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.
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.
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.
With Freddie recovering, he could play 1B a bit. Also spell Muncy at 3B.
Well reasoned take.
Too many K’s from the entire team. But Bote deserves a shot. I think Kim, Pages and Outman all get sent down.
Agree
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!
I love this blog for a number of reasons:
1. Interesting opinions.
2. Good information.
3. Diversity.
But one of my low-key favorites, is when people as Mark if something will happen in relation to the Dodgers.
Yes, we are a DIE site.
Diversity
Inequity
Exclusion
All men were created equal just some more equal than others?
Got the book today, Mark, thank you.
Can’t beat Orwell.
Clairvoyance is one of Mark’s many talents.
I am also very adept at perceiving the obvious immediately
…and the oblivious.
The spring sample is small, but I too harbor the hope that Bote could join Justin Turner and Max Muncy as guys who unexpectedly reach a new level and become stars with the Dodgers.
Seems that Freddie will get more rest this season with the ankle still a problem. On some days Bote can play some 3B while Max shifts to 1B. If Edman stays in CF, perhaps Bote will play 2B. (He’s so hot he might even win a spot in the starting lineup!)
Then again, Edman could shift to 2B, where he won a gold glove a few seasons back. Kike and Taylor could handle CF.
I assume that Roberts would employ a variety of combinations to keep the role players fresh.
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.
This will be Barnes last year most likely. Rushing is not ready to be a backup quite yet. If anyone deserves a shot to be the backup, it is Feduccia. He is a much better catcher than Rushing at this point, and Rushing has not played in the outfield so far, so that probably is not an option. According to MLBTR’s list, only two Dodgers out of options are Phillips and Banda. Phillips will start the year on the IL along with Sheehan, Kershaw, Stone, Ryan, Graterol, Kopech and Hurt.
May is also out of options.
According to a friend, who knows more about this than I do, that is true, he cannot be sent down without his permission. But according to MLBTR’s list, only Banda and Phillips are out of options. Just reporting what they are.
Yes, May has 5 years of service so he can reject an option assignment.
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
Six regulars in the lineup. Should be interesting.
Rushing en AAA to 3b and 1b.
??????.
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.
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
Actually in Hells Kitchen
Hells Kitchen has some of the best restaurants in NYC
No kidding. I have been to a couple. We are going to what is called the best pizza in NYC tonight. NY Pizza Suprema. Same place, same family. 56 years.
Gotta go to jBrooklyn for pizza!
Lucali
NY Pizza Suprema
https://nypizzasuprema.com/ Hard to beat… 56 years in the same location, same family.
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.
Book em
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.
Book em
The new definition of diversity is probably the old definition of diversity.
You are so predictable.
Have a shot of Lalo.
Book em
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.
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…???
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
Chris Campos is fun