The Dodgers’ bench was not really very good last year. Matt Beaty hit .270 with a .363 OB% and was a solid role player (204 ABs). So was Austin Barnes, not so much for his bat, but for his defense and game-calling skills. Zach McKinstry, DJ Peters, Luke Raley. Sheldon Neuse, Billy McKinney, and Zach Reks could not jump out of a boat and hit water. Gavin Lux was simply OK. This year, I expect Gavin Lux to take a step forward. If the Dodgers do not make any big acquisitions, Gavin Lux and Chris Taylor will likely share 2B.
I would not be surprised if Zach McKinstry is traded or DFA’ed. Luke Raley is also a possibility for a 4th outfielder – all he has to do is improve his game (easier said than done). The Dodgers signed 29-yer-old RH batter Hanser Alberto to play everywhere, which he can do. He has played every position in the Majors except C and CF. He doesn’t walk much. In his only full season in 2019, (550 appearances) he walked just 16 times and only struck out 50 times. BTW, he hit .305 that year! He hits LH pitching better than RH pitching. He has .286 BA against LHP.
LH speedster, James Outman, who can play all three outfield positions has a real shot of being the 4th outfielder. He should have a leg up on the competition because of his ability to play all three outfield positions very capably and his speed. Speed kills! But, he needs to hit a little as well. There are other possibilities:
- Stefen Romero – He is a 6-2 RH outfielder and second basemen, who last played in MLB in 2016. He spent 6 seasons in Japan, when he had 4 years of 20+ home runs. In his best season, he hit .307 with a .370 OB% and a .928 OPS. I do not expect him to make the team, but stranger things have happened.
- Edwin Rios – Before he got injured and missedmost of the season last year, the Dodgers were very high on him, The 6′ 3″ LH batter has 174 ABs in the majors and has hit 13 HR. He has “light tower power” and worked very hard to “makeover” his body and transform his defense. He can play 1B, 3B and, of course, DH. He will be 28 in a couple of weeks and will be given every opportunity to earn a spot. You can’t help but root for him. He has worked extremely hard to improve his game. He could be a big asset for the Dodgers’ bench.
- Justin Yurchak – Justin Yurchak is still with the Dodgers probably because the Rule 5 Draft was cancelled due to the lockout. He is a 25-year-old LH hitter with below average power, but who is a stone-cold hitter. He hit .365 in AA last year and has a career minor league average of .321 with a .412 OB%. Originally in the Chicago White Sox organization, Yurchak was dealt to the Dodgers in November of 2018 in exchange for Manny Bañuelos. Once in the Dodgers’ Organization, Justin said this: “The White Sox do it well, but the Dodgers are a little bit more analytical. I’ve had a little more video and technology to help me progress, to go through the progressions needed to improve.” He only plays 1B (or DH) and is a LH version of Alberto. Alberto and Yurchak would make a nice DH platoon with little power!
Right about now, this is what my projection is for the Dodgers’ position players:
- Catcher: Smith
- 1B: Muncy
- 2B: Lux, Taylor
- SS: T. Turner
- 3B: J. Turner, Rios
- LF: Pollock
- CF: Bellinger
- RF: Betts
- Utility: Barnes, Outman, Alberto
That’s thirteen(13) position players, but there are always surprises, trades, or Free Agent signings, which brings me to a player… actually a minor league player, whom I think has an excellent chance of making the Dodgers team THIS SEASON! That is Miguel Vargas and he is our featured minor league player today.
Minor League Profile: Miguel Vargas
I put Miguel Vargas in rare air. I think he can be a major league player for a long period of time and even play at an All-Star Level. Miguel has ultra-quick soft hands and hits with power to all fields. Vargas is from Cuba where his father, Lazaro Vargas, played for the Cuban National team. Miguel signed with the Dodgers in 2017, and flat-out possesses the best hit tool in the entire Dodgers system. He ended 2021 with the third-most hits in all of Minor League Baseball and hi slash line looked like this: .319 AVG / .380 OBP / .526 SLG, 23 HR, and 11 SB.
Like a cobra ready to strike, Miguel stands very still in the box… almost motionless, just waiting to pound the baseball. Then suddenly, he explodes onto the ball with greased lightning in his hands. Almost effortlessly, Miguel hits the ball with authority to all fields. His follow-thru is a thing of beauty and I have watched him get better, much better every year.
He can play first, second, and third base and could probably even play a corner outfield spot… but maybe not great at any spot. Last season between high-A and double-A, Vargas posted a .319/.380/.526 slash line with 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Vargas now has his “man body”, which has led to a big power surge. He has also focused on hitting the ball to the opposite field and now is able to see the pull-side home run power play out more. He has a strong arm with good carry and accuracy, and he throws with little effort. He doesn’t have a cannon, but it is a plus arm. Additionally, he speaks English very well:
A few home runs by Vargas last season:
Maybe you can see why I am so high on Miguel Vargas. I think he will make his MLB debut by the All-Star Break… maybe before then, and while I believe he will eventually be an All-Star, he also has the ability to be a superstar if he taps all his potential… and the stars align. I think his best position is like Mike Busch: Hitter!
