Norihiro

Nakamura

Nakamura will try to beat out Olmedo Saenz for a job as a right-handed bat off the bench and platoon first baseman. Working against him is that Saenz’s $650,000 salary is guaranteed and the Dodgers probably won’t carry both. It’s likely that Nakamura’s contract will contain an out clause allowing him to return to the Japan if he doesn’t make the team.

It’s assumed Nakamura will receive a minor league deal after the Dodgers won his rights through the posting system.

Nakamura will probably miss the first few exhibition games, but if he shows on Tuesday, he’ll have plenty of time to win a bench job.

Early indications are that the deal doesn’t include an out clause, meaning he will report to Triple-A Las Vegas if he doesn’t make the team. He’s probably battling Olmedo Saenz for one bench spot.

Manager Jim Tracy said Makamura’s chances of making the team would diminish if he isn’t in camp by early March. The Japanese third baseman is expected to compete with Olmedo Saenz for one roster spot.

The Dodgers weren’t expected to carry Nakamura, but with Antonio Perez struggling to adjust to third base, they may have to find a way to do it. If they cut Olmedo Saenz, they could play Nakamura at third and Perez at second versus lefties, with Jeff Kent moving to first. Saenz apparently is no longer viewed as an option at third base.

Nakamura hasn’t been especially impressive, but he still has a chance to win a job, especially since Olmedo Saenz is 0-for-9.

Nakamura was late to report because of visa problems. It’ll be a few days before he gets into a game.

Nakamura played third today. He’ll also see time at first as he attempts to win a bench spot.

After doubling in his first at-bat, Nakamura has been retired eight consecutive times. The Dodgers are worried he takes too monstrous a cut with every swing. He’s not off to a great start in his battle to win a reserve role at third base.