Well, after the Marlins preview, let's see who the hat has to check out today...

Hmm, we stay in the National League.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Team Preview

Well, so much of the Dodgers having the most talented group of youngsters in the division.  After a decision to commit too long to the veteren's, the Dodgers have instead decided to embrace their youthful core for the lack of better alternatives.  Still blessed with a solid farm system and a lot of pitching talent, the Dodgers aren't going to be a foe to be triffled with this season.  Still, there are some weaknesses on this team, mostly due to vets that have no business starting likely to be started anyway, thanks to Joe Torre.

Starting Rotation

• Brad Penny (RHP) – Underrated by many, Penny is a top of the rotation starter that can flat out dominate when he’s healthy.  His contract is a steal and the Dodgers wisely held onto him last season after debating about shopping him around.  It’s almost a sure bet that he’ll get his club option exercised next season, giving the Dodgers an extra season before bringing up uberprospect Clayton Kershaw.
• Chad Billingsley (RHP) – A good young pitcher, Billingsley showed last season that he could become a top of the rotation starter if given the chance to prove himself.  With a good combination of stuff and poise, Billingsley should rise through the rotation and establish himself as the next staff ace.
• Derek Lowe (RHP) – Lowe is an innings eater that will generate a lot of groundballs and should post respectable numbers.  All in all, it probably would have been best for Boston to keep him, as he was a good fit for their park, but overall he’s done rather well for himself in LA and should look to cash in free agency next season.
• Hiroki Kuroda (RHP) – The latest Japanese Import, Kuroda is a decent pitcher.  His fastball clocks in the high 80’s/low 90’s with some sink and he’s got a good curveball and a decent breaking ball.  He commands all of his offerings well, however, and though he had a bit of elbow trouble, it was cleared up by Dr. Lewis Yocum.  All in all, he’s a solid bet to be a good number four starter and isn’t expensive. 
• Jason Schmidt (RHP) – Well, it turns out the Giants did know what they were doing when they didn’t make a bigger push to keep their ace.  Schmidt is likely going to be the fifth man in the rotation due to his need for a slow recovery from shoulder surgery, and will likely never be the guy that the Dodgers hoped they signed.  But he could be a very good middle of the rotation man if he successfully bounces back.

Bullpen

• Takashi Saito (Closer) – One of the more effective closers in baseball, and one of the bigger bargains to boot, Saito is money in save opportunities, though I would caution that he is older and he has a lot of mileage on his arm.  Grady Little actually did a good job of keeping him fresh and not abusing him.  The man replacing him isn’t as kind.  Still, a decent season should be expected from him. 
• Jonathan Broxton (Setup Man) – The Dodgers’ closer of the future, Broxton is built like a bull and has great stuff to go with it.  He’s also a prime candidate to be overused by Joe Torre.
• Joe Beimel (LHP) - A dependable lefty that shouldn't be in anymore bar fights anytime soon, Beimel helps augment what should be a dynamite setup corps.
• Hong Chi Kuo (LHP) – Kuo had the stuff to be a starter, but not the stamina.  So, he returns to the middle relief/swingman role that he did well in back in 2006.
• Scott Proctor (RHP) – The one guy that was probably the least thrilled about Joe Torre coming to LA?  Proctor, who was overused by Torre during his time in New York as Torre lost confidence in reliever after reliever and kept on using his old reliables.  Proctor likely could have had a long career as a setup man if Torre wasn’t
• Esteban Loaiza (RHP) – The odd man out of the rotation mix, Loaiza was awful in his limited innings as a Dodger and now will have to accept a swingman role unless he wants out completely. 
• Rudy Seanez (RHP) - A retread of sorts, Seanez isn't exactly an elite reliever anymore, but as long as the Dodgers don't overexpose him, he should be a servicable reliever at best.

