Double Standard

Posted By on March 21, 2026

Even before Andrew Friedman was hired as President of Baseball Operations, I had called for the hiring of someone like him. When he was hired, I supported it from day one with a level of excitement that I had never felt. Immediately, I was attacked by morons who shall remain nameless. I have rarely second-guessed anything he does, for two reasons:

  1. It is usually well-thought-out and grounded in a readily comprehensible strategy, and
  2. Second-guessers are never wrong because they get their information after the fact.

What I am about to say is not second-guessing, and I know the answer to half of the question. The second half of the question is what looks like a double standard to me. Let me explain. Roki Sasaki is making the Dodgers opening day roster as a starter, while ALEX FREELAND IS NOT! Now, in full disclosure, Alex is my favorite Dodger, and I seldom have favorites, but Alex is because of his backstory: He went from a kid not expected to walk well to an MLB SS! That inspires me.

Alex Freeland could have hit his way onto the roster this season – he didn’t! In 39 ABs, he hit .100 with a .288 OB% and a pathetic .442 OPS. Of course, he didn’t deserve a spot, especially since his competition was 32-year-old Santiago Espinal, who, in 36 ABs, hit .389 with a 1.027 OPS. Clearly, on the face, Espinal won! Except that he has no place or future with the Dodgers – he is just a placeholder until Tommy Edman or Kike Hernandez come back.

Alex Freeland has always struggled as he changed levels, but has learned to play up to his competition. He will not be a star, most likely, not even a starter – he’s a utilityman… and he’s a ballplayer. He’s a Junkyard Dog… and I think he would have risen to his level.

Andrew Friedman obviously has his reasons. Maybe we will find out… maybe not. However, it is a double standard when Alex Freeland, with a .100 batting average, doesn’t make the roster, but Roki Sasaki, with a 13.50 ERA and an inability to string two good innings as a starter, does make it… and I understand the double standard.

The difference is that Roki Sasaki is a mental midget (at his worst), or mentally fragile (at his best). The Dodgers are afraid of breaking Roki’s spirit. They know that Alex Freeland has an indomitable spirit. The only way you break Alex is to kill him. I said I knew the answer, and I hope that both players reach their potential, but I have to ask myself, “who was the last weak-minded player I remember with the Dodgers”?

It was Thor, Noah Syndergaard. How did that end up?

Top 10 Rotations

The Athletic named their Top 10 Rotations in baseball:

  1. Dodgers
  2. Mariners
  3. Phillies
  4. Red Sox
  5. Tigers
  6. Pirates
  7. Yankees
  8. Brewers
  9. Blue Jays
  10. Mets

This article has 74 Comments

  1. One reason that Sasaki makes the Opening Day roster as a starter is that the front office promised him last October that if he would relieve in the World Series, he would be a starter come Opening Day in 2026. Now his results thus far this Spring have been fair to poor and AF has stated that his results going forward will likely keep him in the rotation or not,if NOT the Dodgers have may options to fill that role. As stated many times, the season will be played any way the Dodgers choose to do so. So a few bad starts by Sasaki will not hurt the chances of them making the playoffs. My attitude is to give him a chance and his fate is in his hands.

  2. I don’t believe either of them earned a spot, but Roki can at the least contribute a more meaningful benefit to the team in a position that is much harder to fill. Roki, coming from the BP a few times a week for 1-2 innings, is head and shoulders better than the time that Freeland might see in the lineup as a starter, let alone as a utility guy. I do disagree with having Roki in the starting rotation, but his lease is longer because he’s getting paid a decent check.

    I have also been saying that the issue with Roki is his mental fragility, as it takes very little to get him off the rails.

  3. Saying Freeland is your favorite Dodger is quite a statement. I get it, but that’s a pretty far limb. (Mine is Smith btw and has been for a while.)

    I think Espinal showed a little more than the stats reflected. His defense looked at least as good as Freeland’s and he evidently fit in, whether through his friendship with Teo or his Rojas dopplegangerdom.

    Espinal can help us win games right now. Freeland can help us win games later. Normally I would be upset too–Hurt has a case as well–but I’m okay with it.

    As for Roki, we’re polishing the raw stone in hope it eventually shines

    1. Well, I seldom have a favorite player. I just like Freeland’s impossible dream.

      When people were saying he might never walk, he was dreaming of playing in the Majors.

      “When you see the invisible, you can do the impossible.” — The Mountain Mover

      “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” ― T.E. Lawrence

      I must confess, I am a Daytime Dreamer!

