EvilJester99 Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking overseas for some help replacing Adrian Beltre. The Dodgers and veteran third baseman Norihiro Nakamura came to terms on a contract that will give the Japanese slugger a chance to make the roster. The 31-year-old Nakamura, who has spent the last 12 years in Japan's Pacific League, hit just .247 with 19 homers in an injury-plagued 2004 season. In December 2002, the New York Mets thought they had a deal with the slugger, who backed out at the last instant. Beltre had a breakout 2004 season, leading the major leagues with 48 homers. But he opted to leave for Seattle via free agency and Los Angeles signed free-swinging Jose Valentin as a potential replacement. Nakamura, who also has won a series of awards for defensive excellence, is expected to compete with prospect Antonio Perez and veteran Olmedo Saenz for a backup role. Saenz and Nakamura also could see time as part of a platoon at first base with Hee-Seop Choi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChWRoCk2 Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 they needed someone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ihatethecubs Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 what about valentin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChWRoCk2 Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 valentin might play 2nd because they lost cora Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 How much did the Dodgers have to pay to get the rights to negotiate with him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwerty Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 QUOTE(chi-guy2 @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 04:15 PM) valentin might play 2nd because they lost cora Jeff kent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa1334 Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 i remember the sox were after this guy....it will be interesting to see who will have a better yr., iguchi or nakamura. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 Iguchi should. He seems to be the better player, is playing is playing in a hitters park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 Valentin will still get 400 ABs vs. RHP between SS and 3B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChWRoCk2 Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 QUOTE(qwerty @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 04:21 PM) Jeff kent. right forgot about that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 Is it just me or does anyone else think Valentin could hit under .200 just because he's moving from the Cell to Dodger Stadium? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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