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What's Up Dodgers?
So what has been going on in Dodger land since I last posted?
Well a big hearty congrats go to Russell Martin for winning the Silver Slugger Award for National League catchers. Voted by coaches and managers, Martin led the NL catchers in hits, homers, runs, stolen bases, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Only Mike Piazza (from 1993-1998) was the other Dodger catcher to win the award since its inception in 1980.
Another exciting announcement today was the composition of the coaching staff under Joe Torre.
- Bench Coach: Bob Schaefer
- First Base Coach: Mariano Duncan
- Third Base Coach: Larry Bowa
- Hitting Coach: Don Mattingly
- Pitching Coach: Rick Honeycutt
- Bullpen Coach: Ken Howell
In addition, the Dodgers have hired Rick Ragazzo as a special assistant to GM Ned Colletti. Coming from 17 seasons with the Giants (oh boy), Ragazzo will be in charge of scouting the Major Leagues and will assist Colletti with such decisions.
Something else that's pretty exciting is that the Dodgers will host the Boston Red Sox in three preseason exhibition games from March 28-30. The best part is the game on March 29 will be played at the original Dodger home: the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For one day all of us can relive the 251-foot left field wall.
Now for the rumors!!!!!
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The big rumor in the works is the Dodgers trading Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier for the Marlin's ever-expanding third baseman Miguel Cabrera. While Cabrera's numbers were still good this past season (.320 batting average, .966 OPS, 71.4 VORP), the fact he gained 60 pounds since winning the World Series in 2003 is a bit disconcerting. While his offensive numbers haven't been affected, his defensive abilities have obviously been compromised as ESPN's Jorge Arangure Jr. writes.
The other recurring rumor is a trade for Twins pitcher Johan Santana. Winning his first Golden Glove this season, he struggled to start the season going 6-6 before righting the ship to go a respectable 15-13. He won the AL Cy Young award in 2004 and 2006 and came in third in 2005 going 20-6, 16-7 and 19-6 in those years chronologically.
Santana in only 28 and is in the prime of his career. Besides how many recent triple crown winners are available for trade or through free agency?
It is important to note though that all of these are merely rumors. As great as some of these rumors are, to believe in them is disaster. Jon Weisman on Dodger Thoughts posted a list detailing how to avoid disappointment during the offseason. It's especially important to remember #1 on that list: Rumors are not fact.
Either way, the Dodgers have a lot of work to do if they want to give Joe Torre a team that could contend for a World Series ring.
AP Photo by Francis Specker
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