| Joe Gutierrez. 18th December, 2005 - 7:36 am
 The Los Angeles Dodgers did indeed make an uproar this week by signing 3B Bill Mueller, C Sandy Alomar Jr. and Nomar Garciaparra. New Dodger GM Ned Colletti is being very aggressive in acquiring players since taking over last month. Here’s how it plays out so far:
Bill Mueller- Mueller will provide that third base need that Los Angeles needed desperately last season. He provides his outstanding defense along with a solid bat that will no doubt benefit the lineup. Expect Mueller to bat somewhere from the number 2 spot all the way to number 6 depending on any other moves Colletti makes in upgrading the offense. Last season we saw many different players try and fill the void at third base, but no one really worked to earn a spot there permanently. The Dodgers are assuming that prospect Andy LaRoche could be ready for major league play sometime in ’07 which gives Mueller the third base position for the time being.
Sandy Alomar Jr- Alomar is a decent pickup who will mainly be used as a backup to the young Dioner Navarro, and could start some games every other week giving Navarro some rest. Alomar was picked up by Los Angeles as the reserve catcher since they weren’t going to offer Paul Bako arbitration. Bako later signed a deal to play in Kansas City with the Royals.
Nomar Garciaparra- This could be one of Colletti’s best moves this offseason so far if, and I emphasis if, Nomar can stay healthy enough to provide Jeff Kent some protection as the number 5 hitter in the lineup. Garciaparra signed a one-year deal with LA in what could be a position moving season for him. It is said that he will play first base then move to the outfield when Cesar Izturis returns from the disabled list. Nomar will reunite with his old BoSox pals Derek Lowe and Mueller, and new Dodger manager Grady Little.
So far, so good for Colletti in reeling in free agents to come play in Los Angeles with the intent of heading into the season as an immediate contender in the NL West. One would have to assume that the Dodgers do look very fine on paper, but it all boils down to staying healthy in what was a bitter disaster last season. J.D. Drew needs to find a way to avoid another stint with the disabled list in what seems to be a steady fashion for him each year. Same goes for Nomar as he too has battled his share of injuries in the past. The three, four and five hitters in this lineup could easily be a scare to each team awaiting them this year.
It looks as if Johnny Damon is toying with the Dodgers in an attempt to make the Yankees antae-up their price for the coveted free agent centerfielder. I don’t expect the Dodgers to be serious contenders in the Damon sweepstakes, but anything is possible now that some of Johnny’s old teammates found their way to Los Angeles. Kenny Lofton has been rumored to be on the Dodgers radar along with Reggie Sanders, both of whom would fill some much needed holes in the outfield.
Ned should now turn his focus to upgrading the starting rotation as Jeff Weaver is expected to depart. The bullpen could use another reliever, but relief pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo could be appointed as the team’s left handed specialist similar to what Kelly Wunsch was last season. The Dodgers are by no means done dealing in attempts to improve the team. The offense is just about set as the outfield situation will probably be addressed in the coming days ahead. Colletti has a done a remarkable job by not giving up any major prospects in order to land his players. OF Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez were dealt to the Oakland A’s in return for top prospect Andre Ethier. LA could have received a little more but the Bradley situation had to be done by any means necessary. Ethier will provide the already talented farm system just another strong bat in hopes of one day making it to the Majors. |
