Every year just before spring training starts, MLB.TV comes out with its power rankings for the year. Naturally, the rankings will change during the season depending on how the teams are playing at any given time. For our purposes, I will just stick with the top 10, Everyone else has no shot.
The Dodgers over the last several years have usually started off at either number one or close to it, but not so this year. In the first ranking of the season, they are listed at number six. There are a lot of reasons for this, mainly because of the number of key players who have departed via free agency or just being non-tendered. They lost two starting pitchers, their closer, starting centerfielder, starting shortstop, and their clubhouse leader and main third baseman in, Justin Turner. Other than signing Kershaw back into the fold, they really did not make a splash in free agency. Thus, the sixth-place standing,
The World Champion Astros are number one. They lost little and signed a very good replacement for their starting first baseman, who left via free agency, Jose Abreu of the White Sox. Their chances are still pretty good, even though they lost Jose Altuve for a couple of months with a broken hand.
A surprise to me, the Braves are listed in the two spot. They will have new players at shortstop, Arcia most likely, and catcher Sean Murphy. The rest of their lineup returns from the 2022 East Division champs. Riley at 3rd, Albies at 2nd, and Olson at 1st. The outfield is solid with Rosario, Harris II and Acuna. Looks like Ozuna will handle a lot of the DH duties. Solid first four in their rotation, Morton, Freid, Wright and Strider. Their 5th starter is yet to be named. Good arms in the pen; Iglesias should be their closer.
Number Three is the Yankees. I find this one a little interesting. First off, their starting pitching beyond Cole is very iffy. They have already lost Severino again. Montas is probably done for the year, and Carlos Rondon, their big free agent signing, has been hurting too… although he is now throwing again. Just how close he is to being ready remains to be seen. As of right now, their rotation is Cole, German, Schmidt, and who knows. Cortes is out too. The offense should not be a problem for the Yankees. Catcher and shortstop are probably their two weakest positions. Solid players everywhere else.
Four is the Mets. No surprise there. Cohen spent money like it was water. He brought in Verlander to team with Max Scherzer, then signed Japanese free agent Kodai Senga. Also, they have Carrasco, Jose Quintana, and they just signed Dylan Bundy. The offense is tough with Alonso, Lindor, McNeil, Canha, Marte, and Nimmo. They did suffer a blow when closer Edwin Diaz went down for the year with a torn ACL. But they have some solid bullpen arms.
With as much as they have spent the last year or so and the players they have acquired, I would expect the Padres to be a little higher on this list, but they come in at number five. They will not have Tatis for the first 20 games; then when he does come back, he will be playing a new position, RF, with Bogaerts taking over at shortstop. Soto will be in left, and Trent Grisham will patrol center, as long as he hits. Cronenworth moves to first, with Matt Carpenter backing him up. Kim and Cronenworth will share second, and Machado will be back at third. Nola is the primary catcher with Campusano backing him up. Slugger Nelson Cruz and Carpenter will handle the DH duties.
The Padres lost Suarez to the IL, but they have Hader and some other arms, Garcia, Hill, and Crismatt, at the backend of the pen. The Padres are going to go with a 6-man rotation. Darvish, Snell, Wacha, Martinez, and Lugo are already penciled in. They have Musgrove out with a broken toe, and Morejon is out too.
Number six is our beloved Dodgers. Some may think this is too high a ranking for a team that lost so many prime pieces of their lineup and pitching staff. But if there is one thing the Dodgers do better than any other team, it is bringing in players to fill holes. They go for low-risk, high-reward players. They lost Gavin Lux to a torn ACL but had the foresight to trade for a solid defender in Miguel Rojas. He isn’t Trea Turner with a bat, but his glovework is better. He is a contact hitter who does not strike out much. They will have two rookie offensive players, Outman and Vargas, a couple of retread outfielders, Heyward and Peralta, and a pitcher trying to rediscover his mojo, Syndergaard. A rookie in the rotation to start the year, Grove Muncy has moved across the diamond to third. Vargas takes over second, which was Lux’s home last year.
They still have some potent offensive pieces in Freeman, Betts, Smith, the new DH, JD Martinez, and from what I have seen the last week, Muncy looks like he is going to rebound nicely. Big question marks right now are Taylor and Trayce Thompson, who have both struggled this spring. The rotation looks pretty good and could get better when Gonsolin returns. The bullpen, despite not having a set closer, looks to be as good or better than last years. But it is the feeling of many that the Padres will win the division, with the Dodgers battling it out for the NL wild card.
