Juan Pierre by Wally Skalij from the LA Times

So once again Juan Pierre showed up to camp early.  Once again, he is the constant professional who does what he needs to do to get ready to camp (read unlike Andruw Jones), and comes hungry to play.  Once again, he is a good teammate, but sadly once again, he is the odd man out.  He really is a baseball soap opera.

I honestly think Dodger fans and the rest of baseball need to lighten up on Juan Pierre.  He truly polarizes fans.  I’ve been amazed how many fans and especially the writers of the LA Times continue to dis him.  He is not Manny Ramirez.  He never will be, and of all people, he best understands that.  He is a speedster who mixes things up and cause runs to happen.  He has caused runs to be scored because he throws off pitchers.

I will be the first to say sometimes I am so frustrated with him because it seems like he is just scrapping at hitting.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen him ground out to second base.  Having said that, I have never seen anyone else bunt a ball over the third baseman’s head and turn it in to a double.  That still may be one of the coolest plays I have ever seen.

I feel for him because if I were in his shoes, I would be frustrated too.  He wants to play, can play, has been consistent in his contract, but just can’t hit jacks.  Bottom Line: the Dodgers need Jacks and he’s not that guy.   They need power hitters, and they signed him to a long term contract which no one liked.  If he had signed for 3 years, this is a different conversation.

I read that he is only sane because he is reading the Bible.  Good for you Juan.  In that book may you find strength.

So what should the Dodgers do?  Honestly, exactly what they are doing.  They need a bat, and Manny is the guy.  Juan is a great number 2, so they have to keep him, much to his frustration.  Even when you make millions a year, everyone wants to contribute.

My only hope is that the God Juan seeks will bless him with the final word.  That maybe the Dodgers will get to the playoffs and Juan will be the hero just like J.D. Drew finally was with the Red Sox.  Dodger fans should look kindly on him because he is a good, ready guy who can run like the wind.  He was put in a tough spot, but he still is a ton better player than any of us would ever be.  And oh yeah – he has a world series ring to prove it too.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 8:42 am and is filed under Offseason Dodger News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.