In what is a clear move that Manager Grady Little is fed up with the play of unproductive third baseman Wilson Betemit, Little just announced that first baseman Nomar Garciaparra will be making the move to third base, and could debut there as early as Friday at home against the Padres, a move that was first reported by the PE.com Dodgers blog.

The move is made easier by the play of James Loney, who is hitting very well and also very very solid defensively.

Little said the move is likely permanent, as he would not move Garciaparra to third as simply a part-time thing. Nomar could also see time at first, but it appears this move is to stay.

Garciaparra is taking ground balls at third base as we speak. He last played the position in 2005 while with the Chicago Cubs. But as a natural shortstop, the move should be fairly easy for him.

"The primary factor is winning games," Little said.