I like Juan Rivera, I really do. When he was an Angel I’d see him do interviews, watch him play and I wanted him to be a Dodger, I felt like the Angels, who really needed offense at the time, just didn’t appreciate the talent he had as a hitter.
When finally the Dodgers got him, they use him as a #5 and then the cleanup hitter and their offense has been better ever since, especially in the clean up role with Matt Kemp batting 3rd, which I feel is his optimum spot in the lineup, more at-bats, means more chances for offense.
Here’s the issue though. It seems the Dodgers have a reputation since Ned Colletti has been GM of bringing in guys who play very well after being acquired but don’t play near that level the next season with the Dodgers; Jay Gibbons, Rod Barjas, Ted Lily, George Sherrill, Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake (kinda), Ronnie Belliard, Angel Berroa.
These players all came in via trade around the deadline or in Gibbons case called up, did well, were resigned the next season and...
Original Story:
