From 2002 to ’04, Alex Cora and Dave Roberts were two speedy, defensively sound players part of some fun, if forgettable, Los Angeles Dodgers teams. Cora started at second base and formed one of the league’s finest defensive (and weakest offensive) double play combos alongside shortstop Cesar Izturis. Roberts was a late bloomer, having played just 75 career games in Cleveland before arriving in L.A. at age 30. He lacked power, but Roberts had speed—he stole a combined 85 bases over his first two seasons as a Dodger—and an infectious clubhouse presence.
The two players occupied roster spots during a transitional period for the Dodgers.