The Dodgers Playoff Bench

Brad Penny went off the rails on much more trivial things than that. I can only imagine what his reaction must have been when he learned that he wouldn’t be on the playoff roster.

I don’t agree. I found Joe’s decision on the playoff roster last year to be calculated and reasoned and not at all being a “reward” for veteranny players. Sweeney and Proctor were out while McDonald was in.

I expect Joe will add players to the playoff roster who he feels can contribute. Interestingly, I expect this means McDonald will be out this year. As for Loretta, I think he makes it, but not because he’s a veteran, rather it will be because Joe thinks he can do the job better than other available options. If it comes down to Loretta or Eyechart, Loretta can at least play the field in a pinch while Minky simply cannot.

It would take a leap of faith, to be sure. But I don’t think Castro sniffs any playing time anyway, and if you absolutely had to have someone play 2B/3B/SS, and Belliard has already been used, I’d feel better sending Mientkiewicz to hit followed by Castro playing the field if that were needed.

But in general I agree with the risk aversion.

Two guys who can’t play the field would be too much to ask I think. Especially since, well, who is our backup first baseman? Without Loretta they would have Blake as backup at 1st I guess, and belliard can play 3rd, but I don’t think this is ideal. Would be easier to decide if Loretta hadn’t fallen off a cliff in 2nd half of season (after a good first half). Still, I think Minky’s going to be the one left off, now that Thome’s around. (And it’s too bad he can’t field because otherwise I’d take him in a heartbeat.)

That is… IF we make the playoffs. ;-)

An actual delias man comment from a computer! Huzzah. :)

I’m just tired of them. Used to be a big fan but once they won the World Series and then decided to spend as much as the Yankee’s I became a Ray’s fan. Since the Ray’s can’t make it, my rooting interest has slided over to the Rangers because the Angel road will be easier without the Sox involved.

beyond big.. He was huge at ND now hes just a fucking beast.

That is CRAZY.

Wow. turns out that is legit, not that I doubted you :)

In a strange way, that might make him more likely to pitch against the Dodgers this weekend, if he is ready by then (maybe).

It sounds like they are just being cautious. Belliard’s good hitting I’m sure is contributing to the extra willingness to let Blake rest.

Judging from some of Torre’s comments, Blake can hit, but just has problems bending down and fielding. If he had to, he might be able to play, but they are just letting him rest for now.