My ideal Dodgers lineup for 2008: The Position Players

So with the first Spring Training game exactly four weeks from today, I figured this was as good a time as any to unveil my ideal lineup of position players, given how things stand now.  This is the first in a series of posts on this topic, so get ready for future posts, including The Starters, The Relievers and The Bench.  And now, without further adeau…

Furcal SS
Ethier LF
Kemp RF

Jones CF
Kent 2B
Loney 1B
Martin C
Garciaparra/LaRoche 3B (I do think Nomar will start, but they will split time)

I really love this lineup for so many reasons: Furcal is a natural leadoff hitter with fantastic speed.  Eithier’s OBP is above average, and I think he could have a great third year as a pro. Kemp’s power makes him my pick for Dodgers MVP in 2008.  This guy is going to be incredible after his off-season efforts. Andruw Jones’ cleanup potential has been desperately needed by LA, and he will kick some serious ass.  Remember, during his “down year” of 2007, he hit more home runs than any Dodger on the roster.  All of us here at DodgerFan are huge Jeff Kemp fans, and loyal readers know we consider him the heart and soul of the team.  Hopefully this future HOFer will avoid the injury bug as he continues his run as the best second baseman of all time.  Welcome back Jeff!  Loney proved he deserved to start last year, and is a good team player.  Putting Martin in the seven spot was tough…the guy is clutch and one of the best young catcher in baseball, but I love letting Loney get on base before Kemp comes to the plate, as I think this will generate a ton more runs.  Last but not least I think we’re in for another year of the Nomar/LaRoche platoon.  Nomar will most certainly be a “jack of all trades” player again this year, spending time at 1st, 3rd and the outfield, but he’s a veteran leader and we all know these Dodgers need veteran leadership!

Still, the elephant in the closet remains, what happens to Juan Pierre?  Can the Dodgers afford to keep him on the bench with that big contract?  I’ve got some more thoughts on Juan, but I’ll save it for another post.

Now it’s your turn – share your lineups!