Nothing minor about Blake DeWitt
SPRING REPORT / HOUSTON 7, DODGERS 6
Players' injuries give the left-hander an opportunity to shine. Despite an impressive showing, his chances of staying in the major leagues are up in the air.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Blake DeWitt wasn't in the conversation when the Dodgers were talking about their options at third base over the winter. And he wasn't even in the major-league clubhouse a week ago.
But with injuries to Nomar Garciaparra, Andy La Roche and Tony Abreu leaving the Dodgers short of infielders with half the team in China, DeWitt has gotten a chance to show the coaching staff what he can do.
And he's making the most of it.
Today, the 22-year-old DeWitt made an outstanding defensive play, had three hits -- including his second home run in three days -- and drove in three runs in a sloppy, 7-6 Grapefruit League loss to the Houston Astros.
"Three or four days ago I was on the minor league side and I got the call that I was going to get the opportunity to come over here. And I was pretty excited," said DeWitt, who didn't get his named added to the back of his jersey until his third day with the Dodgers. "I'm just looking at it as a great opportunity to come out here and get some experience. I'm just here to have fun, kind of see where I stand as far as what I need to improve. And whatever happens, happens."
What's unlikely to happen is the left-hand-hitting DeWitt sticking with the big-league club despite his .333 spring average. But with the Dodgers, who reportedly investigated several trade scenarios, now saying they'll address their third base problems from within, the timing couldn't be better for DeWitt.
Because even if he doesn't make the team out of spring training, he has given the coaches something to remember.
"I haven't really thought about that," said DeWitt, who batted a career-best .292 with 14 homers and 66 RBIs in a 2007 season split between Class-A Inland Empire and double-A Jacksonville. "But it's good to get over here and get to meet everybody, kind of see how things work and just get some experience.
"It's definitely a confidence boost. I'm having a blast."
Kuroda hit hard
Hiroki Kuroda got a lot of practice working from the stretch in his three-inning outing against the Astros, giving up six runs -- five earned -- and six hits. At one point in Houston's five-run second inning, Kuroda allowed seven consecutive batters to reach base.
