Don't Worry

[love_that_reefer]

Kent will be back for '08.

Jeff Kent reached 550 plate appearances Thursday, guaranteeing his $9 million option for 2008.

Kent still makes enough plays at second to justify using him there, and he's certainly a far better option than any of the free agent options at the position. The Dodgers are fortunate to have him for one more year at that price. Still, it'd be nice if they had a quality backup so that they could use him at first when James Loney needs to sit against a tough lefty.

This isn't bad at all to me. The Giants are stuck with Ray Durham for $7 mil and doesn't produce shit. Kent makes $2 mil more and at least drives in runs and plays better defense. Who will be next year's third baseman is my question. Abreu? LaRcohe? Who?

[realmofotalk]

LaRoche must have a lousy spring training in order for Mr. Swing-At-Everything to win the 3B job.

I'll miss that wave surfing, wheelie poppin', Texas ranching, pornstached Mormon when he leaves.

[realmofotalk]

Still, it'd be nice if they had a quality backup

Delwyn Young is a capable backup to Kent. Well, his batting is capable.

[realmofotalk]

Per rotowire:

Update: Young is taking ground balls at second base this spring in an effort to improve his versatility, the Dodgers’ official site.

Recommendation: Young’s bat isn’t in doubt, but after leading the minors in errors in back-to-back seasons at the position, he was moved to the outfield. The Dodgers will likely have an opening at second base next season, and if Young can show improvement (vast improvement), he could be in the mix next year. Tony Abreu looks to be slated as Jeff Kent’s backup in 2008, but Young is a far better hitter, so watch this situation, particularly in NL-only leagues.

In this edition of Eric Byrnes' Ultimate All-Star, Eric attempts the near impossible task of extracting batting ability from Delwyn Young and extracting fielding ability from Tony Abreu, which he will then use to construct the monster known as the complete second baseman.

[realmofotalk]

Another Delwyn Young update

Update: Young has apparently impressed third base coach Larry Bowa with his play at second base, the Dodgers’ official website reports.

Recommendation: If Young can truly handle the position defensively, his roto value spikes. There’s no question about his ability to hit in the big leagues, and with Jeff Kent aging and likely headed for retirement after 2008, Young could be Kent’s heir-apparent. Intriguing keeper league pick-up.

Hope he's not another Joe Thurston.

[realmofotalk]

To keep up with the thread title, I'm actually looking forward to this season. If I could put up years of shitty baseball under Kevin Malone, Davey Johnson, Jim Tracy, Dan Evans, Paul DePodesta (sorry, dude, but 71-91 is 71-91), Grady ****in Little, and Ned Colletti (who will be out of here after this season, mark it down), I could put up with say, a 71-91 record. There's finally some good youngsters to boot. So screw the haters. Let's hope Uncle Joe prove those asshats in New York and their fans wrong.

[padrefanforever]

Marcus Giles | Rockies | Interested: Dodgers?

Marcus Giles was told by the Colorado Rockies on Sunday that he would not be making the team. However, according to the Rocky Mountain News, the Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in the veteran infielder due to their growing injury concerns with Jeff Kent (hamstring), Andy LaRoche (torn wrist ligament) and Nomar Garciaparra (broken bone in right hand).

[realmofotalk]

Whatever. He would be just a place holder for Jeff Kent.