01.03.05
Green gone
For the story that asks the question, “Who are these guys?” click here.
This goes back to Seinfeld’s bit in which he says sports fans basically root for clothing. I can’t root for Shawn Green anymore, because he’s wearing the wrong clothes. I don’t know these guys I’m rooting for, but they’ve got the right uniform.
DePodesta’s thorough overhaul of a roster that ultimately won the National League West will have included the departure of these starters: left fielder Dave Roberts, right fielder Juan Encarnacion, first baseman Green, second baseman Alex Cora, third baseman Adrian Beltre, catcher Paul Lo Duca and Opening Day starting pitcher Hideo Nomo.
The housecleaning doesn’t stop there. Also gone from the team are pitchers Masao Kida, Jose Lima, Tom Martin, Guillermo Mota, Rodney Myers, Paul Shuey (injured the entire season), Scott Stewart and Mike Venafro; catchers Todd Hundley (injured the entire season) and Tom Wilson; infielders Jose Hernandez and Robin Ventura (retired); and outfielder Steve Finley.
And if the Dodgers do not re-sign free agents Odalis Perez or Brent Mayne by Saturday, they will join the expanding list of former Dodgers, too.
All that remains of the April 5 lineup is Gold Glove second baseman Cesar Izturis and center fielder Milton Bradley, the latter having been acquired two days before the season opened.
(Sigh)