DODGERS - 2/10/03
February 10, 2003
Dodgers acquire Ward from Astros
On Saturday January 25th, the Dodgers acquired left-handed hitting OF Daryle Ward from the Astros for minor-league pitcher Ruddy Lugo, brother of Astros shortstop Julio Lugo.
Ward, 27, has been a huge disappointement after hitting 20 homers in 264 at-bats in 2000. The Dodgers will use Ward as their 4th outfielder heading into the season with Jordan, Roberts and Green starting. The Dodgers hope that Ward can help cushion the loss of Marquis Grissom, who went to the Giants as a free agent. Ward will get time in the outfield and at first base.
Ward's plate discipline is suspect as he only had a .324 OBP last season, which was his best so far in his major league career. He has also benefitted from playing at Enron/Astros Field. Last season he hit .279 with only 3 homers (.394 SLG) and 28 RBI in 226 at-bats on the road. In 2001, Ward hit .228 with 4 homers (.395 SLG) and 17 RBI in 114 at-bats on the road. In 2000, Ward hit .245 with 7 homers (.421 SLG) and 22 RBI on the road. Combine this performance with a move to Dodger Stadium (a pitcher's park as we all know) and it doesn't paint a very promising scenario for Ward. He may only be 27-years-old, but he's showing no signs of progressing as a major league hitter.
Lugo, 22, was 3-1 with a 4.05 ERA for Double-A Jacksonville last season. He started 2 games and pitched in 11 games. In 33 innings, he walked 13 and struck out 23. At Class A Vero Beach, Lugo went 8-2 with a 2.38 ERA. In 87 innings, he allowed 68 hits and 26 walks while striking out 77.
Dodgers sign Fred McGriff
Over Christmas, the Dodgers filled their first base vacancy by signing the “Crime Dog” Fred McGriff to a one-year contract. The 39-year-old is showing no signs of fading and should easily provide the Dodgers with more production than Eric Karros was able to last season. Last year with the Cubs, McGriff hit .273 with 30 homers and 103 RBI. His .858 OPS is a huge improvement over Karros’s .722 last season. McGriff is also only 22 homers away from 500, which he should be able to reach as long as he stays healthy.
Local Perspective
There’s not much buzz around the Dodgers here in LA in February. The Raider fans are still trying to recover from the drubbing they took from Tampa Bay on Super Bowl Sunday and now the focus is on the Lakers as they’ve won 5 in a row and are finally above .500.
Ishii Ready to Pitch Again
Kaz Ishii is expected to be ready for spring training after having his season cut short with a fractured skull after being hit by a line drive in September. Ishii says that he plans to make changes to his practice routines and become more aggressive about making the transition to the major leagues. If Ishii can cut down on his walks (106 in 154 innings in 2002), he can be a front line starter.
Rumor Mill:
News Corporation is rumored to have the team on the selling block and has retained New York investment bank Allen & Co. to seek possible suitors. Dave Checketts, the former Madison Square Garden chief, supposedly has offered $650 million for the team, but is asking for Fox Sports Net in the deal. This shouldn’t impact the near term future for the Dodgers.
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Signed to Minor League Contracts (former team):
- LHP Pedro Borbon (Hou/Tor): 4-4, 17 holds, 5.36 ERA, 1.55 WHIP
- LHP Wilson Alvarez (TB): 2-3, 5.28 ERA, 1.55 WHIP
- RHP Calvin Maduro (Bal): 2-5, 5.56 ERA, 1.52 WHIP
- RHP Rodney Myers (SD): 1-1, 5.91 ERA, 1.83 WHIP
- INF Ron Coomer (NYY): .264-14-3-17-0 in 55 games, 148 at-bats
- INF Terry Shumpert (Col): .235-30-6-21-4 in 106 games, 234 at-bats
- INF Calvin Murray (Tex): .146-16-0-1-4 in 48 games, 89 at-bats
- INF Quilvio Veras (Bos): did not play
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