One thing I have learned is that AF is tight lipped more than anyone in MLB, and so are his co-working baseball personnel. So for someone like Jim Bowden to intimate that he has spoken with Dodgers personnel who have advised him that AF has been engaged in talks with Rockies GM, Jeff Bridich, about Nolan Arenado, I have my doubts. He did not stop there. He said that Nolan Arenado will be a Dodger by Christmas. I am not buying it, and neither do most MLB journalists. There seems to be a lot of speculation and fantasy based wishes, but it seems way too farfetched, and nowhere close to how AF has worked his roster since becoming LAD President of Baseball Operations. It is certainly a popular storyline. A local boy who comes home to play 3B for his childhood favorite baseball team.
Wait a minute. We just had that with Justin Turner. JT grew up in Lakewood, and went to HS at Mayfair, a short 23 miles from Dodger Stadium. He went to Cal State Fullerton. He is a SoCal boy thru and thru. JT has been a rock for the Dodgers since Ned Colletti signed him to a MiLB contract before the 2014 season. He is aging. He is having problems catching up with fastballs up in the zone. His ability to play defense at an elite level has long passed. While his play may peak again during a short run during the playoffs, he may be more DH now than 3B. But he is a Dodger icon. Will the Dodgers eschew JT for another local product?
The Dodgers have played 63 years in Los Angeles. In that time, 31 different players have played more games at 3B than any other player during that year. The Dodgers have only had four players play in more than four or more seasons at 3B: Ron Cey (1973-1982 – 10 seasons), Adrian Beltre (1998-2004 – 7 seasons), Justin Turner (2015-2020 – 6 seasons), and Jim Gilliam (1959-1962 – 4 seasons) and a 5th in 1964. The only other LAD that played more than 2 years at 3B was Tim Wallach (1993-1995 – 3 seasons) (another Cal State Fullerton Titan).
There were 6 players who logged 2 years as the player who played the most games at 3B for the season: John Kennedy (1965-1966), Steve Garvey (1971-1972), Jeff Hamilton (1988-1989), Wilson Betemit (2006-2007), Casey Blake (2009-2010) (pictured below), and Juan Uribe (2013-2014).
20 players played one season as the most games played at 3B:
- Dick Gray – 1958
- Ken McMullen – 1963
- Jim Lefebvre – 1967
- Bob Baily – 1968
- Bill Sudakis – 1969
- Billy Grabarkewitz – 1970
- Pedro Guerrero – 1983
- German Rivera – 1984
- Dave Anderson – 1985
- Bill Madlock – 1986
- Mickey Hatcher – 1987
- Mike Sharperson – 1990
- Lenny Harris – 1991 (Pictured Below)
- Dave Hansen – 1992
- Mike Blowers – 1996
- Todd Zeile – 1997
- Oscar Robles – 2005
- Blake DeWitt – 2008
- Aaron Miles – 2011
- Luis Cruz – 2012
I was surprised to not see Dick Allen’s name on the list. However, in reviewing the 1971 season, the only season Allen was a Dodger, I learned that Allen played 67 games at 3B (65 starts), 60 games in LF (59 starts), and 28 games at 1B (all starts). However, Steve Garvey played 79 games at 3B with 60 starts. Thus, the chart I used from Baseball-Reference used most games played at the position as the standard. Allen had more starts at 3B than did Garvey, but Garvey had more games played at 3B than did Allen. I am sure there are more examples of that same scenario throughout the LAD history at 3B.
I grew up a 3B fan. Brooks Robinson was one of my two favorite non LAD players in the 60’s (along with Roberto Clemente). Robinson was the regular 3B for Baltimore from 1958 to 1976. When he stepped down to a bench role, my Monroe high school classmate, Doug DeCinces, took over and remained the regular 3B through 1981. For 24 years, the O’s had two 3B while the Dodgers had 11. Ron Cey lasted one more year with the Dodgers than did DeCinces with the O’s before Doug was traded to the Angels for Dan Ford. DeCinces stayed with the Angels until being released on September 23,1987. DeCinces signed with the Cardinals to finish the season and was released shortly thereafter. Doug was 36 when he was through.
