HOT CORNER SOLVED?...

The hot corner has been a black hole ever since Adrian Beltre went up the coast to join the Seattle Mariners two years ago. Before Beltre arrived in Los Angeles, third base was a even worse problem since the departure of Ron Cey. Dodger brass has many options on how to fill the third base spot. They can go with the incubment Wilson Betemit. They can promote ubber prospect Andy LaRoche. Or they can go out and bring someone else in via trade or free agent signing. The most prominent free agent that fills the bill appears to be Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez opted out of his multiyear deal with the Chicago Cubs in order to seek a more prosperous contract. He was already making around $11 million a season, and has been thought that he will look for $13-15 million a season. For his production value, he seems to be worth it. Last season, Aramis hit .291, with 38 homeruns, and 119 runs batted in. Plus he is more than modest at third with the glove. Aramis is a great player, but I would rather see Andy LaRoche take over at third. The Dodgers would save a significant amount of money by going with LaRoche. Money that can go into bringing an ace pitcher like Barry Zito. I would even go with Wilson Betemit until LaRoche proves he is worth giving the third base spot. Maybe a platoon between Betemit, and LaRoche would work for me. Either way, I would shy away from giving out a colossal contract to Aramis Ramirez. Come opening day, I want to see Andy LaRoche filling the hot corner.

It is official, Jonathan Meloan is good. Meloan has continued his torrid pace. His era is a mind boggling 1.42 in 10 outings. Brian Akin, Casey Hoorelbeke, and Danny Muegge have not been slouches either. They have all had terrific falls. The hitters on the other hand have not had such good luck. Chin Lung Hu, and Anthony Raglani keep struggling at the plate. In the Hawaiian Winter League, the hitters are also struggling. With Cory Dunlap being the exception. The pitchers have held more than their own.


BELIEVE IN BLUE!