LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Terry Adams (28, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 CHC 7 7 63 0 0 0 1 72 72 41 73 433 1999 CHC 6 3 52 0 0 0 13 65 60 28 57 402 2000 LA 6 9 66 0 0 0 2 84 80 39 56 352

Adams never pitches was well as you think he should, but he's a workhorse and his numbers are usually pretty decent. He's still young, and he might emerge as a good closer in another 4-5 years.

Andy Ashby (34, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 SD 17 9 33 33 5 1 0 226 223 58 151 334 1999 SD 14 10 31 31 4 3 0 206 204 54 132 380 2000 ATL 12 13 31 31 3 1 0 199 216 61 106 492

Ashby was a big signing for the Phillies before last season, but he pitched poorly for them. They were able to trade him to Atlanta, but he didn't help the Braves much, either. Now, the Dodgers have handed him a boatload of money... I doubt that he will ever rank among the best starters in the league again, but he could amble along in the starting rotation for a few more years, like John Burkett has done.

Bruce Aven (OF, 29, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1999 FLO 137 381 110 19 2 12 57 70 44 82 289 370 444 3 0 2000 PIT-LA 81 168 42 11 0 7 20 29 8 39 250 284 440 2 3

His season was a disappointment. A .250 average isn't too bad, and he still showed some power, but he was also supposed to be a guy who could take a walk and get on base. Aven can contribute, but the clock is ticking on his career; he needs to start making the most out of his talents.

Adrian Beltre (3B, 22, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 LA 77 195 42 9 0 7 18 22 14 37 215 278 369 3 1 1999 LA 152 538 148 27 5 15 84 67 61 105 275 352 428 18 7 2000 LA 138 510 148 30 2 20 71 85 56 80 290 360 475 12 5

Adrian Beltre (3B, 22, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      LA  77 195  42  9  0  7  18  22  14  37  215 278 369   3   1
 1999      LA 152 538 148 27  5 15  84  67  61 105  275 352 428  18   7
 2000      LA 138 510 148 30  2 20  71  85  56  80  290 360 475  12   5

A magnificent young player, Beltre continues to make solid improvements at the plate, and incredibly is still only 22 years old. His defense at third was also improved. He's going to be an All-Star very soon.

Geronimo Berroa (OF, 36, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 CLE-DET 72 191 43 7 2 1 23 13 24 44 225 318 298 1 1 1999 TOR 22 62 12 3 0 1 11 6 9 15 194 315 290 0 0 2000 LA 24 31 8 0 1 0 2 5 4 8 258 343 323 0 0

Geronimo Berroa (OF, 36, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998 CLE-DET  72 191  43  7  2  1  23  13  24  44  225 318 298   1   1
 1999     TOR  22  62  12  3  0  1  11   6   9  15  194 315 290   0   0
 2000      LA  24  31   8  0  1  0   2   5   4   8  258 343 323   0   0

He entered the season needing a big comeback; he got a few at bats with the Dodgers, then hurt his foot and went on the 60-day DL. I can't imagine that there are too many teams who need a 36-year-old DH who hasn't hit in three years and who just spent a year on the DL, but I could be wrong.

Hiram Bocachica (IF, 25, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA-AAA 118 438 110 28 6 8 60 48 40 99 251 339 397 27 11 1999 AA 123 477 139 22 10 11 84 60 60 71 291 382 449 30 15 2000 AAA 124 482 155 38 4 23 99 84 40 100 322 390 560 10 14

Hiram Bocachica (IF, 25, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  AA-AAA 118 438 110 28  6  8  60  48  40  99  251 339 397  27  11
 1999      AA 123 477 139 22 10 11  84  60  60  71  291 382 449  30  15
 2000     AAA 124 482 155 38  4 23  99  84  40 100  322 390 560  10  14

Bocachica is a Dodgers' prospect who put up some big numbers at Albuquerque, but I'm skeptical about him. Albuquerque is a great place to hit (the entire team hit .300 last year), so I wouldn't put too much stock in Bocachica's sudden improvement at the plate. He didn't draw many walks and he had a poor year stealing bases, and those were supposed to be two of his strengths. I think he might be a decent young player, but I doubt that he is a coming star.

