Paul Lo Duca (C), LA

PAUL LO DUCA - LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Catcher
Age: 30 (April 12, 1972)
Height: 5-10 Weight: 185
Throws: Right Bats: Right


HISTORY

Paul Lo Duca has always been battling the odds. Lo Duca's physical stature - he's listed as 5-10 but is more like 5-8 - probably kept him from getting a shot earlier in his career. He was drafted in the 25th round by the Dodgers in the 1993 draft. In '93, he was the national player of the year while playing for the Arizona Sun Devils.

Lo Duca had a slow progression through the Dodger organization as he learned the art of catching but always showed off a quick, compact swing. At times, he struggled with catching as he led the Florida State League catchers with 17 errors in 1996. His hitting ability was always present as he hit over .300 in every minor league stop with the exception of an injury shortened 1995 season.

Yet it was a tough road to the major league club as the Dodgers had Mike Piazza, Charles Johnson and Todd Hundley blocking his way. His lack of power in the minors also stalled his path as he never hit more than 8 homers over the course of a full season. In 1999, Lo Duca was backing up prospect Angel Pena at Triple-A Albuquerque and Paul considered quitting baseball and going home to help run a restaurant; but his family wouldn't hear of such foolishness.

In 1999 offseason, the Dodgers elected to let Todd Hundley walk the path of free agency and Chad Kreuter and Lo Duca were expected to share the catching duties. Manager Jim Tracy gave Lo Duca his chance out of spring training to be the full-time catcher. Paul got off to a red hot start, hitting .382 with 5 homers and 17 RBI over the first two months. His career day came on May 28th at Colorado where he went 6-6 with 4 RBI. Despite two stints on the DL, Lo Duca had his best season as a professional hitting .320 with 25 homers and 90 RBI. His 30 strikeouts were the fewest by any player in a 25-homer season since Yogi Berra's 29 in 1956. Lo Duca won the hearts of Dodgers fans with his hard nosed play.

DREAM COME TRUE

In February of 2002., Lo Duca signed a 3 year deal worth $7.25 million. "I told her (his wife Sonia), 'I'm close to signing.' We both started crying. I think I broke down first. It's a chance for me and my wife to take care of our families, give them something, too."

2002 Season

Lo Duca got off to a decent start considering how the Dodgers struggled to score runs in the first month and a half. Lo Duca hatted .295 with 1 homer and 9 RBI in April. He's proven that last year is no fluke and has continued to be a leader and fan favorite in Los Angeles. In 109 games, Paul is hitting .297 with 7 homers and 47 RBI. He's struck out only 19 times in 397 at-bats.

On the defensive side of the ball, Paul has struggled this year throwing out baserunners. Last year, he gunned down 38.5% of opposing basestealers. However this season, he's thrown out only 27 of 91 (29.7%) basestealers.

LOOKING FORWARD

Lo Duca has struggled out of the break, hitting only .208 with 2 homers and 9 RBI. But the team as a whole isn't hitting and the law of averages says that he'll get it going very soon. While he won't hit 20+ homers again, he'll probably hit 10-15 and drive in 70+. Paul has been a great hitter in the clutch hitting .336 with 37 RBI with runnings in scoring position. With the Dodgers in the thick of a pennant race, look for Paul to lead the Dodgers to the playoffs.

At the thin catching position, Lo Duca is a great fantasy asset. While Mike Piazza and Jorge Posada are the class of the position, Lo Duca is the best option after them. He can be counted on for .300-10/15-70.

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Chris Wang
Dodgers Correspondent