Starting Lineup

• Rafael Furcal (SS) – Still a good shortstop with a solid bat, power and speed, Furcal is entering the last year in his deal and wants a contract extension to stay with LA.  I don’t think it’ll happen, now with Hui down in Triple A ready to start, so expect Furcal to have a solid year before leaving LA to go elsewhere, giving the Dodgers some nice draft picks in the process.
• Juan Pierre (LF) – Does Pierre deserve to be starting ahead of the more talented Andre Ethier?  #### No.  Does that mean he will?  Yes, because we have seen throughout the ages that there is one common trait about Joe Torre.  He always starts his veteran’s and won’t start a youngster unless he has no choice.  In this case, he’ll likely start Pierre in left, where his speed should help him, but other than that, he’s got little value.
• James Loney (1B) – A nifty young player that the Dodgers finally appear to be done screwing wtih, Loney has a solid bat with plenty of power potential and should be a solid middle of the order presence for years.
• Andruw Jones (CF) – Last season’s down year resulted in Jones going from the top centerfielder on the market to a considerable risk.  I do credit the Dodgers for getting him at two years, as if he bombs, they’ll only be on the hook for one more year, unlike Juan Pierre.  Jones is still a good defensive center fielder who hits for power and shows some patience, but he also lengthens his swing as he tries to crush the ball and he’s lost a step as far as his speed goes.  Still, he’s an excellent buy and should give the Dodger lineup more thunder. 
• Jeff Kent (2B) – Kent can still hit and he’s still a reliable power source in the middle of the order, but he has no business playing second base anymore.  He really should be either at first base or a DH, but he doesn’t seem inclined to do either.  Still, expect Kent to put up some serious numbers here, especially if the Dodgers finally allow Kemp and Loney to stay in everyday and not want to switch to retreads and vets with nothing left in the tank.
• Matt Kemp (RF) – Kemp has all the tools to be a superstar, as he could become a power hitting right fielder in the mold of a J.D. Drew, but he’s still raw in several facets of the game.  Nonetheless, these flaws will only be worked out with playing time, so the Dodgers need to play him, as he is a big part of the Dodgers’ future once some of the vets move on.
• Russell Martin (C) – One of the best young catchers in the NL, Martin was probably a bit overworked last season, but his offensive performance didn't suffer much for it.  Overall, I think he's a great young player that should continue to be a presence in the lineup.   Also, he'd be a nice fit hitting second, but that likely won't happen.
• Nomar Garciaparra (3B) –Nomar is no longer the offensive player he was and he’s too brittle for the hot corner, so I’m not sure why Torre would start him, as his power is gone and all he really is able to do is hit for a superficially high average.  But, as I said, Torre won’t start kids unless he has no choice, meaning that the Dodgers will see a lot of Nomar hitting 8th.

Bench

• Andre Ethier (COF) – Ethier would be a solid left fielder, but it seems that the Dodgers are determined to get as much use out of Juan Pierre's contract as possible.  Plus, knowing Torre's affinity for Vets, and it's likely that Ethier will strictly be used in pinch hit duty until Pierre plays himself out of the lineup.
• Andy LaRoche (CINF) – Another casualty of Joe Torre will likely be Andy LaRoche, who will be on the bench as Nomar Garciaparra is started.  Still, I do give the Dodgers some credit to committing to at least carrying with the big league club.  LaRoche has all the tools to be a star third baseman in the mold of Troy Glaus, though only the Dodgers
• Gary Bennett (C) – A decent backup catcher with an okay bat, look at Bennett to be able to relieve Russell Martin, who was overworked last season.
• Wilson Valdez (UTIL) - Strictly a gloveman with no offensive value.
• Tony Abreu (UTIL) – A decent utility man, Abreu will likely backup all the middle infield positions, plus get the occasional start in the outfield.  He’s not a bad hitter either and could pinch hit in necessary.

Minor League Notables

• Clayton Kershaw (LHP) - The Dodgers' top prospect, Kershaw has already reached Double A at the age of 19.  He's got a big fastball and slider and potentially could be a major league ace.  While the Dodgers won't rush him, it's not inconcievable that Kershaw could get a big league look in the pen at the end of the season.
• Chin-lung Hu (SS) - Chien Ming Wang's ex-classmate, Hu has an incredible glove and enough of a bat that he won't be a drag on the offense.  He'll likely be Furcal's successor at short, though he could be called up in case of injury.
• Justin Meloan (RHP) - A solid setup man, Meloan is also a potential call up should one of the relievers flame out.

Final Analysis

Overall, the Dodgers have a good squad and will be in the mix for the National League Wild Card.  However, I don't feel that they'll have quite an easy run at the division or the WC thanks to the rise of the Diamondbacks and the Rockies.  Overall, this squad is dependant on it's youth.  If Torre decides to play the vets like Pierre and Garciaparra over more deserving talent, it will ultimately cost the Blue Crew at chance at the post-season.

Final Prediction - 2nd Place, National League West 

Calling Out Torii Hunter

Torii Hunter said recently about the Jackie Robinson tribute of wearing 42 this sunday as this:  "This is supposed to be an honor, and just a handful of guys wearing the number. Now you've got entire teams doing it. I think we're killing the meaning. It should be special wearing Jackie's number, not just because it looks cool. "

Really.

And who should this handful of guys be?

I'll admit that the decision of the Pirates, Cardinals, Phillies, and Astros all wearing the number is odd (realistically, I think only the Dodgers should be allowed to all wear the number), but honestly, Robinson's impact on the game of baseball had a lasting impact on the game, not just for African Americans, but also for Hispanic Americans, and Japanease Americans.

