Mr. Falcon's 2009 Plan (pt.6 -- Bench)

A strong bench is one of the most underrated aspects of a team. I think we all cringed when watching Sweeney strike out against lefty relievers over and over. However, let's all just rejoice in the fact that Mark Sweeney is gone. The only way he can top the carnage of the last 2 seasons would be to butt-rape our mothers and frame Obama for selling Natale Holloway into the Colombian sex-trade industry.

I keep thinking Delwyn Young could put it together on the major league level at any moment. Regardless, he'll be our #1 pinch hitting threat off the bench. A switch-hitter with pop off the bench is a great that can't be negated by nasty situational lefties. It will be as if Mark Sweeney was half black and could hit.

As mentioned before, we'll also have Mark Loretta coming off the bench to mash lefty pitching. This signing probably means adios to Nomar. He was injured and mediocre for most of his tenure with the Dodgers. However, his walk off jack in the greatest game ever played will never be forgotten.

Ideally, Juan Pierre will be gone by New Year's. However, if we can't find anyone dumb enough to take this tee-baller off our hands then it's the bench. If used properly Pierre can be valuable coming off the bench (not $9MM valuable, but that's been mentioned once or twice). I like seeing Juan in late-inning pinch running situations (ala Dave Roberts with the Sox in '04). Also, Juan can leadoff some late innings after double switches.

Also, Andruw Jones will likely be coming off the bench. If he gets his shit together even minimally he can still be a feared hitter. He's still only 3 years removed from a 50 HR season.

Chin Lunh Hu and Tony Abreu will probably not be on the opening day roster. Mark Loretta makes them fairly irrelevant. I don't think they'll play much of a role unless there is an injury to a middle-infielder. The Furcal situation probably won't affect this because I don't think either were being considered for a starting role.

Recommendation: Young, Loretta, Pierre, and AJ will be the primary bench options

Prediction: Same