospect before the break, but he was regarded a lot higher then than he is now. He likely starts in Triple-A.
OF Jamie Hoffmann
- The biggest thing working against Hoffmann is the signing of Thames and Gwynn. The Dodgers are probably looking for an infielder to fill the last spot. However, Hoffmann could be the first guy called up if the Dodgers need an outfielder.
INF Aaron Miles
- Miles was just signed last week and brings his weak bat and decent defense with him. He has a couple things working in his favor -- he can play shortstop in a pinch (as well as the other infield positions) and he isn't Castro with the bat (but he isn't much better). If I had to wager, I'd say Miles makes the roster out of Spring Training.
1B/3B/LF Russ Mitchell
- Mitchell came up last season and hit two home runs in 43 plate appearances. Unfortunately, that's about all he hit. Mitchell had a nice 2010 in the minors, but he seems like nothing more than a Four-A player.
OF Xavier Paul
- Paul has some MLB experience and has done all he can at Triple-A (at the plate, at least). He's out of options and unless he lights it up in the spring and there's an injury, he's likely going to be placed on waivers. It's unfortunate, but he'll catch on somewhere.
SS/2B Justin Sellers
- I stated my case for Sellers winning the 25th spot on the roster. I don't think he's going to get it, but stranger things have happened.
INF/OF Eugenio Velez
- Velez, the former Giant, is just not a good baseball player. He doesn't do anything well. For a guy who should flourish as a speed/defense guy, those are probably his worst qualities. He's a long shot at best.
Guys in the mix
C A.J. Ellis
- Ellis showed some flashes of on-base ability late last season and was primed to be the Dodgers' backup catcher. However, Navarro signing eliminated that possibility. If/when Barajas or Navarro gets hurt, Ellis will get the first call.
SS Dee Gordon
- Gordon is the heir apparent to Furcal and should be ready by 2012. He won't make his debut until September (if that), provided there aren't a lot of injuries.
OF Gabe Kapler
- Kapler was a super prospect with the Tigers back in the late-90s. However, he never amassed to much and will struggle to get a call up with the Dodgers -- assuming he makes the Triple-A team.
1B/LF John Lindsey
- Lindsey finally broke through in 2010 and earned a trip to the majors. He went 1-for-12 with one hit-by-pitch. He then suffered an injury and missed the rest of September. Unfortunately for Lindsey, he's about eighth or ninth on the call-up list.
OF Trent Oeltjen
- Oeltjen had a cup of coffee with the Dodgers last season. He's an outfielder who doesn't stand much of a chance of making the team out of Spring Training.
OF Trayvon Robinson
- My No. 3 prospect, Robinson's lack of seasoning at the upper levels is about the only thing holding him back. After a full (or nearly full) season at Triple-A, he should be ready for primetime come 2012.
OF/1B Jerry Sands
- Sands is in the same boat as Robinson, but he has even less experience as Double-A. Sands has big power potential but needs to show he can hit advanced pitching in the minors. He could succeed Loney at 1B if he struggles in 2011.
Analysis
The bench looks to be in OK shape. It's going to be much stronger if Gwynn shows he can handle the everyday CF job. If not, it's going to be weaker than the Dodgers had hoped. The sixth member of the bench (because I'm counting the potential LF platoon of Gibbons/Thames as part of the bench) isn't going to have a great impact on the team. The prospects listed have virtually no chance of making the team out of Spring Training, but they could be ready to contribute as starters come 2012.
Next up: Catcher
While some of these guys will be platoon players and/or start a fair share of games, they will still be included in this preview.
INF Jamey Carroll
- The Dodgers' team MVP last year, Carroll returns for his second season. When he signed last winter, I was unimpressed. He turned out to be a consistent player for the Dodgers and filled in admirably for Rafael Furcal, as he missed 65 games in 2010. Carroll should fill the same roll this season. With the addition of Juan Uribe, it frees him up to play more second- and third base, as Uribe is probably the team's top backup at shortstop. Carroll should be able to put up comparable numbers to his 2010 season.
OF/1B Jay Gibbons
- Gibbons made a comeback last season and OPS'd .819 in 80 plate appearances. His slugging percentage (.507) accounted for the high number, as he smacked five home runs. However, it's unrealistic to think he'd maintain that number, even as a part-time player, as he only OPS'd higher than .482 one time before 2010 (2002 with Baltimore). Gibbons splitting time with Thames and giving James Loney the occasional day off at first base looks to be the plan.