More Dodger News
- The Sandy Koufax statue will be unveiled in the Centerfield Plaza prior to the club’s June 18 game against the Indians, ‘er… Guardians.
- Adrián González, Eric Karros, Jessica Mendoza, José Mota and Dontrelle Willis have been added to the SportsNet LA broadcast and studio teams, the AM 570 LA Sports radio broadcast and the Spanish broadcast on KTNQ 1020 AM. The five will join the current broadcast lineup of Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrín, Joe Davis, Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, Charley Steiner, Rick Monday, Nomar Garciaparra, Pepe Yñiguez, Jerry Hairston Jr., John Hartung, Tim Neverett and Kirsten Watson. Wow, that’s a lot of firepower. I am just not a fan of Jessica Mendoza.
Discussion (36)
Disagree, not disagreeable
6/162 is not a bad deal. Now trade for Montas or some other starter, and they are set. Lux and Taylor will be the heart of the bench. Daniel Norris, no relation, signs with the Cubs. Billy McKinney, one of AF’s swing and misses, signed a minor league deal with the A’s. Don’t worry Quas, no way that POS ever plays for the Dodgers. Besides, they have the # 2 rated SS in the majors in Trea.
I’m okay with Freeman but if Correa comes to Dodgers I’ll be done with Baseball. So hopefully Cubs pick up that jerk.
Freeman and Dodgers done deal. 6 years, 162 mil.
I can live with 6 and $162m.
When the number seemed to be north of $200m. I was a hard NO.
We can live with this.
Best lineup in baseball.
Freddie to Dodgers!
6/162
As of 10:23 Morosi and Rosenthal both reporting Freeman to the Dodgers as they are deep into talks. Looks like #5 this year will be the 2020 MVP, Freddie Freeman. Dodgers will have 4 former MVP’s on the team, Kersh, Betts, Bellinger and Freeman. No other team has that kind of star power.
If the Giants win the WS this year then Joc is gonna make a lot more than 6 mil next year!
Done deal. Freddie no longer a free man! He’s a Dodger! Just like Mark said!
Wow, Rosenthal says deal is in the 6/160 range.
That’s a GREAT price if true.
Watched a video of Gonsolin pitching to Beaty, Rios, Lux and Smith today and Rios absolutely got a hold of one. Looked like an effortless swing. Beaty, Lux and Smith failed to square anything up.
I’ve always loved Rios. I’m sure pulling for this guy to be the hitter he was in the minors. Even with a bad shoulder, the year before last he had some of the highest exit velocities.
RF Betts R
1B Freeman L
SS Turner R
CF Belli L
C Smith R
2B Muncy L
DH JT R
3B Rios L
LF Pollock R
Best lineup in baseball. All having career years of course.
Bueller, Urias, Kershaw, Bauer, Price. Again, career years.
I’m drooling over this team.
Dodgers and Freeman deep in talks on a deal that could guarantee around $150mil – Jon Morosi
A lot of the dust has settled… for sure or reportedly… as we await Freddie’s decision.
Joc to Giants. (Really the hometown team for a Palo Alto kid. Congrats to Joc.) Bryant to Rockies. Suzuki to Cubs. Schwarber to… Phillies? Pretty sure that’s right… . Castellanos is still out there–best suited to DH– but I don’t see him as a Dodger.
I’m forgetting some stuff, perhaps because I’m bummed about Chapman going to the Jays.
Big-ticket trade rumors may now shift to Cleveland’s Ramirez, who would be a great fit for Dodgers but cost a lot more than Chapman. So I think that’s doubtful…
Say it ain’t so, Joc. Say it ain’t so….
“I’m confident in David in any role,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Just the stroke this spring is a grade and a half better than it was coming into last spring. I think he’s healthy and expect him to be even better than he was last year.”
I guess Price is going to be good again this year!
Joc to Giants, that should be fun all year.
dodgerpatch comment above:
I agree we shouldn’t match that offer
I also think that Tom Dung ESPN has nothing whatever to do with ESPN and that it’s a phony twitter acct. Has anyone here ever heard of the guy?
Dodgers just announced their schedule for give aways. 13 bobblehead nights. Including, Wills, Drysdale, Hodges, Gibson, May, Taylor, Trea Turner, Betts, Kershaw, Smith. Wills, Gibson, Hodges will be on nights designated for Legends of Dodger baseball. The other two are Walker Buehler and Bellinger.
Well so much for Kris Bryant as an alternative to Freeman, Rockies just signed him.