Sliding into the seventh spot we see the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays rotation consists of Jose Berrios, Alek Manoah, Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Yusei Kikuchi and, when he gets healthy, Hyun Jīn Ryu. They are not a bad staff. Their pen has Jordan Romano as the closer, 36 saves last year. Chad Green and Tim Mayza are the lefties; Zack Pop, Anthony Bass, Yimi Garcia, and Adam Cimber round out the pen.
One area the Jays addressed this winter was getting some left-handed bats to complement their RH power guys. Springer, Guererro, Chapman, and Bissette. They picked up Daulton Varsho, Brandon Belt, and Kevin Kiermaier. They have a decent bench with Whit Merrifield and Cavin Biggio. Danny Jansen will handle the bulk of the catching duties. Playing in the tough AL East, the Jays will be tested a lot.
The NL defending champion Phillies are in the 8 slot. But right off the bat, the Phils are going to be challenged. Bryce Harper is coming back from surgery and won’t be ready on opening day. The other day, Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL and will most likely miss the season. But the Phillies made some moves this winter; the biggest one was signing top-tier SS, Trea Turner, to a long-term deal. With Hoskins down, Darrick Hall will be handed the first base job. At least to start with. He will be backed up by Bohm and Castellanos. 2nd belongs to Bryson Scott, with Josh Harrison as his backup. Turner is the SS and over at 3rd they have Bohm backed up by Sosa. The three starters in the outfield until Harper is healthy will be Schwarber in left, Marsh in center and Castellanos in right. Harper will DH when he returns, Cave is the backup to all the outfield positions.
The Phillies have a solid 1-2 punch in starters, Wheeler and Nola. After that it gets a little thin. Suarez and Walker are the 3-4 pitchers with Bailey Faller and Christian Sanchez vying for the 5th spot. Dominguez is he closer, but Kimbrel is there if he falters. Alvarado and Soto are the lefty arms in the pen. Strahm, Brogdon, and Bellatti round it out.
The Rays check in at number 9. The Rays always have a lot of roster turnover but still manage to contend. The Rays rotation will consist of, Rasmussen, McClanahan, Fleming, Elfin and Jeff Springs. Not household names, but some good arms there. Clevinger, Poche and Beeks are their lefty relievers, and other than Pete Fairbanks, a bunch of guys in the pen I have never heard of.
They lost Kiermaier to free agency, so the outfield will be Arozarena, Siri and Margot. Harold Ramirez will be the primary DH. Yandy Diaz is at first, Lowe at second, Franco, as soon as he gets over his strained quad at short and Paredes is the third baseman. I still do not think they have enough to overtake Toronto or New York.
Finally, the 10th rated team is the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners have a strong starting five, beginning with Luis Castillo, who they pried away from the Reds last year. Robbie Ray is a solid lefty arm; when he keeps the HR’s to a minimum, he usually wins. Gilbert, Kirby and Gonzalez round out the rotation. Again a team with a bullpen that does not have a lot of star power, but they have been effective.
Where Seattle needed help was offensively. They traded for Teoscar Hernandez, signed AJ Pollock to platoon in left field, they also traded for second baseman Kolten Wong. Raliegh is the catcher backed up by Tom Murphy. 1st base will be manned by Ty France. Wong at second, J Crawford is the SS, and Eugenio Suarez. Tommy La Stella is the backup infielder. With Hernandez in right, Rodriguez in center, and Kelenic and Pollock platooning in left field. Right now, I would consider them the second-best team in the AL West with the Rangers and Angels just behind.
So there you have the pre-season top ten. They will no doubt change from month to month.
Mark Timmons on “Two Dodger Losses”
The Dodgers lost two games yesterday. The OKC Dodgers lost 14-8 as Gavin Stone was beaten like a rented mule. In 2.2 IP he gave up five hits, and 6 ER, including a three-run HR by Colin Moran. Hunter Feduccioa and Luke Williams (playing SS) both hit 3-run HR, and Mike Busch was 3-5, but the pitching was non-existent.
Back at the Ravine, Dustin May looked like an Ace as he went 7 innings, and allowed just 3 hits. He looks to be fully recovered and ready to take the next step. He left with a 1-0 lead on Mookie Betts HR, but Alex Vesia soon coughed it up. Vesia had a slow start last year… having an ERA over 4.00 until he was nails. Max Muncy is snakebit, as he hit a couple on the screws, but did manage a hit. Mamma said there would be days like this. The Rookies are both hitting .333 and not looking like rookies. I am really liking David Peralta.
