The Most Important Dodger Player

The Dodgers’ hopes to win a World Series in 2023 hinge on a lot of things, including JD Martinez’s resurgence, J-Heys and David Peralta’s ability to come back, the pitching staff’s health, the ability of rookies to seize the day, and whether Freeman, Smith, Muncy & Betts can have All-Star Caliber years. However, nothing is more vital to the Dodgers’ hopes than Gavin Lux and his ability to play SS. This is simply because if he cannot do it at the expected level, then a lot of other changes may have to occur at other positions.

I like Gavin Lux, and I think this could be a breakout year for his bat. However, I have often questioned his ability to play SS… and I will just leave it at that. I HOPE I AM WRONG! I hope that Gavin Lux seizes the day and makes us forget Trea Turner. In case you don’t know, Trea Turner had a couple of years of experience before his age-25 season. But at 25 years old, Trea “broke out” with his first good year, hitting .271 with a .344 OB%… albeit with a .760 OPS. He hit 19 HR in 704 ABs and stole 44 bases.

In case you don’t know, Trea and Gavin are both 6′ 2″ and are both listed at 185 and 190, respectively. However, Gavin has allegedly put on 15 pounds of “muscle” over the winter. That could help in the power department as well as on defense if that translated into having a stronger throwing arm. Gavin has had a “fringy” arm in the past, which has caused him to rush his throws… sometimes to his detriment!

If his arm is stronger, then it becomes more likely that he can play the position, leaving Miguel Vargas at 2B, Muncy at 3B, and Peralta in LF (or J-Hey). It all boils down to Gavin Lux. I certainly am rooting for him; it is the perfect scenario. I also believe with his increased strength and the elimination of the shift that, Gavin will benefit immensely.

Mookie has allegedly added 8-10 pounds of muscle, and with the addition of old buddy JD Martinez, we can hope that he has another year as he did in 2018! That would be huge! At some juncture this season, I would expect to see Gavin Lux hit #1 or #2, in front or behind Mookie. Then, with Freeman at #3, JDM at #4, Max at #5, Will Smith at #6 and Miguel Vargas hitting 7th, the Dodgers will have a fearsome 1-7.

What happens at CF and LF will determine whether the Dodgers are simply “good” or potentially “great.” These are the names who will most likely determine whether the Dodgers’ #8 and #9 hitters are bad, good, or great:

• David Peralta – LF
• Jason Heyward – LF
• Chris Taylor- LF or CR
• Trayce Thompson – LF or CF
• James Outman – CF

My guess is that Outman wins the CF job, with Peralta and Heyward making the team and CT3 playing CF or LF against tough lefthanders. That’s the best-case scenario; however, if one position is a “black hole,” then Andrew Friedman will not be shy to make a trade at the deadline. We have likely not heard the last about Bryan Reynolds unless a couple of the five aforementioned players make his irrelevant. Finally, don’t forget about Mike Busch!

We are in Georgia around the Alpharetta and Cumming area, staying on Lake Lanier. We are considering buying a vacation home on the Lake. We love this area.