Dodgers Preview: Second Base
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by user The Beast
At second base, the Dodgers feature one of their veteran leaders in Jeff Kent. While Kent can easily be one of the team's better players he is beginning to show signs of an aging player.
Last year, his body appeared every bit of its 38 years. Kent only played in 115 games and, posted modest numbers at the plate (14 home runs and 68 RBIs).
Injuries were clearly a factor for Kent as he spent two stints on the disabled list. From late May to mid-June he had a sprained wrist and had a strained oblique muscle from mid-July until early August.
When fully healthy, Kent clearly can make an impact. Over the last six weeks of the regular season, he was a singles and doubles machine, hitting .355. In 2005 when he was fully healthy Kent posted 29 home runs and 105 RBIs. The year before he hit 27 home runs and recorded 107 RBIs.
The Dodgers do not have many backup middle infielders so they will be counting on Kent to remain healthy.
Ramon Martinez is the main man to back up at second. Last year, he hit .278 with 24 RBIs in 78 games, with most of his starts at second base. He was clutch at the plate, batting .339 with runners in scoring position, and had a career-high five-RBI game in late May.
Marlon Anderson, who was used as an emergency outfielder, could also fill in at second base, although he is penciled in as the primary left-handed pinch-hitter.
Overal Grade: B. Could be an A if Kent approaches his '04 and '05 form, but that is too big of an if.
Featured at http://socalsportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/dodgers-preview-second-base.html
