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April 25, 2006
Tony Jackson: offensive struggles
Despite last night's ninth-inning heroics against Brad Lidge, I can't get away from the idea this just isn't a good offensive club right now, and maybe not ever.
Tonight, they're struggling against some rookie named Fernando Nieve. A big problem is at the top, where after going 0 for 2 in the first three innings tonight, Rafael Furcal is now hitless in his past 11 at-bats and hasn't drawn a walk since the final game of the Cubs series last Wednesday night. This club was supposed to be solid at 1 and 2 with Furcal and Lofton. But the two have reached base back-to-back only THREE TIMES since Lofton came off the disabled list on April 14, a span of 10 games plus the first three innings tonight.
Posted by Tony Jackson at April 25, 2006 05:45 PM
Comments
Tony- I enjoy reading your work on the Dodgers. Although I agree with your premise regarding the team's offensive struggles (they strike out too much and don't have enough power), I think that there are signs that this year's team will improve as time goes on. Lofton still looks like he can play, Mueller is a professional hitter, Nomar will be an improvement over last year's firstbase crew and I can't believe that Furcal will struggle all year. The Dodgers lack what many other teams do.....a true superstar who can change things just by his mere presence in the lineup. Without a Pujols, A-Rod, Ortiz, etc. in the order, they're going to have to rely on a lot of people to pull their share. I'd like to see an upgrade in left and catcher, but it probably makes sense to ride things out with Cruz/Repko/Ledee and Navarro until Guzman and Martin are ready. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Tim Holleran at April 26, 2006 06:53 PM