There is no such thing as power rankings. It’s a fiction and a figment of some writer’s imagination.
Right about now, after two games, the Dodger outfield looks pretty good.
I am liking what I am seeing.
History proves that when things look good, fans have nothing to bitch about, so they don’t post.
It’s very quiet in here!
This is what has always been expected from Dustin May. His TJ just put him behind schedule, but he can hit triple digits anytime he wants. He is a fabulous addition and the reason why the Dodgers did not and will not trade for a starter like Brynes.
Who’s this Byrnes feller to whom you refer? I don’t know any Byrnes.
U and Y are right beside each other – I make that mistake a lot. Bad fingers on my right hand.
I thoyght it was uoyr back. When do uoy get that fixed or was it already done and uoy are already yp and aboyt?
Surgery is April 24th!
And I will allegedly be up and about the same day.
Well, Vesia sucks and can’t be trusted.
Outman is now back to reality
… and the reality is he is hitting .333! 😉
Vesia should just stay home until June.
Part of me started wondering towards end of last year if Vesia has peaked and hit a excellence that was unexpected only to flame out and come back to earth as his career progressed. Only time will tell. Last night and really all spring hasn’t shown the same sharpness he had there for a awhile but that could change hopefully. I know it’s only one game and got at least somewhere around 60 more loses coming but I sure hate losing. I keep telling myself it’s only a game and letting wins and loses affect my day so much is down right silly
Look at Vesia’s 2022 by month:
March April – 0.00 ERA
May – 4.15 ERA
June – 4.22 ERA
July – 3.52 ERA
August – 0.00 ERA
September/October – 0.82
Also, Alex pitched more innings in the last two+ months than any time during the season.
In 2021, here’s the breakdown:
May – 6.52 ERA
June – 0.00 ERA
July – 0.90 ERA
August – 0.84ERA
September/October – 1.04
Relief pitchers are very fickle and can have a random bad year, but Vesia has given no indication of that. It does appear that the more he pitches, the better he pitches.
Pitching wise: two games, two similar teams.
Hitting wise: two games, two different teams.
Stone remains a stone’s throw away from the Dodgers regardless of last night.
Outman taking good routes and getting good jumps. Poised at bats. He should be a regular.
Busch was as good as Stone was bad.
Vesia was bad from his first pitch. Looked very hittable.
San Diego gives Cronenworth a 7 year contract. Had two years of control beforehand. A good move.
I suppose tonight two of three of Thompson, Heyward and Taylor be in there. Yikes!!!
I predict this lineup tonight:
1. Betts RF
2. Freeman 1B
3. Smith C
4. Martinez DH
5. Vargas 2B
6. Muncy 3B
7. Taylor LF
8. Thompson CF
9. Rojas SS
Roberts already announced Barnes is catching Kershaw tonight.
May looked great.
Muncy made solid contact.
Sometimes the bear eats you.
That was a really good picture yesterday that you used Mark. My 2 favorites.
I hope I don’t get blowback for this, but I do realize the strikeout history he has. But I would like to see Outman eventually batting first in the lineup. It’s just me but I like speed a power batting first and yes Betts fits the profile but Betts is a borderline superstar vet that I think would be best batting 4th to tap into his power there. Yes the strikeout history Outman has is problematic but I’d sure like to see this lineup against RHP and I do realize it won’t happen though:
1 Outman
2 Smith (I like him there)
3 Freeman (I still like the best overall hitter 3)
4 Betts
5 Muncy
6 Martinez
7 Peralta
8 Vargas
9 Rojas
You still maintain the L-R-L or R-L-R thing if it matters. I don’t think so personally. But it’s up to Outman if there is any slight chance it could happen. Remember Joc Pederson batting first? A lot of power, a lot of strikeouts, but nowhere near the speed of Outman.
So you’re seeing a Joc Pederson type leadoff hitter.
I’m not totally opposed to that idea; plus he’s much faster that Joc and his tummy
Yep a Joc Pederson type of leadoff hitter. If the lineup was stacked with star and superstar hitters from 1-8 and then also Outman then whatever I don’t care. But there’s another rookie, a declining in my opinion because of age Martinez, a below average hitting Rojas, an average hitting/above average hitting Peralta.
What is the rationale for hitting your best hitter third?
Not going to worry about Vesia giving up a 2 run homer when the offense sputtered all night. D-Backs Jameson shut them down pretty good. They had chances on all the walks they got and did not score. Peralta thrown out at second and then Vargas doubles on the next pitch. Ya don’t score, Ya don’t win.
