BLUE THINK TANK

Due to the current roster makeup, Nakamura is the probable candidate to be sent back back down to AAA when Antonio Perez returns from the DL. Before this happens, I would like to see Nakamura more at 3B. I would then occasionally rotate Valentin to the middle infield to rest Izturis or Kent. So for the time being until Perez returns, I would have Valentin rover around as a super sub, a la Hernandez last year. The side benefit is this:

As I commented over at The Fourth Outfielder the other day...

If Nakamura proves that he's capable of manning 3B everyday, the Dodgers would hold a trading chip in Valentin. For example, the Cubs just lost Garciaparra for a while with a torn left groin tendon, and could be looking for a stopgap replacement. Valentin is a better SS than a 3B, is familiar with Chicago, has a 1 year contract, and is capable with the bat unlike Neifi Perez, Garciaparra's probable replacement. So Valentin would be of greater value to the Cubs than to LA. If Valentin is indeed traded, LA can then bring up Oscar Robles, who looked good during ST and can be put on the ML roster with certain restrictions.

Let's run with the Cubs example for a bit. Their needs are where the Dodgers are strong. The Northsiders need a shortstop, relief pitching, and perhaps an outfielder to replace the production lost when Sosa and Alou departed. (Dodger rejects Hollandsworth and Burnitz now man the outfield.) So the Dodgers have what the Cubs need, but what would the Dodgers want in return?

Assuming no further injuries, the only possible "needs" for the Dodgers are a frontline starter (Doesn't everybody?) and a 1B if Choi stalls. This is obviously wishful thinking, but what would it take to pry either Prior or Zambrano? Weaver and Penny are both in their walk years, and blue chip prospects such as Jackson, Ketchner, and Billingsley are just that at this point - prospects. A package including Valentin, Werth, and Brazoban would be a serious starting offer - three needs filled cheaply, with two of them just starting to blossom. I would be willing to take back a bad contract (Remlinger) or two if it meant getting Prior.

Of course, the Cubbies aren't trading Prior or Zambrano, and can't trade Wood due to his no-trade clause, so it's a moot point. But I wouldn't be surprised if a small trade involving Valentin/ Repko/ Sanchez occured. According to the Cubs Reporter,, their farm is deep in pitching. Maybe a "need" trade isn't in the Dodgers' best interest. A long-term "opportunity" trade would work, too.

This is not meant to be a knock on Valentin, who has so far displayed an erratic glove and a power bat, as expected. He is, however, a mere one year stopgap who was signed prior to Nakamura becoming available. If Nakamura shows that he's capable of holding the 3B job, it would be in the Dodgers' best interest to see what the market offers for Valentin.

5/5/05 EDIT: Now that Valentin's out for at least 2 months with a knee injury, we'll see what Nakamura can do. So far, good glove, no hit...