Could threat of Jerry Sands spark James Loney?
And now for Jerry Sands’ next trick -- adding two productive bats to the lineup?
The Dodgers hope the rookie with only 299 at-bats above the Class A level gives them a run-producing bat in left field … and just maybe first base. At the same time.
This sleight of hand is accomplished by Sands delivering not only in left, but also his presence lighting something of a spark under struggling first baseman James Loney.
It seemed to work Monday night in Sands’ major-league debut. The 23-year-old doubled in his first at-bat and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly with his second.
And Loney, mired in an 0-for-12 drought that had dropped his average to .150, collected a pair of hits and drove in two runs.
Sands also can play first base, a position Loney has manned pretty much unchallenged for the last four years. Trouble is, he has not manned it well offensively for awhile. After the All-Star break last season, Loney batted just .211.
Since Loney hit only .222 against lefties last year and Sands bats right-handed -- and since both Manager Don Mattingly and General Manager Ned Colletti made a point Monday of saying Sands could also get time at first -- there remains the possibility of Sands playing some at first base, particularly when outfielders Marcus Thames and Jay Gibbons are healthy.
Like a little competitive edge would hurt Loney?
"We just want as many guys in there having as good at-bats as we can," Mattingly said. "I think competition is a good thing. Guys that are comfortable … I shouldn’t answer it like that, because James is a guy who works. But there’s nothing wrong with competition.
"When I was playing first, I was kind of wrestling with [Steve] Balboni to get at-bats, then J.T. Snow comes along, Hal Morris comes along, Kevin Maas comes along. You gotta keep fighting for your spot. Nothing is a given. You have to keep working.
"I don’t want to say it in a category where James hasn’t done any of those things, because he has. But there’s nothing wrong with competition.’’
If Loney doesn’t turn it around and Sands proves productive, it’s easy to see the rookie playing at first against left-handers. The better scenario, particularly long term, is Sands delivers in left and Loney at first.
A two-for-one spark.
-- Steve Dilbeck
Since Loney hit only .222 against lefties last year and Sands bats right-handed -- and since both Manager Don Mattingly and General Manager Ned Colletti made a point Monday of saying Sands could also get time at first -- there remains the possibility of Sands playing some at first base, particularly when outfielders Marcus Thames and Jay Gibbons are healthy.
Like a little competitive edge would hurt Loney?
"We just want as many guys in there having as good at-bats as we can," Mattingly said. "I think competition is a good thing. Guys that are comfortable … I shouldn’t answer it like that, because James is a guy who works. But there’s nothing wrong with competition.
"When I was playing first, I was kind of wrestling with [Steve] Balboni to get at-bats, then J.T. Snow comes along, Hal Morris comes along, Kevin Maas comes along. You gotta keep fighting for your spot. Nothing is a given. You have to keep working.
"I don’t want to say it in a category where James hasn’t done any of those things, because he has. But there’s nothing wrong with competition.’’
If Loney doesn’t turn it around and Sands proves productive, it’s easy to see the rookie playing at first against left-handers. The better scenario, particularly long term, is Sands delivers in left and Loney at first.
A two-for-one spark.
-- Steve Dilbeck
Seems to me the Loney "spark" may come from Sands batting behind him rather than that stiff Barajas.
Posted by: Labeldude | 04/19/2011 at 08:32 AM
Loney says he's not concerned, so nothing will create an improvement. He's just another underperforming Dodger. That's what they do.
Posted by: Chumpy Kemp | 04/19/2011 at 08:35 AM
I agree with you Steve. Loney's two hits shows he's not going to go away without a fight. Now, maybe, he'll stop trying to hit dingers and just work on quality at bats with that sweet swing of his. With that said let's not forget that Loney has been an RBI machine, which Dodgers desperately need.
I love this Sands kid too! Great attitude for the majors! I was hoping he would be with the team out spring training. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Posted by: MJRod | 04/19/2011 at 08:36 AM
Left field is the most obvious position for Sands.With Thames a right handed batter that can't hit righties (UNHEARD OF) , a half blind Gibbons,and a powerless Gwynn, Sands should fit in nicely.The Dodgers gave Kemp a chance at a very young age, and it's paid off......As much as I'd like to see Loney hit for power, this may take some time.He's been a successful line drive hitter.I think Loney has changed his approach at the plate, trying to hit for power, causing his batting average to decline.....On the plus side,Loney is a good defensive first baseman, with a very good arm.
Posted by: LA42 | 04/19/2011 at 08:48 AM
Except Trayvon Robinson is going to be ready at some point this year and HE could be the new left-fielder with Sands at first base. It's hard to see Loney returning in 2012 unless he wakes up and has a huge year.
Posted by: vtadave | 04/19/2011 at 08:49 AM
"If Loney doesn’t turn it around" Turn what around, in four years he's never produced offensively. Dude has no heart.
Hee Sop Choi was run out of town after one season and his offense numbers were far better than Loney (Depodesta guy). Where is Choi anyway---Ned should go look him up.