The Boyer brothers (Ken and Clete), Ron Santo, Eddie Matthews, Dick Allen, Bob Bailey, and Doan Hoak were some of my other favorite 3B in the 60’s. Besides the names listed above, some other Dodger 3B that I remember writing down when keeping score: Bobby Lillis, Ken Aspromonte, Don Zimmer, Dick Tracewski, Johnny Werhas, Bart Shirley, and of course the two Ducky’s, LeJohn and Schofield. None were regulars, but they did put on the Dodger uni and play 3B. Even Tommy Davis and Maury Wills played some 3B. I am sure there are many more, but those are the ones I remember. In the late 60’s Billy Grabarkewitz and Bill Sudakis (Grabs and Suds) were two of my favorites, along with one of my all-time favorites, Jimmy Lefebvre, although Frenchy was more of a 2B.
After Gilliam, the 3B was a gaping hole until Ron Cey took over full time in 1973, after two years of the adventures of Steve Garvey at 3B. Because Penguin played most of the time, there were not as many backup 3B. Some of the most prominent were Kenny McMullen (his second tour with LAD), Rick Auerbach, Lee Lacy (pictured below), Jerry Royster, Teddy Martinez, and Ed Goodson. I was a huge Lee Lacy fan. I always wanted him to have the full time 2B over Lopes. However, Lacy had a tremendous career as a super-utility player, primarily with LAD and Pittsburgh (where he won a WS ring in 1979). After the 1975 season, Jerry Royster and Lee Lacy, along with Tom Paciorek and Jimmy Wynn, were traded to Atlanta for Dusty Baker and Ed Goodson. The Dodgers got Lacy back later in 1976 with RHRP Elias Sosa for RHRP Mike Marshall.
The gaping hole at 3B returned after Cey was traded to the Cubs. Twelve different players were considered the regular 3B until Adrian Beltre took over in 1998. Most of the names are familiar, but none were household except for maybe Bill Madlock, Tim Wallach, Lenny Harris, and Todd Zeile. Longtime Dodgers role players Dave Hansen, Jeff Hamilton, Mike Sharperson, and Dave Anderson took their turns at 3B. In 1985, 3B was a Merry-Go-Round with Dave Anderson (51 games played), Bob Bailor (45 games), Pete Guerrero (44 games), Bill Madlock (32 games) and Enos Cabell (32 games).
Before Michael Busch was drafted by LAD in 2019, the Dodgers drafted another Michael Busch in 1990 who played some 3B in a reserve role in the 90’s.
After Adrian Beltre left as a FA after the 2004 season, the Dodgers turned 3B over to 7 different players before JT took over full time in 2015. Casey Blake played more 3B than any other Dodger through that time. Nomar Garciaparra and Juan Uribe each played quite of bit of 3B during that time. In 2011, 3B was a three way platoon with Aaron Miles (61 games/49 starts), Juan Uribe (59 games/53 starts),and Casey Blake (45 games/45 starts).
There were several prominent MLB 3B that finished their careers (or very close) with LAD.
Kenny Boyer – Release by CWS and signed by LAD in May, 1968 and played through 1969. Retired as a LAD at 38.
Enos Cabell – Traded by Houston to LAD July 10, 1985 for Rafael Montalvo and German Rivera. Played through 1986 when he retired as a LAD at 36.
Bill Madlock – Traded by Pittsburgh to LAD August 31, 1985 for R. J. Reynolds, Cecil Espy, and Sid Bream. Played until he was released on May 29, 1987. Signed with Detroit to finish the year and his career at 36.
Robin Ventura – Traded by NYY to LAD July 31, 2003 for Bubba Crosby and Scott Proctor. Played through 2004 when he retired as a LAD at 36.
Bill Mueller – Signed as a FA for 2006. Retired after 2006 season as a LAD at 35.
Nomar Garciaparra – Signed as a FA for 2006 and played through 2008 as a LAD (age 32-34). Retired with Oakland in 2009 at 35.
Casey Blake – Traded by Cleveland to LAD July 26, 2008 for Carlos Santana and Jon Meloan. Played through 2011, his final year at 37.
