Eric Chavez in Dodger Blue?

[oakas]

Could you picture Eric Chavez in Dodger blue?
January 6, 2011 | 2:11 pm
Hey, why not?

This is another one of those what-have-you-got-to-lose scenarios. And a fairly intriguing one.

Let's review:

Adding older, broken-down veteran to take away the spot of a young prospect = bad thing.

Adding older, possibly rebounding veteran when there is no hot prospect = good thing.

Meet Eric Chavez, possible good thing.

The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports that Chavez is scheduled to work out for the Dodgers on Jan. 20, and later in the month for two American League clubs.

Chavez told Slusser he has been working out at the A's complex in Arizona five days a week and that after more than three years of injury problems, his shoulder -- twice operated on -- is feeling much better.

Of course, "much better" is something of a relative term for Chavez, who essentially hasn't played since 2007.

Shoulder and back injuries left Chavez an almost permanent addition to the A's disabled list for three years. He didn't play a lick last season.

Before he started breaking down, however, he was one of baseball's finest third basemen. From 2000 to 2006, he averaged 28.4 home runs and 100 RBIs. He's won six Gold Gloves.

And best of all, the rare left-handed third baseman has historically crushed right-handed pitching (.873 on-base plus slugging percentage). If he's actually healthy again, he could make an ideal third base platoon with Casey Blake, who had a .895 OPS against left-handers last season but only a .663 mark against right-handers.

Mike Petriello of MikeSciosciastragicIllness.com goes so far as to call Chavez exactly the kind of player the Dodgers should be exploring.

For his part, Chavez apparently is encouraged by his infield practice, telling Slusser in a text:

"The throwing has been unreal. I need to see live pitching to judge the hitting accurately, but things look good."

Chavez, who went to high school in San Diego, apparently would prefer to play in Southern California. He told Slusser he has already spoken to Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly and came away impressed.

This would have to be one of those non-guaranteed deals, loaded with incentives, but it looks like a low- risk/high-reward proposition for a team still in need of power.

[LordCC]

I think he is is a broken down ball player & should just retire. He could have been something, but injuries derailed his career. BUT, if he is given a shot, I hope he bounces back.

[walk066]

I think the guy juiced and wore down after that. He has nothing left in the tank.

[Seanie Mac]

What could have been with this guy, used to be one of my fav players. I do wonder Walk if he was juicing as that whole team was basically.

[domafia]

That's retarded. Do you really have to assume the whole league juiced? I met Chavez in person during his prime and the guy was/is not big at all. Guy just had a sweet swing that helped him generate his power. It's always possible, but I highly doubt he juiced. Remember that some athletes DO deal with injuries even when clean.

[oakas]

I have also met Eric in person and I really doubt he was juicing.

He really is not a very big guy and I also would be shocked if he was cheating.

[TheHippieRipper]

Which DL will he start season on?

15 day -120

60 day +100

[Ron Mexico]

Will not play more than 50 games.

[Seanie Mac]

Originally Posted by oakas

I have also met Eric in person and I really doubt he was juicing.

He really is not a very big guy and I also would be shocked if he was cheating.

HGH doesn't make you super huge if you take it as it was meant to be taken. Tejada is about the same size now as he was then, and it's because he wasnt taking it like candy. It's when you get into actual anabolic steroids you get huge.

[LordCC]

He is also working out for the Jays & the Mariners have interest. I think if anyone offers him a contract, it has to be like a 1 year/$500,000 deal. Give him a boat load of incentives & then there is no downside.

[ILikeToParty]

Originally Posted by domafia

That's retarded. Do you really have to assume the whole league juiced? I met Chavez in person during his prime and the guy was/is not big at all. Guy just had a sweet swing that helped him generate his power. It's always possible, but I highly doubt he juiced. Remember that some athletes DO deal with injuries even when clean.

I understand your frustration but unfortunately that's what baseball has become the last 10 years. It's become a much safer bet to assume that they were juicing, than they weren't, as shitty as that sounds