  4. Mark,are you referring to Bobby Miller? You have to say that Roki was strong enough mentally to come thru for us big time in the playoffs and World Series as a reliever. Coming to a new country and culture is tough for anyone to survive. He is still young and has the backing of both Ohtani and Yamamoto to help him develop and grow.

    2. The performance from Roki in the WS was awesome, and it’s a reason why I believe he’s better for the BP, but that moment has dissipated, as seen in ST. I’d rather see a few more moments like the WS appearance to show his confidence with consistency and then stretch him out innings-wise to starter. I’m not basing anything on ST or his WS display, as one is obvious and one a possible fluke of a moment.

      1. I root for every Dodger, and if Roki can go four or five innings, then GREAT! If he can’t, then he needs to accept his fate. River should be rolling in the rotation, too, but he has so few innings that they will likely keep him at OKC for a while. His stuff is “otherworldly.”

  6. 2:05 PM ET

    Athletics (76-86) (16-14)
    Dodgers (93-69) (19-8)

    SP Jacob Lopez L
    0-0 .00 ERA
    SP Emmet Sheehan R
    0-0 .00 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup
    LF Alex Call R
    1B S. Espinal R
    C D. Rushing L
    2B A. Freeland S
    3B Nick Senzel R
    SS Hyeseong Kim L
    RF J. Suwinski L
    CF Jaron Elkins R
    DH K. Lindsey R

    91° Wind 3 mph R-L

    Today is the Dodgers last Spring Training game in Arizona. They play three more exhibition games starting tomorrow with the Angels in Anaheim,then two at Dodger Stadium. They open the season next Thursday at Dodger Stadium against Arizona.

  7. Today Saturday, getaway day for the MLB team, the Dodgers Spring Breakout prospects will face off against the Chicago White Sox prospects at 9:05 PM ET on the MLB NETWORK.

    Here is the Dodgers spring breakout roster:

    Left-handed pitchers (4): Maddux Bruns, Cody Morse, Zach Root, Adam Serwinowski

    Right-handed pitchers (4): Cam Day, Payton Martin, Marlon Nieves, Christian Zazueta

    Catchers (2): Francisco Espinoza, Victor Rodrigues

    Infielders (7): Moises Bolivar, Chase Harlan, Elijah Hainline, Kellon Lindsey, Emil Morales, Joendry Vargas, Logan Wagner

    Outfielders (10): Charles Davalan, Josue De Paula, Zach Ehrhard, Kendall George, Zyhir Hope, Eduardo Quintero, Mike Sirota, James Tibbs III, Brendan Tunink, Landyn Vidourek

  8. Two entirely different positions and scenarios. Freeland got more than an ample opportunity to become a platoon partner with Kim. In a simple parlance, he blew it. By the end of spring training, he showed no confidence at the plate whatsoever. As for Kim, I personally don’t think he earned a job in the starting rotation either, but he earned a shot at it because of his performance in the playoffs and World Series last year. About the only reason he got the nod over Stone or Ryan, is because they are both coming back from surgery’s and will be slow played by the Dodgers, the same way they slow played Ohtani and others the last several seasons. They are deep enough where they do not have to rush things. Just like Wrobleski will most likely get a slot because of Snell not being ready. I may not agree with some of the decisions made by the front office, but they are working with more knowledge than I.

  9. Chris Taylor opted out of his deal with the Angels and was released. Austin Slater released by the Tigers. Walker Buehler was selected by the Padres and is in their rotation with Pivetta, King, Marquez, and Randy Vazquez. Musgrove on the IL< Waldron with be on the IL and Darvish will miss the entire season. Yankees sent Jasson Dominguez to the minors. Most of the Dodger regulars have already left Arizona for LA.

  10. I don’t understand the seemingly outsized value “making the opening day roster” has.

    Obviously there’s a financial benefit to being a major leaguer contra a minor leaguer, but Freeland, Ryan, et al are all going to be up at some point.

  11. It’s like a steak at Gwen and a steak at Denny’s!

    The average price of a ticket to a Dodgers baseball game in 2026 is about $131
    The average price of a ticket to a Angels baseball game in 2026 is about $71
    fun with numbers

    2. Cheaper to fly to Miami Tampa Philly or Baltimore, eat some great food, and watch a 3 game Dodgers series for about $25 a seat. Probably total trip cost is about the same as watching 3 games in Dodger stadium.