Relief pitchers are very fickle and the great ones years of dominance more often than not don’t last very long which is why there’s such a turnover every year with every team and good pens are always a work in progress. And yeah Bear wasn’t familiar with Jameson. Pitched good and don’t often see relievers throw four or more that well
Last year Jameson was used exclusively as a starter, he started four games averaged six innings per start. Had a 1.48 ERA, pretty impressive and he looked that way last night
As become the norm home plate ump missed multiple calls. I’m not sure why it seems umps have become so bad at calling balls and strikes. Is it that rectangular zone box they always show now a days. I don’t know, heard a few different reasoning opinions which none make much sense
Michael, I previously discussed home plate umpiring. Some are obviously more consistent and more accurate then others. But I believe the rectangular box superimposed on the TV screen is currently a disadvantage to the HPU. They are not privy to the information theviewers have. There are 2 strike zones in play.
Each umpire has his own interpretation of the strike zone. Some widen the plate, some call either rivers, some north or south. And some make pitcher throw it in a dryer. That’s their zone. Player know it and have scouting reports on the tendencies. All they ask is consistency so the zone in the 3rd is the same as the bottom of the 9th.
The screen rectangle exposes “missed pitches” based on what’s considered the “correct “ zone. Now that umpire’s zone.
This can all be fixed with the ABS System. The technology is reportedly accurate and consistent, adjusts to players height and and take the guesswork out. Why not use it?
A pitch challenge system has been discussed instead of the ABS but the puts 2 different strike zone more into play. So the HPU has been generous all day on certain pitches off the plate. Suddenly in a critical moment , the same location is challenged and ABS says it’s a ball. 2 different being used and that just can’t work.
To me, it’s simple. Either let the HPU’s strike zone rule and take the rectangle off the TV screen OR use the ABS, which would be my preference.
To me the rectangle is just a distraction. I’d rather see where the pitch goes without it. A question – where exactly is the rectangle in relation to the plate, at the front, or mid-plate?
Anybody remember Sidd Finch? He made his debut on this date, 1985 I believe. Hardest thrower that ever lived. Short career though.
Yep, too bad he never existed
Oh he existed. In the minds of many baseball readers.
In the words of that great philosopher Mountainmover (remember him?) “if you can conceive it, there are many suckers out there who will believe it”.
I may not have that quote word for word, but it was something Ike that.
I remember him. I got his autograph. “Sidd108” I assumed the 108 stood for his fastball speed.
I even have an autographed pair of those work boots he pitched in.
Oh he existed. George Plimpton brought him to us.
So does the Easter bunny
What?
I remember that I don’t remember.
Hate to say this, nope, actually it needs to be said, way too frippen early to judge anyone’s performance or how they will do this season after two games. Martinez by his own admission is a slow starter. Lets let then get about 40 or 50 games under their belt before making any judgements. Gans have no patience, and patience is needed.
Bear, where is your patience with fans?
Same spot I put it for politicians, the toilet
So this blog should be shut down until the All-Star break to eliminate all those irritating comments by fans who want to comment about games before a “fair” sample size. Comments by all the dumbasses about Spring Training performances and any impressions for the first 81 games of the season, are way to irritating and uneducated. That must stop. The fans just need to shut up despite their interest, opinions and desire to talk about the games. Maybe we can just read stories about the old timer Dodgers and all things from back in the day. But no comments about anything before July, please. It’s just way too early.
I like it.
I worry that Martinez is one day older than he was yesterday.
We might have to do that!
I get it Phil. I really do, and Yep, they are entitled to bitch moan, complain and do what ever they want, but I am also entitled to voice my opinion that their opinions suck at this point in time. 2 games?? Cmon man, anyone who gripes after two games is a couple slices short of a loaf.
Nice to see FORMER Dodger Joc P. hit one out against the Yanks. Sorry !!!
Don’t be sorry. A homerun in Yankee Stadium has to be fun.
Yeah I’d much prefer that rectangular box not be shown and I definitely understand different umps have different zones but when a ball is three or four inches off and still gets called a strike it’s to much or when a pitch is wide a inch gets called one way, two innings later gets called other way. Truthfully I can’t make up my mind which I’d prefer, the human element that I like a lot or the accuracy that would come with ABS. Also think it’s kinda fun seeing fans myself included getting bent out of shape over that call or the other, at same time bad calls in crucial moments shouldn’t have a affect on outcome of game of course my thoughts mean nada so leave it to powers that be and enjoy this beautiful game I love so much either way
According to this the plate ump last night miss 7 pitches 4 balls and 3 strikes.
umpscorecards.com/single_game/?game_id=718765
According to this the plate umpire missed 7 pitches 4 balls and 3 strikes.
umpscorecards.com/single_game/?game_id=718765
The box really doesn’t help.
