What will our Opening Day roster look like? There are over 30 days left in Spring Training and a lot has yet to be decided, including the signing of Manny Ramirez, as soon as tomorrow. However, here’s the way I see it so far and I’ll give a weekly update as things change and change they will. Ivan DeJesus, Jr. had a chance at making the roster but an awkward slide into home plate probably cost him the season. Here’s what I see:
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Starters |
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1. |
1B |
James Loney |
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2. |
2B |
Orlando Hudson |
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3. |
SS |
Rafael Furcal |
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4. |
3B |
Casey Blake |
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5. |
LF |
Juan Pierre |
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6. |
CF |
Matt Kemp |
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7. |
RF |
Andre Ethier |
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8. |
C |
Russell Martin |
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Bench |
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9. |
1B,2B, SS, 3B |
Mark Loretta |
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10. |
C |
Brad Ausmus |
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11. |
1B, 3B |
Doug Mientkiewicz |
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12. |
2B, SS, 3B |
Juan Castro |
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13. |
2B, SS, 3B |
Chin-lung Hu |
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14. |
LF, RF |
Delwyn Young |
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Pitchers |
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15. |
SP |
Chad Billingsley |
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16. |
SP |
Hiroki Kuroda |
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17. |
SP |
Randy Wolf |
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18. |
SP |
Clayton Kershaw |
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19. |
SP |
Jason Schmidt |
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20. |
RP |
James McDonald |
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21. |
RP |
Scott Elbert |
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22. |
RP |
Guillermo Moto |
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23. |
RP |
Hong-Chih Kuo |
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24. |
RP |
Cory Wade |
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25. |
CL |
Jonathan Broxton |
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Still Possible |
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Mitch Jones |
Can a 32-year old make it- he’s been great? |
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Jeff Weaver |
Can he re-invent himself? |
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Claudio Vargas |
He has a contract. |
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Victor Garate |
Looked good so far |
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Brent Leach |
He has the stuff to be a situational LH. |
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Ramon Troncoso |
Has not looked good up until now. |
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Jason Repko |
Arm, speed, and versatility. |
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Tony Abreu |
Injured again, but unknown. |
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Blake DeWitt |
Deserves to play in LA, needs AAA. |
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Xavier Paul |
Someday his time will come. |
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Eric Milton |
He’s turning heads. |
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Jamie Hoffman |
Has the tools to be a 5th OF. |
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I think you may have too many reserve infielders on the roster. Hu or Castro, one will not make it and a better Outfielder (Manny), Repko or Jones will take that spot.
Wow there isn’t much room for Vargas or Milton. I thought Vargas would make the roster but it’s not looking good after reviewing your list.
I left Eric Stults off the list – He is a “possible.”
Billy,
Yes, Manny is coming and I do doubt that bothe Hu and Castro will make it.
I think Hu will start at AAA.
Mark
My current opinion is that the Dodger starting pitchers will not go deep enough into the games to carry only 11 pitchers. Hope that I am proven wrong.
That is a valid point, Ken.
How come I get the feeling that Hu, Repko, Young, Vargas, Weaver and Jones need to be traded? Somewhere there has to be a good trade (with Pierre hopefully after signing Ramman) for another Left handed starter OR some young prospects. These guys need a break and they will not get it with the Dodgers.
What happened to Beimel?
Now that Ivan DeLord went down, I would keep Hu at AAA for backup. Repko and D Young could be traded with Jones becoming the 4th outfielder and good stick off the bench. We do need to trade Pierre if and when ManRam signs. As for Vargus, I think we need to find a way to keep him. If McDonald isn’t in the rotation, I think Vargus takes that spot on the roster with McDonald heading to AAA. If McDonald is in the rotation, that means Schmidt is broken again.
I read an acticle today in the Press Enterprise that says Schmidt is a long shot at being a starter this year. Diamond Leung says “he’s had more surgeries then wins over the past two years”. What do we do with Schmidt if he’s not a starter? Could he be a closer? He doesn’t have Smoltz stuff but who knows.
Believe me. Don’t believe the PE.
Manny Signs!!! @ @45 million. Starring from scratch huh? I called bullshit on McCourt, but at least he’s signed.
MANRAM IS HOME….. Can you say NL CHAMPIONS
Who’s the source?
Never mind…I see it…..Hope it’s true!!!!
I think I can say I called that one.
Now, get on with baseball dammit!!
I’m tired of worrying about all these rich people and their “problems”.
Ok this is still weird..Just heard on KTLA news that Boras and the Dodgers are both reporting that there is NO DEAL!!!
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/03/manny-dodgers-a.html
The deal isn’t done yet but I would guess by tomorrow night we hear it is done pending a physical. Manny wouldn’t be coming to LA without something being pending. I love it!