Hole Punch

With the signings of Ronnie Belliard, Brad Ausmus, and Reed Johnson, all holes in the Dodgers’ 40-man roster are now full. There are still several positions left open for competition on the Active squad that would appear to be best filled by one or more of Ned’s long list of non-roster invitees that includes Jeff Weaver, Alfredo Amezaga, and Doug Mientkiewicz. If any NRI guys are to make the team out of spring training, we'll need to axe or trade some fellows off the 40-man list to make room.

The Dodgers do have options, though, but Eric Stults and Charlie Haeger do not. They are both “out of options” so if they don’t make the team, they will have to clear waivers to be sent to the minor leagues. Carlos Monasterios and Armando Zerpa are an even easier decision. They can simply be given back to their old clubs. In addition, Belliard’s contract, while it is a major league deal, is non-guaranteed.

In Ned’s pantry, he has some surpluses of catchers and outfielders to trade, as well. AJ Ellis, Lucas May, Jason Repko, Xavier Paul, and even Chin-lung Hu could be traded; perhaps for a left-handed relief pitcher or even more prospects to stock the farm.

Feeling Demoted

Ouch, that hurts.

For Blake DeWitt, AJ Ellis, Jason Repko, Xavier Paul, (and most likely Chin-lung Hu) the news of recent Dodgers signings can’t feel too pleasant. Here's some highlights from Ken Gurnick of mlb.com:

• "Now Ronnie Belliard re-joins the mix, appearing to be the incumbent [for] the Dodgers, who appeared headed for Spring Training with Blake DeWitt and free-agent signee Jamey Carroll competing for the starting second-base position."
• Brad Ausmus's "return blocks the promotion of rookie A.J. Ellis."
• "Non-roster invitee Doug Mientkiewicz could make the team as a left-handed pinch-hitter."
• "The Dodgers are still looking to add a left-handed-hitting outfielder to compete with rookie Xavier Paul and Jason Repko. One free agent the Dodgers have had interest in previously is Frank Catalanotto."

Oh, well, I heard Albuquerque has got some great cuisine, though. Please, just don't tell Belly.