With the Dodgers re-signing of Ronnie Belliard the team might have found their starting second baseman. The contract, for one year and $875,000, is a steal of a deal for the Dodgers considering Belliard’s unexpected success with the team. Still, that money is only guaranteed if he hits 209 pounds or less during spring training.
Before being acquired by the Dodgers in August of last year, Belliard was going nowhere in Washington. When he landed in Los Angeles, he took over for eventual Gold Glover Orlando Hudson. If Belliard had fallen on his face, the signing would have looked terrible. Instead, he was a pleasant surprise. He quickly won over the fans, posting a .351 average with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs. Remaining a starter in the playoffs, Belliard hit .300 and played strong defensively.
But do the Dodgers stick with Belliard over the ever-patient Blake DeWitt? Manager Joe Torre has alluded to starting DeWitt, but that now remains uncertain given Belliard’s return. Also, DeWitt has never really made a splash on the big stage. Over the past couple years, DeWitt has been sent back and down to the minors a ridiculous amount of times. It’s just hard to believe the organization has confidence in the guy. While he is probably a better at second than Belliard, I think it comes down to their bats in this situation.
As for Jamey Carroll, his signing just makes things worse for DeWitt. I think Carroll will end up spelling Belliard, further decreasing DeWitt’s role.
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