Blake DeWitt should not be the Dodgers 2nd baseman.
by Tripon on Apr 27, 2010 10:22 PM PDT
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This is only a month into the season and DeWitt may eventually improve, even when he has a year .400 OBP. But he should still be demoted to Triple-A. Blake DeWitt is not a 2nd baseman, he doesn't make reads like a 2nd baseman has, he doesn't have the footwork for the position, by not being able to start the double play and his range is lacking at 2nd.
If the Dodgers think DeWitt can play 2nd, fine. But let him work everything out at Triple-A where his errors will be part of the growing process of learning the position, instead of putting the Dodgers in a disvantage of having to tay for her class.
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I disagree with the post
Simply because it is based on his defensive abilities. To say that he may improve seems silly, DeWitt certainly will improve. Blake DeWitt is/was an excellent defensive third baseman and his body type is not one where he would be unable to play second base. He is a talented fielder and his improvement is a certainty in my opinion. The play of the game in the last game the Dodgers won was (for some reason) credited to Casey Blake who slapped a tag on Nyjer Morgan at 3rd base. That play was made by DeWitt in fielding a shitty throw from Xavier Paul on the relay and getting the ball to Blake to make the tag. DeWitt was one of the best fielders the Dodgers have had at third and I don’t see why we don’t think he can continue that at 2nd base as he gets more comfortable in the position.
Also, since everybody is such a big fan of UZR, it seems appropriate that I point out UZR for the 3 second baseman on the roster.
DeWitt: 0.1
Belliard: <0.3>
Carroll: <0.6>
However, if you wanted to make the argument that DeWitt should be in the minors because a platoon of Belliard/Carroll would be better at the plate, I’d listen.
I thought it was
generally agreed that UZR during the season means nothing.
I think you could make an argument that his offense and defense need to improve dramatically before he’d be an improvement to a platoon of Belliard/Carroll. I don’t believe he’s a punch and judy hitter so I’m a bit surprised to see his approach. He is however not killing the team, he is getting on base, and while he looks ragged, as Kensai said so does everyone. Except Loney, he looks good to me.
I said all along I thought Tony Abreu was the superior player, I still believe that.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I think both the Dodgers and Diamondbacks agreed with you that Abreu was the superior player. I have to think both players were made available to AZ and Abreu was the one who got the last callup with the club when the need had arisen.
by Michael White on Apr 28, 2010 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions
not to say of course he can't play second
but he’s certainly been below average
though honestly it’s not as if the defensive woes are on him
most everybody looks like shit
carroll and belliard have been worse
That was really the reason for my strong reaction.
For some reason DeWitt has become the symbol of the Dodgers defensive woes. People know he is a converted second basemen, therefore he’s the one who gets shit on for every error. I personally don’t believe DeWitt is an inferior second baseman to Belliard as DeWitt’s athletic ability remains an asset (Belliard is obviously the better hitter.)
by Michael White on Apr 28, 2010 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Im not convinced that Belliard would do anything more anyways
Does anyone really expect him to continue hitting like he has? I dont… DeWitt is learning the position. He isnt going to win a GG this year, but as long as he gets OB, he is a good #8 hitter.. and with Manny back, thats all we really need out of him
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Apr 28, 2010 2:16 PM PDT reply actions
Belliard has a career OPS about .100 higher vs LHP than vs RHP, which would show up if he plays long enough that his BABIP vs RHP drops below .400.
by StolenMonkey86 on Apr 28, 2010 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
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