Juan Pierre for Adam Dunn?

There is a rumor circulating around Los Angeles that the Dodgers may trade Juan Pierre, Chin-Lung Hu and cash for Reds' slugger, Adam Dunn. This rumor has not yet been confirmed by either of the organizations. However, this potential trade would hurt the Dodgers' organization.

Although Adam Dunn has sensational power, evident in his 18 HRs and 44 RBIs in 2008 thus far, he cannot hit for contact. His current .221 average has been hurting the Reds' organization. Since Dodgers fans have been dissatisfied with Andruw Jones' .165 batting-average in 2008, they will probably become angered if Adam Dunn struggles at the plate to hit for contact in a Dodgers' uniform. He's not the full package of power and contact.

The Dodgers cannot afford to lose outfielder, Juan Pierre. Although Pierre has been the subject of criticism in the 2008 Regular Season thus far, his spectacular 34 SBs has been quite beneficial to the Dodgers' offense. He may also serve as a permanent lead-off man until Rafael Furcal fully restores his abilities. After he comes off of the Disabled-List, it is suspected that he will still need some additional time to adjust back to Major League Baseball.

Chin-Lung Hu may not be the future of the Dodgers' organization at second-base. But he is a solid infielder with a bright career ahead of him. Los Angeles may need his duties in the future if one of their middle-infielders hits the Disabled-List or if Delwyn Young, their probable player to succeed Jeff Kent at second-base, struggles. Hu is insurance.

Update: Brad Penny

Brad Penny will not pitch in today's simulated game, confirmed the Los Angeles Times. The hurler recently experienced discomfort after throwing from the mound on Wednesday. He will need more time than Hiroki Kuroda to return to the Dodgers' starting-rotation.

Penny is eligible to come off of the Disabled-List as early as next week. Yet, the hurler is in no shape to return. He cannot even face batters at this stage in the game. Despite being scratched from today's simulated game, Penny will throw some pitches to a catcher.

Update: Hiroki Kuroda

Hiroki Kuroda is expected to return to the Dodgers' starting-rotation on Tuesday or Wednesday. The injured hurler was scratched from yesterday's simulated game due to a stiff-neck. Hopefully, his return to the mound will not be delayed further.

Kuroda has another simulated game scheduled for later today. His performance in the start will truly determine whether or not he is ready to return from the Disabled-List. Since the Dodgers are not yet ready to demote ace, Eric Stults, Kuroda will serve as the extra-man in their rotation upon his return.

Proctor on the DL

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed relief pitcher, Scott Proctor, on the 15-Day Disabled-List with tendinitis in his right elbow. Proctor will now have an opportunity to rest and freshen up his pitching skills while on the Disabled-List. However, he will probably be done for the 2008 Regular Season.

The 31-year-old is lucky to have a job after his most recent performances. In the 2008 Regular Season thus far, the reliever has posted a pitiful 6.82 ERA. He has not been helping the Los Angeles Dodgers at all this season.

The Dodgers have called up reliever, Brian Falkborg, from Triple-A Las Vegas. The minor-league closer will pitch in the middle-relief role for Los Angeles in 2008. Hopefully, he will more helpful than Scott Proctor out of the bullpen.

--
The Los Angeles Dodgers are leading the Chicago White Sox, 2-0, in the top of the fourth-inning. Andre Ethier and Russell Martin knocked in runs on singles in the bottom of the first-inning. Send Russell Martin to New York for the 2008 All-Star (and not as a spectator) by clicking this link. I will have more information and analysis on this game tomorrow morning.

Injury Update: Hiroki Kuroda

The Dodgers starting rotation has been plagued by shoulder injuries. Both starters, Brad Penny and Hiroki Kuroda, are suffering from a similar condition. However, Kuroda's return to the rotation looks more promising than Brad Penny's return. Penny is expected to be out of action until after the All-Star Break.

Hiroki Kuroda's game of catch was cancelled on Saturday as a, "precautionary measure." Thankfully, the Dodgers do not want to rush his return and cause any unwanted long-term ramifications. As the Dodgers have learned through investments in players such as Nomar Garciaparra, long-term injuries can be truly devastating to an organization.

Kuroda is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday. Then, based on his performance, the Los Angeles Dodgers will decide whether or not to activate him from the Disabled-List. If the Dodgers feel that he is not yet ready to return, they will likely give Chan Ho Park another spot-start on Saturday. It would be beneficial to give Park an additional start and keep Kuroda fully-rested for his return.

Update: Andruw Jones

Andruw Jones could be back in the Dodgers' line-up by late June. The center-fielder has been "looking comfortable," while taking swings in batting-practice. The off-season arrival was batting around .165 before hitting the Disabled-List with a knee and back injury. Dodgers fans were pleased to see him out of the line-up.

Update: This was his first-time taking batting-practice for the Dodgers since landing on the Disabled-List last month. Jones is listed on the Disabled-List as suffering from torn cartilage in his right-knee. However, it's evidently a combination of various ailments in his back and legs.

Furcal Coming Back Soon

Rafael Furcal said that he expects to return to the Dodgers' line-up sometime before the All-Star Break. The shortstop has been on the Disabled-List since May 6. The bulging disk in his back is almost healed and he seems to be optimistic concerning his return. Joe Torre, however, hinted that the slugger may spend an extensive amount of the time in a rehabilitation assignment. Regardless, he would serve as a better option than Angel Berroa at shortstop - injured or not.

Update: Furcal explains to the LA Times that he will resume swinging a bat sometime next week. Joe Torre commented, "He may be back before the break as far as playing some games. Whether they're for us or not is another question."

Update: Nomar Garciaparra

Nomar Garciaparra recently learned that he has a unique condition where his body produces excess scar tissue while healing. The third-baseman is expected to return to the Dodgers' line-up sometime after the All-Star Break. However, the Dodgers will probably limit his playing-time to keep him off of the Disabled-List. Since the 2001 Regular Season or so, Garciaparra has been a magnet to injuries.

Update: Nomar Garciaparra is now expected to return to the Dodgers' line-up sometime in mid-July. Initially, we learned that the slugger may return as a shortstop. But if Furcal is back in action by then, Garciaparra may come back as a third-baseman.

Kuroda Hits the DL

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed right-handed hurler, Hiroki Kuroda, on the 15-Day Disabled-List. The rookie has been recently suffering from a case of tendinitis in his right shoulder. Hopefully, this injury will not be serious and haunt the 33-year-old pitcher throughout his career.

Chan Ho Park is expected to be the starting-pitcher for tomorrow's game against the Cleveland Indians. In Park's only start for the Dodgers in 2008 thus far, he surrendered one run in four innings of work. He should be able to pitch about six innings tomorrow.