Designating Anderson a Good Sign

Designating Marlon Anderson for assignment was, except for Marlon Anderson, a good sign for the Dodgers. It signifies the Dodgers commitment to youth is for real and barring disaster a sign the Dodgers will stick with both Matt Kemp and James Loney for the foreseeable future and perhaps for the season.

Going with 12 pitchers means the Dodgers will go with only five position players on the bench - backup catcher Mike Lieberthal, pinch hitter Olmedo Saenz, Wilson Abreu or Wilson Betemit (whoever isn't playing or both if all the infield starters start), Andre Ethier or Matt Kemp (whichever isn't playing). Anderson could accept assignment to Las  Vegas but the chances are he'll get another big league offer if outrighted.  

When Ramon Martinez is ready, the Dodgers will face another choice, bring Martinez back and send Abreu out or go with the kid.  

With Lefty Kuo knocked around, the Dodgers may be in the market for another starting pitcher to bolster the staff. The time just before and just after the All Star break is the time for  trades for teams wanting to add a key player this year for the stretch run. It would not be surprising for the Dodgers to trade for more pitching help.  

Seems like the Dodgers have been snakebit for more years than we care to admit when playing their neighbors to the south, the Padres. What was commonplace under Padres Manager Bruce Boche continues on under Manager Bud Black.