| Joe Gutierrez. 21st February, 2006 - 3:18 am
 When the 2006 Dodger team takes the field for the first time on April 3rd, a brand new offense will jog its way across the diamond, some hopping over the chalk line with superstitions filled with the desire to win. This hitter’s club however is stacked full of veterans expecting nothing but a full-out effort from each individual. All Star 2B Jeff Kent returns for yet another stab as the team’s leader in almost all offensive categories. Kent led last year’s club in runs, homers, and average, with an OPS of .889, virtually carrying the struggling squad all year.
This season though, he just may get some much needed help. But which players will step it up to aid the lonesome second baseman? Here’s a list of candidates who just might fit the qualifications:
1. Nomar Garciaparra
It wasn’t too long ago Garciaparra was a nominee for who the best SS was when he competed with the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter during his time in Boston. His trade to the Cubs following the July 31 deadline in 2004 brought many to believe a fresh start for the once elite hitter, was imminent. But his offensive numbers in Chicago were nothing comparable to what he posted with the Red Sox. If he can regain the Nomar Garciaparra everyone loved a few years back, Kent should be heavily protected in this lineup.
Nomar came back home to Southern California signing a one year, 6 million dollar contract but there was a catch. He wouldn’t be signed to play the shortstop position where he thrived while in Boston, putting up big numbers in almost every category. It wouldn’t be third base where he spent most of last season, yet only playing it 34 times out of the 62 games he was able to play. Now in Dodger blue, Nomar will suit up to play first base. A position he is no way familiar with.
2. J.D. Drew
It seems each time something is said of how Drew can contribute to a ball club, the phrase “if only he could stay healthy” pops up. In his first season with the Dodgers he proved he could provide offensive stability when his name wasn’t on the disabled list. Through 72 games last season, Drew belted 15 homeruns hitting a moderate .286 while producing 36 runs batted in. Ultimately that’s all he would be producing in ’05 due to wrist and shoulder troubles.
Again, as we dawn upon a new baseball season, what will Mr. Drew offer the Dodger offense this season? He is fully competent enough to have at least 25-30 long balls with 90 or more runs batted in. His defensive skills are coveted by team management, but nevertheless his health will forever hold him back from competing the way he knows he can.
3. Rafael Furcal
A questionable, yet precautionary move this off-season came from the Dodgers when they acquired one of baseball’s best shortstops in the game today. Furcal will enter the lineup batting first, setting up the team’s approach on how to divulge the flaws in other clubs’ pitching. A player of this caliber benefits everyone else in the offense, making it easier for others to bring runs in due to Furcal’s incredible speed.
His abilities at the shortstop position are endless, particularly the way he handles ground balls hit his way. He shows absolute perfection when the hits that looked destined for the outfield unexpectedly would be stopped instantly by his glove. Furcal’s style of play will be fun to watch in Los Angeles for seasons to come.
4. Bill Mueller
Jose Valentin, Oscar Robles, Mike Edwards, Olmedo Saenz etc. This list of players should ring a bell to any Dodger fan when it came time to predict who’d be starting at third base during the entire 2005 campaign. Each one was used but with no avail as to who would earn the right to play there everyday. Valentin went down. Robles and Edwards brought no power. And Saenz wasn’t an every day player. Management addressed the situation when they signed free agent Bill Mueller to a 2 year deal a few months ago.
In Mueller, Los Angeles gets a former AL batting champion with a skilled defensive mitt along with a career .292 batting average. He brings playoff and a fresh World Series experience to a club that hasn’t won a championship since 1988. But how long does Mueller remain in Dodger blue after the 2006 season? GM Ned Colletti will be the one determining this, seeing as minor league prospect Andy LaRoche could quite possibly be on the horizon as the team’s future third baseman sooner rather than later.
5. Supporting Cast
If the Los Angeles Dodgers want to contend this season, the other players on the roster will need to step it up come crunch time.
Kenny Lofton- Lofton provides a leadership role in the outfield especially now that he’ll platoon it while playing centerfield. He brings playoff and fifteen years of major league experience. Don’t expect him to be playing every game, probably splitting time with another player who’ll need to prove a few things.
Jason Repko- Repko will need to prove himself once again this upcoming spring training if he wants a spot on the roster. He can play each outfield position with a skillful mindset. His average slipped last season to a lowly .221 which got coaches to think differently of him. Repko deserves to stay on the roster and is an excellent utility man coming off the bench, but will his talents be enough to impress manager Grady Little?
Olmedo Saenz: Saenz was the most dominant force Los Angeles had coming off the bench last season belting 15 homers, and was probably his best year in the majors. He’ll have a similar role this season backing up the first base position along with occasional pinch hitting appearances.
Jose Cruz Jr.: Cruz Jr. figures to be the starting left fielder come opening day as Jayson Werth is still rehabbing from injuries to his left wrist which required surgery. Cruz was acquired towards the middle of last season for obvious offensive help and did relatively well. The batting average will need some adjustments, but the former Gold Glover should be able to produce more runs and at least 15-20 home runs.
Hee-Seop Choi: Choi has the capabilities of being a nice everyday power hitter that would complement any team in need of a first baseman. His decision to sign an extension with the Dodgers this past winter could be an indication of better things to come for the young South Korean. Last season one would’ve assumed he would be given an opportunity to be in the starting lineup each game, but former manager Jim Tracy thought otherwise. Choi is a pleasant left handed bat that new hitting coach Eddie Murray will try and tutor into becoming a future starting 1B.
Look for a much better outcome from this group of blue crew members. Each player has something to prove to the revamped club. These guys have what it takes to win their respective division. But do they have the tools to actually surpass the divisional crown and win the National League Pennant?
Quite frankly, why not?
Possible opening day lineup:
1. Rafael Furcal, SS
2. Kenny Lofton, CF
3. Nomar Garciaparra, 1B
4. Jeff Kent, 2B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jose Cruz Jr., LF
7. Bill Mueller, 3B
8. Dioner Navarro, C
9. Derek Lowe/Brad Penny, P |