Interestingly, three of those prominent 3B retired at 36, two at 35, one at 37, and one at 38. JT is going into his 36 year old season. Dick Allen was 35, DeCinces was 36, Scott Rolen was 37, Terry Pendleton was 37. Looks to be a common theme. I believe AF wants to re-sign JT, but at the right price. He is going to let JT check out other potential teams and then revisit with him. JT gave LAD a hometown discount 4 years ago. I have no doubt that both team and player can come to a fair resolution if they both want to. Other than the Dodgers, Toronto, Atlanta, Washington, and Texas have all been mentioned as possible landing spots on a short term basis. The big money is still on JT returning to end his career with the Dodgers. If the NL agrees to adopt the DH for 2021, the odds grow even more favorable for the Dodgers to re-sign him.
Discussion (56)
Disagree, not disagreeable
If he opts out, does Colorado get compensation? And doesn’t the opt out clause only going into effect at the end of 2021?
I just can’t see AF taking the plunge on Arenado. His contract is too burdensome and there are questions about how he would hit at Dodger Stadium. I am still betting that the NL will have a DH this year, and the Dodgers will sign JT. This would give Rios plenty of playing time and pave the way for Cody Hoese in 2022.
I am surprised by how little we’re discussing Gavin Lux. He seemed to be “The One!” All of the talk about being a ROY candidate may have messed with his head. Rarely have I seen someone flare out so quickly who seemed to have such potential. Yes, it was a weird season. Yes, he developed the yips (maybe). But still, what happens next? He bounces back and takes over at 2B? He gets traded in a blockbuster with Tampa Bay for Blake Snell? Who knows?
There are a lot of suggestions on what trades the Dodgers should make or should not make. It’s very interesting reading all the opinions. I’m not going to propose any trades. My main concern is that they are able to keep Seager here for many years to come.
Bear mentioned earlier how he used to look forward to reading the box scores every morning back in the good old days. I’ve lived in Jersey all my life so I had to wait for the evening paper to read the box scores after the Dodgers moved west. It was frustrating. I was jealous of my buddy (a Giants fan). A sports announcer named Les Keiter used to re-create the Giants games on a NY radio station. He would read the teletype and then “announce” the game in his studio. He would have sound effects like the roar of the crowd or the crack of the bat. So I was able to hear the Dodgers when they played the Giants. I also found that with some very fine tuning on the radio I could pick up the Phillies, Pirates and on some occasions the Reds games. It was tough being a Dodgers fan back then after they left Brooklyn. Of course now, thanks to computers, I can get those box scores quicker than ever before.
You outdid yourself AC. I’m not as old as most on this site. My first real Dodgers memory was watching them play in the ’74 World Series. I had just turned 7 at the time and I signed up for my first year of League the next Spring. I grew up watching The Infield, Dusty, Smith, Yeager and other who weren’t there quite as long. My favorite player was Ron Cey, hence the ode to “The Penguin” in my handle.
What really caught my eye was all the names of the third baseman that came in a didn’t live up to expectations. Ventura, Matlock, Cabell, Zeile, Wallach. I was so excited to get all those guys, but none of them ever came close to their best years. I also found it interested that so many retired at age 35, 36 and 37.
This makes me think even more about moving on from Justin and it just reinforced my position all along. I understand the payroll problems, but I really don’t think the Dodgers are tied to number. I point to this group’s payroll high of $278 Million as the main reason that I take this position.
Clearly the best fix would be to trade for Arenado. This is no easy task since the Rockies aren’t going to want to watch Nolan beat them into submission for the next 5 years. But, I also don’t think this is impossible either. Next best is to plug in Kris Bryant. Probably easier to trade for and I’m not overly worried about COVID related statistical outliers. But, these are just the beginning of options, probably too many to fully understand as we have no idea who AF is talking to. I do believe that AF will plug that hole with someone. It may not be a 3rd baseman, but 3rd base makes the most sense.
DMB, I also had a parrot named after one of my favorite Dodgers. “He” was a Blue and Gold Macaw and I named “him” Mondesi. I later found out “he” was a “she” when she laid an egg.