Jeff Branson (IF, 34, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 AAA 108 332 96 23 2 5 45 41 27 71 289 339 416 6 4 1998 CLE 63 100 20 4 1 1 6 9 3 21 200 221 290 0 0 2000 LA 18 17 4 1 0 0 3 0 1 6 235 278 294 0 0

Jeff Branson (IF, 34, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 2000     AAA 108 332  96 23  2  5  45  41  27  71  289 339 416   6   4
 1998     CLE  63 100  20  4  1  1   6   9   3  21  200 221 290   0   0
 2000      LA  18  17   4  1  0  0   3   0   1   6  235 278 294   0   0

You probably remember Branson, he played for Cincinnati for a few years, then with Cleveland. He looked like he might be a decent player five or six years ago, but his career quickly turned south. He spent most of last season at Albuquerque, where a .289 average is actually quite poor. I don't think he has much of a future ahead of him.

Kevin Brown (36, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 SD 18 7 36 35 7 3 0 257 225 49 257 238 1999 LA 18 9 35 35 5 1 0 252 210 59 221 300 2000 LA 13 6 33 33 5 1 0 230 181 47 216 258

Brown was probably the best pitcher in the league, and could have won the Cy Young Award had his team given him a little more support. Man, is he an awesome pitcher; right now, I'd rather have Brown on my staff than any other pitcher in baseball except Pedro Martinez.
Incidentally, Brown now has 170 career wins. Don Drysdale got into the Hall Of Fame with 209 career wins, and Drysdale was never as good a pitcher as Brown.

Alex Cora (SS, 25, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 81 299 79 16 6 5 42 45 15 38 264 303 408 10 7 1999 AAA 80 302 93 11 7 4 51 37 12 37 308 348 430 9 5 2000 LA 109 353 84 18 6 4 39 32 26 53 238 302 357 4 1

Alex Cora (SS, 25, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA  81 299  79 16  6  5  42  45  15  38  264 303 408  10   7
 1999     AAA  80 302  93 11  7  4  51  37  12  37  308 348 430   9   5
 2000      LA 109 353  84 18  6  4  39  32  26  53  238 302 357   4   1

Cora benefitted a great deal from the trade that sent Vizcaino to the Yankees, and got more playing time than I would have expected. Problem is, he has always been a weak hitter, and I think what we saw last year was his real level of ability. If he sticks around, it won't be as a regular.

Chris Donnels (IF/OF, 35, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 AAA 105 332 109 27 1 27 79 84 66 52 328 440 660 6 1 2000 LA 27 34 10 3 0 4 8 9 6 7 294 390 735 0 0

Donnels has been around awhile, made his debut for the Mets in 1991. He hadn't been seen in the big leagues since 1995, but last year had the opportunity to put up some big numbers at Albuquerque. The Dodgers called him up in July, he hit some home runs, then went on the DL in August with a bad shoulder. He's not Babe Ruth, but his versatility might help him get some at bats.

Darren Dreifort (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 LA 8 12 32 26 1 1 0 180 171 57 168 400 1999 LA 13 13 30 29 1 1 0 179 177 76 140 479 2000 LA 12 9 32 32 1 1 0 193 175 87 164 416

The Dodgers gave Dreifort $50 million after last season. He's a decent pitcher, and he might get a little better... but really. His career record is 39-45; he's had three full years of starting games in Dodger Stadium, and hasn't recorded an ERA under 4.00. He three 17 wild pitches last year, and have up 31 homers. I like him to win 12-14 games, but to expect him to turn into Kevin Brown would be unrealistic.

