Nomar to 3B starting Friday
Nomar Garciaparra is moving from first to third base to make room for James Loney. The move is in response not only to the fact Loney is hitting well enough to play every day, but also to the fact neither Wilson Betemit nor Tony Abreu has hit well enough to nail down the everyday third base job. Grady approached Nomar about the switch yesterday, and, according to both Grady and Nomar, Nomar immediately agreed. Grady said Nomar might still occasionally see some action at 1B, but he was VERY committed to Nomar becoming the primary 3B. Nomar will take grounders at third before all four games of the Arizona series, then probably start there for the first time on Friday night against San Diego. He last played 3B during his season and a half with the Chicago Cubs (2004-05). This time, he has five days to make the transition. That time, he had one day -- the day he was traded to the Cubs by Boston, with whom he had always played shortstop.

Tony Jackson is in his fourth season covering the Dodgers for the 
Comments
Finally! A move that makes sense for the next 10 plus years! Loney is ready... Defensively and offensively, we become stronger with this move. Now what to do about Kemp, who is kicking down the door as we speak. What of Ethier, who is maturing into a solid all around ballplayer. This does nothing more than give added flexability at the rapidly approaching trading deadline (Zambrano?)
Posted by: tchaney | June 25, 2007 5:56 PM
Kemp and Ethier everyday, one in right, one in center. JP becomes pinch-runner, designated sacrificer in late-inning situations guy, a la Dave Roberts for the '04 Bosox.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | June 25, 2007 6:00 PM
this is a great move by Grady!!! Now. like TCHANEY said, Kemp needs to play everyday...we may not need to trade for a bat...maybe Ethier for a pitcher? Buehrle would be nice....or Willis??
Posted by: rayg | June 25, 2007 6:13 PM
We don't need a starting pitcher. Billingsley and Kuo have better stuff than anyone we could hope to acquire for a reasonable price.
Posted by: Marcel | June 25, 2007 7:09 PM