Pinch Hitting

Tony Jackson has an article in today's Daily News that discusses the Dodger's needs from this point forward. While much has been made of our dread-locked hero and the starting rotation, there hasn't been much news on pinch hitting. From the article:

It isn't clear where Colletti will turn for that additional bat off the bench he is looking for. Dodgers officials still haven't completely closed the door on re-signing Nomar Garciaparra, who fits what they are looking for despite the fact he did six stints on the disabled list in his three seasons with the club.

"We would also like to address the bench and maybe add one more player, somebody who can come off the bench with some versatility. There are a lot of different ways we could do that. But I think having a veteran bat off the bench would be a plus."

There haven't been any rumors regarding this player, and he still might choose to retire, but the Dodgers should take a serious look at Jeff Kent.

You'll say he's old, but the role of pinch hitter allows that.

You'll say he's slow, but once he gets on base he could be replaced by speedster Juan Pierre.

You'll say he has limited fielding range, but he won't be doing much fielding in 2009.

You'll say he has lost his power, but clutch hits and doubles have been his MO all along.

You'll say he's a club house cancer, but lets not forget that the sheriff of Dodgertown is none other than Joe Torre. Who better to manage an aging, grizzled veteran?

Last season when Torre wrote in Blake DeWitt as his starting second basemen during the playoffs nary a word was heard from Kent. Had it have been Jim Tracy or Grady Little running the ship, Jeff Kent would have raised holy hell. However, the respect for each other transcended that situation. Kent has been known to view his baseball stature above others, but how can you view yourself above Joe Torre? Even Kent knows to stay clear of that one.

Jeff Kent would provide the Dodgers with a veteran clutch bat, spot starts and a professional approach to the game. Is it in him to accept a lesser role and subsequently lesser pay for one more shot at a championship? Will he be willing to come off the bench only to go right back on it?

Some of you don't think he will, and frankly I don't disagree.

But remember, that 92 times last year, when the Dodgers really needed someone to come to the plate and deliver a late innings hit they turned to Mark Sweeney and his .130 batting average. Need I say more?