Mike Fetters (36, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 OAK-ANA 2 8 60 0 0 0 5 58 62 25 43 430 1999 BAL 1 0 27 0 0 0 0 31 35 22 22 581 2000 LA 6 2 51 0 0 0 5 50 35 25 40 324

Fetters future was dicey early in the season; he had a terrible year in 1999, and went on the DL this year in May with a sore elbow. But he came back and had a good year. He's 36 and his elbow is wonky, but he's always been a good pitcher.

Shawn Gilbert (OF, 33, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 AAA 86 297 99 19 4 14 67 49 60 69 333 452 566 11 10 2000 LA 15 20 3 1 0 1 5 3 2 7 150 227 350 0 0

Gilbert is a veteran minor-leaguer, last year put up some big numbers at Albuquerque, and was given a few at bats by the Dodgers during the summer. I think he has a better chance of taking your job in 2001 than he does of being on a roster.

Tom Goodwin (CF, 33, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TEX 154 520 151 13 3 2 102 33 73 90 290 378 338 38 20 1999 TEX 109 405 105 12 6 3 63 33 40 61 259 324 341 39 11 2000 COL-LA 147 528 139 11 9 6 94 58 68 117 263 346 352 55 10

Tom Goodwin (CF, 33, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TEX 154 520 151 13  3  2 102  33  73  90  290 378 338  38  20
 1999     TEX 109 405 105 12  6  3  63  33  40  61  259 324 341  39  11
 2000  COL-LA 147 528 139 11  9  6  94  58  68 117  263 346 352  55  10

He had his best year as a base stealer, but otherwise had another unremarkable year. Goodwin began the year with Colorado, but hit only .271 with the Rockies, and was dealt to the Dodgers in July. I've never thought that Goodwin was a good regular; he doesn't do many things well at the plate, and he doesn't produce many runs. But he's had 400+ at bats for six straight years, and will probably play regularly again in 2001.

Shawn Green (RF, 28, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TOR 158 630 175 33 4 35 106 100 50 142 278 334 510 35 12 1999 TOR 153 614 190 45 0 42 134 123 66 117 309 384 588 20 7 2000 LA 162 610 164 44 4 24 98 99 90 121 269 367 472 24 5

Shawn Green (RF, 28, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TOR 158 630 175 33  4 35 106 100  50 142  278 334 510  35  12
 1999     TOR 153 614 190 45  0 42 134 123  66 117  309 384 588  20   7
 2000      LA 162 610 164 44  4 24  98  99  90 121  269 367 472  24   5

His first year in Los Angeles was kind of stinky. I mean, he wasn't bad or anything, but he had a monster season in 1999, and the Dodgers were paying him $14 million... Green will be back in 2001. He's a good player, and he very likely has another 30 homer/30 steals season in him.

Marquis Grissom (CF, 34, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 MIL 142 542 147 28 1 10 57 60 24 78 271 304 382 13 8 1999 MIL 154 603 161 27 1 20 92 83 49 109 267 320 415 24 6 2000 MIL 146 595 145 18 2 14 67 62 39 99 244 288 351 20 10

Marquis Grissom (CF, 34, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     MIL 142 542 147 28  1 10  57  60  24  78  271 304 382  13   8
 1999     MIL 154 603 161 27  1 20  92  83  49 109  267 320 415  24   6
 2000     MIL 146 595 145 18  2 14  67  62  39  99  244 288 351  20  10

It's been several years since Grissom had a good year with the bat; in 2000, he was very poor. He's slowing down, doesn't steal many bases anymore, and he probably doesn't cover too much ground in the outfield anymore. I don't think I would want him as a reserve, and I definitely would not want him batting 600 times for my team.

Mark Grudzielanek (2B, 31, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 MON-LA 156 589 160 21 1 10 62 62 26 73 272 311 362 18 5 1999 LA 123 488 159 23 5 7 72 46 31 65 326 376 436 6 6 2000 LA 148 617 172 35 6 7 101 49 45 81 279 335 389 12 3

Mark Grudzielanek (2B, 31, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  MON-LA 156 589 160 21  1 10  62  62  26  73  272 311 362  18   5
 1999      LA 123 488 159 23  5  7  72  46  31  65  326 376 436   6   6
 2000      LA 148 617 172 35  6  7 101  49  45  81  279 335 389  12   3

Grudzielanek is a lifetime .286 hitter, with a career .329 on-base percentage and a career .386 slugging percentage. In other words, his 2000 season was almost exactly average by his own standards. He's okay, nothing special at the plate or in the field, but he stays healthy and occasionally hits .300, and that makes him useful.