Belli 0-4 today. If he doesn’t start hitting it’s bye-bye Belli.
Boras did his magic and Cubs fooled by the prestidigitation.
9:10 PM ET
Diamondbacks (1-1)
Dodgers (1-1)
SP M. Bumgarner L
0-0 .00 ERA
SP Clayton Kershaw L
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
DH J. Martinez R
3B Max Muncy L
LF Chris Taylor R
2B M. Vargas R
CF T. Thompson R
SS Miguel Rojas R
C A. Barnes R
Clear-day
0% Rain
64° Wind 8 mph Out
I have a feeling that Thompson is gonna have a great game tonight.
I just found out about the 3- attempt pick off rule, awarding second base. You gotta be sh*tting me. Sounds more like something for girls softball, not MLB.
I love it! It speeds up the game.
When does Heyward play? Does he get an occasional DH against a righty? Why is Smith not our DH tonight? If Martinez is such a slow starter then give him starts on the bench
I can only answer one thing: If you want to see JDM get untracked, he has to play.
Well that didn’t take long. Outman is being platooned. What’s Thompson going to do against LHP that Outman can’t do? Better yet is Thompson going to do better? What a shame Doc.
While I’m at it, why isn’t Smith DHing?
You are really not serious, right?
About what? Thompson? Yes I am serious.
This is a situation that has to play out over about 50+ games. James Outman can win that job outright, but it won’t happen today… maybe in May.
How is he suppose to win it when he’s being platooned?
Nevermind I don’t care the answer is obvious.
Baseball is a long game because it is a long season.
So many fans look at one game and act like it’s a whole season. They get sky-high on wins and “bottom of the ocean low” on losses.
What a miserable existence!
One game means very little. Dustin May’s game was great last night, but can he keep it up?
Gavin Stone got smoked. He’s a bum. No he is not!
Stop the knee-jerk reactions! When I read some of this stuff, it’s like someone tattooed “Moron” on their forehead!
Quit playing checkers when everyone else is playing chess!
Per OKC manager Travis Barbary, we’re going to see Michael Busch work in quite a bit at 1B & 3B. Ideally will play him at a certain position for 3 straight days so he’s not always bouncing around.
First base makes no sense! His best chance to play this year is LF if Peralta falters
That’s what I was thinking Cassidy. Maybe even 2B if Vargas was brought up a year too early.
Eric is rooting against Vargas (yes, you really are) because he likes JO better, but I guarantee you that it is more likely Outman ends up in OKC this year than Vargas. I don’t think that either will go back, for the record. As Freddie Freeman said about Vargas, “He has a special hit tool.”
I’m not rooting against him. I’m not going any further except I have a bridge I want to sell you (do you believe everything that you hear).
Can I post-date a check?
Team-mates say good things about other team-mates, that’s just how it is.
Freeman has never propped up anyone before? Freeman is supposed to say bad things about a team-mate? Freeman has never been wrong before? Freeman has never lied before? Freeman is God? I have a bridge to sell you.
This isn’t me rooting against Vargas.
If Freeman said the same about Outman and/or Smith I’d ignore it. I’m not stupid. Not saying you are.
Left-hander Robbie Ray has been placed on the Mariners’ 15-day injured list due to a left flexor strain.
2024 –
C- Smith – R
1B – Freeman – L
2B – Vargas – R
SS – Rojas – R
3B – Busch – L
DH – Muncy – L
LF – Lux/Pages – L/R
CF – Outman – L
RF – Betts – L
Bench – Barnes, LeDuca, Leonard (where’s Taylor?)
C Smith
1B Freeman
2B Betts
SS Lux
3B Muncy
LF Vargas
CF Outman
RF Pagés
DH Busch
Bench:
Feduccia
CT3
Rojas
Avans
It appears that dumbasses like me who were not enamored with Trayce Thompson are idiots!
Bradley,
You can have Mad Bum!
He looked awful today the Rangers can have him Mad Bum. LOL. Thompson three homers but can he keep that up. If he does how about Thompson in LF and Outman in Centerfield on some nites.
Eric: maybe Doc is not such a dummy. Small sample but grand slams are nice.
