Well, that happened earlier than I expected. The Dodgers, sorely in need of offense, averaging 3.25 runs per game so far this season, have called up Jerry Sands, their 2010 organizational player of the year. Sands played all of 10 games at Triple A Albuqerque, and in those 10 games he hit five home runs, and hit .400/.422/.875.
Just yesterday, manager Don Mattingly was asked if Sands' name had come up in talks with the front office. "I heard his name. It's hard not to hear his name right now. It's been hard not to hear his name, for me, since fall ball."
Sands has played corner outfield and first base, though it remains to be seen what his role will be on the Dodgers. For tonight at least, Sands is batting seventh and playing left field. He will wear No. 47 with the Dodgers, per Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.
"To me, he's got a different demeanor than I've seen from most guys. He's a guy who doesn't get bothered, he makes adjustments. His approach is solid," Mattingly said of Sands. "He's one of those guys you feel like if he struggles a little bit, it's not going to change his mind."
To make room for Sands, the Dodgers designated Xavier Paul for assignment. Paul, who is out of options, got just 11 at-bats in the first 16 games, with three hits. In parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, Paul has hit .233/.280/.329. Paul is now off the 40-man roster and, if must be placed on waivers at some point in the next eight days. If he clears waivers, the Dodgers can outright Paul to the minors.
Oh yeah, I owe Phil Gurnee a 12-pack.