This spring, Dodgers manager Joe Torre announced Andre Ethier will be his cleanup hitter. A spot usually occupied by second baseman Jeff Kent who retired at the end of last season. 

At 26 years old, Ethier has improved in each of his 2.5 seasons.

Last year, Ethier hit .305/90/20/77/6. Every sign points to Ethier having a bigger year. Last September, Either hit .436 and in his 71 at-bats hitting cleanup, he hit .333. This year, ESPN projects Either with a line of .299/91/22/88/5.

The Dodgers lineup:

  1. Furcal
  2. Hudson 
  3. Manny  
  4. Ethier 
  5. Martin 
  6. Loney
  7. Kemp
  8. Blake 

With the explosive offense the Dodgers have this year, Either will have plenty of opportunities to drive in and score runs. 

 

Average Draft Position:

  • ESPN: 103.7
  • CBS: 132
  • Yahoo: 163