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Message #1475 of 6634  *NEW* To :   All From :   Jaydawg   Subject :   Nomar Garciaparra Signs With Dodgers Date :   12/18/05, 10:21am Since Nomar signed for a one-year deal, this isn't a big risk by the Dodgers, but it could cause problems when Cesar Izturis returns to the lineup at midseason. It has been reported that Nomar agreed to play first base, but prefers not to move to the outfield, a position he's never played. However, this gives him some incentive. If Nomar plays well, (preferably to his '02 form) then neither he or Jeff Kent would be forced to change positions and Izturis would be kept on the bench. The way it looks now, the Dodgers could be the favorite in a weak N.L. West. The key is to keep Eric Gagne healthy. • Previous Topic • Next Topic • Reply to Msg #1475 • Back to Topics 4842 reads 1770 clickthrough(s) You cannot start a topic in the Headlines or Classifieds area... if you want to post a new message, try one of our other message areas!

Message #1478 of 6634  *NEW* To :   Jaydawg From :   Reedster   Subject :   Re: Nomar Garciaparra Signs With Dodgers Date :   12/18/05, 12:30pm This is awesome news. We actually have a team again. The Dodgers needed a solid player to balance out the loss of Milton Bradley. Let's just hope thatg he and Kent can get along... If we can just get Johnny Damon, we might have a playoff contender. If they could re-sign Jeff Weaver AND get Damon, I'd say it is a sure thing. • Previous Topic • Next Topic • Reply to Msg #1478 • Back to Topics 5495 reads

Message #1480 of 6634  *NEW* To :   Jaydawg From :   Reedster   Subject :   Re: Nomar Garciaparra Signs With Dodgers Date :   12/18/05, 12:36pm From the article: But second baseman Jeff Kent had been expected to move to first after Izturis returned, with Izturis replacing Kent at second. However, it is unlikely that the Dodgers would ask Kent and Garciaparra to change positions if they both were hitting well, creating the possibility that Izturis could be used in a utility role. Izturis, one of the top defensive shortstops in the National League, is only 25. But he has lost his primary position to the Dodgers' biggest off-season pickup, free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. The issue is one the Dodgers do not need to address right away. By the time Izturis returns, it's possible that injury or ineffectiveness will create an infield opening. But Garciaparra emphasized during his negotiations that he wanted to play one position, rather than be shifted around. It's highly unlikely he would move to left field, another position he has never played, in the middle of a season. Izturis, in my opinion, is highly overrrated offensively. Izturis will probably be ready after Tommy John surgery some time around the All-Star break. I imagine that if the Dodgers are not in the hunt, they can dump one of their big guys in the infield to a contender, and Izturis will have a spot. I suspect that the Dodgers, in that feeble NL West, will be in the hunt... meaning: Izturis is very expendable. The only question mark will be -- what will any team be willing to put out for this guy? • Previous Topic • Next Topic • Reply to Msg #1480 • Back to Topics 5491 reads

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