OF Tony Gwynn
- Gwynn was somewhat of a surprise signing this off-season. He hasn't hit much in his career, though, his .350 OBP in 2009 with San Diego was encouraging... until he had a .304 OBP last season. Gwynn's game is speed and defense, which is what the Dodgers need from him. He's in the mix to be the team's third outfielder, mainly because his defense in center field would be a massive upgrade over Matt Kemp's (subsequently moving Ethier back to his stronger positon, LF). The best-case scenario is Gwynn hits enough to be the Dodgers' everyday CF, making Gibbons and Thames true bench players.
C Dioner Navarro
- Navarro signed for $1 million this winter, which was an overpay by GM Ned Colletti. Triple-A catcher A.J. Ellis could have put up comparable -- if not better -- numbers than Navarro for the Major-League minimum. But I digress. Navarro was traded in 2006 to Tampa Bay and made the American League Al-Star team in 2008. However, his last two seasons have been horrific, posting a slash line of .212/.263/.306/.569. A .569 OPS! Bottom line: don't expect much from Navarro. The Dodgers are shaping up to have one of the worst catching duos in the majors -- and possibly Major League history (save the 2004 Dodgers after the Brad Penny-for-Paul Lo Duca trade).
OF/1B Marcus Thames
- Thames was the most recent signing of the Dodgers' bench mob and brings some much-needed power potential to a group that lacks it. However, he's currently slated to be a part-time left fielder, which isn't good news for Dodger pitching. He is one of the worst outfielders in baseball over the last few years, and it will show. But he should only play against lefties, which means Gibbons, who isn't much better, will play the rest of the time.
Then we come to the fifth/sixth member of the bench. As of right now, the Dodgers have no surefire last member of the bench. Here are some guys contending for the spot.
INF Juan Castro
- I'm really tired about writing Castro's name. I mean, there's no way he should get this much from me or anyone else. Yet, here we are. Castro is a good defender, but he is atrocious with the bat. I mean, you can probably pick five random guys off the street and one of them would be able to hit better than Castro. Here's hoping he stays in Albuquerque or is outright released.
2B Ivan DeJesus
- DeJesus has the most talent of anyone competing for the sixth spot, but the leg break he suffered in 2009 is still haunting him. He wasn't a "can't-miss" prospect before the break, but he was regarded a lot higher then than he is now. He likely starts in Triple-A.
OF Jamie Hoffmann
- The biggest thing working against Hoffmann is the signing of Thames and Gwynn. The Dodgers are probably looking for an infielder to fill the last spot. However, Hoffmann could be the first guy called up if the Dodgers need an outfielder.
INF Aaron Miles
- Miles was just signed last week and brings his weak bat and decent defense with him. He has a couple things working in his favor -- he can play shortstop in a pinch (as well as the other infield positions) and he isn't Castro with the bat (but he isn't much better). If I had to wager, I'd say Miles makes the roster out of Spring Training.
1B/3B/LF Russ Mitchell
- Mitchell came up last season and hit two home runs in 43 plate appearances. Unfortunately, that's about all he hit. Mitchell had a nice 2010 in the minors, but he seems like nothing more than a Four-A player.
OF Xavier Paul
- Paul has some MLB experience and has done all he can at Triple-A (at the plate, at least). He's out of options and unless he lights it up in the spring and there's an injury, he's likely going to be placed on waivers. It's unfortunate, but he'll catch on somewhere.
SS/2B Justin Sellers
- I stated my case for Sellers winning the 25th spot on the roster. I don't think he's going to get it, but stranger things have happened.
INF/OF Eugenio Velez
- Velez, the former Giant, is just not a good baseball player. He doesn't do anything well. For a guy who should flourish as a speed/defense guy, those are probably his worst qualities. He's a long shot at best.
Guys in the mix
C A.J. Ellis
- Ellis showed some flashes of on-base ability late last season and was primed to be the Dodgers' backup catcher. However, Navarro signing eliminated that possibility. If/when Barajas or Navarro gets hurt, Ellis will get the first call.
SS Dee Gordon
- Gordon is the heir apparent to Furcal and should be ready by 2012. He won't make his debut until September (if that), provided there aren't a lot of injuries.
