Inside the Dodgers

According to two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Dodgers agreed in principle earlier today on a minor-league contract for free-agent infielder Marcus Giles, who had a really good spring for Colorado but ultimately was released last week because the Rockies didn't have a spot for him. The plan was for Giles to go to Las Vegas, reacquaint himself with 3B, where he has just nine career appearances and none since 2005, prove that he could play there for about 10 days, then get called up and share time with Blake DeWitt until Nomar or Abreu comes back. ... And then, as Giles was in his car driving to Las Vegas from his home near San Diego, HE CHANGED HIS MIND. Just decided he wasn't coming. Turned the car around and went home. ... And the worst part is, the Dodgers passed on two other players they could have signed because they were convinced they had Giles, and neither of those players is still available. One of them is believed to have been Alex Cintron, a free-agent infielder who signed a minor-league deal with Baltimore yesterday. ... It still isn't clear why Giles changed his mind, other than one source saying he just doesn't have the desire to play anymore. At any rate, his indecision has left the Dodgers back at square one, at least for the time being.

Comments

The other player has to be Scott Speizio, right? He can play 3B and just signed with Atlanta.

Posted by: Mike Scioscia's tragic illness | April 1, 2008 3:59 PM

Who cares! I'm happy with Dewitt at third. He's done a good job defensively and that's all we need. Anything he does with the bat is a huge plus. It's the same situation we were in with Martin when he came up. Just catch the ball and throw out the baserunners. I don't think too many people expected him to be such a great talent. If Dewitt can hit well and get on base then let him start the rest of the season.

Posted by: Dusto | April 1, 2008 4:15 PM

The Dodgers are lucky he changed his mind. The guy is finished. You'd probably get the same or better with Dewitt.

Posted by: Dodger Dawg | April 1, 2008 4:20 PM

As Hacksaw Hamilton would say, good riddance to ten miles of bad road...M-Giles is Jim Leyritz waiting to happen..."The King" hated being a Dodger, hated the city of L.A., so now he rots in a Florida jail cell.

Posted by: Mario DiLeo | April 1, 2008 4:41 PM

I still don't understand why they aren't letting Hu play third base as long as Kent is healthy and in the lineup. No knock against DeWitt but Hu seems to be more ready for the majors at this point.

Posted by: Trapp | April 1, 2008 4:49 PM

I'm fine with the Dodgers not ending up with Giles - don't think he has much left in the ol' tank. But, Tony, what do you think of the Dodgers claiming Wes Helms *if* the Phillies release him? Worth a flyer? I am happy with DeWitt right now, too, guys, but keep in mind if he gets hurt - with Nomar, Abreu and LaRoche all out - they'd be in big trouble re: infield depth, at least temporarily.

Posted by: Craig Phillips | April 1, 2008 4:49 PM

Hu has never played third base professionally.

Posted by: regfairfield | April 1, 2008 4:50 PM

The traffic on the 15 is bad enough to make anyone change their mind.

Posted by: trapper9 | April 1, 2008 5:26 PM

April Fools, right? It's gotta be.

Posted by: BaseballSavvy.com | April 1, 2008 5:59 PM

And the Dodgers get Beltre for Juan Pierre, straight up.

DeWitt is a stud. Keep him at 3rd and trade a healthy LaRoach. Ive watched this kid for sometime now and I think he can handle the job. He can field and he will hit. Surprise, Surprise we have a 3rd baseman.

Posted by: bleed blue | April 1, 2008 6:02 PM

i agree, giles is april foolsing us

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http://www.la-dodgersblog.com/

Posted by: Megan | April 1, 2008 6:47 PM

why not try delwyn young at 3rd... its worth a shot... with all of our young outfielders, he'll never get a regular spot... but we've got nothing at 3rd but injury prone players... let him work there and get his swing back... i want him to get as many at bats as possible,,, it seems like a waste having him on the roster and not letting him get opportunities at the plate...what do u think?

Posted by: Nick | April 1, 2008 10:17 PM

DeWitt is fine-good hands-The kid takes good AB's. He's got a hit in both games and a SB. Torre likes what he sees in the kid. Baptism by fire!! go get em kid!!!

Posted by: X-man | April 2, 2008 1:58 AM

Hu played 3rd base just fine in ST. If he is the reportedly the best fielding SS in the entire minor leagues, I think he can handle 3B just fine.

Posted by: Trapp | April 2, 2008 9:10 AM

Great April Fool's Day blog. You are the best, TJ.

Posted by: Doris | April 2, 2008 10:26 AM