To all the contributors and Mark – THANK YOU!!
This is my first post although I have been reading it for 5+ years.
I really enjoy the back-n-forth dialogue and that we keep the politics out of it.
The Dodgers are our bond no matter what our personal and political thoughts are.
I am a true believer that we have way more in common than what separates us (i.e. families, living in a country that if you work hard you can be successful no matter you background).
Overall, everybody is respectful and cordial to one another – which is how it should be.
I find humor that sometimes somebody makes a post just to get a rise out of another individual – (most family get togethers always that going to some degree or another), and watching how the individual handles the situation.
Anyway this website is a great break from the daily grind that we call life – and again while I might not post, I really appreciate the time and effort of Mark and the individual contributors.
This day in Dodger history. 1953, Roy Campanella with a .312, 41, 142 slash line wins the NL MVP for the second time. 1956, Don Newcombe, 27-7, 3.06 ERA, wins the inaugural Cy Young Award. It is given to only to one pitcher from both leagues until 1967 which makes Koufax’s 3 Cy Youngs much more impressive than Kershaws. 1967, the Mets complete a deal with the Senators to bring former Dodger Gil Hodges to NY to manage. He had one year left on his deal and the Mets sent 100,000 dollars and a minor league pitcher to DC. 1991. Former Dodger 1st baseman, Eddie Murray agrees to a 2 year 7.6 million dollar deal with the Mets. Murray had spent the previous 3 seasons in LA after being traded from Baltimore.
Great article with incredible research. Thanks for doing that. I being a LA Dodger fan from the beginning reading about all the 3Bs they’ve used over the years brought back many memories. There were just a few I didn’t remember.
It will be interesting to see how things shake out in 2021 as to who ends up at 3B for the Dodgers.
If you trade for Arenado and sign Buehler,Bellinger,Seager ,urias and Betts contract,you will have very little money in 4 to 5 years to sign young studs.The May,Rios,Smith,Lux,Graterol,Gonsolin kids will end up going somewhere else,because we won’t pay them all.The tax rule will eat us up.I would love to see a article that estimate the contracts and players for the next 5years.
Wow, AC. I do not know where to start. You mentioned so many of my favorite players, Cey, Hatcher, Guerrero, Garciaparra, Madlock, Garvey, among others. I also loved the versatility of Lee Lacy. I liked Pete Guerrero so much, I named my parrot after him. The names “Grabs and Suds” intrigue me. Along with you, my favorite non-Dodger third baseman is Brooks Robinson. Maybe it is because I watched him play for the Vancouver Mounties as a young tomboy girl. What a list you accumulated. Thank you.
PS. By any and all means, please AF, resign Justin Turner. The team will not be the same without him.
Some continue to mention South California players coming home to play for the Dodgers and how they would flourish. It doesn’t always work out that way. Remember Daryl Strawberry?
Excellent write-up, Jeff. Nice review of Dodger third base history in LA.
I’m a big fan of stability. My favorite era of LA baseball was the early 70s into the 80s when the infield was set with Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Davy Lopes and Steve Garvey. You could identify with those players, something special like the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1950s.
The biggest mistake the Dodgers made during Frank McCourt’s tenure was allowing Adrian Beltre to leave when he wanted to stay in LA. He would have been the Dodgers third baseman for many years. Instead we had a revolving door of fill-ins and suspects until Justin Turner arrived. He wasn’t, of course, a pure third baseman, more of a versatile player who could play second, some short or first.
A lot of people spend time looking at age and physical decline, but it probably has more to do with mental decline. Hard to keep up with the grind as you get up in your 30s. Some players have mentioned that.
Turner looks like a player who could sustain more than most. Just really seems to enjoy the game, is a grinder by nature. Doesn’t take success for granted. So, I think a two year deal makes sense and I would hope after that we can develop a new third baseman from our farm system, just like the Dodgers did with Cey and Beltre.
So what was Justin and his wife doing the past few days, helping out in the community. We simply can’t lose that kind of player, one who hit over .300, comes up big in the playoffs, is a proven team leader.
