The offensive emptiness that is the Dodgers 2012 bench

Look real hard and you can find it. It’s there, just not exactly under the spotlight. Maybe not in hiding, though you could make the argument that the Dodgers will try it.

It is the Dodgers’ bench, such as it. And as it is, it’s wholly unimpressive.

Presenting your 2012 Dodgers in reserve: catcher Matt Treanor, infielders Jerry Hairston Jr. and Adam Kennedy, and outfielders Tony Gwynn Jr. and Jerry Sands.

There’s some versatility and some nice defensive elements, but offensively there just isn’t much there. The power hitter is Sands, he of the 194 career at-bats? The left-handed bats are Gwynn and Kennedy?

This is all as currently scheduled, of course. And these things almost never go as scheduled. Which would explain why the Dodgers started last season with Xavier Paul, Hector Gimenez and Ivan DeJesus Jr. on the roster.

General manager Ned Colletti said he thinks this year’s bench can be superior to last season’s, before quickly asking which Dodgers’ bench he should reference.

"Unfortunately our bench ended up playing," Colletti said. "The bench was really the second bench."

Which is why the 2012 edition is so scary. Chances are, some of them are going to have to play more than expected. And this is what manager Don Mattingly will have to choose from based on last season’s numbers:

Player                         Avg.                OBP                 SLG

Treanor                      .214                .338                .291

Hairston                     .270                .344                .383

Kennedy                     .234                .277                .355

Gwynn                        .256                .308                .353

Sands                         .253                .338                .389

And as a group, it’s not like it’s a bunch of kids approaching their prime. Kennedy is 36, and Treanor will be in March and Hairston in May.

Plus you have to remember the Dodgers’ regular everyday lineup is already going to have its risks. Rookie shortstop Dee Gordon batted .304 last season but in only 224 at-bats, so we’ve yet to see if pitchers adjust to the slight Gordon. And A.J. Ellis is going to be the main catcher, and has a career .262 average with zippo power in 206 career at-bats.

There’s not a strong pinch-hitter in the group, either. Career averages as pinch-hitters: Treanor .200, Hairston .174, Kennedy .223, Gwynn .288, Sands .000 (only four at-bats). There's not really a reserve shortstop.

Last year the Dodgers wanted to start the season with a bench of Dioner Navarro, Jamey Carroll, Aaron Miles, Tony Gwynn Jr., Marcus Thames/Jay Gibbons. Navarro and Thames were busts, and Gibbons couldn’t overcome vision issues. Yet they still might prove a better group.

The Dodgers 25-man roster is basically set. If everyone makes it through spring healthy, there are no position openings.

 ``If it goes the way it’s planned, the team has some flexibility to it but not a whole lot,’’ Colletti said.

On days when Juan Rivera or James Loney don't start, the bench will get a boost but it could use plenty more. It could have used a Coco Crisp, but Colletti denied an interest in the outfielder before he re-signed with the A’s.

``Never had a conversation,’’ Colletti said.

Colletti is operating under budget constraints unworthy of a team playing in the second-largest market in the country, but such are the times when your team is in bankruptcy court.

And such is the bench.

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-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Dodger Stadium. Credit: Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times.

For Dodgers, the kids were a lot better than all right

There’s youth served and youth force fed.

Sometimes the play of a kid is just so exciting it demands that he be called up. And sometimes, bodies are just falling everywhere and a team has little choice but to reach into its system, give ’em a push and let go of the bicycle.

Outside of the play of their big two –- Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp -– the most encouraging aspect to the Dodgers’ improved performance over the final two months was the play of their kids. Lots and lots of kids, and almost every one responded. And most at a level the team had little right to anticipate.

None were really in their plans for 2011. Position players Jerry Sands and Dee Gordon and right-hander Rubby De La Rosa were scheduled to be September call-ups. The rest were still deep in the development stage.

Then injuries hit the Dodgers unusually hard, though it wasn’t exactly totally unexpected given the age of their roster. Down went Casey Blake, Jon Garland, Jay Gibbons, Dioner Navarro, Vicente Padilla (all before opening day), Hector Jimenez (remember him?), Rafael Furcal, Hong-Chih Kuo, Marcus Thames, Jonathan Broxton, Blake Hawksworth, Kenley Jansen, Rod Barajas, Juan Uribe and Andre Ethier. Some made repeat visits to the disabled list. Some never came back.

All of which created opportunity. At least the Dodgers were willing to give the kids a chance, rather than signing or trading for some tired journeyman. They get points for that. And the Dodgers were delighted with how most responded:

-- Jerry Sands: The lone power prospect, he struggled during his first call up in (.200 average, .622 on-base plus slugging percentage) but was a different hitter in September (.342, .908). He hit in 15 of his last 16 games (.407, 1.063). Could start next season back in triple-A or in the starting lineup.

