The Los Angeles Red S....Dodgers

[Ghoulish Delight]

Wow, I don't even know where to begin. I'm a bit mystified by the whole thing.

First of all, with the acquisitions they've made, and projecting forward to Izturis returning around the All-Star break, here's the proposal as it stands: A shortstop playing 2B, a 2Baseman playing 1B, and a shortstop playing outfield. And 3 of those 4 are over 30.

But even if I accept that (Izzy's shoulder's going to be questionable, so it makes sense to give him the shorter throw, 1B is a huge question mark and a proven veteran, even out of position, is understandable, and what team wouldn't do anything to find a place to let Nomar play?), wtf is with Mueler? What happened to Oscar Robles. Was he Beltre? No, but he as consistent as they come. He didn't light the world on fire, but he was one of the few players last year the Dodgers could count on to make the play on the field and do something useful with his at-bats on a regular basis. And here they've got 2 heavy-hitting acquisitions, that kind of solid fundamental, young talent seems like the perfect choice for third.

And speaking of young, what's with the geezers? Meuler, Nomar, Kent, Lofton? I'd put down money that one of those 4 is going to have a major injury during the season, if not a couple of them.

So I'm a little worried about this season.

On the other hand, it may also be brilliant. Through all of this, they have managed to retain a good chunk of their young talent, both at the major league level and in the farm system. IF (and that's a big if) this veteran lineup can hold together through the season, the Dodgers have a shot of making a pretty respectable run this year, meanwhile all the young talent will have the year to mature without the pressure of saving a pathetic team, and under the guidance of some top-notch vets. If that's the thought process, more power to them, I certainly hope it works.