  12. Lucas Wfpt not only can’t spell his last name, but also the moron can’t pitch as he walked in 5 consecutive runs. His pitches weren’t even close!

    Me? I would have started drilling guys, but I doubt he has the control to do that.

    I mean, he can’t even spell his own name. Damn!

  13. Perhaps Freeland has succeeded at every level because he has had the opportunity to play.
    If he was promoted to The Show now, he mostly would ride the pine and not make progress.
    The Dodgers like veteran UT guys–Rojas, Edman, Kike and now Espinal –who are essentially finished products and understand their role.
    I hope Freeland gets plenty of reps this season in OKC, including action in the OF. He’ll be ready for the ’27 season when Miggy, Kike and Espinal are unlikely to be around.

  14. Didn’t half of Roki’s family die in the earthquake and tsunami a few years ago? Yet he was a professional inJapan, and came over here, giving up a chance to get many millions more than he did if he waited a few years… cause he wanted to pitch in the big leagues. Against the best in the world. Doesn’t sound like a mental midget to me. But yeah, every major has leaguer has to be perfect, right out of the gait… baloney.

    1. Let’s give the 24 year old Sasaki a chance. How many us here could go to Japan at age 24 and succeed at whatever career at the time we were pursuing? The answer is None of us.Without him I doubt we win the 2025 playoffs and eventually the World Series.

    2. Yes, I think that was a totally uncalled for knock by our self appointed baseball psychologist.

    3. Yes, I think that was a totally uncalled for knock by our self appointed baseball psychologist.

      1. Maybe you see something I don’t. I don’t see with my heart. I see with my eyes, and while I see an excellent reliever, I do not see anything remotely close to a starter.

        If you think reporting what you see is a “knock,” then I am knocking him…. according to you.

        However, I think your definitions are a little fishy!

  15. Zach Root 3IP 1H 0BB 8K 53 pitches 31 strikes Dodger’s 1st round pick in the 2025 First Year Player’s Draft (40th overall pick)

  16. Fabian Ardaya
    @FabianArdaya
    Not that it should register as much of a surprise, but Emmet Sheehan said he’s been told he will be a starter to open the year. Not official what day he will start in the opening homestand.

  17. From AI:

    The family history of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is deeply tied to his resilience following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Born in Rikuzentakata, Iwate, his life was profoundly changed by this natural disaster when he was just nine years old.

    Family Tragedy and Relocation
    The 3/11 Disaster: In March 2011, a massive tsunami destroyed his family’s home.
    Loss of Family: Roki lost his father, Kota Sasaki, and his paternal grandparents in the tsunami. His father had been working at a funeral parlor just blocks from their home when the waves struck.
    Survival: Roki, his mother, and his two brothers survived by reaching higher ground. They initially lived in a nursing home before relocating to the nearby city of Ofunato in 2012.
    Mother: His mother, who raised him and his brothers as a single parent after the disaster, has been a central figure in his life and career.
    Siblings: Roki has two brothers, named Ryuki and Reiki.
    Marital Status: In February 2025, Sasaki announced via Instagram that he had married his long-time girlfriend.

  18. The Athletic rated the Dodgers Lineup #1 in Baseball:

    Shohei Ohtani, DH
    Kyle Tucker, RF
    Mookie Betts, SS
    Freddie Freeman, 1B
    Will Smith, C
    Max Muncy, 3B
    Teoscar Hernández, LF
    Andy Pages, CF
    Hyeseong Kim, 2B

    1. Amazing… A lot of teams would love to have Muncy, Teo and Pages batting 3-4-5.

  19. Kim optioned to AAA. Freeland wins the job by having a lower .BA, lower contact rate, and lower exit velocity.

    1. I don’t think it’s a wise move . Is Freeland going to be the 26th man on the roster like Taylor and hardly play? He would be better off this year playing every day at Oklahoma City till Keeky,Rojas and Espinol are all gone in2027. I prefer Kim’s speed on the roster. Freeland has done nothing this Spring to prove to me he is ready for prime time.

      1. Freeland needs to perform.
        Evidently, the underlying metrics–“chase rate,” etc–favored Freeland and the brass thinks Kim’s swing needs more work.
        If Freeland struggles, Nick Senzel might be the next man up.

  20. Once modern analytics came along they looked a t stolen bases differently. Sure Ricky had all those steals but was thrown out 42 times in 1982 (25%)So thats just the same as a strikeout. And your OBP is not really a trure measure any longer

    1. And shortening the base baths, a pitch clock, as well as limited pickoff throws swung the pendulum back the other direction. The Dodgers have always valued .OBP. However, pitchers are going to pepper the strike zone for whomever bats ahead of Ohtani.