OF Gabe Kapler
- Kapler was a super prospect with the Tigers back in the late-90s. However, he never amassed to much and will struggle to get a call up with the Dodgers -- assuming he makes the Triple-A team.
1B/LF John Lindsey
- Lindsey finally broke through in 2010 and earned a trip to the majors. He went 1-for-12 with one hit-by-pitch. He then suffered an injury and missed the rest of September. Unfortunately for Lindsey, he's about eighth or ninth on the call-up list.
OF Trent Oeltjen
- Oeltjen had a cup of coffee with the Dodgers last season. He's an outfielder who doesn't stand much of a chance of making the team out of Spring Training.
OF Trayvon Robinson
- My No. 3 prospect, Robinson's lack of seasoning at the upper levels is about the only thing holding him back. After a full (or nearly full) season at Triple-A, he should be ready for primetime come 2012.
OF/1B Jerry Sands
- Sands is in the same boat as Robinson, but he has even less experience as Double-A. Sands has big power potential but needs to show he can hit advanced pitching in the minors. He could succeed Loney at 1B if he struggles in 2011.
Analysis
The bench looks to be in OK shape. It's going to be much stronger if Gwynn shows he can handle the everyday CF job. If not, it's going to be weaker than the Dodgers had hoped. The sixth member of the bench (because I'm counting the potential LF platoon of Gibbons/Thames as part of the bench) isn't going to have a great impact on the team. The prospects listed have virtually no chance of making the team out of Spring Training, but they could be ready to contribute as starters come 2012.
Next up: Catcher
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dodgers agree to terms with Thames, Kapler
The Dodgers agreed to terms with OF Marcus Thames on Monday. They also signed free agent OF Gabe Kapler to a minor-league deal.
I've been on board with a Thames signing since we saw the Dodgers blow their money on Juan Uribe. In fact, earlier today I passed along the rumor from Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. I also wrote about it in December after the Dodgers lost out on Bill Hall. Thames was probably the best bat available who fit the Dodgers' price range. His defense is God-awful, but the Dodgers will just have to live with it. Besides, he won't get enough playing time to not justify this signing.
Other options included Scott Hairston, Jerry Hariston and Lastings Milledge.
Kapler is just minor-league/AAAA depth. He'll probably be ahead of Jamie Hoffmann on the depth chart.
Unfortunately, this signing pretty much spells the end of Xavier Paul's Dodger career. It's sad because he always had nice talent and ability, but never got a fair chance with the Dodgers. Oh well. I hope he catches on somewhere (preferably outside the NL West) and has a nice career.
This should be the last "big" signing for the Dodgers this off-season -- and I use "big" very loosely. The fact of the matter is, the Dodgers don't have a lot of room left on the 40-man roster or a lot of money left.
If I had to guess, Tony Gwynn would get first crack at the third outfield position. His defense is quite valuable in center field and would vastly improve the overall outfield defense. If he falters in Spring Training, he's probably no better than a fifth outfielder, creating a platoon in left field between Jay Gibbons and Thames -- thusly giving the Dodgers one of the worst defensive outfields in recent memory.
I've been on board with a Thames signing since we saw the Dodgers blow their money on Juan Uribe. In fact, earlier today I passed along the rumor from Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. I also wrote about it in December after the Dodgers lost out on Bill Hall. Thames was probably the best bat available who fit the Dodgers' price range. His defense is God-awful, but the Dodgers will just have to live with it. Besides, he won't get enough playing time to not justify this signing.
Other options included Scott Hairston, Jerry Hariston and Lastings Milledge.
Kapler is just minor-league/AAAA depth. He'll probably be ahead of Jamie Hoffmann on the depth chart.
Unfortunately, this signing pretty much spells the end of Xavier Paul's Dodger career. It's sad because he always had nice talent and ability, but never got a fair chance with the Dodgers. Oh well. I hope he catches on somewhere (preferably outside the NL West) and has a nice career.
This should be the last "big" signing for the Dodgers this off-season -- and I use "big" very loosely. The fact of the matter is, the Dodgers don't have a lot of room left on the 40-man roster or a lot of money left.
If I had to guess, Tony Gwynn would get first crack at the third outfield position. His defense is quite valuable in center field and would vastly improve the overall outfield defense. If he falters in Spring Training, he's probably no better than a fifth outfielder, creating a platoon in left field between Jay Gibbons and Thames -- thusly giving the Dodgers one of the worst defensive outfields in recent memory.
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