jackky
Posts 10
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All winter, there were rumors that the Dodgers were open to trading Andre Ethier. All winter, the Dodgers a serted that there is nothing to those rumors, and that they werent having second thoughts concerning the 5 year, $85 million contract they gave him last June. When spring training rolled around and Cuban import Yasiel Puig had become the Hot salomon Speedcross 3 Men New Thing, those rumors acquired again, since the Dodgers will have to open up a large part outfield location for Puig at some stage in the forseeable future.
But, LA remained patient and optioned the 22-year-old Puig to Double-A, giving him some experience against profe sional pitchers without throwing him immediately in to the fire. They also gave Ethier an opportunity to play most everyday, even though these were unlikely to confe s it publicly, they likely hoped that he might get off and away to a strong enough start to re-establish some trade value after his power fell off in the second half last year.
Today, though, manager-of-the-moment Don Mattingly sent a pretty clear signal that he is not Andre Ethiers biggest fan, and you can probably start the clocking ticking on both of their exits from Dodger Land.
Manager Don Mattingly benched Andre Ethier for the Dodgers series finale at Miller Park on Wednesday, saying he accomplished it while he wanted to field a lineup thats going to fight and compete the entire day.
This would be the third time Ethier has run out of the lineup about this six-game trip. The Dodgers are off on Thursday.
Asked if he was trying to send a note to Ethier, Mattingly replied, Were last devote the National League West. Last year, at this point, were playing a lineup that basically has nobody inside it that fights and competes and battles you every day for every inch of the field. We talk about it being an organization. Weve reached discover the club with talent that will fight and compete such as the club that doesnt obtain that talent. If theres likely to be a note sent, its going to be during a period of time.
Mattingly wouldnt say if Ethier has become a part-time player.
For me, today, Im creating my lineup which i feel is going to be the most competitive and going to compete the toughest, he said.
Asked if Ethier is not a person he automatically writes into the Salomon Speedcross 4 Women lineup every single day, Mattingly said, Well, he wasnt today.
Does Mattingly think Ethier wont fight?
I cant really state that, he explained. I dont really want to say that, but weve got to compete.
Scott Van Slyke drew the beginning over Ethier today, even though a right-handed pitcher is around the mound. Ethier has traditionally gotten his days off against left-handers, because he has struggled against southpaws in his career. This is clearly not really a match-up decision, though. Mattingly has basically told everyone around you that he doesnt think his best line-up against right-handed pitching involves his $85 million left-handed hitting right fielder.
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