Mike Napoli – Dodger Thoughts

As I wrestle with the question, are the St. Louis Cardinals really going to take two barely qualified teams to the World Series in six seasons?

An enticing idea has been floated, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com: converting outfield prospect Alex Castellanos to second base. Is this real, or more like the false hope of Jerry Sands being tried out at third base?
Lance Berkman, who signed an $8 million contract with St. Louis for 2011 on December 4, won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Ones That Got Away, Part II: Rangers postseason hero Nelson Cruz was designated for assignment by the franchise in 2008, but no other team claimed him. In the Dodger Thoughts comments from March 16, 2006, future True Blue L.A. writer Phil Gurnee mentions Cruz’s potential.
Headline of the Day: “Someone should ask Mike Scioscia for his opinion of Mike Napoli’s performance.”
Evan Bladh of Opinion of Kingman’s Performance writes about a memorable encounter with Al Davis, as well as Davis’ feelings about Walter O’Malley.
Aaron Gleeman of Hardball Talk passed along the interesting history of Major League Baseball’s new security chief, one-time USC pitcher Bill Bordley.
The Baseball-Reference.com blog explores just how historic Matt Kemp’s 10.0 Wins Above Replacement was.

Dodger Thoughts