Maybe Martinez should sit next to Vargas and get pointers on how to swing at strikes. Vargas is looking relaxed and comfortable at the plate. Nice start for Thompson.
Why does Kershaw continue to pitch to Walker?
Walker owns him. He should have just dotted him as MadBum did to Max.
I like the way you are thinking. Go Big D and put one in his ear.
I don’t want to kill him – I just would drill him in the back or butt!
No, I don’t want to see anyone get drilled in the head. It is a phrase I grew up with when playing that meant to throw one up and in to put them on their ass. Not to actually hit them.
I get it. I do the same thing!
He came in out of the strike zone. But it looked like an 89 mph fastball. Walker can get around on that. That same pitch a foot higher is where to go on him. High and tight, low and away.
Yeah, when Christian walks up to the plate, Kershaw should look at the back of his uniform and think Walk-em instead of Walker
Other than the obligatory home run to Walker, Kershaw is looking damn sharp
When we trade fot “Bum”gardner, should we not pitch him in the regular season and just save him for the playoffs?
Why in the world is Trayce Thompson on this team?!!!
Well Thompson’s looking good. It’s a long season though and we’ll never know I guess.
The Naysayers are speechless!
LOL. You wish.
We all wish for that.
Did I mention Kershaw look sharp tonight?
I know it was Arizona, but still, he was paintin
He’s washed up like Thompson!
Arizona is much improved… albeit a .500 team.. at best!
Well, I guess JDM answered my question about why wasn’t Smith the DH tonight
Well, I thought Trayce might be the first to go. Now it is Heyward.
This is why I love baseball, yay baseball.
We all know nothing
Trace Thompson must read this blog.
“AAA my ass, you old fogies.”
If the computers said Thompson should start then put him in LF instead of Taylor. I’d rather have Taylor starting (permanently) at SS instead of Rojas. Platoon Peralta with Thompson and give SS to Taylor. There’s your extra infielder.
Doc’s not going to go for that though.
That is why you are not managing the team. That is why none of us are managing the team. They have more information and stats than any of us, plus they talk to the players each and everyday so they know their mind set., I learned all I needed to know about Thompson when I listened to Kersh’s post game interview. He said Trayce is one of the hardest workers on the team. That is all I need to know. The guy works his ass off. It is not an easy game to play. Taylor has more power the Rojas, but he is no where near his defensive equal, and the Dodgers value that defense.
Eric,
Because Doc and AF are much smarter than that.
You are still playing fantasy baseball and it is a popularity contest.
Eric,
Computers don’t talk, in case you don’t know.
What is the object of the game?
Win!
Look at the scoreboard!
But you are just looking at the lineup. That is beyond silly.
A lot of us, myself included, weren’t expecting much from Trayce. He’s a 32-year-old journeyman coming off a Cinderella season and figured to regress to journeyman status after a weak spring. The Dodgers have one too many outfielders, and he seemed like the most expendable.
Then he goes and hits 3 HRs and collects 8 RBIs, earning the curtain call. Plus, the slam came off of MadBum, a lefty. And Trayce has struggled against lefties.
Well, he’s certainly messing up my grand scheme to package him with a pitcher to get Ramon Urias from the O’s. (The O’s may be looking for an outfielder after that guy dropped that pop-up that should have ended the game–but instead led to the walk-off HR for the Red Sox.)
After Trayce’s epic game, it was interesting to read Kershaw praise him as one the hardest working players he knows, and Barnes talking about him being shy. This might help explain some of the negative comments from some Dodger fan Youtubers who said he seemed to avoid interviews. Maybe he’s just shy.
Roberts says Trayce’s 3-HR game has earned him another start tomorrow. I’d love to see him in a platoon with Peralta is LF, with Outman getting full-time work in CF. It’s way too early, of course, but Heyward now seems to be the most expendable outfielder. (Could the Dodgers package Heyward to the Orioles? That’s a team that could use some of that “veteran presence” stuff.)
Someone mentioned the possibility of Taylor starting ahead of Rojas. I prefer Rojas’ defense to Taylor’s offense. I might prefer Rojas’s offense too, at least until Taylor fixes his strikeout problem.
A couple other things to like about this game:
–Kersh was Kersh, making it three strong starts to begin the season, following Urias and May. The pitching looks very good.
–Vargas picked up another two walks. That’s seven in 3 games. Perhaps he should start every spring with orders not the swing, but just work on pitch recognition. Maybe Taylor could try that too.