Without Robinson, we would never have been exposed to some of the legends that have been in the game had the sport stayed just white, with only the rare player being allowed in because his skin happened to qualify.

Without Robinson, we would never have been graced wtih Willie Mays.  We would never have had the pleasure of watching Hank Aaron, one of the most honorable and distinguished gentlemen ever to play the game.  We would never have met players such as Joe Morgan, the Alou Clan, Roberto Clemente, and others had it not been for Robinson.

So, Torii instead of poo-pooing on the decision of players wanting to wear the number, keep in mind that it isn't a fashion statement, or a way to look cool.

It's a simple method of players and fans, young and old, saying Thank You, one of of the greatest men to have graced the social landscape of the country.  We would all be worse off without him.

Finding An Heir To Rivera

With the latest talk that Mariano Rivera may or may not be a Yankee at the end of the season, does the system have a pitcher that can step up to the task of taking the role that has been held by possibly the greatest post-season closer in the history of baseball?  Or does the team look for a source from outside the system?

Here’s a list of who the Yankees may ask to take over the role in the future:

• Scott Proctor (RHP - Yankees) – Proctor is the odds on favorite to take over the role.  He’s got good stuff, some experience closing in limited roles, can dominate and is young enough to build a pen around.  Working against Proctor’s favor, however, is the thought that the Yankees still view him as a starter and will eventually shift him into the rotation.  Plus, there’s also the possibility of Proctor breaking down, as Torre was absolutely brutal with his use last season.  Still, he’s the favorite for the job.
• Francisco Rodriguez (RHP – Angels) – Or Is He?  The Yankees have long coveted the Angels closer as the successor to Rivera and he hits free agency in two years, about the time it's expected for Rivera to finally retire.  Rodriguez is an electric closer and could more than satisfy the needs of a lights out closer.  The only problem is that his delievery, motion, and everything about the way he pitches kind of screams for a breakout at some point.
• J.B. Cox (RHP - Yankees Farm System) - The Former University Of Texas Closer was one of the more dominating farm system closers in baseball until Tommy John shut him down, but there is a fear that his stuff falls just below closer's material and that he may be a setup man long term.
• Joba Chamberline (RHP - Yankees Farm System) - Chamberline, one of the more impressive pitchers in the low low minors, has great raw stuff that more than fits the bill as a closer's role.  Plus, his body type, which is BIG, may be better off for that role.  However, the Yankees, like Proctor, also view him as a starter, and they will hold off on making the transistion in the near future.
• Someone Outside The Organization - Again, the Yankees could also make a trade in the next couple of years for a blocked reliever that could close.  C.J. Wilson of the Rangers and Jesse Crain of the Twins are immediate candidates that come to mind.  The problem is that both teams also like their pitchers and would demand a good prospect in return for their relievers, which is something the Yankees might not want to give up.
• Someone Yet To Be Drafted - There's also the possibility that the Yankees could draft a college closer, but the record on college closers so far is rather spotty, with Huston Street and Chad Cordero being the exceptions.

2007 Free Agency – Second Basemen

This market is going to be thin after an abundance of second baseman this year.  There’s going to be several utility players that may be able to play the position, but that’s a article for another day.

•  Luis Castillo (Twins) – Castillo is the best option available on the market and he’s still a capable defender and a solid hitter.  His power is diminishing as he gets older, but he still has great speed and plate discipline and is a asset in the number two spot if he’s not hitting leadoff.  Castillo should cash in a rather scarce market for second baseman.
•  Marcus Giles (Padres) – [If $4MM club option is declined].  Though I expect Giles to remain in San Diego, as his option is relatively affordable, Giles is a decent performer with some power and defense, but the increasing strikeout totals and his decreasing power over the past couple of years is a concerned.
• Tadahito Iguchi (White Sox) – Iguchi is a free agent after this season because of his age and lack of power, he’s not going to be a hot name on the market.  He’s got a great glove at second and has some speed on the bases and he hits for decent contact and has good plate discipline.  I think he’ll likely stay, as he’s a cheap date.
• J#### Kent (Dodgers) – [If he fails to make 550 PA to trigger $9MM Club Option.]   Kent still has got solid power and can be a solid middle of the lineup presence, but he’s not a great option at second and may be better as a DH.  Still, he may get a shot somewhere, as I think he wants one more season to pad his Hall Of Fame resume.

