Meanwhile, the Dodgers did sign outfielder Jay Gibbons to a one-year deal worth about $400k plus incentives. Gibbons, who appeared in a Major League game in 2010 for the first time in three years, will serve as the Dodgers primary left-handed bat off the bench, at the very least. He has a chance, depending on other moves made by the team before Opening Day, to earn additional playing time in left field in a platoon role, possibly with current third baseman, Casey Blake.
If that happens, expect the Dodgers to possibly pursue former Dodger Adrian Beltre to fill the hole at third base, though he could be out of their price range. Another possibility could be the Dodgers putting first baseman James Loney on the trade market for pitching, and then trying to lure free agent Adam Dunn to L.A. to play first base.
As for the coaching staff, still no official word on who the coaches will be, but former Dodgers Dave Hansen and Davey Lopes have emerged as possible candidates to round out the staff. Hansen could be coupled with Mike Pentland as one of two hitting coaches, and Lopes, who was most recently the Phillies first base coach, could fill the same role with the Dodgers.
And finally, a sad day in baseball today as former Reds and Tigers manager Sparky Anderson passed away due to complications from dementia. Anderson was placed in hospice care as early as yesterday for dementia.
During his illustrious career as a Major League manager, Anderson led the Reds to World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, and the Tigers to the 1984 title. He also served as a color commentator for the Angels in recent years. Anderson was 76.
My condolences go out to the Anderson family, as well as the Reds, Tigers and Angels' organizations.
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