-- Dee Gordon: There are still real concerns about his defense, but he figures to be their starting shortstop next season. The final month of the season, he hit in 21 of 26 games (.372) and stole 12 bases. There will be growing pains, but an exciting talent.

-- Justin Sellers: Struggled at the plate (.203), but can play three infield positions and is a heady player. If Jamey Carroll doesn’t return, option as a utility infielder.

-- Javy Guerra: The surprise of the season. Guerra only figured to be up a couple weeks while Hawksworth was on the DL, but he was pitching so well he stuck and by early July had become the Dodgers’ unexpected closer. Saved 21 games in 23 opportunities.

-- Kenley Jansen: You’d pay to see him pitch. After he came back from a sore shoulder, he was almost unhittable. In his last 31 games, had a 0.55 ERA. Set an MLB record of 16.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

-- Josh Lindblom: The former second-round draft pick seems to have found himself as a reliever. Had a 2.73 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 27 games.

-- Rubby De La Rosa: The hard-throwing right-hander was looking like a rotation find for years to come, before injuring his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery. He could return next summer, though initially as a reliever.

-- Scott Elbert: Not a rookie, but after a frustrating few seasons finally appeared comfortable as the left-handed reliever (2.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP).

-- Nathan Eovaldi: Another called up largely out of desperation, but in six starts had a 3.09 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Penciled in as a starter.

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-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Dee Gordon, next year's starting shortstop, has been a pleasant surprise. Credit: Christian Peterson/Getty.

Running down the Dodgers' second team on the DL

Here’s an overview of the 10 -- count ’em, 10! --  Dodgers currently starting their new squad on the disabled list, and any factors possibly related to their status.

Will leave connecting any dots up to you.

-- Jonathan Broxton: Bone spur, bruise on left elbow, first time on DL. Listed at 300 pounds.

-- Rafael Furcal: Left oblique injury sends him back to the DL for sixth time as a Dodger and second time this season. He is 33.

-- Jon Garland: Also his second stint, this time with an inflamed shoulder. During the off-season, said teams shied away from long-term contract offer because of MRI exam on shoulder. He is 31.

-- Hector Gimenez: Forget about him? Had knee surgery after appearing in just four games. He is listed as 28.

-- Blake Hawksworth: Hip impingement has him on DL for first time in career. Expected back next week, though was originally expected back last week. He is also 28.

-- Kenley Jansen: Inflamed right shoulder. He’s just 23, but converted catcher only in his second full season as a pitcher. Have to wonder about arm strength.

-- Hong-Chih Kuo: Sadly, after four elbow operations, the DL is his second home. This time he’s out indefinitely with anxiety disorder. Turns 30 next month. Is throwing at Phoenix camp.

-- Vicente Padilla: On for the second time this season, this time with a sore forearm following surgery last spring. Padilla, 33, was scheduled to come off Friday, but remained on with the same neck pain that plagued him last season. Has been on the DL 10 times in his career.

-- Marcus Thames: Has a quad strain, but expected back next week. He is 34.

-- Juan Uribe: Strained left hip flexor. Uribe, 32, is expected to be activated Monday.

Previously on the DL were Casey Blake (37), Jay Gibbons (34) and Dioner Navarro (27). The Dodgers have used the DL 18 times in 58 games.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Former All-Star reliever Hong-Chih Kuo delivers a pitch against the Giants in the eighth inning of a game at Dodger Stadium in early April. Credit: Gus Ruelas / Associated Press

Has there ever been a worse bench than Dodgers' current group?

Worst. Bench. Ever.

Not just for the Dodgers, not even for baseball. In the entire history of mankind, has there ever been a more uninspiring bench in any sport than the current unit of the Dodgers?

Right now, any time Don Mattingly has to go to his bench, it’s time to cover the eyes. Bodies with numbers on the back.

His bench options Wednesday were Tony Gwynn Jr. (.224), Jerry Sands (.200), Dioner Navarro (.158), Russ Mitchell (.000) and Juan Castro (.000). Among them, they have one home run.

With four position players on the disabled list (Casey Blake, Rafael Furcal, Marcus Thames and Hector Gimenez), what’s been left behind is almost unwatchable. These days, Mattingly best have a pretty good reason to even look to his bench.

Dodgers call up Juan Castro, send Ivan DeJesus to triple-A

Juan Castro is back, and I’m going way out on a limb here to declare it’s not because of his bat.

As a hitter, Castro is -- well, not really sure how to sum that up. Not good, doesn’t quite do the trick.

