Daily Dodger in review: Justin Sellers shows off versatility
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JUSTIN SELLERS, 25, infielder
Final 2011 stats: .203 batting average, .283 on-base percentage, .301 slugging percentage, 20 runs, nine doubles in 123 at-bats, one error.
Contract status: Under team control.
The good: Injuries forced the August call-up of Sellers, and the Dodgers had to like what they saw from him defensively. He’s currently a better shortstop than Dee Gordon, plays a very good second and also can fill in at third.
Great nickname. All tatted up, he’s called ‘Cellblock.’ Plays hard and with enthusiasm. Hit .300 against left-handers and .278 in his first 16 games.
The bad: Trouble was, he hit .145 in his 20 games after that. Has a touch of power, but if he has any hopes of making it as a major leaguer he can’t afford a sub-.250 batting average. Turns 26 in February.
What’s next: It’s possible he could make the team next year as a utility infielder, but the Dodgers are hopefully more ambitious and looking for more certainty in that role.
The take: There’s enough to like about Sellers, who after his encouraging start was being compared to a younger Jamey Carroll. Alas, it was just one month.
In the short term they would be better served trying to bring back Carroll and letting Sellers at least start the year back at triple-A Albuquerque. If injuries continue to hit this team next season like they did in 2011, he’d get called up soon enough and maybe even stick (witness Aaron Miles).
They currently do not have a starting second baseman, but if Sellers should somehow win the spot, you’ll know how the Dodgers’ off-season went.
— Steve Dilbeck
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