  21. The Los Angeles Dodgers made their final cuts of spring training Sunday, sending Nick Senzel, Jack Suwinski and Seby Zavala to the minors.

  22. Stunner and in my opinion, the wrong move. Freeland is going to ride the pine. But he will probably be in the opening day lineup since they will be facing Zac Gallen.

    1. I think Freelnd will platoon at 2B with Rojas and some 3B with Muncy! He won’t be riding the pine.

      1. You are probably right, and he most likely will play on opening day with Gallen going for the D-Backs.

  23. Yes, Kim was a bright, shiny object and was good at 2B, but not SS, 3B, or CF.

    Alex Freeland is a Freaking Ballplayer, and either you trust Andrew Friedman, or you don’t. I think I heard he has a pretty good record! 😉

    I was a dumbass for assuming it was Espinol or Freeland. It was Kim or Freeland.

    Alex does not need more seasoning at AAA – he’s as ready as he will ever be.

    1. Yes, a real stunner.
      Will Freeland prove it’s the right move?
      Or will he be the new Miguelito?

      2. Miggy had a good year last year and looks to be a solid player this year after hitting .280 this Spring.

        1. Ronan Kopp has the team’s best Civil War beard.
          If Treinen falters, he could be in the mix…
          I’d say that Miggy had an eff-ing GREAT year in ’25!

  24. Another trade of Dodger development pieces:

    The Nationals are acquiring INF Jorbit Vivas from the Yankees for RHP Sean Paul Liñan, per source. Liñan is Washington’s No. 27 prospect

    1. Spring training only means so much then because Kim had the better numbers there too. Freeland won on process over production

  26. Kim will get traded because as Freeland continues to hit that smokin .120 BA Friedman won’t admit he was wrong and bring Kim up. And Kim won Gold Gloves at SS and 2B in the KBL so he is a good defender at short. Freeland will probably never win a GG in any league and so far in last year and spring training he hasn’t proven he can hit major league pitching. How shortsighted is management!

  27. 9:07 PM ET MLB NETWORK

    Dodgers (93-69) (19-8-1)
    Angels (72-90) (16-14)

    SP Tyler Glasnow R
    0-0 .00 ERA
    SP George Klassen R
    0-0 .00 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup
    DH S. Ohtani L
    RF Kyle Tucker L
    SS Mookie Betts R
    1B F. Freeman L
    C Will Smith R
    3B Max Muncy L
    LF T. Hernandez R
    CF Andy Pages R
    2B A. Freeland S

    74° Wind 6 mph Out

  28. I’m a Freeland fan as well. A couple of Posts back I said I thought he would make OD 26.

    1. Bumsrap
      March 17, 2026 at 12:29 pm
      I’m going with Freeland on opening day 26.

      Mark Timmons
      March 17, 2026 at 1:29 pm
      He won’t make it over Espinol.

      Andrew V Forte
      March 17, 2026 at 4:28 pm
      Freeland is batting .118 with a .480 OPS this Spring. He is definitely Oklahoma City bound.

      Daytona Jack
      March 17, 2026 at 8:15 pm
      Not with the spring Freeland had. BA isn’t everything but it counts when you’re BA is .118. Yikes! And Kim and Call are hitting over.400.Freeland needs some AA “SEASONING”. Too bad, a nice guy who could platoon with Max a few days to a week.

      1. I was looking at Freeland vs. Espinol.
        I was blinded by Kim. 😉

        You nailed it!

        I was also right: “He won’t make it over Espinol.”

  29. 1st-Round pick Zach Root made his official pro debut yesterday in the Spring Breakout game

    3.0 IP
    1 H
    0 R
    0 BB
    8 K

    For those who don’t remember, he was more of a pitcher than thrower when drafted. Well, the Dodgers dev team went to work and….

    His sinker averaged 92.8 mph in his last year of college… he was throwing a 4-seam yesterday that sat 97.2 mph & touched 99!

    For a lefty that’s formidable

    2. Wow!
      Very impressive.
      With his college experience, Root might be at a level similar to Ferris.

  31. There should be a “mercy rule” in Anaheim.

    I mean, their owner is blind, crippled, and crazy!

    Lord, have mercy!

  32. Tanner Scott does not seem to be fixed…
    But the regulars all seem to be ready.

    JT3 continues to swing a mean bat. He might make several ML lineups right now.

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