Mailbag: Dodgers picking up speed
With the signing of Rafael Furcal and Kenny Lofton, can fans expect to see a lot of stolen bases this year with new manager Grady Little running the show?-- Jeff F., Bear Valley Springs, Calif.Little, trained in the National League style during his years with Atlanta, has said he will utilize the talent he's been given, so let's see what he's been given. Furcal and Lofton's games are speed, although Furcal must show he's recovered from knee surgery. Things slow down abruptly after such surgeries. The next six players in the batting order -- J.D. Drew, Jeff Kent, Nomar Garciaparra, Bill Mueller, Jose Cruz Jr. and Dioner Navarro -- combined for seven stolen bases last year.
What is the status of Greg Miller?-- Ryan G., Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Once considered the best left-handed pitching prospect in the system, Miller has had two years of shoulder problems. As of now he's healthy, but he's two years behind in innings pitched and he has a tendency to throw from over the top, which puts strain on his delicate shoulder. When his arm angle is about three-quarters, he's effective and healthy. Although he was a starter before the injury, the thinking is that he might wind up a reliever. Nonetheless, he'll probably be a starter this year just to pick up innings.
How did the Dodgers acquire pitcher Jose Diaz, and what role does he have in the organization?-- Greg P., Ventura, Calif.
Diaz, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic who turns 22 later this month, was signed as a 17-year-old free agent. He was protected on the Major League roster, despite undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstruction early last year, because he's been clocked at 100 mph after the surgery. But he pitched only 17 2/3 innings last year, a total of only 173 innings in five professional seasons and has yet to advance past Class A. So, he's got talent, but also a long way to go.
The key relief spots appear to be set. Who will fill the remaining bench and bullpen slots?-- Jan S., Cypress, Calif.
First, follow the money. Outfielder Rickey Ledee, infielder Olmedo Saenz and catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. have guaranteed contracts. Assuming Jayson Werth will be disabled, Jason Repko has a good chance as an extra outfielder. The infield can go a number of ways, with Hee-Seop Choi, Oscar Robles, Willy Aybar, Ramon Martinez and others as options. After Eric Gagne, Danys Baez and Yhency Brazoban, it's something of a pitching staff scramble. Jonathan Broxton, Franquelis Osoria, Lance Carter and Kelly Wunsch might be the leading candidates, but D.J. Houlton could wind up in long relief if he doesn't win a starting spot and Hong-Chih Kuo looked overpowering at times last September.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
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