Dodgers 2022 interleague opponents
Team Location Dates
Twins Minnesota April 12-13
Tigers Dodger Stadium April 29-May 1
White Sox Chicago June 7-9
Angels Dodger Stadium June 14-15
Guardians Dodger Stadium June 17-19
Angels Anaheim July 15-16
Twins Dodger Stadium August 9-10
Royals Kansas City August 12-14
Is FF worth it for 6/215?
If that’s what’s on the table then I think it’s adios to FF.
https://twitter.com/TomDungESPN/status/1504189078144622598?s=20&t=f_mSMejxaCONPHEPP3rZZw
MLB has released its revised schedule for 2022. #Dodgers open on the road in Colorado April 8. Home opener v what’s left of the Reds on April 14. DHs May 17 and Sept. 20 vs DBacks. Season ends with six-game series vs. Rockies in LA Sept. 30-Oct. 5
Greinke just signed with the Royals for one year, 13 mil with 2 mil in incentives. Going back to his roots.
FF joining MM and TT and JT. That works for me!
Freddie Freeman just tweeted a long thank you and good bye to Atlanta fans and his former teammates.
I”m thinking the decision comes pretty soon now?
Gotta admit, a part of me is hoping Freeman signs with the Rays.
Both for the Rays and for the reactions.
I thought it was funny that the A’s got Neuse back.
Our rotation looks as good this year at this time as it was last year at this time. Remember, most were talking about Urias remaining in the pen.
Hanser Alberto is Donovan Solano. He’s the kind of hitter we needed for the bench.
The bench looks pretty damn good to me if they sign Freeman. CT3, Lux, Rios, Alberto, Beaty. These guys could be starters on worse teams.
I think JT’s got enough glove for the upcoming season if they rest him enough in the DH spot. Rios and CT3 will handle the defense over there just fine, but they aren’t going to be Chapman or Arenado.
I can’t recall Friedman ever trading for an elite arbitration eligible player, then locking him up immediately to a long term deal.
Reds just traded Garrett for Mike Minor???? What? Bad trade. Sheldon Neuse claimed off waivers by the A’s. Good riddance. Have fun with the A’s who will be lucky to win 50 games.
Are the Dodgers even at least contemplating a trade for one of the A’s pitchers?
Well, shoot… My hopes for a true multiplayer blockbuster with the A’s have been dashed as Billy Beane traded Matt Chapman to the Jays for four prospects. Make than ANOTHER four, as he had a similar deal for Olson, and also got prospects from the Mets for Chris Bassitt.
If this trend continues, perhaps Beane will take a couple of prospects for Manaea or Montaz, both of whom are much younger than Bassit and either of whom could slot nicely into the Dodgers rotation. Or perhaps AF could shop with the Reds for Castillo. Or… ???
All the chatter has suggested that another SP is a priority.
Right now the only rotation locks are Buhler, Urias and Kershaw. A big question mark hovers over Bauer, and that leaves Gonsolin, Heaney, White and Jackson–and then Pepiot and Miller with a chance as well. For most teams that would be ample, but it seems the AF wants more….
Could it be that he already has other plans for Bauer? I think the answer to that is, “No comment.”
Chapman’s superb glove would have been nice. With Trea moving to his natural position at SS–that’s a plus– my concern is JT and his backups are trending negative with the glove. Moving JT to DH most of the time would be nice. At any rate, we should know soon whether Freddie is coming over…
It will be interesting to see what a healthy McKinstry, Rios and Bellinger can do this year. If we sign FF then can Vargas play a decent enough third base next year? That’s a big position of need. Either that or left field
To be truthful, the Dodger bench sucked big time. Tio Albert brought a little something when he came over, and he had some very timely pinch hits. McKinstry was fine until he got hurt. McKinney, Raley, and the rest were beyond pitiful.
A’s traded Chapman to the Jays. Schwarber signed with the Phillies. Braves re-signed Rosario. Hanser Alberto? I am not impressed. The stream it was linked to is a post by MLB Insider at about 7:50 this morning on twitter saying that Freeman is going to announce he signed with the Dodgers. But just to be truthful, the same thing has been posted by MLB Insider many times over the last four days. Dodgers signed Shane Greene to a minor league deal.
I think it is 5 years/$85 million.
https://twitter.com/1MLBinsider/status/1504092682079162368?t=XGa6Xvr7MaIwsNKBZIBNwg&s=19
The rumor mill suggests it’s a 6-year deal.
I suppose even if it becomes a dead weight contract the last two years the Dodgers can try to unload it like they did with Kemp.
Losing Edwin Rios hurt last year, but the overall performance of the bench was a swing and a miss by Friedman. I think Farhan is missed here. He is the best at overturning stones to find nuggets.
Alex Anthopoulis is another former Dodger exec who made a great move trading for and locking up Olson. It was Friedmanesque.
Toronto was alleged to be a player for Freeman, but now they’re out. Seems like it’s the Dodgers and the Red Sox.
Thanks Mark – great song ! I want that bench, where did you get that pic ?