He has a reliable glove, however, and can play shortstop, second and third. And since Don Mattingly couldn’t find a way to play Ivan DeJesus Jr., DeJesus was returned to triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Castro.

"Ivan needs to play," Mattingly said. "It’s not going to do him any good to play once every five, six days. He needs to play.

"Juan gives us a guy who can play short, who can play third, who can play second. Until we can get [Rafael Furcal] back and get ourselves kind of back to full strength, Juan gives you that shortstop that you’re comfortable with. He’s kind of the right guy for what we need."

What they need is a utility infielder, since the two guys who were signed to fill that role -- Jamey Carroll and Aaron Miles -- are mostly starting with injuries to Casey Blake and Furcal.

"It’s a good feeling when somebody wants you, and somebody likes you," Castro said. "I’m just happy to be back here."

Back, as in this his fourth stint with the Dodgers. It's the sixth time they've called him up overall. The Dodgers' fascination with Castro goes back to 1991 when he first signed as a free agent and Clayton Kershaw was 3 years old. Castro turns 39 next month.

"I look young," he said.

The curious case of Hector Gimenez

A team has to call up a player from the minor leagues or activate someone from the disabled list. But for that to happen, a roster spot has to be cleared. On the day of the roster move, another player happens to reveal that he is injured. The injured player is moved to the disabled list. Like that, a roster spot is created.

Isn’t it strange how frequently this happens?

Well, the Dodgers had to promote John Ely from triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday and, suddenly, the pain in backup catcher Hector Gimenez’s right knee became so severe that he had to be placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The Dodgers insisted Gimenez was really hurt, as did Gimenez.

In fact, Manager Don Mattingly said fellow catcher A.J. Ellis was on his way to Albuquerque until assistant trainer Todd Tomczyk informed him that Gimenez was in pain.

Ellis had his bags packed.

“I was organizing,” Ellis later said.

Ellis has a minor-league option remaining, meaning he can be demoted without having to clear waivers. Gimenez, though, is out of options and could be claimed by another team if he's sent back to the minors.

But Ellis, who is considered the stronger defensive catcher, was behind the plate for the Dodgers' shutout victory on Saturday night. Gimenez is one for seven batting this season.

Gimenez supported Mattingly’s account.

“They asked me how I was feeling,” Gimenez said. “I told them it wasn’t getting any better.”

Gimenez said his knee has been bothering him since spring training. He said he would return to the Dodgers’ spring training complex in Arizona to receive treatment.

-- Dylan Hernandez in San Diego

Photo: Hector Gimenez during a spring training game. Credit: Jake Roth / US Presswire

John Ely to start for Dodgers on Sunday against Padres [Update: Hector Gimenez to DL]

It’s the return of John Ely. Anyway, his return for at least one game.

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said after Saturday night’s game that the right-hander would be called up from triple-A Albuquerque and start Sunday’s series finale against the Padres.

That means, naturally, a player has to be sent down. That part of the equation he did not share. It’s presumed to be catcher A.J. Ellis, who has options left, as opposed to catcher Hector Gimenez, who does not. Personally, I’d stick with Ellis -- who turned 30 Saturday -- over Gimenez, who really hasn’t shown anything during the early going.

[Updated, 11:04 a.m.: Guess there was a reason the Dodgers did not announce who was making room for Ely on Saturday night. They were still making up their minds.

At first on Sunday, the Dodgers said Ellis was going down to triple-A Albuquerque and he was packing his bags. Then he was unpacking them. The Dodgers said Gimenez had right knee pain and placed him on the 15-day disabled list. Ellis was back.]

Dodgers web musings: The Manny fallout and more

Friday night’s suspended game is scheduled to resume tonight at 5:30, and after a break of 20 minutes the regularly scheduled game will take place.

The Dodgers did not call up an additional pitcher for Saturday, even though they are going to have to send someone down Sunday to call up a starting pitcher, presumably John Ely. They could have just sent someone down Saturday (catcher A.J. Ellis?), and then sent that pitcher down Sunday to call up Ely.

As Mike Scioscia’s Tragic Illness’ Mike Petriello noted, the end result is the same. Only you’re sending Ellis down one game earlier (although I would prefer sending down catcher Hector Gimenez and take the risk he’s claimed).

And Rafael Furcal is already hurt. Hey, he made it an entire week. Manager Don Mattingly told reporters in San Diego that Furcal injured his wrist on a check swing in Colorado and won’t play in Saturday’s second game. Mattingly called him possible for Sunday.

Meanwhile, as you would expect, plenty of reaction to Manny Ramirez getting busted a second time for a drug violation and then retiring:

-- ESPN’s Jayson Stark said Manny takes a sullied legacy into retirement.

