The big news today is not the show of offense last night or the pending visit of the NL East leading Nationals. The big news right now is the expansion of rosters for the stretch run.
This is welcome news to a lot of Dodger fans. With the bullpen struggling and key hitters slumping, it’s nice to see some familiar faces, some exciting prospects and, all in all, a breath of fresh air into a team that’s been trying to find a way to win. As all the trade deadlines have come and gone with no new moves, we will also not be borrowing renting any talent that will just get thrown back on the market in the winter. I’m actually ok with that. There’s just something about working from the hand you’ve been dealt.
All in all, six players will be joining the team today with a handful more to come. Here are the guys that have been announced so far.
Someone Old
We have some familiar faces rejoining the team. One from injury and a couple from Albuquerque.
Tim Federowicz
As has been his way the last couple of years, Fedex has been lighting it up in Triple-A (.328, .383, .555, .938), but can’t convert against big league pitching. This year, he was up briefly in LA during some of A.J. Ellis’s time on the DL and put up a line of .131, .189, .230, .399. That’s a pretty impressive split. Maybe if he starts on nights when we face pitchers called up during the expansion, he’ll be ok. Right?
Triunfel does not bring a lot of offensive excitement with him to LA. He sports a blazing .133 avg. in LA and wasn’t really any better in Albuquerque at .223. He’s got a pretty handy glove, but has not been mistake-free.
In his time with the Dodgers this year, Perez has been streaky. Hairy, chubby and streaky. (Guess that means we could be brothers or something.) So the bearded tornado will roll back into town from the DL with 39.1 innings pitched and 30 Ks, but 22 runs from 36 hits, 6 home runs and 21 walks. Here’s hoping we’re getting him when he’s on a hot streak.
Someone New
Now this is where it gets exciting. We’ve been hearing about these prospects all year and have been waiting to see what their talents could provide to the big league club. I’m hoping that we get to see them and that they can bring a new sense of fun, heart and enthusiasm to the team.
What more can be said about Joc? First 30/30 season in the PCL since 1934. PCL rookie of the year and MVP. Fans have been clamoring for his call up since last season. Does he have the Puig magic to make an impact right away for this team? Will Mattingly give him the opportunity? i sure don’t want to burn the kid too soon, but this Dodger team has been riding on the shoulders of a few players all season. We could use a fresh back to take some of the load. Give Joc a chance!
It’s too bad that most people will remember Guerrero’s inaugural season in the states because Miguel Olivo took a bite out of his ear. His slash line in Alb has been amazing (.329/.364/.613/.978) and he’s heading to LA in the midst of a hot streak after his return from plastic surgery and ear rehab. Here’s another guy that is made to contribute now. Will he be given the chance? He’s been playing a lot of 2b and some outfield in AAA this year. Here’s hoping we can find a spot for his bat and his talent.
Garcia is a guy we’ve been hearing about for a couple of years. With a depleted pen and shaky starting pitching, he’s going to get some chances. He’s been great in AAA this year with 61 IPs giving up only 21 earned runs and 18 walks with 69 Ks.
Of the three new guys, I think Garcia will get the most chances. I just hope that when push comes to shove, Mattingly shows a willingness to change a formula if it’s not working. In September, he’s got the flexibility to do just that. If he’s willing.