Because I Can

There is but one last wish that I have for the Dodgers. And it sounds crazy, but it's a great idea. And if the price is right, it just might work.

Mike Piazza.

Yes, Tommy Lasorda's Godson, Mike Piazza, is still a free agent, which probably means that his asking price is going to be lower than the $16 million he made last year. Which is good, because the Dodgers are racking up a payroll already, but haven't quite hit $100 million. If they can convince him to take, an $11 million paycut like Bernie Williams did, the Dodgers just might have the answer. They would use him occasionally as a catcher (probably about 30-40 games at most), an additional coach for Navarro (on catching and power hitting), a first baseman (in case something is wrong with Kent, or to let them try Nomar in left field before he's there regularly), and a pinch hitter. You don't have to make a start to be a Dodger great. Manny Mota is still a "coach," and I don't know what he coaches, but I bet he sits on the bench just to make everyone hope that he'll come out and pinch hit. And Kirk Gibson's shot was, of course, a pinch hit home run.

Then, all they have to do is trade Hee Seop Choi for a relief pitcher, or a prospect, or even a draft pick.

But just think of the batting situations you could get out of this. Without Piazza, it's

Furcal
Lofton
Drew
Kent
Nomar
Mueller
Cruz
Navarro
(pitcher)

and with Izturis,

Furcal
Lofton
Drew
Kent
Nomar
Mueller
Izturis
Navarro
(pitcher)

Consider the possibilities for the Dodgers with Piazza.

Furcal
Lofton
Drew
Kent
Piazza
Nomar
Mueller
Cruz
(pitcher)

Now, obviously he can't play catcher every game. Before Izturis returns, he can get some time at first. But here's the effective lineup if they use him as a pinch hitter with Izturis in there

Furcal
Lofton
Drew
Kent
Nomar
Mueller
Izturis
Navarro
Piazza

Start that lineup with Izturis or Navarro, and you have some offensive potency.

Not only would Piazza then not have to go to the Angels, but the Dodgers would once again have my favorite player, and they could let the bobbleheads roll out.

Labels: Dodgers