Dave Hansen (1/3/OF, 32, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1999 LA 100 107 27 8 1 2 14 17 26 20 252 404 402 0 0 2000 LA 102 121 35 6 2 8 18 26 26 32 289 415 570 0 1

Hansen debuted for the Dodgers in 1990, and has played most of his career for them. He was back in a familiar role for them last year, pinch hitting and getting on base and hitting the occasional home run. He's a good role player, would be a great asset for a championship-quality team.

Matt Herges (31, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AAA 3 5 34 8 0 0 0 88 115 37 75 571 1999 AAA 8 3 21 21 2 0 0 131 135 47 88 473 1999 LA 0 2 17 0 0 0 0 24 24 8 18 407 2000 LA 11 3 59 4 0 0 1 111 100 40 75 317

Matt Herges (31, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998     AAA   3   5  34  8  0  0  0  88 115  37  75 571
 1999     AAA   8   3  21 21  2  0  0 131 135  47  88 473
 1999      LA   0   2  17  0  0  0  0  24  24   8  18 407
 2000      LA  11   3  59  4  0  0  1 111 100  40  75 317

Herges was the workhorse in the Dodgers' bullpen, and had a dream season. He had been stuck at Albuquerque for four years, but made them ost of his chances. He won't continue to pitch as well in 2001, but he's a decent long reliever.

Eric Karros (1B, 33, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 LA 139 507 150 20 1 23 59 87 47 93 296 355 475 7 2 1999 LA 153 578 176 40 0 34 74 112 53 119 304 362 550 8 5 2000 LA 155 584 146 29 0 31 84 106 63 122 250 321 459 4 3

Eric Karros (1B, 33, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      LA 139 507 150 20  1 23  59  87  47  93  296 355 475   7   2
 1999      LA 153 578 176 40  0 34  74 112  53 119  304 362 550   8   5
 2000      LA 155 584 146 29  0 31  84 106  63 122  250 321 459   4   3

Karros had a bit of an off-year by his own standards, but still had 30+ homers and 100+ RBI for the fifth time in his career. At the moment, he is a good player, not one of the best first sackers in the league but still above-average. However, I expected him to start to decline, and I haven't changed my mind. He needs 58 homers to reach 300, and I think he'll get there, but I won't expect much more.

Chad Kreuter (CA, 37, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 CHW-ANA 96 252 63 10 1 2 27 33 33 49 250 343 321 1 0 1999 KC 107 324 73 15 0 5 31 35 34 65 225 309 318 0 0 2000 LA 80 212 56 13 0 6 32 28 54 48 264 416 410 1 0

Chad Kreuter (CA, 37, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998 CHW-ANA  96 252  63 10  1  2  27  33  33  49  250 343 321   1   0
 1999      KC 107 324  73 15  0  5  31  35  34  65  225 309 318   0   0
 2000      LA  80 212  56 13  0  6  32  28  54  48  264 416 410   1   0

Kreuter had his best year since 1993, and wrote another chapter in his weird and unpredictable career. I've written him off before, and I suppose I shouldn't make the same mistake again, but he is 37 years old, and he is a career .239 hitter. I really wouldn't want to give him 200 at bats again.