Yes Nolan Arenado is younger, better defensively, but outrageously costly, especially if the Rockies actually opted to trade him to their arch rivals — just can’t see that happening.
Unless a team decides to carry a massive payroll, north of $300 million, there is simply no way to have all top of their game elite players at every position. Even then, it probably wouldn’t work.
At this point, an infield of Turner, Corey Seager, Gavin Lux and Max Muncy with Chris Taylor playing where needed looks pretty good.
We need to focus on bullpen, always a tricky area. The starting staff appears deep and the quality is exceptional, depending on what David Price brings to the table.
Not a Jim Bowden fan in the slightest, so have zero trust in his projections. Friedman does a marvelous job of controlling internal information. I suspect the only Dodgers ‘leaks’ are those that are intentionally disclosed to mislead, make informal inquiries, test the waters, or other similar purposes. Regarding Arenado, it is hard to see how the Dodgers would take on $199 million contract obligation with contract extensions to be negotiated with Seager, Kershaw, Buehler, Bellinger, and possibly Urias over the next few years. And the Rockies are not going to pay any portion of the remaining contract, especially to the Dodgers.
I’m 65 years old but still remember when collecting baseball cards as a kid, I would keep getting 6,7,8 cards of the same obscure guy. That card for me was Don LeJohn, 3B, Dodgers. Still to this day don’t recall ever seeing him play. Just remember his baseball card. I’m sure more than one of his cards ended up on a clothes pin on my bicycle.
Thanks for the memories Jeff.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Here’s the AF play: give JT a three-year deal to spread out the total $. AAV is lowered and he can Utley or Freese after a couple years.
Wrote something in the last posting, but comments were closed and I didn’t it all to go to waste. Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving.
51. I was born and raised in Orange County near Old Tustin. I never grew up a particularly devoted sports fan. I didn’t play little league ball, and although my dad did sign me up for AYSO soccer one year, he was somewhat of a haphazard sports dad and didn’t really encourage my athletic participation.
I was never really a team sports kid, either. My outlet was more individual, and I discovered I wasn’t a bad endurance athlete, so running and then cycling became my athletic endeavors.
My exposure to the Dodgers and to sports in general really came from my now brother-in-law, who was a sports junkie then and now. I do remember being in elementary school and hearing other kids talk about this winning streak by this rookie pitcher named Fernando Valenzuela, but baseball didn’t really start to capture my imagination until I heard the cheering next door in Mr French’s class (he was a baseball fan) when Rick Monday hit that clinching home run against the Expos. I remember fans at Dodger Stadium tossing torn up napkins like confetti from the upper deck during that one game playoff against the Astros.
What hooked me was following the drama as the Dodgers came from back from an 0-2 deficit. It’s when I started to pay attention and notice the game more closely; the key home runs by Yeager (who I think was a co-MVP of the WS that year), the controversial decision to pull Tommy John in a key game. I remember George Steinbrenner issuing an apology to Yankee fans for the play of his team before the game was even over.
I was introduced to characters in a drama. After that, I was in. The following year I started reading the box scores at the back of the Sports Section of the LA Times. I began to emulate the batting stance of Pedro Guerrero in by back yard. I listened to Vin on the radio I kept in my bedroom.
My passion for the Dodgers culminated in the 1988 season, which I anticipated more than other seasons for for some reason. The Dodgers were coming off a losing campaign in 1987, but something seemed different about the new year. Maybe it was the energy Gibson brought, which the whole eye black practical joke that went horribly wrong, but when Steve Sax hit the first pitch of the year out for a home run against Dave Dravecky of the Giants, it seemed like an omen.
As I went of to college my interest waned. I moved on to other things, and to me the game seemed to have changed. I couldn’t relate as much to a game that was driven less by pitching and fundamentals and more by hulking body builders hitting video game home runs. I suppose Kershaw brought me back to the game.
I enjoyed reading the stories of the readers here. A lot of longtime fans and people of just a different generation. I appreciate the the things here that folks are grateful for and, although personally agnostic, I’m almost a little moved by the devotion many here have for their faith and their own personal stories.