Dodgers are just as strong without Manny

As I have mentioned before, pitching will be the main key to success to the Dodgers this season, but losing Manny Ramirez for 50 games (and the amount of time it takes for him to get used to playing) changed the look of the team. Originally seen as a strong offensive team, taking Ramirez out of the middle of the lineup truly changes the look of the lineup. Juan Pierre, although not the same kind of player Ramirez is, has been more than anyone could have expected playing everyday in left field. Ronald Belisario and Jeff Weaver have picked up the slack by allowing fewer runs so far this year.

Juan Pierre has started 15 games since Ramirez was first suspended and is batting .397 and scored 14 runs. He does not have the power that Ramirez has and won't drive in the amount of runs Ramirez is capable considering Pierre is a leadoff hitter, but he has been creating runs. He almost has a ratio of 1 run scored for each game started, which means he's a part of every game the Dodgers play. As mentioned, he's not known for power but has hit 8 doubles and one triple already, so he is not batting a soft .397, he's hitting the ball hard. Playing the way he has, it will be hard to see the Dodgers losing as much as was expected with the loss of Ramirez.

Ronald Belisario does not have a glamorous position on the Dodgers roster. He is a middle reliever and has done a very good job. Without Manny Ramirez, all of the pitchers have more pressure on them. Belisario has not looked pretty, but he has been getting the job done with a 2.75 ERA so far into this season. As a rookie, he has pitched very well on a very good team.

Jeff Weaver has been tossed from team to team over the past few years. It seems he struggles the more he pitches. So far, the Dodgers have limited him to 6 appearances with 3 starts and he's been a solid pitcher for the Dodgers. He can fill the versatile role as a spot starter and throw an inning or two out of the bullpen. Like Chan Ho Park did last year, see Jeff Weaver excel in a similar role this year.