Jim Leyritz (C/1/OF, 37, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 BOS-SD 114 272 75 16 0 12 34 42 42 74 276 373 467 0 0 1999 SD-NYY 81 200 47 9 1 8 25 26 28 54 235 339 410 0 0 2000 NYY-LA 65 115 24 1 0 2 5 12 14 26 209 305 270 0 0

Jim Leyritz (C/1/OF, 37, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  BOS-SD 114 272  75 16  0 12  34  42  42  74  276 373 467   0   0
 1999  SD-NYY  81 200  47  9  1  8  25  26  28  54  235 339 410   0   0
 2000  NYY-LA  65 115  24  1  0  2   5  12  14  26  209 305 270   0   0

That's not the way it was supposed to work. Leyritz has been a playoff hero for more than one team, but last year was dumped by the World Champions during the summer, and spent the bulk of the season on the Dodgers' bench. After two poor seasons, his career is in some jeopardy.

Paul LoDuca (CA/OF, 29, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 126 451 144 30 3 8 69 58 59 40 319 399 452 19 7 2000 AAA 78 279 98 27 3 4 47 54 33 14 351 421 513 8 5 1999 LA 36 95 22 1 0 3 11 11 10 9 232 312 337 1 2 2000 LA 34 65 16 2 0 2 6 8 6 8 246 301 369 0 2

Paul LoDuca (CA/OF, 29, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA 126 451 144 30  3  8  69  58  59  40  319 399 452  19   7
 2000     AAA  78 279  98 27  3  4  47  54  33  14  351 421 513   8   5
 1999      LA  36  95  22  1  0  3  11  11  10   9  232 312 337   1   2
 2000      LA  34  65  16  2  0  2   6   8   6   8  246 301 369   0   2

LoDuca has been in the Dodgers' organization for eight years, and has hit over .300 seven times. He's been biding his time, waiting for a chance to play... but last year the Dodgers opted for Chad Kreuter instead, and LoDuca was back in Albuquerque. He can hit more than the average catcher, and probably deserves a chance to play somewhere.

Ramon Martinez (33, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 LA 7 3 15 15 1 0 0 102 76 41 91 283 1999 BOS 2 1 4 4 0 0 0 21 14 8 15 305 2000 BOS 10 8 27 27 0 0 0 128 143 67 89 613

Martinez pitched badly for the Red Sox. It was the first poor season of his career, which has now lasted 13 years. In the past, he has always been either good or hurt, usually a combination of both. He is moving back to Los Angeles; the change of scenery may rejuvenate his career for a couple of months, but I wouldn't expect much in the long term. He's getting older, he's broken down, and there is probably not much left in the tank.

Mike Metcalfe (OF, 28, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 57 213 60 5 5 3 35 19 30 24 282 370 394 19 15 1999 AA 123 461 135 25 3 3 78 57 65 47 293 381 380 57 21 2000 AA-AAA 87 345 93 11 6 2 64 46 40 34 270 351 354 43 20

Mike Metcalfe (OF, 28, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA  57 213  60  5  5  3  35  19  30  24  282 370 394  19  15
 1999      AA 123 461 135 25  3  3  78  57  65  47  293 381 380  57  21
 2000  AA-AAA  87 345  93 11  6  2  64  46  40  34  270 351 354  43  20

Metcalfe is an outfielder who runs but doesn't do anything else. Oh, he also gets thrown out a lot on the basepaths; that's not a recipe for success.

Gregg Olson (34, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 ARI 3 4 64 0 0 0 30 68 56 25 55 301 1999 ARI 9 4 61 0 0 0 14 61 54 25 45 371 2000 LA 0 1 13 0 0 0 0 18 21 7 15 509

Olson strained his forearm early in the year, and lost another season to injury. He's been around a long time, but is still only 34, so another comeback is likely. He's a good pitcher, but the injuries are always going to be present.

Chan Ho Park (28, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 LA 15 9 34 34 2 0 0 220 199 97 191 371 1999 LA 13 11 33 33 0 0 0 194 208 100 174 523 2000 LA 18 10 34 34 3 1 0 226 173 124 217 327

He figured out his problems with left-handers, holding them to a .228 batting average. No one was even tougher against right-handers. His control continued to get worse, but he survived by allowing a league-best .159 average with runners in scoring position. He's a good pitcher, and everyone expects him to get better... but he needs to throw more strikes.