Danny Almonte Joins The Frontier League

Danny Almote has signed with the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League.  In case you all don't remember, Almonte pitched his Bronx, New York, team to a third-place finish in the 2001 Series, tossing a perfect game along the way, but documents later revealed that Almonte was 14 years old at the time of the competition, two years too old for the tournament. His records were removed and his team stripped of their finish.

Almonte went on to help James Monroe High School in New York win two Public School Athletic League championships. He was named MVP of the 2004 title game.  He was eligiable to be drafted in last year's Rule 4 Amateur Draft, but wasn't taken in any of the 50 rounds.

As far as his stuff is concerend, Almonte is a lefty pitcher that has a fastball that sits in the low 90's that couples with a plus slider.  Ehh, not bad.  Who knows?  A dominant season could get him on the draft boards again.

All Time Stupidest Sports Injuries

With Mariano Rivera causing back spasms while putting on his shoes last week, I decided to do a special feature.  The First and Second Team of the All-Time Stupidest Sports Injuries.

First Team

Starting Lineup

·          Catcher: Mickey Tettleton (Detroit Tigers) – Went on the DL with athlete’s foot…caused by tying his shoes too tight.

·          First Base: George Brett (Kansas City Royals) – Broke his toe on a chair at home while running for the kitchen to the TV to watch Bill Buckner hit.

·          Second Base:  Jeff Kent (San Francisco Giants) – Claimed he hurt his wrist while washing his truck.  Rumor has it that he was injured doing motorcycle stunts instead.

·          Shortstop: Clint Barmes (Colorado Rockies) – Barmes had a strong Rookie of the Year campaign until he broke his collarbone…carrying deer meat.

·          Third Base: Wade Boggs (Boston Red Sox) – Hurt himself…while putting on his cowboy boots.

·          Outfield:  Vince Colman (St. Louis Cardinals) – Missed the entire 1985 World Series…after being run over by Busch Stadium’s tarp machine.

·          Outfield: Ken Griffey, Jr. (Seattle Mariners) – No stranger to injury, Griffey once missed a game after suffering a pinched testicle from his protective cup.

·          Outfield: Rickey Henderson (Toronto Blue Jays) – Missed several games because of frostbite…in August…caused by falling asleep on an ice pack.

·          Designated Hitter:  Glen Allen Hill (Toronto Blue Jays) – One of the most painful, Hill went on the DL after suffering cuts caused by crashing through a glass table while dreaming that he was being attacked by spiders.

Bench

·          Bench: Oddibe McDowell (Texas Rangers) – Sliced open his hand at a Texas welcome home luncheon while buttering a roll.

·          Bench: Kevin Mitchell (New York Mets) – Taken out by a microwaved donut.  I have no idea how this happened.

·          Bench: Terry Harper (Atlanta Braves) – Separated his shoulder while waving a teammate home and subsequently high fiving him.

·          Bench:  Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs) – Missed a game after throwing out his back…while sneezing.

·          Bench: Jose Cardenal (Chicago Cubs) – Missed a game in 1974 because he couldn’t blink. 

Starting Rotation

·          John Smoltz (Atlanta Braves) – Once burned his chest while ironing a shirt…while he was still wearing it.

·          Nolan Ryan (Houston Astros) – Missed a start after being bitten on his hand…by a coyote.

·          Jake Peavy (San Diego Padres) – Fractured a rib after he jumped into a celebratory pile after the Padres clinched the division.

·          Carlos Perez (Montreal Expos) – Broke his nose in a car accident…while trying to pass the team bus.

·          Adam Eaton (San Diego Padres) – Stabbed himself in the stomach while tearing off the wrapper on a DVD.

The Bullpen

·          Swingman: Dwight Gooden (New York Mets) – Missed a start when Vince Coleman accidentally took him out with a golf club in the clubhouse.

·          Middle reliever: Steve Sparks (Milwaukee Brewers) – Dislocated his shoulder…while attempting to tear a phone book in half.

·          Middle Reliever:  Mark Smith (Baltimore Orioles) – Injured his hand…while sticking it into an air conditioner to see why it wasn't working.

·          Middle reliever: Charlie Hough (Texas Rangers) – Once broking his pinky…while pinking shaking.

·          Middle reliever: Ricky Bones (Florida Marlins) – Missed time in 2000 after injuring himself…while changing channels on the clubhouse TV.

·          Setup Man: Greg Harris (Texas Rangers) - suffered a strained elbow flipping sunflower seeds while sitting in the bullpen

·          Closer: Jason Isringhausen (Oakland Athletics) – Broke his hand while punching a trashcan, just weeks after stabbing himself in the leg trying to open a package.

Manager - Roger Craig (San Francisco Giants)

Cut his hand…while undoing a bra strap.  Awesome.

The Second Team