Posted by: Let Sands play | 04/19/2011 at 08:57 AM
James Loney also saved runs last night with his catch of the line drive that was headed to the right field corner with men on base.....don't dismiss his defense......he's a very good first baseman....and I will not give up on him.....
I agree competition is good..........but one game does not make a season and I want to see Jerry do well.
Posted by: Michael E | 04/19/2011 at 09:37 AM
Loney has been one of the worst offensive first basemen in baseball the last three seasons among starters. So spark him to what exactly? I guess it would be nice to get him back to that level.
Posted by: jason | 04/19/2011 at 09:38 AM
The way that Don Mattingly handles his players -- such as emphasizing that while competition is a good thing yet emphasizing that Loney is a worker -- demonstrates his class and leadership. Yes, I feel like most Dodger fans that this season is likely to be a tough one -- questionable ownership leading to a hand-cuffed GM, a number of good but not-yet-great players struggling to get to the next level, and a couple of young aces not sure they want to assume Cy Young form. Frustrating and it feels helpless. But I think the manager choice was sound. Here's hoping for a decades long run as manager.
Posted by: R Prest | 04/19/2011 at 09:45 AM
Gee, almost forgot in all the excitement... what have the dudgers got to lose?
Games? Attendance? Done already anyway, x2.
It's not like the dudgers are going to the World Series, or post season, or... anywhere.
Posted by: 16blows | 04/19/2011 at 09:47 AM
Anything that gets Loney on the bench where he belongs is fine with me.
Posted by: FormerLifelongDodgerFan | 04/19/2011 at 09:48 AM
If Sands hits, the outfield looks set with Either/Kemp/Sands. Now they need more production out of Uribe/Loney.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | 04/19/2011 at 10:04 AM
Let the cards fall where they may... Basically playing time is going to be fought by Loney, Thames and TGwynn for the present time. Not a whole lot wrong with that. Gibbons may have a hard time even getting called up (do you really see 6 outfielders on this team for the long haul?)
Posted by: DonInOregon | 04/19/2011 at 10:06 AM
Forget about Jerry Sands. This is another distraction. It's a bright shiny object to divert attention of fans. Here is the real problem:
Numbers for the All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton:
Batters hitting of opposing hitters - .323
ERA - 6.14
Innings pitched - 7
Earned Runs Allowed - 5
Home Runs Allowed - 2
Hits Allowed - 10
Base on Balls Allowed - 3
Posted by: Hollywood Dodger Mark | 04/19/2011 at 11:00 AM
It is a boring ballclub indeed when fans anoint a new player a "star" after going 1 for 3. Looks like the Braves figured Sands out after his first at bat. Lets hope Jerry figures out major league pitching just as quickly.
Posted by: LoveYaVin | 04/19/2011 at 11:01 AM
Loney is no power hitter, but he has been a consistent run producer.
2010 88 RBI
2009 90 RBI
2008 90 RBI
That is hardly non productive. If he were below 70 ribbies, year in and year out, I would call that lousy.
Posted by: I like Loney | 04/19/2011 at 11:57 AM
Too bad we don't have anybody to push Broxton ............ out the door.
Posted by: Since '58 | 04/19/2011 at 12:45 PM
The Dodgers consistently finish with the lowest HR totals and Slugging percentage in the majors. We cannot afford a "light" hitting first baseman. For the last 3 years, Loney finished dead-last(or bottom 5) in .OPS out of all 30 full-time 1B.
Posted by: bt | 04/19/2011 at 01:56 PM
Can't argue with those numbers Hollywood Dodger Mark. How many blown saves does Broxton have this year?
Posted by: calmlikeabomb | 04/19/2011 at 02:13 PM
17 Games into the season and all this nonsense comes out. Loney will be fine, adding Sands helps the Dodgers with another bat and a above average outfielder. The Dodgers are fine and will compete all season long. This division is up for grabs at least and is not dominated by one team. Remember S.D. choke job last year. It is still a horserace and it is not how you start but it is how you finish. Dodgers chances are as good as any.
Posted by: Chuckie P. | 04/19/2011 at 04:07 PM
#47?
How in the world did they hang that middle reliever number on Sands?
Posted by: phillydodger | 04/19/2011 at 04:47 PM
Loney will come around - he has a 5 year history of solid #'s, no, leave Sands in LF as we don't need 4 wanabe's/over the hills guys to man one position!
Posted by: Dallas | 04/19/2011 at 06:56 PM
OK, Sands had a very nice game last night. The key word is game...one game...he's played one major league game. Let's see what he does after playing eight, nine or 10 games. If he does well, then maybe we can anoint him as "the savior." Don't get me wrong, he appears to have the tools to succeed. As for his position, I say leave him in left. Do not, I repeat, do not remove Loney from first...he'll be fine.
Posted by: bob cuomo | 04/19/2011 at 07:11 PM
deja vu all over again:
Hee-Seop Choi . Hee-Seop Choi . Hee-Seop Choi.
J-e-r-r-y. J-e-r-r-y. J-e-r-r-y.
Posted by: LoveYaVin | 04/19/2011 at 07:46 PM