Angel Pena (CA, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1999      LA  43 120  25  6  0  4  14  21  12  24  208 276 358   0   1
 1998      AA 126 483 162 32  2 22  81 105  48  80  335 401 547   3   2
 2000     AAA  87 315  97 12  3 17  52  61  28  75  308 362 527   3   1

Pena appeared ready to assume more catching duties with the Dodgers. Instead, he spent the entire season at Albuquerque. He can hit a little bit, and I'd like to see him get the chance to play, and with luck he might be able to impress the new manager. Oh, and Todd Hundley's gone, which helps, though Chad Kreuter is still hanging around.

Carlos Perez (30, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 MON-LA 11 14 34 34 7 2 0 241 244 63 128 359 1999 LA 2 10 17 16 0 0 0 90 116 39 40 743 2000 LA 5 8 30 22 0 0 0 144 192 33 64 556

Perez is a flaky left-hander with excellent control, but he has pitched very badly the past two seasons. If he has a comeback in him, it will be in the bullpen.

Luke Prokopec (23, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A   8   5  20 20  0  0  0 110  98  33 148 269
 1999      AA   8  12  27 27  0  0  0 158 172  46 128 542
 2000      AA   7   3  22 22  1  0  0 129 118  23 124 245
 2000      LA   1   1   5  3  0  0  0  21  19   9  12 300

Prokopec is a very impressive young pitcher in the Dodgers' organization. For some reason he struggled in 1999, but last year was in back in top form. Normally, I would suggest that a young pitcher like Prokopec should spend a full year at Triple-A, but Albuquerque is such a bad place to pitch that he would probably be just as well off spending this year with the Dodgers.

Al Reyes (30, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 2000     AAA   3   3  39  0  0  0 10  50  46  30  56 465
 1998     MIL   5   1  50  0  0  0  0  57  55  31  58 395
 1999 MIL-BAL   4   3  53  0  0  0  0  66  50  41  67 452
 2000  BAL-LA   1   0  19  0  0  0  0  20  15  12  18 458

Reyes is a mediocre middle reliever who is constantly let down by his poor control. He does have some considerable ability, and his good health ensures that he will keep getting chances... I think he'll eventually have a good year, but who knows when.

F.P. Santangelo (OF, 33, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     MON 122 383  82 18  0  4  53  23  44  72  214 330 292   7   3
 1999      SF 113 254  66 17  3  3  49  26  53  54  260 406 386  12   4
 2000      LA  81 142  28  4  0  1  19   9  21  33  197 322 246   3   2

Santangelo is frustrating. He has proven that he can be a valuable utility player; he's a switch hitter who draws walks and hits doubles, and does an astonishing job of getting hit by pitches. He can play all three outfield positions, and can help out when needed in the infield as well. But two of his last three seasons have stunk. I don't imagine that any good teams will take a chance on him from now on.

Jeff Shaw (35, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 CIN-LA 3 8 73 0 0 0 48 85 75 19 55 212 1999 LA 2 4 64 0 0 0 34 68 64 15 43 278 2000 LA 3 4 60 0 0 0 27 57 61 16 39 424

Shaw surprised everyone by becoming a good closer, but those days have passed him. His control is still good, but he gives up too many hits. Left-handers hit .304 against him. He also spent time on the DL with tendinitis in his elbow. He can still help in middle relief, but the Dodgers need a better closer.

Gary Sheffield (LF, 32, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  FLO-LA 130 437 132 27  2 22  73  85  95  46  302 428 524  22   7
 1999      LA 152 549 165 20  0 34 103 101 101  64  301 407 523  11   5
 2000      LA 141 501 163 24  3 43 105 109 101  71  325 438 643   4   6

He played about as well as anyone in the league; if he had played a few more games, and if his team had been better, he could easily have won the MVP Award. The knocks against Sheffield have always been his attitude, his defense, and his inconsistency. But he's been a pretty good citizen in Los Angeles, and he can't do too much damage in left field. His best seasons have been 1992, 1996 and 2000, all five years apart.