If they haven't already the Los Angeles Dodgers are about to find themselves in quite a predicament. A predicament that some may not realize could be quite disastrous. The Dodgers are going to find out very quickly they do not have a second baseman on the current roster. Orlando Hudson was the starting second baseman through much of the 2009 campaign. He put forth a solid season, but struggled mightily as the season winded down. This led to a trade for the versatile Ronnie Belliard, and Hudson soon found himself on the bench for much of the late part of the season. This carried on into the playoffs where Belliard continued to have the hot bat, and Hudson found his playing time to be minimal. The "O-Dawg" found himself in the doghouse with Joe Torre, and Hudson was not very fond of how his season finished with the Dodgers. It remains very unlikely that Hudson's bruised ego will be repaired, and he will likely look elsewhere as a free agent this winter. Like Hudson, Ronnie Belliard is also a free agent and will be looking for a full time gig.
Then there is Blake DeWitt, the young kid with a ton of potential that has been bounced between the majors and minors for the past couple seasons. It was thought DeWitt would be the everyday second baseman in 2009, then the Dodgers signed Hudson. DeWitt had a terrible 2009 season, and so whatever doubt the Dodgers had about DeWitt certainly seems justified. DeWitt has been unable to prove he can be a consistent player both in AAA and in the MLB. I have never been a big fan of DeWitt, and I do not think he has the tools to be a big leaguer. I am truly hoping he can make me eat my words in 2010, but don't count on it. Our only current option for second base for 2010 is hitting an embarrasing 206/.308/.235/.543 line through 12 games in the Dominican, and this is in the hitter friendly winter ball league. DeWitt's 2010 CHONE projections don't look too hot either. Saying DeWitt has a lot to prove in 2010 would be an understatement.
For the obvious reasons above, I imagine some of the bigger rumors we might hear over the next couple months will involve free agent infielders, and trade rumors involving second baseman. MLBTR has got the trade market for second basemen covered, any takers? I would love to see the Dodgers taking Dan Uggla off the Marlins hands. I strongly believe Uggla has a large chance of being traded very soon, however I don't think it will be to the Dodgers. Someone I also believe has a very good chance of being traded is Brandon Phillips. Uggla or Phillips? The Dodgers would welcome either one to the team with open arms. What team wouldn't want these guys playing for them? In addition, MLBTR also has a current list of all the 2010 free agents. The top free agent options for second base include.
Chone Figgins (32 - Type A) Figgins is going to get a big multi-year deal, and it won't be from the Dodgers.
Ronnie Belliard (35 - Type B) Word out of Los Angeles is Belliard will not be back next year.
Craig Counsell (39) Buster Olney tweets the Dodgers will look at Counsell, but not as the everyday starter.
Mark DeRosa (35 - Type B) DeRosa is a good fit with plenty of suitors. The Dodgers are already in contact.
Orlando Hudson (32 - Type A) After the way his season ended, Hudson will look to greener pastures.
Adam Kennedy (34) Consistent stats, and he plays with a ton of heart.
Felipe Lopez (30 - Type B) The Lopez rumors will be quiet, but he could definitely help any team in 2010.
Mark Loretta (38) I could see him coming back in a bench role for the Dodgers, but not much more.
Placido Polanco (34 - Type A) The Type A status will hurt his chances of getting any solid offers, especially from the Dodgers.
With DeWitt being the only internal option for second base, the Dodgers must be acquire a starter for the 2010 season. They are severely lacking depth at second base in the minors currently, and there is no future option visible currently. Devaris Gordon and Ivan DeJesus remain possibilities if they are successfully converted to second basemen, however I have not heard any plans on position changes for either of these guys. Look for Ned Colletti to be actively looking at all available options, and Dodgers Rumors will be closely monitoring the situation.
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5 comments:
How about signing Adrian Beltre. He wouldn't be as expensive as he was when he left. He plays a great third base and he adds power to the line-up. Casey Blake could move to second. He doesn't have the same range as Hudson, but he does have a very solid glove. This move could add power to the line-up so there wouldn't be a push to trade Loney.
How can you judge DeWitt 2009 season as "terrible" if he had only 49 MLB ABs?
Beltre is NOT a good fit. You diminsh the value of Blake. Second base is a much more demanding position physically than 3rd. Keep Blake at 3rd and go after a free agent at second (Lopez)
I think they need to go after Dan Ugla from Florida. He's average defensively, but the offense he will generate will more than make up for his lack of defensive skills. Don’t trade Loney at any cost; he’s a table setter, and should be towards the top of the lineup – he will get on base and then Kemp, Either, Manny will have more chances to drive in runs. You want to improve the offense, Move Fucal! No amount of defense can make up for his lack of offense at the top of the lineup. The dodgers need baserunners for the big guys – it’s that simple!
You can judge DeWitt's stats as terrible by looking at his 2009 stats in the minors, majors, and winter ball.
He hasn't hit well in the majors yet. He was terrible in the minors this season. Winter ball has got off to a terrible start as well. He will be a career minor leaguer, or at best utility bench player. I want DeWitt to work, but it's hard to ignore the facts. Trade him while he still has value and potential.
Beltre is not the answer guys. There are better options at second that play the position more naturally. If you are going to get Beltre you might as well spend a little more and go after Figgins.
Ron you got the right idea.
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