Dodgers Preview: First Base
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by user The Beast
The Los Angeles Dodgers have many questions to answer in regards to first base. Can Nomar Garciaparra be healthy for most or all of the season? If he is, what becomes of James Loney? Will Garciaparra move across the diamond to take over third base and open up first for Loney?
All these questions will take most of Spring Training to answer.
For now, the plan is to have Garciaparra return to first base, provided that he is healthy for most of the year. However, many Dodger fans feel that Loney is more than capable of playing every day. However, Colletti wasn't willing to see if Loney was indeed ready as he deceided to resign Garciaparra to a two-year deal. This leaves Loney's role uncertain, even though he had a .559 slugging percentage during three big-league trials last year and went 3-for-4 in the playoffs.
Since Garciaparra suffered three injuries that kept him out of 40 games and handicapped him for about 40 more last season, the belief is that Loney will still see plenty of playing time at first base.
The odds of Nomar moving to the left side of the infield is remote. The Dodgers want Nomar to being playing first with Loney giving him a rest every few days.
| 2007 Beast's Dodger Preview |
| Dodgers Preview: First Base |
| Dodgers Preview: Second Base |
| Dodgers Preview: Shortstop |
| Dodgers Preview: Third Base |
| Dodgers Preview: Outfield |
| Dodgers Preview: Starting Pitching |
| Dodgers Preview: Bullpen |
Backing up Garciaparra and Lonet at first is Olmedo Saenz. The Dodgers have guaranteed salary committed to Saenz, who is capable of playing both corner positions. Saenz primary role is that of a right-handed bat off the bench.
If the Dodgers can remain healthy at first, than this should be one of their stronger positions.
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