This is a test to see if my comment appears on the blog, given that I have not been able to post for months. Also, based on the paucity (mostly none) of comments lately, it appears I may not be the only one with this problem.

Glad to see that Beimel and the Dodgers avoided a hearing.

I am in the same boat as Brooklyn Dodger as far as not being able to post. This was my favorite Dodger blog last year and I'm quite disappointed that the comments are (apparently) not live.

Looks like we're back to normal! :)

I posted a comment on a previous article and it was never posted either.
Tony-I see Furcal has been playing some 2b in the DWL. Any chance he plays some 2b this year with Hu at SS? And how about re-signing Furcal to play 2b next year when Kent retires or leaves for free-agency?

rayg,

I think it's a little early to be projecting next years infield. Lots can happen between now and then.

If anything, I would like to see Abreu get some time at 2B this year, with the possibility of him winning the position full-time in 2009. Abreu can also play short and 3B, and could well be the guy the that replaces Ramon Martinez as the primary utility infielder.

I believe that Hu could also be in the mix to win the utility job this year, but given the restraints of space on the 25 man roster, I think it's more likely he'll start the season at Las Vegas, where he still hasn't played a full year.

Whether the Dodgers re-sign Furcal after this season will probably depend on the progress of younger players such as Abreu and Hu, how Furcal performs this year, and whether or not the Dodgers feel they can put the money needed to sign Furcal to better use. Also, how the Dodgers veiw the risk/reward of committing to another multi-year deal with Furcal will likely come into play.

As for Furcal playing 2B this winter, that could be because the Dodgers actually plan on using him at that position this year, or it could be that he wanted to get in some playing time, and determined that 2B would put less stress on his back, with which he had a problem at the end of last season. In fact, his back problem is another reason to believe it's premature to project Furcal's future with the Dodgers.

Tony,

Although it appears that the posting problem has been resolved, I am still unable to preview before posting.

It's a lot easier to pick up errors in preview mode than it is in the small "Comments" box. Anyone working on this problem?

Thank you

Brooklyn Dodger,

You make some good points, as you cover all possibilities, but the Dodgers have alot of payroll coming off the books after the '08 season:Kent-$10mm, Lowe-~$10mm, Furcal-$13mm, Nomar-~$8mm. If Furcal becomes a FA, who is the LA leadoff hitter in '09? Pierre I guess, but almost every Dodgers fan doesn't want him on the team in '08, to allow Ethier to play everyday.
I think Furcal at 2b, and HU at SS, would make for a great middle infield that LA pitchers would appreciate tremendously.

one last point, in 2006, Furcal was the catalyst of the LA offense. A healthy Furcal this year could be the difference between winning the division or not. He can do alot at the plate, when healthy.
I wouldn't NOT sign Furcal to give Abreu a chance to play. I would make Abreu the utility infielder or trade bait if we can get another few years like 2006 from Furcal.

rayg: Don't put it past Ned to sign somebody like Orlando Cabrera next offseason if Furcal leaves. I don't think he will be confident with the offense to let both Raffy and Kent go.

rayg,

Regarding the payroll coming off after 2008 (and you left out Loaiza, who will earn $6.5 million this year), keep in mind that in the next few years younger players such as Martin, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, Billingsley, and Broxton will begin drawing significantly larger salaries, especially as they become arbitration eligible or begin to sign longer term contracts.

Hu/Furcal might well be a really nice infield. However, Abreu is very strong defensively at 2B, and possesses a strong arm and plus range. Also, both Hu and Abreu have worked together extensively and successfully in the past as a solid keystone combo.

As for the leadoff hitter in 2009, maybe it could be Abreu. However, I'm not sure it's critical if the Dodgers maintain a strong lineup 1 thru 8. And I agree, Pierre would not be the answer.

Whatever the case, I think it's simply too early to begin speculating about next year. We really don't know what this team will look like come this July/August. Although it may be fun to speculate on a blog, in fact, speculation is the job of Dodger management, who as insiders have a lot more info. than we do. As I alluded to in my previous post, it may well be that the payroll flexibility achieved by not re-signing Furcal could be put to use in the free agent market next year.