May 2nd, 2012 at 9:32 am 
by Ron Cervenka Although Ned Colletti’s fate as the Dodgers’ general manager is still in question with a new Dodger ownership group now firmly in place, his off-season signing of 35-year-old veteran utility player Jerry Hairston Jr. will never be in question and could very well be remembered as one of his best signings as the Dodger GM.
On Wednesday, Hairston was named the ESPN Top Defender for April using data compiled by Baseball Info Solutions (BIS), and though this honor is not recognized by MLB as an official award, it is based on very specific sabermetric stats and certainly carries with it tremendous credibility.
During the latter part of April, Hairston made several incredible (if not impossible) plays at third base to prevent surefire runs from scoring, thus helping the Dodgers to victories that they most likely would not have otherwise had.
Perhaps some day the MLB will open its eyes and mind to officially honoring the top defensive player each month, but until they do, I’m good with the ESPN/BIS April Top Defender Award going to Jerry Hairston Jr.
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Jerry has been a good acquisition. He comes to play, gives what he can every time, and has earned more playing time. I felt from the beginning that he would be our super sub this year. We definitely have to give Ned some kudos for signing Hairston.
Those are the types of role players that help make championship teams. They aren’t up and down as some regular players seem to be. Perhaps that is because their very next start depends on the present one, unlike the regular starters. Therefore, they simply have to give their best every time. However, for Jerry Hairston and Jamey Carroll, last year, I think it is just in their makeup that they play the game the way it should be played.
WTG Jerry.
Ned made a few good signings in his time with the team, along with some bad ones and this is one of the better ones.
I think new ownership will help him if they are willing to spend big on FA and holding on to their stars like Kershaw & Ethier.
Maybe Ned will not have to go out and sign so many mediocre players. I thnk McCourt tied his hands and made it difficult for him to do his job.