-- Fox  Sports’ Jon Paul Morosi said since his first drug suspension, Manny had been a combo of caricature, footnote and has-been.

-- CBS Sports’ Scott Miller has a final word for Manny: shame.

-- MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince finds Manny’s exit somehow fitting, and says it ends whatever slim chance he still had for the Hall of Fame. Note: He already had no chance.

-- The Times’ Joel Rubin and Bill Shaikin write the LAPD plans to bring some of its anti-gang skills to Dodger Stadium, and notes they are looking at limiting alcohol sales.

-- Times columnist Steve Lopez takes a harsh view of Frank McCourt, saying "We’ve got a minor league businessman running a major league team."

-- In a video, Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal reports that scouts are also unimpressed with the Dodgers offense and are concerned about James Loney (4 for 26).

-- ESPN/LA’s Jon Weisman takes a look at the first start of Fernando Valenzuela on its 30th anniversary.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Offense shows life, but Chad Billingsley struggles in Dodgers' 7-5 loss to Rockies

And on the seventh day, they discovered a little offense. Alas, it was too little.

A day after being shut out for the second time in their first five games, the Dodgers used solo home runs from James Loney and Rod Barajas -- doubling their team total -- to take an early 4-2 lead.

Yet with Chad Billingsley struggling throughout, and reliever Blake Hawksworth doing more of the same, it hardly proved enough as the Rockies rallied for a 7-5 victory Wednesday in Denver.

Billingsley lasted three innings, throwing 86 pitches -- including 42 in an excruciating third inning. He gave up five runs on six hits and three walks. It is in Denver, of course, where Billingsley has enjoyed about as much success as the Winter Olympics.

The Dodgers have seen this three-inning performance routine before and now can only hope that things turn around for Billingsley in the same way that they have in the past.

The last time he lasted three innings was a year ago in Cincinnati, where the Reds knocked him out with seven runs on seven hits. Afterward, Billingsley met with then-manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt.

That meeting was viewed as a turning point for Billingsley, who recovered to finish with a solid season, pitching particularly effectively in the second half (3.05 earned-run average).

Billingsley (1-1, 8.00 ERA) recently agreed to a three-year, $35-million contract extension. He is only 26, so it’s not as if anyone is going to get too worked up over a bad outing in Denver. But Wednesday’s effort did waste a 10-hit game by the Dodgers.

If the Dodgers are going to make any decisions based on the early going, then it might be time to give up on the Hector Gimenez experiment when Jay Gibbons returns. Gimenez struck out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth with two runners on, did not look good doing it, and is one for six this season.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Dodgers starting pitcher Chad Billingsley works the first inning against the Rockies on Wednesday afternoon in Denver. Credit: Barry Gutierrez / Associated Press

It's time for ... sitting the Dodgers' regulars?

Put me in coach, I’m ready to play, today …

Unless, you know it’s like three games in a row. Then it is apparently rest time. The first weekend of the season. With two off days coming in the next six.

We’ve seen this before, not that it was any better understood when Joe Torre was pulling the strings.

Now it’s Don Mattingly’s turn, and it’s apparently going to be more of the same. Maybe even worse? Guess he was learning by Torre’s side all those years, although you would think he’d also learn from Torre’s mistakes.

So after the Dodgers had won the first two games of the season over the rival Giants, Saturday Mattingly trots out a lineup against Matt Cain that wouldn’t have impressed in spring training.

Five regulars were out, three who had to be because of injuries -- Casey Blake, Jay Gibbons, and I guess, Juan Uribe.

And then he sat shortstop Rafael Furcal and catcher Rod Barajas.

Mattingly has said all along he wanted to give Furcal regular rest in an attempt to keep his trick back healthy.

But the third game of the season? After building up momentum with two victories over the defending world champions? With off days coming Monday and Thursday? It’s on the schedule and everything.

If Furcal is that fragile, how are the Dodgers going to count on him for an entire season?

Starting the first game of his career at catcher was Hector Gimenez, who like second baseman Ivan De Jesus Jr. was looking for the first hit of his career. De Jesus is still looking, and is now hitless in his first seven at-bats.

"I expected to win that game," Mattingly said.

Such an optimist. Instead, he lost 10-0. Left-hander Ted Lilly, who received the worst run support of any starter in the majors last season, had to wonder if he was cursed. Lilly was far from sharp, but the Dodgers were shut out.

I understand trying to get Furcal some regular time off, but when he really needs it. And unless he’s got something going on physically the Dodgers aren’t revealing, it's hard to imagine his 33-year-old body cried out for rest after having played two whole games.

They’ve had all winter to rest. Now it’s time to play.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Photo: Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal delivers a run-scoring single against the Giants in the sixth inning Friday night. Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press