Andruw Jones

Losing Andruw Jones and then Juan Pierre has meant more playing time for their young hotshots Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, something Torre was either unwilling or unable to do, perhaps because he was stuck by the same “play the most who you pay the most” philosophy that has plagued the Mariners.

Continue reading "Crowded Outfield—No More!"

y will be one of the teams right there at the end battling for a berth.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Can Andruw Jones rebound this season and return to his pre-2007 self?

Last season the Dodgers ranked 10th in the National League in runs scored, 13th in slugging percentage and 15th in home runs. Their lineup will be vastly different from opening day last year as they are implementing a number of young prospects who are expected to revitalize the offense lead by first baseman James Loney, rightfielder Matt Kemp and third baseman Andy Laroche. However, without any of these players having played an entire Major League season, it is unknown if they’ll be able to generate consistent offense over 162 games.

Continue reading "MLB 2008 Preview Part One: National League West"

this year.  They are getting older but still have some very productive bats, Nomar, Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre.  Russell Martin is a stud at catcher and should really take off this season.  The bullpen has some great arms and one of the better closer in the game, Saito.  My only worry here is the way Joe Torre manages bullpens, he may overuse a lot of these young guys.

Continue reading "Part III: NL West"