Just to be clear, the Dodgers’ position player roster is pretty well fixed. Barring injury (or trade), we know that these players are a lock to make the team:
- Will Smith
- Shohei Ohtani
- Freddie Freeman
- Tommy Edman
- Mookie Betts
- Max Muncy
- Michael Conforto
- Teoscar Hernandez
- Austin Barnes
- Kike Hernandez
- Chris Taylor
- Miguel Rojas
That leaves just one spot up for grabs, but before I tell you who I think it will be, let me articulate how important Chris Taylor and Kike Hernandez are to the Dodger’s depth. Both players can play all three outfield positions, and Kike can play all four infield positions. CT3 has played 2B, SS and 3B, but never 1B. Not only can they play these positions, but they can play them very well. Did you see the play Kike made in the back of third base and throw out the speedy runner? That was an elite play. The fact that Kike and Chris are so versatile gives the Dodgers a huge advantage… even if they don’t hit.
Let me also remind you that in the playoffs, Kike has hit .278 with a .353 OB% and a .874 OPS. in 86 games, while CT3 has played 80 games with a .247 BA, .351 OB% and .791 OPS. The Dodgers will be in the playoffs, and Kike and CT3 give them a huge advantage once there. Miguel Rojas can play 2B, 3B, and SS at a high level but, at age 36, is no longer an everyday player, but he is a solid contributor. Austin Barnes looks better than he has in several years. That leaves just one position left… who will it go to?
The Dodgers gave James Outman every opportunity, but with nine strikeouts in 13 at-bats, it’s clear that he has to go back to OKC. So does Hyeseong Kim – now we know why he signed at such a low rate. Andy Pages has looked better than Outman, but he really needs to play everyday at OKC. Eddie Rosario has had a couple of nice hits, but it’s probably not enough, and he can only play LF. A LH bat would be very beneficial but David Bote has seized the day. He is hitting .533 with a 1.430 OPS.
David Bote said he worked with the Dodgers hitting group to make some changes to his swing. They identified them before signing him and presented what they were seeing, and Bote agreed. Their hitting coaches were a big reason why he joined the Dodgers. He can also play every infield position.
It’s time to board the Bote and tell James that he is Out, Man! Don’t rock the Bote.
Discussion (17)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Chris Campos is fun
3:05 PM ET
Giants (80-82) (4-2)
Dodgers (98-64) (3-6)
SP Carson Seymour R
0-0 .00 ERA
SPMatt Sauer R
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
3B Chris Taylor R
DH F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
CF James Outman L
C A. Barnes R
LF E. Rosario L
2B David Bote R
SS Hyeseong Kim L
1B G. Lockwood-Powell R
80° Wind 17 mph R-L
Projecting an opening day pen, with Phillips, Kopech, Grove and Graterol recuperating…
Scott, Treinen, Yates, May, Vesia, Banda, Casparius.
I think there’s room for one more…???
Nice walk off double by Rushing, by far his best performance this spring. Still way too many strikeouts by the team. 13 more last night. Freeland, Kim, who has been about as impressive as a colonoscopy, and Will Smith, each with 2.
One more thing.
I don’t know the new definition of diversity, nor do I care.
But what I do know is 100% of everyone on this board is a passionate Dodger Fan.
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Spot on article and good takes too!
Pages and Outman are the only ones fighting for that last spot that are on the 40 man roster. It would be nice to stash Rosario in AAA if he agrees. We know AF values versatility and defense, so he will act accordingly. So I will give my vote to Bote. As for Dustin May………the swiss army knife of the staff. He could be high leverage or bulk innings or a spot start here and there. But I still think Catman deserves the 5th spot.
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I’m in The Big Apple doing the Toy Fair with my wife. http://www.showmeyourchef.com. Maybe I will post later. This is one freaking huge show @The Javits Center
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Another exciting spring debut is on tap for the Dodgers, as Roki Sasaki is set to make his first appearance in the Cactus League next Tuesday night against the Reds, manager Dave Roberts said.
First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA, MLB Network and MLB.TV (for out-of-market viewers
Sasaki will not start the spring tilt, but rather follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who’s scheduled to build up to about four innings. The plan is for Sasaki to enter the game at a predetermined time and get through at least three innings, “maybe touch a fourth,” per Roberts.
Rushing en AAA to 3b and 1b.
??????.
Six regulars in the lineup. Should be interesting.
8:05 PM ET
Angels (63-99) (3-2)
Dodgers (98-64) (2-6)
SP Yusei Kikuchi L
0-0 .00 ERA
SP Dustin May R
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
2B Tommy Edman S
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
CF E. Hernandez R
LF M. Conforto L
1B Miguel Rojas R
RF Andy Pages R
78° Wind 5 mph Out
Hey, Mark is a baseball God!!! I know more about the dodgers and mlb than all my friends put together! So it’s nice to ask questions rather than answer them all the time! Mark talked me down off the ledge about Barnes! Be interesting to see what happens with Ole Barnsie after this season. I’m hoping Rushing gets a shot and barnes retires a dodger and becomes a coach. i hope Clayton retires a dodger. But, i don’t see him ever coaching.
Bote looks to be another unexpected diamond in the rough! if he hits, he could be a so valuable! 3rd, 2nd, 1st, Rosario? i hope he doesn’t opt out. pages, outman? both going down, probably only one will ever make it back to the dodgers . I worry about Kim. how will he handle the minor league assignment? it’s obvious he’s not a major league hitter right now. hopefully he adjusts and he’s an eager learner. Max does look leaner and healthy. Maybe he could have a very good season. (.260 would sure make everyone happy!)…. Mark, if Taylor struggles early, is there any chance he gets moved or released? i know how versatile he is, he can be a big liability at the plate. So if Rosario accepts a minor league role, moving Taylor allows him a spot. He, like Bote could be a great addition….. Any updates on Clayton? Just as excited about him as any of the others!
Too many K’s from the entire team. But Bote deserves a shot. I think Kim, Pages and Outman all get sent down.
Well reasoned take.
Will be interesting for sure.
I don’t put too much stock in ST stats.
How much would Bote even play?
I think its Pages or Rosario for me.
Spot-on analysis.
I’d rather see Bote on the Dodgers bench while Pages and Outman start every day in OKC. But I could also see the brass choosing Rosario for his lefty bat and roster logistics.