2010 Dodgers Preview: First Baseman

By Raymond

 Catchers, done; Center Fielders, done.  I feel my next natural position was first base, I did occasionally play left field, but I have the mobility of an arthritic tortoise with a broken leg.  So it is at first base I was placed.  Stand here and don’t move, a good gig if you can get it.  Sadly they normally require some sort of good offensive production to be a starter at this position, hence my always fleeting occupation of said position.  Fortunately for the Los Angeles Dodgers, they do not have such a problem.

 

Los Angeles Dodgers First Basemen for the 2010 Season

The Starter

Name:                                                  James Loney

Uniform Number:                            #7

Former Dodgers to

Wear That Number:                        Jose Vizcaino (By the way I had no idea that Jose stuck around the Bigs for 18 seasons, no idea), nd he is actually working for the Dodgers currently as a spring training coach.  At least he is not still trying to play and manage in the Dominican and knocking out umpires (Like some other former Dodger middle infielders we know).   Another #7, he whose name should not be mentioned: J.D. Drew.  Who is perhaps my least favorite former Dodger of all time.  Even writing about him is making me throw up a little in my mouth, so I better stop.

Bio/Fun Facts:                                   James Anthony Loney from Houston, Texas.  There is not much to say about young James.  He was a high school star hitting over .500 and pitching with a sub 2.00 ERA in his senior year.  He was picked as the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for Texas that same year.  In the minors with the exception of one injury plagued year in Double A, he saw similar success and his hitting continued to shine.  He was brought up in 2006 after Nomar hurt himself for the first time.  It was then a matter of waiting for Nomar’s 90 day warranty to elapse and the position of first base was his and probably will be for a long time to come

Strengths:                                           Solid defense and average offense from the right corner of the infield.  He has gotten better defensively each year as a full time starter.  And when you look at his offensive numbers he is better hitter at this age in his career then Wes Parker was at the same age.

Achilles' Heel:                                   Without a beard he looks like he is 12 years old and should be getting balls for the umpire.  Also his power numbers since joining the club, while not bad have been disappointing on the whole.  Many say this could be a breakout season for James, but I think they have been saying that for the past three years.  While it would be nice to see more power from him, I am not sure if it will happen any time soon.

Best Player in MLB at 1B:              Without a doubt Albert Puljos, the best natural hitter in baseball right now.  Phat Albert is one of the few players who is a true threat to win the triple crown every year.  If it weren’t for Matt Holliday and Ryan Ludwik, Puljos would easily be seeing 200+ walks a season.  As long as he isn’t found to be injecting cow growth hormone or some other P.E.D. this is the guy I will be proud to say I saw play first hand when I tell stories to my children.

Best 1B Ever:                                      I was really leaning towards Kevin Maas, but I think you have to give it to the “Iron Horse” Lou Gehrig, or as his team mates called him “Biscuit Pants”!  I feel like there is nothing I can say about him that hasn’t been said, other than to mention that more guys like him are need in baseball today.

Wildcard:                                             James is widely recognized as the funniest guy in the Dodger’s clubhouse.  And when you look at the guy you can kinda see how he could be the funny kid.  Also there is a large internet following of female fans looking to become James’ number one fan.  He does supposedly have a girlfriend but he keeps it under wraps unlike some other Dodger players.

The Backup

Name:                                                  Casey Blake

Uniform Number:                            #23

Former Dodger to Wear

That Number:                                    Don Zimmer, the last former Brooklyn Dodger still serving on a major league field in some capacity.

Bio/Fun Facts:                                   He is really our starting third baseman, and will probably only fill in in case of an injury. So this will be a light analysis at best.

Strengths:                                           Probably the best beard in baseball.

Achilles' Heel:                                    Razor blades.

Wildcard:                                             When asked about his beard, he answers that he grows it simply because he does not like to shave and that the beard also helps camouflage him while participating in one of his favorite hobbies, duck hunting, a man after my own heart.

The Other Backup

Name:                                                  Doug Mientkiewicz

Uniform Number:                            #13

Former Dodger to Wear

That Number:                                    Joe Ferguson, Dodger catcher from the early 70’s.

Bio/Fun Facts:                                   Born in Toledo, Ohio Doug is essentially a washed up first baseman who is playing to try and make the team as a backup first baseman and pinch hitter.  Doug is one of the few players left who does not use batting gloves, and is an oddity as he hits lefty and throws righty.

Strengths:                                           A good line drive hitter and a great defensive first baseman.

Achilles‘ Heel:                                    He has a bad shoulder that could keep him from making the club, while a good defensive first baseman, he will need to hit well if he hopes to make the opening day roster over other spring training invitees.

Wildcard:                                             Doug has a gold medal from the 2000 Olympic Games, I wonder if he ever walks into the Dodger shower room wearing nothing but his shower shoes, his gold medal and a smile?  I know I would.